Radio Chatskill

This weekend, an unexpected email from the National Endowment for the Arts landed like a bang at two local theatre companies: Farm Arts Collective in Damascus, Pennsylvania, and NACL in Highland Lake, NY.  Farm Arts was informed that its $10,000 federal arts grant, already awarded and in use for their 2025 production, was being withdrawn. NACL lost a $20,000 grant.  No explanation. No warning. The...

Joe Johnson is our resident science guy who brings us stories that caught his eye this week. From Soviet spacecraft hurtling back toward Earth—and even a controversial signal of life from a distant exoplanet—to carnivorous caterpillars in Hawaiian spider webs, it's weird, it's fascinating, and it’s all real science.

In the latest episode of Kaatscast, production intern Olivia Sippel experiences her first overnight camping trip led by Melissa Goodwin, a licensed guide and founder of ' Girl Gotta Hike ,' aimed at encouraging women to connect with the outdoors. The story delves into how Melissa's passion for hiking evolved, and the creation of her hiking service, with a focus on women and accessibility. The epis...

Schools across Sullivan County are recognizing the vital connection between health and learning, with one school nurse leading the way. Meaghan Mullally-Gorr, Director of Health & Wellness at Sullivan 180, along with Mary Davis, a registered nurse who has dedicated 20 years to serving students and staff at Livingston Manor Central School, appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss how the Sullivan...

Callicoon, NY — In the heart of the hamlet of Callicoon, an ambitious project is underway to breathe new life into one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. The historic Callicoon Train Depot, long a silent witness to the region’s evolution, is now being reimagined as a vibrant community hub—thanks to the dedicated efforts of Callicoon Depot Inc., the Callicoon Business Association (CBA), and their...

With social change happening at lightning speed, the question on many minds is: how do we stay connected, informed, and united? Judy Balaban and Kathy Aberman of the Committee for Equity & Justice (CEJ), a local group committed to creating space for honest conversation, appeared on Radio Chatskill to talk about CEJ’s Monthly Meet-Ups, how they’re bringing people together across differences, an...

During his weekly appearance on Radio Chatskill, Sullivan County Communications Director Dan Hust provided critical updates on County operations, community programs, and upcoming deadlines that residents should know: Liberty Police Chief Raises Concerns Over Knights Inn; Homeless Shelter May Face Revote Liberty Police Chief Steve D’Agata has publicly voiced concerns about ongoing issues at the Kni...

Next week marks Children’s Book Week at the Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL), with a packed schedule of family-friendly events from May 5 through May 11. With a mix of storytimes, playgroups, movies, and hands-on challenges, WSPL's Callison Stratton says there’s something for every young reader to enjoy. This year’s events include Storytime for ages 2 to 6 on May 6 and May 8, featuring read-...

Author and narrative historian Suzanne Cope's new book, Women of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies, and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis , uncovers the extraordinary—and until now, largely untold—stories of four courageous women who risked everything to resist fascism during World War II. From bomb-making in underground bunkers to cycling through the Alps with munitions strapped to their backs, these...

As part of The Muse Rosendale’s Discovery Series — a showcase dedicated to artists on the verge of something big — vocalist, songwriter, and multi-hyphenate performer Amanda Gabriel will make her Hudson Valley debut this Friday. With a sound that blends jazz roots, cinematic flair, and intimate storytelling, Amanda brings both technical brilliance and soul-baring honesty to every performance. Her...

SUNY Sullivan is getting ready to host its 32nd Annual SpringFest this Saturday,  in Loch Sheldrake—a free, family-friendly celebration featuring kites, food, music, games, and more. But it’s not just about fun in the sky—SUNY Sullivan is also holding its Admissions Open House the same day, offering prospective students a chance to explore programs, meet faculty, and even apply for instant accepta...

As the nation prepares for May Day demonstrations, local organizers in Liberty are adding their voice to a growing chorus of protest against corporate overreach, attacks on immigrant rights, and cuts to essential community services.  Anne Hart, a longtime organizer in Sullivan County, joined Radio Chatskill's Tim Bruno to discuss the motivation behind the May Day protest, emphasizing the urgent ne...

