Radio Chatskill

The Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL) is kicking off a vibrant, creative summer with its 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Our World, inviting readers of all ages to explore art, storytelling, and community through a colorful array of free public events.

The program begins Tuesday, July 1, with a festive launch at the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon featuring Mr. Wonka’s Wonder Show by children’s performer David Engel. It’s just the start of a six-week series that blends reading with hands-on creativity—from mime and music to zines and murals.

“The theme ‘Color Our World’ comes from the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a national initiative,” said Calison Stratton of WSPL in an interview on Radio Catskill. “Each library brings it to life in their own way, and for us, that means six weeks of programming with a different artistic focus each week—visual art, 3D art, music, writing, and more—for kids, teens, and adults.”

Art, Expression, and Events for All Ages

Among the highlights is a visit from mime and storyteller Robert Rivest on July 10 at WSPL’s Callicoon branch. His interactive performance emphasizes self-expression and emotional literacy through theater and improv.

The season will also feature a Community Art Party—a collaborative celebration of creativity—with live music from local artists (including Stratton herself and Barryville Area Arts Association’s Nick Rose), wildflower pressing with the National Park Service, and a community mural project under the theme Color Our County.

For teens, the lineup includes a podcasting group, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, songwriting and poetry workshops (including one with Sullivan County Poet Laureate Kevin Scott Graham), zine-making, nature photography, and book clubs.

“This is the age when people are figuring out who they are and how they relate to the world,” said Stratton. “The library can be a place where they not only discover creative outlets, but also community and connection.”

Reading Incentives, Prize Wheels, and More

WSPL is also motivating participation with a range of incentives. Kids can pick up a reading tracker (in 15-minute reading increments) and earn prizes from the library’s reward baskets. Adults get their own “reading game board,” and both age groups can earn points by attending programs.

Top readers will be rewarded with gift bags, commemorative t-shirts, and other prizes. Some events will also feature a spinning prize wheel for added excitement.

How to Get Involved

All programs are free and open to the public. Families can find a full schedule and sign up for updates at wsplonline.org. Stratton also launched a new youth newsletter to keep families informed of weekly offerings.

For questions or to sign up directly, parents can email her at [email protected].

WSPL Wants Community Feedback

In addition to the summer festivities, WSPL is currently conducting a community survey as part of its long-term strategic planning. “Every five years, we ask the public to tell us what’s working and what we can improve,” Stratton explained.

Surveys are available on the library website, at all WSPL branches (Callicoon, Jeffersonville, and Narrowsburg), local post offices, and shops across the region.

“Our library is about more than books,” said Stratton. “It’s a space for growth, creativity, and belonging—and we want to know how we can better serve our community in the years ahead.”

Radio Note: When she’s not “coloring our world,” Callison Stratton can be heard hosting Liberation Station on Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. on Radio Catskill.

In the Town of Highland, a years-long debate over the proposed Camp Fimfo resort-style campground is approaching a critical juncture. The local planning board is now reviewing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that could determine the future of the $40 million redevelopment project.

River Reporter journalist Liam Mayo, who has followed the project since its inception, joined Radio Catskill to break down the latest developments and what’s at stake for the local community.

From Rustic to Resort

The Camp Fimfo proposal would dramatically transform the existing Kittatinny Campground in Barryville—historically a traditional tenting site on the Delaware River—into a modern “glamping” destination under national developer Northgate Resorts.

“They’re proposing to invest over $40 million into structural upgrades and rebranding the campground under their Camp Fimfo chain,” Mayo explained. “That includes updating sewer systems but also changing the fundamental character of the site—from rustic camping to high-end cabins and stationary RVs.”

That shift has raised concerns among residents who fear the scale and style of the project could overwhelm the quiet rural character of Highland.

Concerns Over Safety, Services, and Taxes

As part of the environmental review process, developers submitted a nearly 400-page FEIS responding to a wide range of concerns from community members, government agencies, and environmental advocates. The planning board is now reviewing the document in sections during a series of public workshop meetings.

At the heart of community opposition are concerns about environmental risks, emergency preparedness, and local infrastructure. “People are worried that the increased number of visitors will strain local emergency services,” said Mayo. In response, the project team has offered a $25,000 annual payment to support local EMS operations and agreed not to pursue a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, which had previously stirred controversy.

Highland EMS is pushing for more—requesting a 3% annual increase in support, structured staff training, and a detailed emergency management plan.

Projected Visitors Under Scrutiny

Another unresolved issue is how the number of future visitors has been calculated. The planning board flagged inconsistencies in the developer’s estimates, suggesting that the comparison to past campground usage patterns may not reflect the reality of a luxury “glamping” site.

“The board raised concerns that just because there are fewer campsites now doesn’t mean there will be fewer visitors,” Mayo said. “The use patterns are likely to change, and they want a clearer picture of the actual impact on traffic, services, and land use.”

What’s Next?

The planning board has not set a strict timeline for completing its review, but officials say the process will likely conclude within a few months. While no final decision has been made, Mayo believes the board is trending toward a conditional approval—one that would require developers to adhere to all mitigation measures outlined in the FEIS.

“Everything from noise and traffic to septic systems and land use would be covered,” he said. “If approved, this document becomes a legally binding agreement outlining how those impacts must be managed.”

A Test Case for the Future of Camping?

Beyond Highland, the Camp Fimfo proposal may serve as a bellwether for the broader region. As interest in high-comfort outdoor accommodations grows, communities up and down the Delaware River are watching to see whether this type of development proves sustainable—or disruptive.

“This could mark a shift in what camping means in the Upper Delaware,” Mayo said. “If successful, it might change not just the local economy, but the identity of the area.”

The FEIS is publicly available on the Town of Highland website. Planning board workshops continue this week, with the next session scheduled for Wednesday.

For updates on this story and other regional news, follow The River Reporter.

Editorial Note: The results discussed in this article are unofficial as of June 25, 2025.

Polls have closed and ballots have been counted in New York’s June 24 primary. From hotly contested races in Sullivan County to historic shifts in Woodstock, voters across the Hudson Valley made their voices heard. Radio Catskill’s Tim Bruno spoke with Jesse King, Hudson Valley Bureau Chief for WAMC and host of 51%, to break down the results and explore what they might signal for the November general election.

SULLIVAN COUNTY — Republican Primary for Sheriff

One of the most bitter races in the region took place in Sullivan County, where incumbent Sheriff Michael Schiff held onto his party line, earning 59% of the vote over challenger Tim Dymond (41%).

“This was probably the loudest race in Sullivan County last night,” said Jesse King. “Dymond basically ran a smear campaign that echoed allegations the FBI is investigating the Sheriff’s Office for corruption and misconduct. Schiff has denied all of that.”

The race also featured personal accusations and lurid claims, including an alleged love triangle involving staff at the jail. Despite the drama, voters appear to have stuck with Schiff, who has been in office for about 20 years. With no Democrat running, this primary likely decided the next term.

WOODSTOCK — Democratic Primary for Town Supervisor

In Ulster County’s Woodstock, Councilmember Anula Courtis came out ahead in a three-way race with 61% of the vote, defeating journalist David Wallis (27%) and environmental advocate Erin Moran (12%), who had the backing of outgoing Supervisor Bill McKenna.

“This was a race with some local drama,” King said. “McKenna challenged Wallis’s petition signatures, saying they included non-residents. The Board of Elections let him stay on the ballot by just two or three signatures.”

But the central issue in Woodstock wasn’t paperwork—it was the long-standing illegal Shady dump, which despite lawsuits and court orders, has yet to be cleaned up. Courtis, King noted, pushed for a “total reset,” aiming to work with state officials and open dialogue with the property owner.

“She had a very community-focused campaign,” King added. “That probably played a role in her win.”

Courtis is now the heavy favorite for November, with no Republican opponent. If elected, she will appoint someone with an environmental background to complete her term on the Town Board. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary for two open board seats saw Laurie Osmond and Lily Korolkoff narrowly edge out Marcel Nagele — setting up the possibility of an all-women town government for the first time in Woodstock’s history.

