The Catch Up

As Red Hook's Hardscrabble Day turns 50, publisher Walter Mullin sits down with reporters Matt Moment and Athan Yanos to unpack the festival's history. They dig into where the "Hardscrabble" nickname came from, its 1975 bicentennial origins tied to founding father Egbert Benson, and decades of oddball traditions, from Civil War reenactments to a Marc Molinaro dunk tank. They also discuss the event's near-collapse in 2005, its rescue by local volunteers, and how musician Matthew Donahue transformed it into a regional draw with acts like Gregg Rolie and The Tubes. They close with a look at this year's celebration, including Teen Scrabble performers and a new Elmendorf history exhibit. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

It's back to school week in the Hudson Valley, and Walter Mullin sits down with The Daily Catch's new education reporter, Aleah Gatto, for her debut on the podcast. Aleah walks through Rhinebeck's district-wide math curriculum overhaul, including the Bridges in Mathematics program and its "number corner" exercises, plus a new costume and fashion design course at the high school. Then the conversation turns to Red Hook, where career and technical education is booming, from welding and cybersecurity to the Winners Circle car-building program and STEAM activities as early as elementary school. Walter and Aleah close by discussing what these changes say about the shift toward hands-on, experiential learning across New York State schools. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

In his first extended sit-down since taking over on July 1, Bard College Acting President Jonathan Becker joins Daily Catch editor Emily Sachar to address the college's most consequential leadership transition in more than 50 years. Becker discusses succeeding Leon Botstein, whose 51-year tenure ended after a WilmerHale-reviewed investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein; the presidential search process; strong fall admissions numbers; new board policies on gifts and conflicts of interest; and his own ambitions for the interim role. He also reflects on institutional identity versus individual leadership, Bard's global programs, and the college's long-standing commitment to student voting rights and civic engagement. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

Recorded live from the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Emily Sachar chats with Carolyn McGraw, the new 4-H Youth Leadership and Workforce Development Program Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Carolyn shares her own path from lifelong 4-H'er to program leader, explains how 4-H builds confidence and public-speaking skills far beyond the show ring, and gets candid about the hardest lesson kids learn on sale night. They also dig into how 4-H competes with screens and social media for kids' attention, where Dutchess County membership stands post-COVID, and how families can get involved. Sponsored this week by Foster's at the Fair. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

Rhinebeck school officials say the district's buildings need serious work, from 60-year-old ventilation equipment to new security vestibules, playground upgrades, and bathroom renovations. Voters will decide on a $15.7 million capital improvement plan in a special election October 20th, split into two propositions: a tax-neutral $8 million Proposition 1 covering the most urgent fixes, and a $7.6 million Proposition 2 that would raise taxes by about $90 a year for a $700,000 home. Daily Catch reporter Aleah Gatto, in her first appearance on the show, walks editor Emily Sachar through what's driving the proposal, how the district split it into two linked propositions, and what residents can expect before the vote, including a September 22nd meeting with the district's financial advisor and architect. Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio