Catskills News Pod

Cohen Dentistry has been providing the Catskill Mountains and surrounding areas with quality dentistry for over 35 years! Host Mike Sakell speaks with Dr Ari Cohen about Cohen Dentistry and their use of the most up-to-date and modern technology and equipment to always improve upon the patient’s experience and overall results.  

The owner of Unity Ambulette, that serves Sullivan as well as Dutchess, Ulster and Orange Counties has written to Governor Hochul calling inadequate rate increases for medical transportation an untenable situation. Host Mike Sakell speaks with Joe Adamo of Unity who wrote the letter after the closure of several companies across the state.

The State University of New York Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. David Potash as president of SUNY Sullivan. Dr. Potash’s appointment is effective on or before July 1, 2024 and Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with the incoming SUNY Sullivan President on his approach to building partnerships and the unique role community colleges play in offering residents educational opportunities. 

Share in a special Passover presentation with the Landfield Avenue Synagogue. During these troubled times share in the story of Passover including traditions, recipes and the importance of family. Landfield Avenue Synagogue Interim Rabbi Jacob Stern will talk about the story of Passover along with Synagogue Board of Directors Secretary Lori James sharing stories as well as presenting upcoming events at the Landfield Avenue Synagogue. This special Passover program is being sponsored by PN Alarm of Monticello. Find out about security and alarm services at PNAlarm.com

The housing crisis and homelessness are front and center in this conversation with Sullivan County NY Commissioner of Health and Human Services John Liddle with host Mike Sakell. One possible solution is working with SUNY Sullivan and upgrading a deteriorating dormitory to house families.

April 14th to April 20th the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) joins the country in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to honor and recognize 9-1-1 professionals who are frontline responders Host Mike Sakell speaks with Sullivan County NY E 911 Coordinator Alex Rau about the county employees that handle approximately 40,000 incidents a year and process nearly 100,000 phone calls per year.

Catskills News Podcast Host Mike Sakell speaks with John Kocijanski of Catskills Astronomy about the Monday April 8 Solar Eclipse and as well as the group that likes to get together and stargaze in Sullivan County. You will have the opportunity to view the partial solar eclipse with Catskills Astronomy at SUNY Sullivan on April 8 from 2-4:30pm. John Kocijanski from Catskills Astronomy will be on hand with solar filtered telescopes that will allow a safe observing of the sun.

Sullivan County Public Health Deputy Director Jill Hubert Simon speaks all about Public Health Services during this National Public Health Week April 1-7 2024.

Construction has begun on the main airport terminal at the Sullivan County International Airport in Bethel and last week, the Governor’s office unveiled architect’s renderings of the new facility. Host Mike Sakell checks in with Sullivan County Public Works Building Engineer Kristin Janowski to speak about the new 15,000-square-foot terminal building.

Host Mike Sakell has the latest Catskills Conversation with Bruce Davidson of the historic Liberty Theater to talk about the vision and restoration project that is bringing this "anchor building" back to life. Davidson plans to bring the Liberty Theater back to its original glory as an entertainment hub in the community and to encourage a renaissance along Main Street in Libety NY.

The face behind the Hurleyville General Store is Denise Lombardi, a parent of an adult son with autism and multiple disabilities, as well as the sister of a person with multiple disabilities. The Hurleyville General Store focuses on improving economic opportunities for people with disabilities, as well as sourcing products from companies that employ and support the disabled. Mike Sakell speaks with Denise Lombardi as she prepares to step away from her daily business but not from advocating for those with disabilities.

The Museum at Bethel Woods has been voted in the top 3 of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’Choice travel awards in the category of Best Music Museum. Museum Director and Senior Curator Neal Hitch calls it an honor and feels pride in working at such a prestigious location in conversation with host Mike Sakell. Hitch also outlines the current national ‘Living History” project collecting oral histories from those who attended the Woodstock Festival.

Host Mike Sakell speaks with new Center for Discovery CEO Dr Terry Hamlin on her 40 year career and new role at TCFD. Dr Hamlin discusses the upcoming opening of The Center for Discovery Childrens Specialty Hospital and other short term and long term priorities. Dr Hamlin also speaks to the role of TCFD as the largest employer in Sullivan County NY and it's commitment to the community.

Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) recently announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Catskill Hudson Bank and its parent company Catskill Hudson Bancorp. Catskill Hudson Bank will merge with and into HVCU, with HVCU as the surviving institution in a series of transactions. Catskills News Director Mike Sakell speaks with Mario L. Martinez, Chairman & CEO of Catskill Hudson Bank about the transition and partnership. Under the merger agreement, Mr. Martinez will serve as a Senior Market President. The merger is expected to be completed during the second half of 2024.

