A boil-water advisory is in effect for the village of Valatie due to a water main break at 10:45 a.m., Friday. The advisory will remain in place until further notice. The advisory is for anyone using municipal water. For information, valatievillage.com.

Gail Heinsohn is reporting in the Register Star RISA Management Corp. has filed in the New York Eastern Bankruptcy Court for voluntary bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11. The firm, headquartered in Westbury, Long Island, took over the CeramTec building on Route 20 in New Lebanon, two and a half years ago. It manufactures large-scale metal projects needed in the construction of various types of buildings, train stations and power plants, and counts the Long Island Railroad and New York City Transit among its clients. The company anticipated $10 million in revenue in 2011, and hoped to employ 40 people locally, according to published reports. In its Dec. 12 bankruptcy filing, RISA estimated anywhere from $1 million to $10 million in liabilities and the same amount in assets. Under Chapter 11 a business is able to continue operating while restructuring its debt. Read the full story in the Register Star.

The Hudson Valley Reporter is reporting state police from the Troop K barracks will participate in a nationwide crackdown on drunk driving during the holiday season, including stepped-up DWI checkpoints, increased DWI details, and more underage drinker details. Major Robin H. Benziger, said Troop K would like to give fair warning to all party-goers. The state police will make a large quantity of stops in the coming week and if anyone is suspected of driving while intoxicated, troopers will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Benziger said, "...we are going to keep our roads safe for travelers heading to visit friends and family,” Read the full story at hudsonvalleyreporter [dot] com.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 36F; low 23F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 37F; low 24F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Mostly sunny. High near 38. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 21.

Forecast for the next three days:

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 46. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 27.
Sunday: Rain likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 43. Sunday night, rain and snow likely, becoming all snow after 10 p.m. Cloudy. Low around 28.
Monday: A chance of snow showers before 7 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 35. Monday night, partly cloudy. Low around 10.

Sunrise today: 7:23 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:30 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:07 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Friday of the month.
WGXC recommends calling ahead to confirm time and location.

CLERMONT Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
HUDSON Historic Preservation Committee (tentative) at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil Grant. Call in with your views at 518-828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
10 a.m.: ¿Qué cocinaré hoy?: Roberto Rivera On the last ¿Qué cocinaré hoy? of 2013: A conversation with Puerto Rican mathematician Roberto Rivera, Ph.D., about the environment, the future of the planet and math. Plus a discussion on upcoming changes in the minimum wage in New York, and information on other labor rights, such as overtime pay and how it is calculated. Hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

Gail Heinsohn is reporting in the Register Star acting Rensselaer County Supreme Court Justice Henry F. Zwack has ruled against Chatham business owner Frank Genovese in an Article 78 proceeding filed in August against the village and two of its officers. Zwack called the matter "a tremendous waste of judicial time." Genovese filed the 376-page petition alleging Mayor Tom Curran, Treasurer Barbara Henry and the village failed to comply with two requests for information under the state's Freedom of Information Law. The village supplied more than 300 pages of records to Genovese, but he said the records provided were "intentionally obscured and incomplete." The mayor said the village intends to seek reimbursement for the $4,300 in legal fee expended defending the matter. He said, "...it would be a disservice to the taxpayer[s] not to recover the fees." Read the full story in the Register Star.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="450"] The Windham Path.
(Courtesy windhamarf.org)[/caption]

Michael Ryan is reporting in The Daily Mail the Windham Area Recreation Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Hudson River Valley Greenway for the Windham Path trail project. The award was made as part of the Greenway Conservancy Small Grant Program. The funds will be invested in the next phase of the project, which will link the existing 1.5-mile portion of the trail located along Route 23, to Route 296. The new segment will cross the Batavia Kill via a pedestrian bridge, then wind through adjacent fields before connecting with Route 296 near South Street. The Windham Path is the centerpiece of the Windham Trail Vision, the Windham Area Recreation Foundation's master plan for trail-based recreation in the area. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

