Radio Chatskill

New Hope Community is proud to introduce their newly appointed CEO Karen Russell! After being apart of New Hope Community for 30 years, Russell is stepping into her new leadership role with a deep love for the organization and community while remaining clear eyed about the challenges ahead with cuts to medical services and hospitals.

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke to Karen Russell about her history with New Hope Community, her goals for her time as CEO, and how our culture needs to reframe it’s views around people with disabilities

One year ago, a handful of performers took the stage in Narrowsburg not knowing whether their bold blend of burlesque, circus-inspired acts, and campy cabaret would land. Today, Flirty Riot is celebrating its first anniversary with a devoted following, sold-out shows, and a growing ensemble.

“It’s actually pretty remarkable to be sitting here today,” said co-founder Susan Mendoza. “We never really thought it would come to this. Last year when we sat here, we hadn’t even done the show yet — and when we performed our first show, it was received so well from the community. Every show since that first night has been absolutely sold out.”

That overwhelming response, Mendoza says, has shaped the troupe into more than a performance outfit. “The incredible amount of support and love and just genuine appreciation from the community has been absolutely remarkable and uplifting.”

For John Vega, one of the original cast members, the experience has been just as transformative for the performers as it has been for audiences. “I never thought that we would have such a wild ride,” he said. “I’m one of their vocalists, I do silk dance and a little acting. It’s helped evolve me as a performer. And the love from the community, the way they’ve embraced us, has been amazing.”

Veronica Fern describes the creative process as joyful chaos. “It’s all a collaborative process. Everyone kind of throws different ideas out there,” she said. “We’re just lighting each other up and bringing out the best in each other’s performances.”

That ensemble-driven approach is central to the group’s identity. “It’s not about one particular star, it’s the ensemble that’s the star,” Mendoza said. “Everybody really takes the time to buoy each other up and cheer each other on. That’s what makes this so extra special.”

The troupe also welcomed Lacey Keane over the summer, who now hosts as her stage persona, Dixie Hollywood. “It’s been a dream,” Keane said. “What I love is the ensemble — everyone buoying each other up, cheering each other on. That’s what makes it so extra special.” Dixie Hollywood, she promises, brings “sass, fun, and stupid humor, which is one of my favorite things in the universe.”

Looking back, Mendoza says her favorite memories aren’t tied to one show or one role, but to what the group has built together. “We’ve collectively created this really safe space for expression. Watching all of the cast members bring their talents, their ideas, their creativity to the table — that’s what fills my soul.”

As Flirty Riot steps into its second year, the troupe plans to keep the energy high while staying true to its roots. “Come with an open heart and open mind,” Mendoza said. “And get ready to party.”

Flirty Riot marks its anniversary with a brand-new Wild West burlesque and cabaret show on Friday and Saturday at the Darby Barn at the Darby Hotel, 21 and over. On Saturday night, the party continues with a free anniversary bash at The Parlor at 9 p.m., featuring DJ Catsilk.

More information: @flirtyriotny on Instagram.

Garnet Health Medical Center is teaming up with the New York Blood Center for a community blood drive on Tuesday, August 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its Middletown campus. The drive comes as hospitals across the region face urgent blood shortages.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months when schools are closed and many people are traveling. At the same time, hospitals tend to see more trauma cases and accidents, particularly during busy travel weeks.

“Blood shortages are critical, especially for August,” said Susan Cannock, Emergency Department Nurse Manager at Garnet Health Medical Center. “We use a lot of blood during the summertime. If anybody has ever driven 17, which I’m sure everybody has, you see all the traffic, constant accidents.”

Cannock stressed that the need extends beyond trauma cases. “We have actually not only just cancer and cancer treatments, childbirth, surgeries — blood is constantly needed for all of those people,” she said. “One donation can save two lives. So that’s why we’re asking everybody to be a hero.”

The hospital is encouraging donors of all backgrounds to participate, noting that blood types are inherited and diverse donations improve outcomes for patients with complex needs, such as those with sickle cell disease.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weighing a minimum of 110 pounds, and being in good health. Temporary restrictions may apply for recent tattoos, piercings, or illnesses. Updated eligibility guidelines are available at nybc.org or by calling 1-800-933-2566.

The blood drive will be held at Garnet Health’s Conference Center, located at 707 East Main Street in Middletown. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled in advance at donate.nybc.org.

Cannock added, “It always feels good to give. Come and be a hero tomorrow. Join the hero club of the emergency room and trauma team.”

Alice Howe and Freebo: A Musical Partnership Spanning Generations

For nearly a decade, singer-songwriter Alice Howe and legendary bassist Freebo have been crafting a sound that feels timeless. Blending Howe’s soulful vocals and acoustic guitar with Freebo’s signature fretless bass, the duo effortlessly moves through Americana, folk, blues, and roots music. Their collaboration is a meeting of generations—Howe bringing fresh perspectives and Freebo decades of experience—yet their shared love of authentic, heartfelt music unites them seamlessly.

