Newly appointed Ulster County historian Eddie Moran discusses the role of a municipal historian and emphasizes the importance of presenting a complete and accurate history that includes all groups, with one such focus on the indigenous Lenape people. Moran, a SUNY New Paltz graduate and descendant of the region's Huguenot and Dutch colonists, shares his experiences working with various local organizations to expand the historical narrative. The episode also features a tour of the Ulster County Hall of Records led by archivist Jonathan Palmer, exploring the extensive archival collections and discussing the preservation and digitization efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:27 Meet Eddie Moran: Ulster County's New Historian

01:38 Eddie's Journey and Passion for History

06:55 The Role and Responsibilities of a County Historian

10:54 Challenges and Goals in Historical Narratives

16:50 Exploring the Ulster County Hall of Records

19:34 Preserving History: Techniques and Challenges

27:38 Significant Historical Documents and Their Stories

38:55 Conclusion and Credits

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Audio recording by Izzy Schuyler

Behind-the-scenes video by Ruby Zuckerman

The Overlook, a new nonprofit newspaper, describes itself as "community journalism serving Hunter, Hurley, Olive, Saugerties, Shandaken and Woodstock."

At a time when newspapers in America are disappearing at a rate of about 2.5 per week, The Overlook is attempting to buck that trend with community coverage and investigative reporting, served up weekly, in a free subscription model.

Join us for a conversation with its inaugural Editor-in-chief, Noah Eckstein, who's taking the lead in shaping a promising new publication in a part of the Catskills where news coverage is sparse.

Listen to the end, where we hear from 3 Kaatscast listeners who called in with reaction to our last show, "Wireless Watershed," about major communications gaps in the region.

Please keep in touch, at kaatscast.com, and on Instagram: @kaatscast

In a new effort to enhance communications in the Catskills, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is partnering with New York's ConnectALL initiative to expand wireless and broadband access throughout the New York City watershed.

The initiative was motivated by operational challenges faced by DEP staff due to poor cell coverage, and a recent Request for Information (RFI) seeks input from telecommunications providers and other stakeholders on how to eliminate cell phone dead zones.

In this episode, DEP Commissioner Rohit "Rit" Aggarwala and Water Supply Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush join host Brett Barry for a discussion about the RFI; why a robust communications network is increasingly crucial; and how a network could be built to benefit everyone in the region.

To put the complicated NYC/Catskills relationship into context, we check in with Lize Mogel––producer of the podcast series, Views from the Watershed––for a fascinating historical perspective.

We also hear from local Town Clerk Joyce Grant, whose anecdotal evidence illustrates just how dangerous cellular dead zones can be in the remote Catskills, where land lines and cable internet can also be scarce. Grant is frustrated by what she characterizes as a minority of residents who are opposed to cell towers marring the mountain landscape.

Referring to a proposal for a tower to be built in Shandaken, she says, "It's going to be a pole that's 85 feet tall, and it may be viewable above the trees... but it's a pole... that could save lives. We have to look at it like that."

For more than a century, the Catskills have provided New York City with billions of gallons of clean drinking water. Will NYC be the unlikely partner that –– finally –– brings wireless coverage to the Catskills?

00:00 Intro

00:26 NYC DEP's Wireless Communication Initiative

01:44 Joyce Grant's Pursuit for Better Communication

07:17 Challenges of Cell Service in the Catskills

10:34 Community Efforts and Future Plans

15:12 The Catskills and NYC Water Connection

16:15 The "Takings" and Eminent Domain

19:06 The 1990s MOA and Water Quality

23:29 Controversial Land Acquisition Program

24:24 City's Land Ownership and Broadband Infrastructure

24:56 New York City's Evolving Relationship with the Catskills

25:37 DEP's Land Purchase Strategy

27:46 Recreation and Utility Easements on City Land

29:11 Challenges and Opportunities for Broadband Expansion

32:06 Future of Wireless Communications in the Catskills

34:41 Funding and Implementation of Broadband Project

36:22 Historical Context and Technological Evolution

38:50 Public Engagement and Relationship Building

43:42 Climate Change and Water Supply

45:36 Personal Reflections and Memories of the Catskills

49:37 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Exploring the Legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates: The One-Legged Dancing Legend

In this live episode of Kaatscast, recorded at theEmerson Resort & Spa on November 8, 2024, host Brett Barry engages in a detailed discussion with Elinor Levy,Folk Arts Program Manager at Arts Mid Hudson, about the life and legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates.