It’s one of the most unique film events happening right here in the Catskills. The Too Short to Suck Film Festival and Awards Show is returning to Parksville, NY, for its second year, celebrating the art of storytelling — in two minutes or less.  Ali Azoios and Marcus Brooks are the organizers behind this fast-paced, ultra-creative festival. They shared some of the submissions they’ve seen so far,...

Governor Kathy Hochul says New Yorkers should expect real relief from the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget — but according to lawmakers on the ground, the deal isn’t done yet. In an interview with Radio Catskill, Assemblymember Paula Kay (D-100th District) said that although a framework has been reached on major policy priorities, the financial details of the $254 billion budget have not been finaliz...

Alex Prizgintas is a local author, musician, and historian whose passion for preserving the legacy of the Catskills' famed Borscht Belt has captured the attention of audiences across the region. Through his lecture Borscht Belt Artifacts: Relics of the Catskill Resort Age , Alex brings to life the rich history of the once-thriving hotels, bungalow colonies, and cultural crossroads that defined a g...

Spring is in the air — and so are the dandelions. This Saturday, the 2nd Annual Dandelion Festival is blooming at Momo Global Flowers Farm in Jeffersonville, NY.  From cooking demos to dye workshops, the festival is all about celebrating the magic of the season’s most cheerful flower.  Josephine Clearwater is one of the festival’s featured experts, who will be sharing her knowledge on how to use e...

In a world increasingly focused on wellness and connection, Nandini Austin is inviting women to move in more ways than one. The visionary behind Temple Goddess Global Dance Fusion & Ayurveda Workshop , Austin has made it her mission to help women around the world rediscover the rhythm of their bodies and the power of their inner selves. Speaking with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo, Austin de...

A new report from The Commonwealth Fund paints a stark picture of what could happen if Congress moves forward with proposed Medicaid cuts. Nearly 900,000 jobs lost. A $95 billion hit to the U.S. economy. Billions in lost tax revenue. But what does that mean for us right here in New York and Pennsylvania? With more than 72 million Americans depending on Medicaid — including children, seniors, peopl...

The Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra (SCCO) returns this weekend with a spring concert that promises to weave a rich sonic experience through masterful chamber music. Aptly titled Tapestry of Sound and Harmony , the concert will take place Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Monticello, and Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m. at the Reform Presbyterian Church in White Lake. Arti...

The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report, released this week, finds that 156 million Americans — about 46% — live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Michael Sback, Assistant Vice President of State Public Policy at the Lung Association, discussed the findings with Radio Catskill’s Tim Bruno, noting the impact of 2023’s Canadian wildfire smoke on air quality throug...

HEAP applications to keep your home cool this summer are now open as of April 15. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps eligible New Yorkers to keep their homes cool and heated throughout the year. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke to environmental justice advocates and local officials about how residents can apply for HEAP and what the program’s...

Kaatscast spoke with Cornell University researchers about their latest investigations into New York State bobcat population abundance and the discovery of avian influenza (bird flu) in these wild felines . Featuring Jenny Bloodgood , a wildlife veterinarian, and Haley Turner, a Cornell graduate student, the podcast explores their collaborative efforts to assess bobcat abundance and health using GP...

Winter is wrapping up, but many energy customers are still left with having to pay high electricity bills from this past season. Some lawmakers argue it’s because the companies are privately owned, but what would it look like if your local utility company were publicly owned? Introduced by District 103 Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and New York Senator Michelle Hinchey, the Hudson Valley Power...

Just as the Beginner Farmer Program was gaining momentum—entering its second year of a five-year initiative under the USDA's American Rescue Plan—unexpected federal action from the Trump administration brought it all to a halt.  The program, which pairs experienced farmers with young, aspiring growers for hands-on training and support, suddenly had its funding frozen. That left Cornell Cooperative...

The natural beauty of the Catskills has inspired artists, writers and even architects. It has also inspired scientists.  Robert and Johanna Titus are retired professors of geology and biology who have written many books and articles about the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley.  The Tituses most recent book The Hudson River Schools of Art and their Ice Age Origins explains how an enormous ice sh...