The Daily Freeman is reporting unemployment rates declined throughout the Mid-Hudson region and statewide in November, the New York Department of Labor reported Tues., Dec. 24. In Greene County, the jobless rate was reported as 7.3 percent, unchanged from October, but down from 9.1 percent in November 2012. In Columbia County, the unemployment rate last month was 5.5 percent, down from 5.9 percent in October and 6.8 percent one year ago. Unemployment also decreased in Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. Statewide the rate dropped from 7.5 percent in October to less than 7 percent in November. Read the full story in Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 32F; low 20F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 33F; low 22F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 5 p.m. Cloud. High near 33. Thursday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 9 p.m. Mostly clear. Low around 20.

Forecast for the next three days:

Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 34. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 23.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 44. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 27.
Sunday: A chance of snow before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain. Partly sunny. High near 43. Sunday night, a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. Low around 25.

Sunrise today: 7:23 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:29 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:06 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Thursday of the month.
WGXC recommends calling ahead to confirm time and location.


CHATHAM Village Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GERMANTOWN Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown (537-6687).
STUYVESANT Greenway Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
WINDHAM Town Board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil Grant. Call in with your views at 518-828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Signing Off Famous radio and television sign-offs and final broadcasts are featured, from Edward R. Murrow ("Good night and good luck"), Porky Pig ("That's All Folk"), Casey Kasem ("Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars"), and others. Many are taken from "Last Transmissions" work by Melissa Dubbin and Aaron S. Davidson. Plus, Sonic Youth, The Muppets, The Mickey Mouse Club, Gregory Whitehead, and more.
3:30 p.m.: Kids' Brain Radio Live from the Catskill Community Center. Hosted by Matt Bua and Sam Sebren.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 25F; low 19F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 25F; low 21F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Partly sunny. High near 22. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 18.

Forecast for the next three days:

Thursday: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 35. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 20.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 35. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 25.
Saturday: Sunny. High near 43. Saturday night, mostly clear. Low around 29.

Sunrise today: 7:22 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:29 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:06 hrs.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: Bedazzled Radio Christmas Hosted by Spike Priggen.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: Monday Musical Matinee Christmas Hosted by Sheri Bauer-Mayorga and Lincoln Mayorga.
10 a.m.: The Right Opinion: The Reverend Kathryn Beilke The Reverend Kathryn Beilkeof Hudson's First Presbyterian Church is the featured guest for this Christmas Day broadcast. The discussion will focus on religion, the meaning of Christmas and the future of the historic First Presbyterian Church, which plays a central role in the spiritual and cultural life in the city of Hudson. Plus Christmas songs from the Drifters. Hosted by Ed Fertik.
11 a.m.: Zooms: Christmas Hosted by Tyson Hauf.
12 p.m. (noon): WGXC Christmas Special mix
1 p.m. Crossroads in Rhythm Christmas Hosted by Alan Skerrett
3 p.m.: WGXC Christmas Special mix
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News
7 p.m.: All Hopped Up (and Ready to Go): Christmas Special Hosted by Tony Fletcher.
9:30 p.m.: Vinyl Rundown: Christmas Night Special live Christmas edition of Vinyl Rundown. Host Chris Bishop is expected to be joined in the Hudson studio by Liv Carrow (Low Tide) and other special guests, for a night of Christmas music, psychedelic folk and other vinyl ventures.

Claude Haton is reporting in The Daily Mail a statewide gift-giving program has reached Greene and Columbia counties. United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties recently received a large shipment of toys, games, jackets and coats for distribution among needy families and individuals, just in time for Christmas. New York State Department of Transportation employees delivered 175 toys, 100 coats, hats and gloves Fri., Dec. 20, filling the showroom of Scott Alarm Systems in Catskill. Outerstuff, a youth clothing company based in New York, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, First Book and Barnes & Noble, Carnegie Hall and the Toy Industry Foundation were among the private corporations and organizations that contributed to the effort. The United Way will distribute the items locally. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's fourth State of the State address will be held Jan. 8 in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. The governor is expected to lay out his legislative agenda for the coming year at that time. New Yorkers who wish to attend the speech should visit the governor's homepage at www [dot] governor [dot] ny [dot] gov to register. The registration period goes from Mon., Dec. 23 through 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 30. Guests will be notified of their selection via email by Mon., Jan. 6. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Public News Service is reporting pressure is mounting for retailers statewide to stop the use of disposable bags, but the push for change is greatest in New York City, where discarded plastic bags, often seen stuck in trees and in the sewers, are being called "urban tumbleweed." Mike Clifford has the story: PLAY (1:54).

