Radio Chatskill

An already tight timeline for the merger of the Livingston Manor-Roscoe School Districts got tighter last week. 

Due to inclement weather, the Livingston Manor-Roscoe Board of Education (LM-R BOE) election, originally scheduled for last Thursday, February 13, was postponed to this Thursday, February 20.

The new board will also be tasked with making crucial decisions about the operations and policies of the unified district. Some of the key areas they will address before the new school year this fall  include selecting an official district name, mascot, school colors, and determining grade configurations.

We spoke to John Evans, Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central School Superintendent, for the latest.

For homeowners in New York State with the Basic STAR (School Tax Relief) exemption, a recent update could mean some additional paperwork. Typically, once applied, the STAR exemption runs on autopilot year after year, offering relief in the form of a property tax credit. However, this year, many may soon receive a letter requiring further verification to continue receiving the benefit, according to Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County Government.

The STAR exemption is a property tax break designed to reduce school taxes for eligible homeowners. It’s typically delivered as a credit on property tax bills, not as a direct check. The state’s Office of Taxation and Finance has updated its regulations, and as a result, many homeowners will be asked to provide additional documentation to maintain their exemption.

Those receiving a letter will be required to submit the following information:

• Names and Social Security numbers of all property owners and their spouses
• The name of the school district where the property is located
• The date of purchase of the property
• The most recent school tax bill
• 2023 federal or state income tax returns for all property owners and spouses residing at the property

The state's move is part of an effort to ensure the exemption goes to the right people and to keep their records accurate. However, homeowners who receive the STAR exemption as a credit should be aware that they must respond within 45 days of receiving the letter. If they don’t, they could lose the benefit.

For those unsure whether they’ll need to submit the additional information, Hust recommends a proactive approach. Homeowners should call the state’s Office of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-2036 to check. When calling, it’s helpful to have your property’s section, block, and lot number (SBL), which can be found on your tax bill, he says. 

Hust says “Do not contact your local assessor or the Office of Real Property Tax Services at the county level, as they won’t be able to assist in verifying this information. Only the state can confirm or deny whether you need to submit more documentation.”

The Party Farm, a boutique recording studio nestled in the scenic Catskill Mountains, is excited to announce that it is now accepting submissions for its Third Annual Songwriting Contest. Open to all aspiring musicians, the contest is completely free to enter, offering an exciting opportunity for one lucky winner to have their song professionally recorded.

The winner will receive a full recording session at the Party Farm, where their winning song will be produced, mixed, and mastered by Terry Brennan, the studio's master engineer and producer. In addition to the professional recording, the song and its creator will be showcased on the Party Farm’s website and social media platforms, giving them exposure to a wider audience.

Terry Brennan, who has over 20 years of experience in the recording industry, spoke about the joy of running the contest over the past two years, saying, "Doing this contest the past couple of years has been a really great way to meet artists from all over. But the best part is meeting the people of the arts community right here in the Catskills. There are so many talented folks nearby, it's inspiring."

The contest has already helped highlight the work of talented artists, with past winners including singer/songwriters Calla Sun (Callison Stratton) and Mark Partridge (The Young Unknowns, Ambient Barn).

The Party Farm, known for its peaceful mountain setting, offers boutique recording services that combine professional expertise with a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. In addition to its world-class recording equipment, the venue features recreational amenities such as an on-site bowling alley, providing a unique and enjoyable environment for artists to create.

Interested participants can visit the Party Farm’s website at [roscoepartyfarm.com](http://roscoepartyfarm.com) for full contest rules and submission instructions.

For more information about the studio and its offerings, including recording services and amenities, visit the website or follow the Party Farm on social media.

Tusten Social, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community connections in rural Sullivan County, has announced the launch of its Teen Club program, a free after-school initiative designed to support local youth through creative exploration and skill-building. The program, which will run weekly from February 19 through June 18, 2025, offers a range of exciting opportunities for teens to connect, create, and learn in a welcoming environment.

The Teen Club is open to students in grade 7 and above from Tusten and surrounding areas, including residents of Pennsylvania. Sullivan West students will also be able to utilize bus transportation to the program, making it accessible to a wider range of teens in the region.

Giniece Noble, Tusten Social Board Member, and Meg Sullivan and Chef Bruno  Carvalho of the Blue Fox Motel appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the initiative. 