“We both grew up in different eras, but we gravitate toward the same soulful, timeless music,” Howe said. “It’s blues, folk, Americana—the kind of songs that come from the heart.” Freebo adds with a laugh, “We go back and forth. Sometimes I’m on bass while Alice sings harmonies, sometimes it’s the other way around. We just found a way to make it work naturally.”

Their latest album, Alice Howe & Freebo Live, captures the essence of their partnership. Recorded in one take before a small studio audience with no overdubs, the album reflects their raw, unfiltered approach. Howe recalls the spontaneous nature of the recording session: “A friend invited us to the studio after a gig. We had twenty people in the room, and we just played. What you hear is exactly what we did—no filters, no technical tricks.” Freebo emphasizes the importance of that authenticity: “In a world of auto-tune and digital fixes, this is real music, played from the heart.”

Audiences can experience their dynamic live this Saturday, August 23, at the Cochecton Pump House from 6 to 8 p.m. The performance promises a mix of originals and covers, delivered with the warmth, humor, and storytelling that have become hallmarks of their shows. “We don’t really try to entertain—it just happens,” Howe says. “There’s music, conversation, camaraderie, and hopefully, something people take with them after the night ends.”

For more on their music, visit alicehowe.com and freebomusic.com.

Hollywood icon Bill Murray and NFL star Jason Kelce will be among the special guests helping to celebrate a major milestone in Sullivan County this summer. The Sullivan County Golf Club is marking its 100th anniversary with two days of festivities on August 27 and 28, featuring live music, a long drive competition, art, and a community-wide celebration of one of the Catskills’ oldest golf courses.

The centennial comes after a period of major revitalization for the club. In 2023, golf writer Tom Coyne partnered with others to take over operations, renovating the course and clubhouse while also introducing new amenities such as a putting course, driving range, and the opening of Otto's, a new on-site restaurant.

Coyne, who is also the author of several acclaimed golf books including A Course Called America, described his involvement as “an accidental journey” after being approached by superintendent Sean Smith, who feared the nearly century-old course might not survive to its centennial. Instead, a new ownership group formed, invested in improvements, and stabilized the club’s future.

“It was one of those things where we realized this place deserved to keep existing,” Coyne said. “Sullivan County Golf Club has been part of the community for generations, and reaching 100 years means a lot not just for golf but for local history.”

The anniversary celebration will include a kickoff party on Wednesday, August 27, with grilling stations, oysters, live music, and guest appearances. On Thursday, August 28, golf events will take center stage, along with a conversation hosted by Coyne and actor Bill Murray, who is a partner in the club. Other special guests include Mike Madden, son of legendary football coach John Madden, and NFL star Jason Kelce, another recent partner.

“The public is absolutely invited,” Coyne said. “Every dollar we bring in goes right back into the club and into supporting rural community golf. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with the people who care about this place.”

As for the future, Coyne says the focus will remain on serving both visitors and local members while continuing improvements at the course. “It’s about building something that brings people together and honors the history of golf in Sullivan County,” he said.

More information at: sullivancountygolf.club.

If you know anything about punk rock and new wave music of the 1970s and 80s, you’ll know all about CBGB in the East Village and the many bands that got their start performing there, including The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

If you’ve never heard of the eclectic music scene of this legendary night club, you’ll have the chance to experience it through never before seen video.

The Common Good in Ellenville, NY is hosting “Talking Heads: Never Seen. Never Heard. The Metropolis Recordings” on Friday, August 22. John Hazard, a filmmaker with Metropolis Video, will present footage of Talking Heads that he recorded in some of their earliest performances at CBGB.

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with John Hazard of Metropolis Video. They talked about public access to music, the unique theatricality of The Talking Heads, and the importance of collaboration between burgeoning artists.

What do railroad conductors, clams, and modern-day music have in common? In Livingston Manor, the answer is the Catskills Conductor’s Clambake, a community celebration with roots stretching back more than a century. The event returns for its fifth year on Sunday, September 7, hosted by The Smoke Joint in Livingston Manor.

The tradition dates back to the late 1800s, when the Ontario & Western Railway (O&W) helped connect the Catskills’ agricultural communities to New York City markets. Conductors would thank the towns along the line by hosting massive annual clam bakes—festivals that once drew thousands of people to Sherwood Island in Livingston Manor.

“We wanted to reinvigorate that tradition and give back to our community,” said organizer Jennifer Grossman, co-owner of The Smoke Joint. “This is about celebrating our roots while showcasing the culture, cuisine, and music that make the Catskills so vibrant today.”

Battle of the Bands

This year’s clambake adds a new twist: a Battle of the Bands, organized in partnership with Tom Semrad of Killer Trout Productions. Local soloists, duos, and groups will compete for two $850 cash prizes, awarded as the Brass Hat Award and the Iron Horse Award—railroad-inspired titles.

Performers will have 20 minutes to showcase original songs or covers before a live audience. “It’s not really a battle—it’s about giving artists a chance to shine,” Grossman said. “We’ve seen incredible local talent at our Riverside Sessions over the years, and this is a way to support them with recognition and real prizes.”

Applications for the contest are open now at catskillsclambake.com.