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 30F; low 8F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 33F; low 11F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: A slight chance of snow showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 33. Tuesday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 8 p.m. Cloudy. Low around 9.

Forecast for the next three days:

Wednesday (Christmas Day): Mostly sunny. High near 21. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 17.
Thursday: A slight chance of rain showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 37. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 23.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 37. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 20.

Sunrise today: 7:22 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:28 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:06 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Tuesday of the month.
WGXC recommends calling ahead to confirm time and location.


HUDSON Community Development and Planning Agency Board special meeting at 12 p.m. (noon), at City Hall, 520 Warren St., Hudson (751-1044). Bids will be opened at this special meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to select a successful bidder for the purchase of 208 Columbia Street and to conduct an environmental review of such sale prior to award of the bid. HCDPA will sell property located at 208 Columbia for the purpose of construction of low to moderate income housing.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: The Night Before Christmas Many version of the night before Christmas are read, performed, interpreted, and more.
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20131224 International radio and media show. The show is produced jointly by PCJ in Taiwan and Canada. Producer/Presenter: Keith Perron.

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil Grant. Call in with your views at 518-828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
7 p.m.: Radio Warfare: Christmas Eve Break the Silence of the Night! Live from Hudson N.Y.! Radio Warfare with Tim Livingston Rock & Roll will be live on Christmas Eve. Spinning a mix of garage, punk, power-pop, crunchy guitar instrumentals, and straight-up rock & roll Christmas music!

Some of the stories that made the news Dec. 20 through Dec. 23:

Michael Ryan reported in the Windham Journal the town of Windham is now recruiting for a part-time police chief. The Windham Town Board last week directed retiring full-time police chief Stacy Post to send out letters of interest to potential candidates. Post will leave the job Dec. 31, and be sworn in as the new town supervisor, Jan. 1. She defeated current supervisor Stephen Walker in November. Local officials hope to name a replacement from within the department. Post said at least one officer has expressed an interest in the job. The new chief is expected to be chosen Jan. 6. Read the full story in the Windham Journal.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="269"] Map of the proposed Copake Agricultural Center.
(Courtesy efarmaccess.com)[/caption]

David Lee reported in the Register Star the Copake Agricultural Center is expected to take a step forward this week, as it is scheduled to close on the purchase of 122 acres in Copake. The parcel being acquired is known as the town center farm land. The Copake Agricultural Center is a project of Northeast Farm Access. The group's vision for the center is to bring together farmers, investors and farm organizations to create an innovative demonstration farm. The owners of the property will consist of a group of 20 investors, the primary shareholder being the Camphill Foundation. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Parry Teasdale reported in the Columbia Paper incumbent Chatham Town Council member Maria Lull, a Republican, has been reelected to a four-year term by one vote. A ruling by Acting State Supreme Court Judge Henry Zwack on the remaining handful of contested ballots Mon., Dec. 16, gave her the victory over Democrat Landra Haber. With Ms. Lull's reelection, the composition of the town board remains the same -- two Republicans and two Democrats. Supervisor Jesse DeGroodt is not currently enrolled in an official political party. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

The Daily Freeman reported the trustees of the Athens Community Foundation announced the distribution of 39 grants to 29 organizations and groups that represent community interests. The grants, totaling more than $166,000, were awarded to civic, sports, cultural, fraternal, educational and government groups. This marks the 11th year that grants were handed out by the foundation. The original source of the funding came from a negotiated agreement between Athens Generating and the town of Athens. A full list of grant recipients was not immediately made available. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 44F; low 23F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 45F; low 24F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Rain likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Cloudy. High near 48. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Monday night, cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing. Low around 24.

Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: A slight chance of rain showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of snow showers after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny. High near 33. Tuesday night, mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing. Low around 11.
Wednesday (Christmas Day): Mostly sunny. High near 26. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 20.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. High near 38. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 25.

Sunrise today: 7:22 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:28 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:05 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Monday of the month.
WGXC recommends calling ahead to confirm time and location.


CATSKILL Village board meeting (cancelled) at 7 p.m. at Firehouse near Catskill Commons (Wal Mart) (943-3830).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors’ Economic Development Committee Meeting (cancelled), 5 p.m at 401 State St., Hudson.
HALCOTT Town meeting (rescheduled) at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 813 Route 3, Halcott Center (845-254-9920)
HUDSON Common Council Police Committee Meeting (cancelled), 6 p.m. at City Hall; Fire Committee Meeting at 6:45 p.m., at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
STUYVESANT Planning Board meeting (rescheduled) at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Holiday Mix Ghosts of Christmases past haunt the airwaves all night.
5:30 a.m.: This Week in Radio News: 20131223 Radio news about Christmas, and more.

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil Grant. Call in with your views at 518-828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

Bryan Rowzee in the Ravena News-Herald reports there was no opposition to Lafarge cement plant's request for a tax abatement before the Albany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) at a public meeting Dec. 12. Lafarge's application was for a tax abatement to purchase capital equipment for its current modernization project, and only received favorable comments about how the company should get a tax break. "We are also reducing emissions. The reductions are from 50-90 [percent]. We are sustaining 112 union and non-union jobs while also bringing in close to 800 temporary jobs," said Lafarge Plant Manager Mike Kralik. State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk said, “As the state senator representing Ravena, I join a host of federal, state and local officials, including County Executive Dan McCoy, Coeymans Town Supervisor Steven D. Flach and Ravena Mayor John T. Bruno in supporting the Ravena plant.” Read the full story in the Ravena News-Herald.

After several weekends of cold temperatures and snow, the National Weather Service predicts that temperatures should remain above freezing until Christmas Eve, and it may rain much of the weekend. Windham Mountain has 35 trails open, with six lifts running, with 17"-53" of snow. The Adventure Park opens this weekend with snow tubing. Windham is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Christmas Day, then 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 31. Hunter Mountain has five lifts for 47 trails with 12-58" of snow. Catamount Ski in Hillsdale has 18 of 33 trails open with four of six lifts running over 18-30" of snow. Click here to play audio of WGXC Ski Report. PLAY CLIP (1:09)

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sun., Dec. 22. PLAY AUDIO (1:50)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Rain this weekend. PLAY AUDIO (1:09)

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Acra, in Greene County.

• Sunday: Rain likely, mainly before 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 63, and a low around 47.

• Monday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 49. A chance of snow showers, after 8 p.m.. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

• Tuesday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

Sunrise 7:21 a.m.
Sunset 4:27 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 9:43 P.M. 10:12 A.M.
Mercury 7:12 A.M. 4:04 P.M.
Venus 9:08 A.M. 6:39 P.M.
Mars 12:22 A.M. 12:19 P.M.
Jupiter 5:32 P.M. 8:37 A.M.
Saturn 3:57 A.M. 2:05 P.M.
Uranus 12:09 P.M. 12:37 A.M.
Neptune 10:48 A.M. 9:32 P.M.
Pluto 7:52 A.M. 5:21 P.M.

WGXC Programming

Dec. 21, 2013: 8 p.m. – Dec. 22, 2013: 3 a.m.: Saturday Night Special: Holiday Jeer
Strange, weird, odd, and otherwise unworldly holiday tunes. Background music for your holiday party. Live party banter, historic holiday WGXC recordings, radio traditions, and more.
3 a.m. – 5 a.m.: An Orson Welles Christmas
Welles direction of "A Christmas Carol," and his 1944 reading with Bing Crosby of "The Happy Prince" are included with other works.
5 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.: Radia: Brussels
International radio art show, this week from Belgium.
5:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.: CounterSpin: Stephen Cohen, Jeff Chester
This is the 20th year of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting's media analysis radio show, hosted by Janine Jackson, Steve Rendall, and Peter Hart. This week: "Stephen Cohen on Ukraine, Jeff Chester on corporate surveillance."
Dec. 22, 2013: 7 p.m. – Dec. 23, 2013: 2 a.m.: Fourth Annual Christmas Spectacular
Holiday lunacy featuring luminaries Brian Dewan, Liv Carrow, Louis Munroe, and others. Live performances of musicians at Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson, NY are streamed live at wgxc.org, and occasionally broadcast live on WGXC 90.7-FM. Live webstream for this show available from Wave Farm and WGXC at http://comm.free103point9.org:8000/spottydog.mp3.m3u and rebroadcast on WGXC 90.7-FM at midnight the same night, Mon., Dec. 23.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Wed., Dec. 18, signed into law the Nonprofit Revitalization Act. According to a statement released by Attorney General Eric T. Scheiderman, the legislation "includes substantial reforms that will cut red tape while enhancing governance and oversight of nonprofits." Doug Sauer, the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Council of Nonprofits congratulated everyone involved in passage of the Act, noting the new law represented "significant and much needed reform." Under the new law, nonprofit governance and oversight has been increased to prevent fraud, and also includes various measures to significantly reduce unnecessary and outdated burdens on nonprofits.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Dec. 21. PLAY AUDIO (1:14)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: 3Rain this weekend. PLAY AUDIO (1:09)

Radio News
Reports about talking to Santa Claus on ham radio, and tracking Santa's trip with NORAD's radar. Click here to play clip. PLAY AUDIO (1:32)

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Acra, in Greene County.

• Saturday: Rain, mainly after 11 a.m. High near 50, low around 46.

• Sunday: Rain, mainly before 4 p.m. High near 60, with a low around 45.

• Monday: A chance of showers, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.

Sunrise 7:21 a.m.
Sunset 4:26 p.m.
Winter Solstice 12:11 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 8:45 P.M. 9:43 A.M.
Mercury 7:08 A.M. 4:02 P.M.
Venus 9:13 A.M. 6:42 P.M.
Mars 12:23 A.M. 12:22 P.M.
Jupiter 5:37 P.M. 8:41 A.M.
Saturn 4:00 A.M. 2:09 P.M.
Uranus 12:13 P.M. 12:41 A.M.
Neptune 10:52 A.M. 9:35 P.M.
Pluto 7:56 A.M. 5:25 P.M.