The Teen Club will feature three distinct sessions, each designed to engage youth in hands-on learning and artistic expression: 

Session 1: Cucina Italian Culinary Exploration
Starting on February 19, internationally acclaimed Chef Bruno Carvalho, in partnership with the Blue Fox Motel, will lead teens through a six-week intensive on Italian cooking. Chef Carvalho, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with a global culinary career, will teach students the fundamentals of Italian cuisine, including bread-making, pizza crafting, pasta-making, and dessert creation. This exciting session will give teens a chance to explore the world of culinary arts and develop skills they can use for years to come.

Session 2: Art & Design
From April 2 to May 14, local artist Catherine Chesters will lead teens through an immersive six-week course in mixed-media art. This session will focus on creative exploration, design fundamentals, and portfolio development. Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their work at the upcoming Deep Water Literary Festival in June, highlighting their artistic achievements and gaining exposure in the local community.

Session 3: The Art of the Zine
In the final session, from May 21 to June 28, teens will dive into the world of self-published magazines, exploring the creative process behind zine-making and design. Led by local artists and zine makers, this session will culminate in a showcase event at the Deep Water Literary Festival, offering students a platform to present their own zines to a wider audience.

“The afterschool program for local teens represents our commitment to addressing unmet social needs in our rural community,” said Greta Knutzen, cofounder of Tusten Social. “By providing these enriching after-school activities, we're creating opportunities for teens to develop new skills while building lasting connections with their peers.”

The Teen Club is designed to not only foster creativity but also provide an important space for teens to connect with others and build a sense of community, said Knutzen. The program is free, though registration is required by emailing [email protected]. 

The 2025 Wayne County Ag Day will take place on Monday, February 17, from 10 am to 3 pm. at Honesdale High School, offering a day of agricultural education, product showcases, and networking opportunities for local farmers and enthusiasts.

Chelsea Hill, Livestock & 4-H Animal Science Educator for Penn State Extension- Wayne County, appeared on Radio Chatskill about the event, which will feature educational sessions, including presentations on soil management, newborn beef calf care, and large-scale solar energy. 

Zachary Curtis, a Penn State Extension Agronomy Educator, will present on soil testing and management. Other sessions include a talk by Taylor Zahn on giving newborn beef calves the best start, and a discussion on solar energy with Joseph C. Conklin and the Penn State Extension Energy Team.

This year also introduces a live home food preservation demonstration by MaryAnn Curtis, Penn State Extension Master Preserver Volunteer.

The event will host exhibitors in the gymnasium and outdoor machinery displays, with opportunities to meet experts on topics such as agronomy, food preservation, beekeeping, animal health, and more. Attendees can also sample local dairy products, meats, and ice cream, thanks to area agribusinesses like Creamworks Creamery and Calkins Creamery.

Health screenings will be offered by Wayne Memorial Hospital, and a lunch prepared by The Red Schoolhouse will be served, sponsored by event exhibitors. Though registration by February 12 is requested for lunch, walk-ins are welcome.

For more information or to register, visit https://extension.psu.edu/wayne-county-ag-day or call 1-877-345-0691.

Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center in Waymart, PA, specializes in therapeutic and adaptive riding, and the center is dedicated to providing a platform where participants can experience the unique benefits of connecting with horses in a judgment-free, supportive environment.

Vera Remes, Board Member at Fair Hill, is an Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator, Equine Specialist, and NJ Certified Teacher of the Handicapped and Learning Disabilities Specialist.  Nancy VanWyk is a Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Mentor, and faculty member at the Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center. They appeared on Radio Chatskill.   
 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may be planning a romantic dinner at home, complete with candles and a home-cooked meal.. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging folks to keep fire safety in mind while celebrating this holiday of love.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries year-round. Unattended cooking is a factor in over one-quarter (29 percent) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths. 

Susan McKelvey from NYFPA shared some safety tips on Radio Chatskill. 

Nearly 30 lawmakers and hundreds of advocates from across New York State rallied in Albany last week to urge the Assembly to pass the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act. The legislation, designed to address the state’s escalating energy affordability and climate crises, promises to lower energy bills for struggling households and accelerate the state’s shift to clean energy.

The NY HEAT Act has garnered broad support from environmental advocates, community leaders, and lawmakers, many of whom have been calling for its passage for months.

Michael Hernandez of Rewiring America is one of those advocates and he appeared on Radio Chatskill.

Our resident Science Guy Joe Johnson is back with the science stories that caught his eye recently, including ancient tattoo patterns revealed on mummies in Peru using lasers; how your ear muscles "wiggle" when you struggle to listen; and that asteroid that could hit Earth in December 2032.

In a live episode of Kaatscast, recorded at the Emerson 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.