Food, Music, and More

True to its name, the clambake will feature a traditional clam and shrimp boil with corn and potatoes, along with The Smoke Joint’s signature barbecue—ribs, brisket, chicken, and wings. Vegetarian and vegan sides will be available, alongside local beer, cocktails, and desserts.

Craft vendors and community partners will also be on hand. A 50/50 raffle will benefit Radio Catskill, highlighting the event’s focus on supporting local culture and media.

A Community Gathering

For Grossman, the most rewarding part of the clambake is seeing neighbors and families connect. “I love watching kids dance to the music, people enjoying food by the river, and everyone coming together,” she said. “It’s really become a community gathering after the summer rush—a thank you to the people who live here year-round.”

For more information or to apply for the Battle of the Bands, visit www.catskillsclambake.com or email [email protected].

Local law enforcement and community partners teamed up earlier this summer to curb the illegal sale of vape and tobacco products to minors, part of an ongoing initiative called the Coalition for a Vape-Free Sullivan. The coalition includes organizations such as Sullivan 180 and brings together school leaders, law enforcement, and community agencies to address rising teen vaping rates.

Amanda Langseder, senior director of prevention programs at Sullivan 180, highlighted the group’s prevention-focused approach. “We started the Catch My Breath program in schools from grades 5 through 12 to educate students before they ever try vaping,” she said. “Every time a student is caught with a vape, it takes hours of administrative time. Prevention is key.”

The coalition also coordinated with local law enforcement on an enforcement initiative led by Liberty Police Chief Di Agata, which included compliance checks at gas stations and convenience stores. These “compassionate compliance checks” involved outreach and education rather than punishment, with coalition members sharing personal stories and encouraging businesses to verify IDs before selling vaping products.

Langseder noted that most local retailers were receptive to the effort. “They got the message. Many are parents themselves and want to protect kids,” she said.

Vaping products often appeal to youth through flavors like candy or fruit and by disguising themselves as everyday items such as video games, lanyards, or drink containers. Langseder stressed the importance of educating both students and parents about the health risks. “Nicotine significantly impacts developing brains, and these products can lead to other addictions and mental health issues,” she said.

Looking ahead, Sullivan 180 will host a Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes (PAVE) event on November 5 to provide guidance for parents and school leaders on alternatives to suspension and support for students struggling with nicotine addiction. The Catch My Breath program also continues to offer school-based education throughout the county.

Langseder’s key message to the community: “Vaping may seem harmless at first, but it’s addictive and can lead to serious health risks. Let’s be smarter than Big Tobacco and give our young people the healthiest start possible.”

For more information on the coalition and prevention programs, visit Sullivan180.org.

The Town of Highland has released its final audit of the clerk’s office, finding nearly $5.4 million in deposits without proper documentation between 2022 and 2024.
 
The findings build on a preliminary report released in May, which flagged a $4.5 million discrepancy over a two-year period. 

“There isn’t an allegation that money is missing,” said Liam Mayo, news editor of The River Reporter. “But when deposits exceed recorded receipts by millions of dollars, there’s no way to confirm where that money came from — or if anything is missing.”

The audit also flagged late bank deposits, overdue revenue filings, and a lack of financial procedures. It recommends the town reconcile missing records and tighten oversight.

Town Clerk Sue Hoffman has stayed quiet, but her attorney blasted the process as political. “This board has taken on the personality of a vigilante rogue mob by creating the illusion of public corruption,” attorney Michael McGuire said during public comment at an August 12 meeting of the Highland Town Board.

The report recommends the town reconcile several years of records and adopt stricter financial procedures. Already, the board has voted to require a secondary signer on all town bank accounts. Additional changes could be discussed at the board’s September 2 workshop meeting, with possible action at its September 9 regular meeting.

Read more at riverreporter.com.

Michael Martelon is the new CEO of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, bringing more than 30 years of tourism experience from Telluride, Colorado, and Santa Cruz, California. He joins the region with a mission to blend innovation, culture, and community-focused tourism.

Learning Leadership from the Ground Up
Martelon began his career as a receptionist in Boston, where he learned that “true leadership is about commitment to the team. I work for the team, not the other way around.” This philosophy continues to guide his approach in Sullivan Catskills.

Protecting Place, Connecting People
Drawing on lessons from past roles, Martelon emphasizes the importance of preserving local character while sharing authentic experiences. “Our brand is the people and the place,” he said. “Tourism touches everything in the community, and when managed well, it can lift the entire area.”

Data Meets Storytelling
Martelon is building a tech-driven, data-informed foundation to better connect with visitors. “Visitor information helps us aim our stories at the right audiences and measure tourism’s impact,” he explained, while making clear that the heart of tourism storytelling comes from the region’s culture and history.

Looking Ahead
Plans include a redesigned website, seasonal visitor guides, and a $750,000 collaborative grant program supporting local events, culture, and business growth. Martelon hopes visitors and residents alike will see “commitment, innovation, and inclusion—and say, ‘We can’t wait for the next five years.’”

For updates on Sullivan County tourism initiatives, visit sullivancatskills.com.