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with Jerry Dunleavy CEO Garnet Health Catskills about their mission and need for State of the Art Echocardiogram Equipment .

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with Gary Seigel about the Steam Fund’s Full Steam Ahead with Healthy Habits Initiative.

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with Sullivan 180 CEO Denise Frangiapane about the Empowering a Healthier Generation program and Healthiest Fire Department Challenge Turtle Awards.

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with A Single Bite Director of Operations Sara Hazelnis about A Single Bites Real Food Education Program.

Listen to the Catskills News Talk 92-5 and 93-9 special Chanukah presentation with the Landfield Avenue Synagogue. During these troubled times share in Shine Your Light of Peace This Chanukah Season and Celebrate A World With No Place for Hate. Host Mike Sakell speaks with Landfield Avenue Synagogue Interim Rabbi Jacob Stern about the story of Chanukah along with Synagogue Board of Directors Secretary Lori James. discussing No Place for Hate as part of this special program

Host Mike Sakell of Catskills News speaks with Marty Colavito and Dana Halprin of SALT about this weeks (10/25/23) LGBTQIA+ Community Town Hall at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center. The goal of this event is to provide a safe and inclusive space for our audience to learn more about the community, discuss issues, provide important feedback, and receive helpful information on available resources.   

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 9 DEBATE

Terry Bernardo; Republican line.

George Nikolados; Democratic and Sullivan United lines.

Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY DISTRICT 8 DEBATE

Amanda Ward; Republican line.

Justin Picciotti; Democratic and Sullivan United lines.

Moderator: Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 5 DEBATE

George Conklin, III; Republican line.

Cat Scott; Democrat and Sullivan United lines.

Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICTS 6 AND 7 CANDIDATE CONVERSATIONS

Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News, sits for individual conversations on the issues with unopposed District 6 Legislator Luis Alverez (D) and District 7 Legislator Joe Perello (D/R).

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 4 DEBATE

Nicholas Salomone Jr.; Republican/People First Lines

Maryallison Farley; Democrat/Mamakating First LInes

Moderated by Mike Sakell News Director, Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 3 DEBATE

Michael Brooks; Republican/Conservative Lines

Brian McPhillips; Democrat/People Over Politics Lines

Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 2 DEBATE Joanne Jasper; Republican line

Nadia Rajsz; Democrat/Sullivan United lines.

Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 1 DEBATE

Robert Doherty; Republican/Conservative Lines

Matt McPhillips; Democrat/Sullivan United Lines

Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

Catskills News Pod host Mike Sakell sits down with Sullivan County Partnership President and CEO Marc Baez to discuss the partnership plans to bring and expand business in Sullivan County. Baez talks about the many preapproved sites available that will streamline the process for potential businesses as well as it's targeting business through an upcoming marketing effort.

SALT, Sullivan Allies Leading Together, hosted a sit down with community stakeholders and youth discussing Youth Perceptions of Underage Cannibis Use. This discussion was recorded at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and moderated by Thomas Bosket.

Catskills News Pod Host Mike Sakell discusses the many services available through MISN. Maternal Infant Services Network Executive Director Jennifer Lansiquot will discuss infant services, including promoting breastfeeding information, medical insurance navigation for families, and student programs promoting health and well being.

Catskills News Pod Host Mike Sakell sits down for a conversation with Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Duvi Honig to talk about the work of his local, national and international organization that offers the oportunity for members, both Jewish and Non-Jewish to prosper in the business community. Honig focuses on his local connections with the Sullivan County community and work with the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Sakell speaks with John Thompson, director of CRISP, Catskills Regional Invasive Species Program on the effort to identify and in some cases remove invasive species at the new location of the Callicoon Creekside Park. The Sullivan County owned park is set to open in 2024. CRISP, a program of the Catskills Center for Conservation and Development, has been welcoming volunteers this summer to work with them on the invasive species project.

Host Mike Sakell sits with Sullivan County Democratic Committee Chair Anne Hart to discuss the upcoming election in November 2023 that includes competitive legislative races in 7 out of 9 districts. Hart talks about the candidates and the mission of Democrats in Sullivan County.

Mike Sakell checks in with new Sullivan County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Goldstein. Goldstein discusses his priorities for Republicans in Sullivan County, focusing on unity for the party and the road to November 2023.

