Radio Chatskill

Joe Johnson is our resident science guy and he’s bringing us a few stories that caught his eye this week, including a landmark 20-year archaeological dig in Northern Scotland has come to an end, yet discoveries continue to show its significance; scientists drilled an ice core two miles down in Antarctica, extracting 1.2 million years of the earth’s climate record; and a “planet parade,” in which six planets — Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn — will align in the sky. Four of these planets (Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) will be easily visible to the naked eye.

In a heartfelt recollection of his childhood and his family’s legacy in the entertainment world, Jimmy Givens recently shares fond memories of growing up in show business, particularly the summer days spent in the Catskills, in his book "Memories of The Kentucky Club." 

His parents, Givens and Sweetie, were renowned Borscht Belt entertainers who graced stages across the Borscht Belt and beyond. 

For Givens, the Catskills hold a special place in his heart. He shared some of his memories on Radio Chatskill. 

As part of her Executive Budget released this week , New York Governor Kathy Hochul did not include a promised cap-and-invest program or the NY HEAT Act, which the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says would reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions, limit potential costs for New Yorkers, and invest in programs that drive emission reductions and improve energy affordability, especially for disadvantaged communities. 

In 2024 alone, ten extreme weather events cost New Yorkers more than a billion dollars, and the Executive Budget fails to take this into consideration, according to NRDC. 

Richard Schrader, Director, New York Government Affairs at NRDC appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the lack of climate initiatives in the budget proposal. 

Local author Lily Barrish Levner is set to kick off the first book in her new mystery series, Catskills Capers, with a special book talk at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville on Saturday. The event marks the launch of "Banquets & Bootleg Bounty," a novel set at The Concord Hotel in the vibrant, nostalgic world of the Catskills in the summer of 1944.

Wayne-Pike Workforce Alliance, in partnership with The Pardon Project, has launched a new YouTube video series, "The PA Pardon Process – How to Series," designed to educate individuals on the steps involved in seeking a pardon in Pennsylvania. 

This comprehensive series, created to be an accessible resource for individuals with non-violent criminal convictions, will break down the complexities of the pardon process and provide guidance for those seeking a fresh start.

Attorney Tobey Oxholm founded The Pardon Project with the goal of helping members of the community
who have turned their lives around but still face barriers due to past criminal convictions. The project
focuses on individuals who have completed their sentences and want the opportunity to clear their records
to unlock better job opportunities, housing options, and the chance for personal and professional growth.

Tobey Oxholm and Cassie Miller from Workforce Alliance appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the series and how it is crafted to equip individuals in Wayne County and beyond with the essential knowledge and resources to take a crucial step toward a more promising future.

Laura Nordstrom has recently been appointed as the first-ever Director of Housing and Homelessness in Ulster County's Department of Social Services. 

Laura previously served as the Director of Research and Operational Programs in the County Executive’s office. 

In that role, Laura led efforts to help constituents navigate emergency housing and related support services. 

Now, she steps into this new position to oversee initiatives like the Family Centered Services program and to coordinate with agencies and community partners to improve housing stability and inclusivity across the county. 

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo had a chance to speak to Laura to find out more on how she will help Housing and Homelessness in Ulster County. 

Navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause can be challenging. Yet, for many women, it’s a journey often taken in silence due to lack of support and understanding. 

To help women embrace this transformative life stage with empowerment and knowledge, The Chi Hive and The Field Office in Narrowsburg have partnered to offer "Empowered Menopause," a six-week program designed to provide wisdom, education, and community support.

The program, starting February 6, is designed to demystify the physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes women experience as they transition through menopause. 

Facilitator Natascha Demner, The Chi Hive’s Susan Mendoza and Shaylan Bennett from The Field Office appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the program.   

Founded by two passionate food lovers with diverse backgrounds, Harana Market is a reflection of a shared love for Filipino cuisine and the connections food creates.

In her segment Eating Upstate, Erin Scherer spoke to the folks behind Harana Market and the deeply personal and culturally rich dining experience they've brought to Accord, NY. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul released her $252 billion state budget proposal for the next fiscal year with tax cuts for the middle class and increases for the state’s mammoth Medicaid program.

The price tag on this year’s budget for New York is up about four percent compared to last year.

But if there’s one thing Gov. Hochul wants you to know, it’s that she thinks the state is in pretty good shape. Jeongyoon Han from the New York Public News Network has the report.

Joe Johnson is our resident science guy and he's bringing us a few stories that caught his eye this week, including a landmark 20-year archaeological dig in Northern Scotland has come to an end, yet discoveries continue to show its significance; scientists drilled an ice core two miles down in Antarctica, extracting 1.2 million years of the earth's climate record; and a "planet parade," in which six planets — Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn — will align in the sky. Four of these planets (Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) will be easily visible to the naked eye.