The Local Edition

On the morning of Friday, Dec. 1, Monticello Central School District administrators learned of a generalized bomb threat towards its schools. Out of an abundance of caution, the district followed the protocols outlined in its safety plan, and evacuated all school buildings.

More information and updates: monticelloschools.net

Interview with Poet Laureate Lisa Titus: Her Poetry Book 'First Time, Every Time'

Poet Lisa Titus, who hails from Grahmsville, will discuss her newly published poetry book 'First Time, Every Time.' Lisa shared her experiences as the Poet Laureate of 2021, her nomination for the 2020 Pushcart Prize, and how her poetry book was a finalist for the Brick Road Poetry Prize. 

She provides insights into her creative process, the influence of her teaching career, and the importance of fostering authentic voices in literature. Lisa also reads one of her powerful poems from the new book. 

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:00 Interview with Lisa Titus
00:38 Impact of Poet Laureate Role on Lisa's Work
01:25 Discussion on the Influence of Pandemic on Lisa's Work
02:06 Exploring the Title of Lisa's Book
03:01 Dedication of the Book to Women
07:00 Lisa's Experience as an English Professor
12:24 Reading a Poem from the Book
14:02 Future Plans for the Book
14:50 How to Order the Book
15:35 Conclusion of the Interview

Discussing Bird Renaming: Racism, Inclusion, & Birdwatching Community | Spotlight PA Interview

In this in-depth conversation, Tanisha Thomas from Spotlight PA talks about her research on the process of renaming birds by the American Ornithological Society. The society's leader, Colleen Handel, aims to shift the focus from the human-oriented bird naming conventions (often influenced by Eurocentric bias) to a more bird-centric approach - taking into account the birds' features, characteristics, and habitat. The hope is that this change will foster diversity and inclusion within the birdwatching community. 

Tanisha also shares how major events like the murder of George Floyd and the Central Park incident have led to a reevaluation of bird names. Finally, she discusses the response within the birdwatching community and their resilience towards constant changes. 

00:00 Introduction to Bird Naming Controversy
00:00 The Motivation Behind Changing Bird Names
01:02 Historical Context and Controversy
02:44 The Process of Renaming Birds
03:32 Reaction from the Birdwatching Community
05:45 Inclusivity and Diversity in Birdwatching
07:48 Renaming Birds: A Common Practice
09:44 Implications for Pennsylvania
10:46 Reporter's Reflections and Learnings
12:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wayne Brown, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma work, family therapy, and LGBT work, sheds light on a new legislative bill intended to increase access to mental health counselors throughout New York State. 

Wayne elucidates how the current legislation biases against non-clinically licensed therapists, restricting them from billing insurance companies. This bill, however, advocates for these therapists to work under the supervision of fully licensed therapists, thereby expanding their service base. Wayne further highlights how this change can ease the mental health care crisis, particularly in under-served areas, by allowing more therapists to be incorporated within the local communities. 

The discussion also touches upon some mental health issues brought to the fore by the pandemic and the role of online therapy services. Lastly, Wayne invites listeners to show their support for the bill by signing his petition on change.org.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:00 Discussing the New York Legislature Bill for Mental Health
02:14 Exploring the Current Mental Health Care Situation
03:58 Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health
06:10 Online Therapy Services: Pros and Cons
08:41 Current Status of the Proposed Bill
10:43 The Importance of the Bill and Call to Action
13:08 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects

Patricio Robayo and the three Wayne County commissioners: Jocelyn Cramer, Brian Smith, and James Shook. They discuss various topics including their reflections on the past year, plans for the future, working together as a bipartisan team, lessons learned from the pandemic, and expressing gratitude for their work and community.

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) faced public outcry during two recent hearings regarding proposed amendments to its "Rules of Practice and Procedure." While the DRBC deemed the changes as necessary updates, critics, including members of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, expressed outrage. 

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Meg McGuire, the founder and publisher of Delaware Currents about the issue. Delaware Currents is a news project that tells the story of the Delaware River, starting from its origin in the Catskill Mountains of New York and flowing all the way to the Delaware Bay. 

LINK to Delaware Currents article: https://delawarecurrents.org/2023/11/13/drbc-rules-hearing/

Sullivan County just unveiled its tentative 2024 Budget, and the county says it will be expanding services without a tax hike. 

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek about the proposed $288 million budget plan. 

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom PRODUCING investigative journalism AND A new investigation by ProPublica finds when a farmworker is injured or dies on a Catskills dairy farm, federal labor safety investigators often look the other way.

In New York State, OSHA, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is barred from looking into injuries and deaths on farm with fewer than eleven workers. Many local dairy farms are that size or smaller.

The exception is if the workers are deemed in a “temporary labor camp.” But ProPublica reporter Melissa Sanchez told New York Public Radio’s David Sommerstein that because the majority of New York dairy workers are Mexicans or Central Americans who are undocumented, that definition is a gray area.

Interview with Mike Ben Simon: Future Vision for Town of Fallsburg

In this in-depth interview, future town supervisor for Fallsburg, Mike Ben Simon, offers insights into his background as an auditor and public policy analyst. He also discusses his motives to run for supervisor, and his commitment to public service and governmental efficiency. Ben Simon reflects on his election campaign and addresses a range of concerns, such as low voter turnout and unopposed supervisor races, which he believes jeopardize the functioning of democracy. 

Additionally, he outlines his short-term goals which include conducting management audits and revising policies and procedures. Ben Simon also discusses pressing issues like high-density residential development, infrastructure upgrades, turnover in the building department, and the challenge of transparency in local government.

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:14 Motivation for Running for Supervisor
01:48 Role and Passion as a Governmental Auditor
03:51 Transition from State to County Operations
06:15 Running for Office and Access to Data
08:44 Reflections on Previous Campaigns
11:46 Addressing High Density Residential Development
15:31 Concerns about the Building Department
18:24 Transparency in Local Government
20:27 Closing Remarks and Future Vision

Interview with John Pizzolato: New Town Supervisor of Highland Discusses Leadership Vision

In this program, we have a candid chat with John Pizzolato, the newly appointed Town Supervisor for Highland. After a narrow defeat in 2021, John talks about his successful campaign strategies and his determination to steer the town leadership in a more inclusive and responsive direction. 

With a focus on listening to the local community and encouraging their active participation, John proposes rebuilding the constable program, strengthening the ambulance service, and lowering taxes. He also shares his views on vocational training and his commitment to encouraging students to return to their hometowns to contribute to the local economy. The interview closes with an invitation to town residents to be involved and actively participate in the development of Highland.

00:03 Introduction and Initial Political Journey
00:29 Challenges and Changes in Town Leadership
01:44 The Controversy of the Constable Program
03:44 The Importance of Local Jobs and Community Involvement
04:20 Vision for the Town of Highland
04:32 The Role of National Politics in Local Governance
04:52 The Need for New Leadership and Unity
10:04 The Impact of Transplants and New Residents
10:19 The Importance of Vocational Training and Local Economy
14:20 Closing Remarks and Future Plans