The show explores Bates' inspiring journey from losing a leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of 12 to becoming one of the most celebrated tap dancers, performing on Broadway and appearing on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' at least 21 times.

Elinor shares insights from her research, Bates' entrepreneurial venture in establishing an interracial resort in the Catskills, and his impact on the Black community. The episode includes personal anecdotes, clips from a documentary about Bates, and audience Q&A, enriching the narrative of Bates' remarkable resilience and contribution to the arts.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:38 Discovering Peg Leg Bates

01:36 Clayton Bates' Early Life and Career

03:07 Elinor Levy's Journey with Peg Leg Bates

04:53 The Peg Leg Bates Exhibit

06:45 Peg Leg Bates' Performances and Legacy

13:11 The Peg Leg Bates Resort

18:32 Community Impact and Personal Stories

24:56 The Decline of the Resort

30:44 Audience Q&A

41:06 Closing Remarks and Credits

Links:

⁠The Dancing Man documentary⁠

⁠Arts Mid-Hudson Folk Collection on Peg Leg Bates⁠

⁠Saints of Swing with David Winograd and Miss Rene Bailey⁠

Justin Kolb is an accomplished pianist who began playing at the age of four. Now 82, Justin continues to practice almost daily and performs intimate house concerts called "From the Bench," showcasing music "by living American composers as well as music that lives in undeserved obscurity."

Justin shares vivid memories from his early competitions to his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and recounts his time in the military where he balanced service with a budding concert career. After a successful stint in the business world, Justin returned to his passion for music, performing globally and conducting house concerts that are always a sellout. Tune in to hear about Justin’s extraordinary journey and his deep connection to the piano, culminating in a life dedicated to evoking emotion through music.

00:00 Introduction to Justin Kolb

01:04 Early Life and First Piano Lessons

02:19 Competitions and Early Success

05:04 Military Service and European Debut

08:54 Post-Military Career and Business Ventures

10:44 Return to Music and Retirement

13:10 From the Bench Concert Series

17:54 Reflections on Music and Practice

22:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Grilled Cheese with a Twist: Lunch and Jam with New York First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer

Join us for a delightful culinary and conversational journey with Silda Wall Spitzer in her Hudson Valley home. In this episode, we explore Silda's gourmet jam business and taste a unique grilled cheese featuring brie and blueberry elderflower jam. Silda shares memories of how her jam-making journey began, her experiences as the former First Lady of New York, and her ongoing passion for sustainability and community service. Discover the blend of flavors in Silda's Jam, the ethos behind her entrepreneurship, and the stories that continue to inspire her work.

00:00 Introduction to a Gourmet Grilled Cheese

01:06 Meet Silda Wall Spitzer

01:42 The Origins of Silda's Jam

05:43 From First Lady to Jam Entrepreneur

06:29 Balancing Public and Private Life

10:05 Sustainability Initiatives in the Executive Mansion

13:18 A Diverse Career Beyond Albany

15:29 Innovations in Jam Making

17:53 Local Ingredients and Community Impact

19:19 Conclusion and Tasting the Grilled Cheese

21:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The episode explores a long-standing tradition of square dancing at the Chase (now Sparer) family home and barn, in Ashokan.

Host Brett Barry and production intern Olivia Sippel put on their dancing shoes and joined the fun, recording tales of traditional Catskills square dancing, and the musicians who are passing it down to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Fiddler and caller Earl Pardini leads the festivities at this particular event, which goes back to the 1970s. The barn where it's held has all the warmth and joviality of a Charles Dickens scene, and we felt very much welcomed into a mostly friends-and-family affair.

Featuring conversations with the Chase and Sparer families, the episode highlights deep-rooted Catskills traditions and includes insights from folklorist Ginny Shear and square dance caller Dane Scudder, who learned to "call" from a legend.

