John J. Lennon is a prison journalist currently serving a 28-years-to-life sentence at Sullivan Correctional Facility for murder, drug sales, and gun possession. He is a contributing editor at Esquire and a…
Category: Features
Invasive Species to Have on Your Radar
Invasive species wreak havoc on the wild spaces and agriculture throughout the region. In New York, the state Department of Environmental Conservation defines invasive species as “non-native species that can cause harm…
Meet Joanna Gass – Catskill Singer
Joanna Gass, a beloved local singer who performs with Search and Rescue and frequently appears at events throughout Sullivan County, such as Bethel Music by the Lake. Joanna, who sang during the…
Incarcerated Sullivan Correctional Journalist Discusses Challenges of Creative Work in Prison
The New York State Prison agency has revoked a policy that prohibited incarcerated writers and artists from publishing their creative work. This policy, which was put into effect on May 11, mandated…
Science Stories with Joe Johnson
Former Port Jervis Science Teacher and Radio Catskill volunteer Joe Johnson brings us some science stories making headlines this week, including: alarm about the possible arrival of the the scary-looking Joro Spider…
Documentary Detailing the History of Cannabis Screening at Narrowsburg Union
Cannabis has been cultivated around the world for centuries; however, the plant has been politicized and stigmatized in the US for the last 100 years. In 1970, a young lawyer named Frank…
After Six Year Hiatus, BioBlitz Returns to NEPA for 24 Hours of Species-Spotting
The 2024 Upper Delaware BioBlitz will be held on June 28th and 29th at The Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in Boyds Mills, Wayne County, PA. Eight teams of scientists and amateur naturalists…
833 Days of Walking: “Moving Toward Health” Columnist Discusses the Power of Commitment
Maggi Fitzpatrick is the Health & Wellness Columnist for the Sullivan County Democrat. Her column is “Moving Toward Health.” Over two years ago Maggi and her husband committed to walking 45 minutes…
Goodwill’s Secrets: Christopher Mele Unveils New Book
Christopher Mele, a senior staff editor at the NY Times with nearly 40 years of experience in community newspapers in New York and Pennsylvania, has authored a new book. In “Goodwill’s Secrets,”…