Host Mike Sakell discusses the work of Iman Samuel Encarnacion and the Masjid Ahlis Sunnah Islamic Information Center of Sullivan County. The center serves as a community hub for the Islamic community and offers counseling and connections for individuals and families that may be dealing with substance misuse issues, domestic violence and other difficulties. Iman Encarancion also discusses being a spokesperson for the Islamic community, especially following the tragedy of 9/11.

The Black Library’s mission is to celebrate Black culture and history, as well as create a collaborative, creative, and educational atmosphere for the residents of Sullivan County, New York. Host Mike Sakell speaks with Douglas Schindler and Michael Davis as The Black Library prepares for it's grand opening on Saturday August 12 from 5-8 pm at their location on Broadway in Monticello. Schindler and Davis discuss their mission and the many community events planned as they open their doors.

Catksills News Pod host Mike Sakell sits down with Sullivan County Office for the Aging Coordinator of Services for the Aging Kelly Soller and Aging Services Specialist Judy Gerow to discuss HIICAP the Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program. Residents can find information on options for Medicare, EPIC prescription drug benefits, low income savings options and more.

Catskills News Pod Host Mike Sakell welcomes Garnet Health President and CEO Jonathan Schiller and Garnet Health Catskills CEO Jerry Dunleavy on a discussion on the health care systems financial situation as well it's interaction with community partners in the battle against substance abuse and treatment of mental illness. Both guests also talk about future plans including a news Catskill medical facility.

Catskills News Pod Host Mike Sakell sits down with Marty Rutberg of Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law. In light of the recent settlement with Ellenville School District in regards to a sexual abuse case between a teacher and student, Rutberg discusses the details of the case as well as school and institutional responsibility in regards to mandated report of suspected abuse. Marty Rutberg also reviews signs and has suggestions for parents and guardians in keeping their children safe.

Catskills News Pod Host Mike Sakell sits down with Author and Photographer Marisa Scheinfeld discussing the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project. The project is set to erect 20 historical markers throughout Sullivan and parts of Ulster County telling the historical story of the Borscht Belt and Jewish life in the Catskills. Scheinfeld also discusses her photography projects including work on her second book about the Catskills.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell sits down for a conversation with Shannon Kelly, CEO Catholic Charities of Orange Sullivan and Ulster Counties. They discuss the mission of the organization in our community plus talk about the many supporters within the community that make it possible. Kelly also discusses the ongoing work on providing substance misuse services and their many service organization partnerships.

Republican Primary Candidate Statement from Deputy County Attorney Thomas Cawley.

Candidate statement from Acting District Attorney Brian Conaty

Host Mike Sakell sits down with recently appointed Town of Thompson NY Historian Al Dumas in a conversation that covers a range of topics including his father's interest in historical facts that developed into Al's interest today. Take a trip down memory lane in the Town of Thompson and Monticello from the end of the Borscht Belt period to today. Dumas also reflects on the growth of the areas African American community and its influence to the area and this year's Juneteenth celebration.

Host Mike Sakell sits down with Museum at Bethel Woods director Neal Hitch focusing on the 2023 Special Exhibit The Place Where Peace Happened, exploring how communes such as The Hog Farm promoted volunteerism and the idea that personal action helps a community succeed. Peace was the plan leading up to the start of the Woodstock Festival and peace prevailed. Hitch also reports on his recent travels across the country as part of the Oral History Initiative first launched in 2020, plus new research and mapping of trails on the site of the 1969 festival. Neal Hitch also has thoughts on the future, and how todays generation may focus on peace.

Host Mike Sakell speaks with Krista Berger, Youth Workforce Coordinator at Center for Workforce Development on the many youth and young adult programs avialable including the WIOA Youth (Workforce InvestmentOpportunity Act) and SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program). Center for Workforce Development also has an in school youth program that is contracted with Work Readiness Training LLC . Krista Berger also talks about the upcoming Office for Workforce Development Job Fair on May 4 2023.

The Sullivan County Drug Task Force held its first public meeting of the year at the Sullivan County Government Center on March 24, 2023. The meeting includes updates from leaders of all nine drug task force "pillars" including Financial Management/Grants, Medical Provider Services, H.O.P.E and Prevention, United Sullivan, Policy Reform, Law Enforcement, Treatment Programs, C.A.R.E (Perinatal) and Veterans.

Host Mike Sakell speaks with SUNY Sullivan Director of Clinical Education Brandon Bedenbender on this weeks SUNY Sullivan Healthcare Conference and more on SUNY Sullivans Healthcare curriculum.