The episode is sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, the Mountain Eagle, and Briars & Brambles Books. And if you're interested in joining our new member-listener program, we'd love to welcome you!

00:00 The Thanksgiving Square Dance Tradition

00:31 A Warm Welcome to the Chase Family Barn

01:37 The Origins of the Square Dance Tradition

02:55 The Sparer Family Continues the Legacy

03:48 Generational Memories of Square Dancing

05:24 Earl Pardini: The Fiddler and Caller

08:19 The Cultural Significance of Square Dancing

09:43 Fostering Traditional Catskills Square Dancing

11:55 The Future of Square Dancing

15:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Adventures

15:37 Support and Sponsors

Unveiling the Mysteries of the North American Porcupine

In this episode of 'Kaatscast,' host Brett Barry delves into the fascinating world of the North American porcupine with Uldis Roze, the world's foremost expert on this mysterious and lovable Catskills rodent.

Hear about the porcupine's habitat preferences, diet, mating behaviors, and unique defense mechanisms. Roze addresses common misconceptions, shares personal encounters, and reveals insights from his decades-long research, including the discovery of the molecule responsible for the porcupine's distinctive smell.

The episode is sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, the Mountain Eagle, and Briars & Brambles Books, where you might consider requesting a copy of Uldis's book, The North American Porcupine!

00:00 Introduction to Porcupines in the Catskills

00:43 Meet Uldis Roze: Porcupine Expert

01:41 Porcupine Basics and Misconceptions

03:18 From Chemistry to Mammalogy

04:53 First Encounters with Porcupines

06:04 The Lifelong Study of Porcupines

07:00 Porcupine Defense Mechanisms

12:22 Capturing and Studying Porcupines

20:39 Porcupine Classification and Evolution

24:11 Porcupine Mating and Reproduction

27:04 Winter Survival Strategies

30:34 Threats to Porcupine Population

33:25 Personal Stories and Reflections

39:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Image of "Musa" courtesy of Uldis Roze

Click here for a bonus clip of the "porcupine house."

This episode of "Katz"cast delves into the fascinating life and career of Morris Katz, a Polish-born Holocaust survivor and acclaimed painter known for his lightning-fast painting technique using a palette knife and toilet paper! Recognized by the Guinness World Records, Katz captivated audiences with his vibrant performance art in the Catskills, creating over 280,000 pieces.

Learn about his unique method, his impact on Jewish cultural history, and recent exhibitions celebrating his work. Listen for an in-depth story about this charismatic and prolific artist, and discover how one host's bid on a Katz painting sparked a journey of discovery.

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Clips provided by George Schlatter Productions.

Thanks to Eddy Portnoy at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Memories of Morris Katz

Geoff Rogers Picture Framing

Real People TV report with Skip Stephenson

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00:00 Introduction to Morris Katz

01:48 Discovering Morris Katz

02:28 Morris Katz's Artistic Journey

03:14 YIVO Institute Exhibition

04:53 Eddie Portnoy's Encounter with Katz

06:00 Morris Katz's Unique Art Style

08:08 Katz in New York

09:28 Borscht Belt Museum Exhibit

11:08 Katz's Legacy

19:16 Conclusion and Personal Connection

Just in time for Thanksgiving, Kaatscast visits the unique International Museum of Dinnerware Design in Kingston, New York. Founded by Margaret Carney in 2012, the museum recently found its new home, offering dedicated exhibitions that celebrate the art and history of dining.

This episode highlights the museum's two inaugural exhibits, 'Dining Grails,' featuring renowned designers like Eva Zeisel; and 'Dining Memories,' showcasing a diverse array of dinnerware in nostalgic vignettes.

And for an 'interactive' experience like no other, visitors can step into the Instagram-ready 'a la carte gallery' and try their hand at the famous tablecloth trick. See how host Brett fared, in this slow-mo video.

00:00 Introduction to the Museum of Dinnerware Design

01:14 The Museum's Origins and Evolution

03:59 Why Kingston? The Journey to a New Home

06:17 Exploring the Inaugural Exhibits

07:36 Interactive Experiences and Unique Art Pieces

16:18 Dining Memories: A Walk Through Time

25:05 The Future of Dining and Museum's Vision

27:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts