Radio Chatskill

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 episode highlights their journey, history and insights from the Appalachian Trail, and the impact of outdoor adventures on personal growth.

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 180 Wellness Committee is creating healthier schools, why school nurses like Mary are essential to this mission, and the creative ways LMCS is bringing wellness to life—from walking challenges to farm-to-table programs.

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 many partners.

At the helm of this transformative initiative are Darko Hreljanovic, President of Callicoon Depot Inc., and Thong Keokham of the Callicoon Business Association. Together, they’re guiding a project that blends preservation, public service, and economic development—anchored by the belief that this restored depot can serve as a gateway to the Upper Delaware region.

The Callicoon Train Depot Project will see the historic structure rehabilitated and repurposed for a range of community uses. Plans include ADA-accessible restrooms, high-speed internet, a digital event board, meeting space, educational exhibits, and an outdoor performance area—all designed to enrich the lives of residents and attract visitors to the region.

Founded in 2018, the partnership between Callicoon Depot Inc., the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB), and the CBA was born out of a shared vision for preserving the depot while giving it new purpose. That vision is now becoming reality thanks to local fundraising, member dues, grants, and the tireless efforts of volunteers.

The depot’s revitalization is just one facet of the CBA’s larger role in the region. Entirely volunteer-run, the organization also produces yearly events like the Callicoon Country Fair, Callicoon ArtWalk, and Dickens on the Delaware, all of which contribute to the hamlet’s economic vitality.

In addition to local engagement, the depot project is building strong connections with regional and national entities that will help support cultural and educational programming at the site.

For more information about the project, visit www.VisitCallicoon.com or follow the CBA on social media.

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, and what we can all do to help shape a more vibrant, equitable future.

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 Knights Inn, a facility currently used to house individuals receiving County services. The situation has renewed debate around a proposed homeless shelter, which may return for a revote by local officials in the near future.

REAL ID Deadline Triggers DMV Backlog

With the federal REAL ID compliance deadline set for May 7, Sullivan County’s Department of Motor Vehicles has experienced a surge in traffic, completing 1,330 appointments in April. The office is now booked through June, leaving late applicants facing delays. The County has released an informational video to help residents prepare the correct documents before heading to the DMV.

County Participating in Town Line Solar Project Review

Sullivan County has declared itself an interested party in the Town Line Solar project, which is being proposed for land in the Thompson and Forestburgh area. As an interested party, the County will have a formal role in reviewing the project’s potential environmental and community impacts.

RUSt Program Returns to Address Blighted Structures

The County is reinstating the RUSt (Removing Unsafe Structures) program, aimed at demolishing abandoned or unsafe buildings that pose safety risks and reduce property values in local communities.

Measles Cases Increase Nationwide; County Monitoring Local Risk

The U.S. has reported more than 760 measles cases across 24 states so far in 2025, prompting increased monitoring by Sullivan County Public Health Services. While there are currently no confirmed cases locally, health officials are urging vigilance as the summer travel season approaches.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is required for all children attending schools and summer camps in the county. Adults are encouraged to check with healthcare providers regarding antibody titers or booster shots, as immunity may decrease over time.

HEAP Cooling Funds Likely to Run Out Early; Additional Energy Programs Closing May 9

The HEAP Cooling Benefit Program is expected to exhaust its funds well before peak summer heat. Additionally, New York State will close both the Clean & Tune and Home Energy Repair/Replace (HERR) programs on May 9 — marking the earliest shutdown in over a decade. Residents are urged to apply as soon as possible if they have not yet taken advantage of these programs.

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

• Volunteer Fair – May 17, 10 AM–2 PM at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty. Open to all residents interested in getting involved with local organizations.
• Citizens Preparedness Seminar – May 20, 6:30 PM at the Emergency Operations Center in Swan Lake. Registration required.
• Summer Youth Employment Program – Application deadline: May 9. Open to local teens seeking summer work and job training.
• Burn Ban – Remains in effect through May 15, due to elevated fire risk during the spring season.

Lumberland First Responders Honored for Heroic Rescue

The Lumberland Fire Department and EMS have been recognized for successfully rescuing a driver trapped in an overturned vehicle on Route 97. The rapid and effective response highlights the professionalism and dedication of local emergency services.

Hudson Valley Rivermen Launch at SUNY Sullivan

The newly formed Hudson Valley Rivermen semi-professional basketball team will be based at SUNY Sullivan, with tryouts now underway. The team’s arrival brings fresh athletic opportunities and entertainment to the region.

For additional information, updates, and resources, visit the Sullivan County website at sullivanny.us.

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-alouds, songs, and interactive activities. The Wild Things Playgroup, inspired by Where the Wild Things Are, will offer imaginative play and crafts. On May 7, families can gather for Movie Night, complete with popcorn and a family-friendly film. 

Rounding out the week is the Rosie Revere, Engineer Design Challenge, where kids can unleash their creativity and build their own inventions, inspired by the beloved picture book.

All events are free, and families do not need to be library cardholders to participate. Registration is encouraged and can be done online at WSPLonline.or.

For more information, visit the WSPL website.

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 women fought not only against Nazi occupation and Mussolini’s loyalists, but also against the erasure of their own legacies.

Cope will be in conversation about her book with writer Tracy Gates on Sunday at Seminary Hill in Callicoon, NY , to talk about history, heroism, and the real women behind the resistance.

Cope is also the author of Power Hungry, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and more. 

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 debut EP Always Better made waves last year, and now she’s bringing her unique style to the hills of Rosendale, joined by special guests Photon Beam — a genre-bending ensemble that promises to kick the evening off with an exploratory sonic set .

Ahead of the show, Amanda appeared on Radio Chatskill to talk about her music, her journey, and what audiences can expect at The Muse.

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 acceptance and the incredible Sullivan Promise Scholarship.

Joining us today are two key voices behind it all—Eleanor Davis, Vice President of Advancement and Communications at SUNY Sullivan, and Dr. David Potash, President of the college.

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 need to protect the rights and well-being of working families.

“Families need housing, they need healthcare, they need fair wages, union protection, and safety in their community,” Hart said. “That's why we're here on May Day—to point that out.”

According to Hart, a recent local survey showed that many residents are most concerned about the erosion of due process. But the list of grievances goes much deeper. Cuts to food assistance programs, agricultural initiatives, and community health and intervention services have already hit Sullivan County, with more potentially on the way as state and federal budgets tighten.

The Liberty rally is part of a broader grassroots movement mobilizing a diverse coalition—from immigrants and young farmers to federal workers and long-time residents who have never before taken to the streets.

“There are people who’ve quietly lived their lives and now feel it’s time to stand up,” Hart said. “We get emails saying, ‘I’ve never done this before—how can I help?’”

The protest also aims to send a broader message of solidarity. "There are more of us than there are of them—the billionaires trying to control everything,” Hart added. “We have to show our power in numbers and beliefs.”

The protest in Liberty is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m at the intersection of Chestnut Street and North Main Street (or South Main if construction interferes).

Hart's message to those who may feel frustrated in the current political environment, “Stand up. Join us. We will figure it out together.”