NEW PALTZ — Democratic Primary for Town Supervisor

In New Paltz, Village Mayor Tim Rogers defeated incumbent Amanda Gotto, earning 54% of the vote to her 46%.

“Rogers is pushing to merge the town and village governments,” said King. “He believes the original reasons for having them separate no longer apply, and this consolidation could save money and increase efficiency.”

Though the idea of a merger hasn’t yet been voted on, Rogers’ win could help move that plan forward.

MIDDLETOWN — Democratic Primary for Mayor

In Orange County’s Middletown, Mayor Joseph DeStefano cruised to victory with 77% of the vote over Joel Sierra (22%), a county legislator and former firefighter.

“This was another bitter race,” King said. “Sierra accused DeStefano of lying and corruption, and DeStefano hit back, criticizing Sierra for missing legislative meetings — which Sierra said was due to a work-related injury.”

With no Republican in the race, DeStefano is likely headed toward his fifth consecutive term, and seventh overall as Middletown’s mayor.

STATEWIDE — NYC Mayoral Primary Shockwaves

Outside the Hudson Valley, all eyes turned to New York City, where Zoran Momani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, shocked political observers by beating Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary with 43.5% of first-choice votes.

“This was framed as a battle between younger, more progressive Democrats and the party’s establishment wing,” said King. “Momani’s grassroots, hyper-local campaign style clearly resonated. He was everywhere—on podcasts, local shows, walking the streets. Cuomo, by contrast, was largely interview-averse.”

While ranked-choice tabulation is still pending, Cuomo has already conceded.

The Orange County Correctional Facility has a longstanding contract with  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain immigrants in the state while officers are actively conducting raids on local communities and putting people, including children, into detainment. 

In New York activists have been campaigning on the legislative level to end state and local collaboration with ICE through the Dignity Not Detention ACT that would end all immigrant detention contracts state, county and municipal entities currently have with ICE and bar them from entering into new contracts.

Recently, The River Reporter reported on an ICE raid at Elegante Restaurant and Pizzeria in Honesdale, during which ICE agents arrested and detained three of the establishment’s employees

This raid followed the detainment of a mother and her three children, including a third-grader and two high school students, back in April at a dairy farm in Jefferson County and their subsequent transfer to a detention facility in Texas.

President Trump deployed the California National Guard to Los Angeles last Sunday to crack down on demonstrators, as protests also erupted in other cities such as Chicago and New York City against the ongoing ICE raids.

Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim spoke with Tania Mattos, executive director of the non-profit UnLocal, which provides legal representation, community education and other services to undocumented immigrants in New York, on what the Dignity Not Detention Act is and aims to address. 

Kim also spoke to Samah Sisay, staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York City who specializes in fighting discriminatory immigration policies, on Orange County Correctional Facility in particular fits into this conversation. 

Here’s Tania Mattos…

The LGBTQ+ community’s access to gender-affirming care is only becoming more precarious with the political precedent currently being set by president Trump. In January, Trump signed an executive order calling for governmental agencies to ensure that medical institutions receiving any federal research or education grants “end the chemical and surgical mutilation” of people under 19. The order has not been officially implemented, with multiple lawsuits having been filed against the Trump administration to block enforcement, but many healthcare providers in both New York and Pennsylvania have already scaled back their gender-affirming care services as a preemptive measure. 

As a result, the LGBTQ+ community is witnessing an influx in what could be referred to as “trans migration,” in which trans people are having to travel greater distances — other cities, counties and even entirely new states to access life-saving healthcare.

To explore this increasingly important issue of trans migration, Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim spoke with Corinne Goodwin, Executive Director of the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, and Charlie Solidum, Director of Programs and Services at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center.

Our resident science guy Joe Johnson brings us th Science Roundup: Universal Anti-Venom Breakthrough, Hidden Antarctic Rivers, and Methane-Farming Sea Spiders

By [Your Name]
Published: June 25, 2025

From snakebite survival to the secrets beneath Antarctic ice, scientists are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of nature — and perhaps even saving lives along the way. Here’s a look at three of the most fascinating science stories making headlines this month.

Could One Man’s Blood Hold the Key to a Universal Anti-Venom?

A remarkable study in the June 12 issue of Cell explores a major development in the decades-long search for a universal anti-venom — and it all starts with a man who voluntarily injected himself with snake venom hundreds of times.

Around 100,000 people worldwide die each year from venomous snakebites, with another 300,000 suffering permanent injuries. Traditional anti-venoms are species-specific, made by injecting small amounts of venom into animals (often horses) and harvesting the antibodies. This means that each type of venom — from cobras to taipans — requires its own tailored anti-venom, a major limitation in regions with diverse snake populations.

Enter Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist and former truck mechanic, who spent decades immunizing himself against snake venom. Friede reportedly survived over 200 snakebites — including two near-fatal bites from a king cobra — and became what researchers dubbed a “hyperimmune human donor.”

Scientists studying Friede’s blood identified two broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of targeting neurotoxins common to a group of deadly snakes called elapids. By combining these antibodies with a new drug under development, researchers created an anti-venom cocktail that allowed mice to survive lethal doses of venom from 19 elapid species.

While still in early stages, this approach could revolutionize treatment in regions with limited medical access and diverse venomous species. Experts caution against anyone attempting Friede’s methods at home — but agree his unusual path may save thousands of lives.

A River Beneath the Ice: Antarctic Discoveries Rewrite the Map

A team of New Zealand scientists drilling through 1,500 feet of Antarctic ice expected to find bedrock. Instead, they discovered a vast subglacial river — and signs of life in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Reported in Nature Geoscience on May 12, the research focused on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the Ross Ice Shelf — a region considered a critical “cork” holding back massive glacial flows. Drilling into the Camb Ice Stream, researchers used 175°F water to bore a narrow hole through the ice, uncovering a channel nearly 100 meters high and 200 meters wide, flowing slowly beneath the glacier.

The river system showed complex layering, with freshwater and saltwater moving in different directions and sudden surges likely triggered by the draining of hidden subglacial lakes. Sediment cores revealed an active ecosystem — and even more surprisingly, tiny crustacean-like creatures resembling lobsters.

This hidden world is reshaping how scientists understand ice dynamics and sea-level rise. As global warming accelerates glacial melting, insights like this are essential for refining climate models and predicting the future of coastal regions.

Meet the Sea Spiders Farming Bacteria at Methane Seeps

In the deep, dark ocean where sunlight never penetrates, strange creatures thrive — and scientists just uncovered three new species of sea spiders doing something never seen before.

As detailed in the June 16 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers studying methane seeps off the U.S. West Coast and in the Aleutian Trench discovered these tiny, half-inch sea spiders living in ecosystems powered not by sunlight, but by methane. These seeps, fueled by decaying organic matter, release methane gas into the water, which special bacteria then use to produce energy through a process called chemosynthesis.

What’s groundbreaking is how these sea spiders feed: they “farm” the methane-consuming bacteria on their exoskeletons, scraping off the microbes with specialized mouthparts and legs. Each methane seep was found to host its own unique spider species — suggesting rapid adaptation and specialization in these extreme environments.

To confirm the spiders’ diet, researchers cultivated them in methane-rich seawater enriched with carbon-13 (a traceable isotope). The carbon-13 showed up in the spiders’ tissues, confirming they were indeed consuming the bacteria they cultivated on their bodies.

While the study is a window into life in one of the Earth’s most alien environments, it also hints at broader implications. Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas, understanding — and perhaps one day harnessing — these microbes could have environmental benefits.

From anti-venom breakthroughs to icy rivers and methane-farming sea spiders, this season’s science stories reveal just how much we still have to learn about the world around — and beneath — us.

Dangerously hot and humid conditions will continue through Wednesday. "Feels-like" temps will reach over 100° in several areas in the region. 

Extreme heat and humidity can be more than just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening.

Tim Bruno spoke to Dr. Maria Ranin-Lay, a primary care provider with Crystal Run Healthcare, about how this kind of weather affects our health, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to stay safe.

Know the Warning Signs

Dr. Ranin-Lay urges residents to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including:

• Excessive sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat

If not addressed, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition marked by confusion, dry and hot skin, and body temperatures reaching 104°F or higher.

Why the “Feels Like” Temperature Matters

While the air temperature might read in the 90s, it’s the heat index—a measure that combines temperature with humidity—that truly reflects how the body experiences heat.

Adapting to the New Normal

With extreme heat events becoming more frequent due to climate change, Dr. Ranin-Lay says we need to treat heat like any other natural hazard—similar to how we prepare for snowstorms or hurricanes.

Her tips include:

• Scheduling outdoor activity for early morning or evening
• Wearing light, breathable clothing (avoid polyester, choose cotton)
• Staying hydrated—at least 1–2 liters of water daily, with added electrolytes if possible
• Using fans, ice packs, and creating cooler indoor spaces with reflective window coverings

No AC? Know Where to Go

Not everyone has access to air conditioning, but Dr. Ranin-Lay emphasized that every community should have a designated cooling center.

Residents can contact their county’s Office of Emergency Services or check online for cooling center locations. Additionally, the United Way’s 211 helpline is available 24/7 to connect people to nearby shelters, cooling centers, and other health services.

Check on Neighbors

Dr. Ranin-Lay also urged everyone to check in on elderly neighbors and those who live alone.

One Last Reminder

Her parting advice? Don’t underestimate your hydration needs.

And perhaps most practically: “Every morning, I ask Alexa what the temperature is so I can plan accordingly. We need to build that kind of awareness into our daily routine.”

Heat Safety Resources 

• Cooling Centers: Check with your county’s Office of Emergency Services (Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and others)
• United Way 2-1-1 Helpline: Dial 211 or visit 211.org for shelter, transportation, and emergency health assistance
• Stay Informed: Sign up for local heat alerts via NY Alert at alert.ny.gov

As New York’s legislative session comes to a close, the fight against PFAS contamination—those toxic “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks—is far from over. 

Despite early leadership in regulating PFAS in drinking water and consumer products, the state continues to grapple with widespread pollution from over 1,200 industrial sites, contaminated landfills, firefighting foam, and everyday items. With federal standards delayed and the health and economic costs in New York estimated in the billions, advocates say the need for bold state action has never been more urgent.

Kate Donovan, Director of Northeast Environmental Health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, addressed what happened this session in Albany, where New York stands in the national fight against PFAS, and what’s at stake for communities still living with the consequences.

Garnet Health announced a restructuring plan on June 17 that will lay off 42 employees. Garnet also said it will end Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services at Garnet Health Medical Center and Outpatient Diabetes Services at Garnet Health Medical Center and Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, due to what the hospital says is “ due to consistent underutilization.” 

Additionally, Garnet Health Medical Center’s Trauma Program will transition from a Level II Trauma Center to a Level III Trauma Center designation “to better reflect current utilization, a more sustainable model, and our community’s needs.”

As Garnet Health restructures its services in The Catskills, New York lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at giving communities more say when hospitals plan to shut down or eliminate critical services like maternity care, mental health units, or emergency rooms.

Advocates say the lack of transparency and community input in hospital closures has left many New Yorkers—especially in communities of color and rural areas—without reliable access to care. Now, all eyes are on Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the final say.

Tim Bruno spoke with Lois Uttley with Community Voices for Health System Accountability about what the Local Input for Community Healthcare Act would change—and why supporters are pushing the governor to sign it into law.

Howe Caverns is one of New York’s most popular natural attractions—but beneath its winding passageways lies a lesser-known, tragic past.

In the latest episode of Kaatscast, Brett Barry speaks with historian and author Dana Cudmore about his new book The Cave Electrician’s Widow, revealing the haunting story of a deadly 1930 accident, the courtroom drama that followed, and the enduring mystique of "Cave Country."