WGXC Programming

Dec. 20, 2013: 8 p.m. – Dec. 21, 2013: 2 p.m.: Johanna Warren, Paige Chaplin
Singer-songwriters Johanna Warren and Paige Chaplin perform. For the last six years Warren has fronted the band Sticklips, an experimental project. The 24-year-old songwriter now has a debut solo album. Live performances of musicians at Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson, NY are streamed live at wgxc.org, and occasionally broadcast live on WGXC 90.7-FM. Live webstream for this show available from Wave Farm and WGXC at http://comm.free103point9.org:8000/spottydog.mp3.m3u and broadcast on WGXC 90.7-FM at midnight the same night, then Sat., Dec. 21, and again at 12:30 p.m.
2 a.m. – 4 a.m.: Radio Stew: Station to Station
Radio station sounds and songs from David Bowie, and others.
4 a.m. - 5 a.m.: Low Power Hour: Seminar
The ALPB (Association of Low Power Broadcasters) has begun a series of low power radio seminars, a suggestiion of Canadian Member Artisan Radio, and in this first seminar Carl Blare presents some guidelines for constructing a simple, easy-to-do world newscast for your station; a promotional message brings ideas on "How We Sound;" a war composer goes out of character and writes a polka; NBC celebrates its 30th from 1956 - Part 1.
5 a.m. – 7 a.m.: Shortwave Hours: Santa on Echolink
Two hours of shortwave radio-oriented programming, starting with solar weather, news on meteor showers and ham radio, and other reports. Other reports include:
5 a.m., "The RAIN Report" includes "Noted contester Tim Duffy/K3LR talks about his Contest University" and "Amateur Radio Relay League Audio Report" reports: "ARRL's 'Symbol Rate' Petition Nears the Top of FCC's 'Most Active Proceedings' List; The ARRL Centennial QSO Party Kicks Off January 1!;The story of how two Amateur Radio clubs gave back to their communities this holiday season."
5:30 a.m.: "Glenn Hauser's World of Radio" DX and station news countries all over the world.
6 a.m.: "Amateur Radio Newsline" This week: "The murderer of ham radio operator and his wife gets life behind prison bars; UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom is re-evaluating ham radio licensing requirements; Myanmar could soon crate an amateur radio service; the South Africa Radio League celebrates the life and passing of Nelson Mandela and Santa comes to Echolink."
6:30 a.m.: "This Week in Radio News" from host Tom Roe at Wave Farm's WGXC with radio news about radio waves. This week: "Prometheus Radio has a new proposal for a larger low-power FM service: 250 watts. NPR gets grants to coordinate its webstreams. ESPN does not suck anymore. And other radio and media news. Plus this week in radio history, and more.
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Saturday Morning Serial: Winter Wonder
Selections from holiday transmissions are mixed with Salvation Army bells, strange sounds, and more seasonal noises. Includes Run DMC ("Christmas in Hollis"); Dickie Goodman ("Santa and the Satellite"); Paul Harvey (with a report of Santa's take-off live from the North Pole); Spike Jones ("Jingle Bells" and "My Birthday Comes on Christmas"); Bing Crosby and Orson Welles ("The Happy Prince" from Dec. 24, 1944); Shawn Hansen ("Mystery Carol"), Oscar the Grouch ("I Hate Christmas"); Megyn Kelly, Jon Stewart, and Bill Cosby on the color of Santa Claus; Bob Dylan ("It Must Be Santa"); The Residents ("Santa Dog"); and also excerpts from "A Christmas Story" and from a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello holiday routine, and others, and Vince Guaraldi's "Skating."
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Radia: Hillel Schwartz013:
Radia Show 455: "The Quiet Noisy Interview" from XL AIR, Brussels, Belgium. "Radia" is an international coalition of stations interested in new and forgotten ways of making radio. Each week, one station makes a show for all the others. This week: "An interview with Hillel Schwartz by Dieter Van Dam."
11 a.m. – noon: What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Budget Compromise
A federal budget compromise with something to offend everyone, and no extension of jobless benefits. But it did make Speaker Boehner take on his critics in the tea party think tanks. From host Paul Fischer through Pacifica Radio.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Distract and Disable: December 2013
Oscillations aplenty and readings from the screen play for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” by Steven Spielberg, from Jonny Farrow in the United Arab Emirates.
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Saturday Afternoon Show: Christmas on the Radio
Santa is on the shortwave, and all sorts of experimental composers, from Shawn Hansen to John Zorn, have holiday music to share. Hosted by Tom Roe live from Wave Farm in Acra, NY.
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Off The Hook: 20131219
Do not call during rebroadcast. Off The Hook, from the hacker zine 2600, airs every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET in New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, and is rebroadcast the next morning at 5 a.m. on WGXC and free103point9 Online Radio. It is simulcast online via streaming MP3 and via shortwave on WBCQ The Planet at 5110 KHz. Join #offthehook on irc.2600.net to chat during the show. Email show at oth [at] 2600.com. Do not call during the rebroadcast.
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Framework: Mark Vernon
This edition of framework:afield, "Forth Valley Royal Hospital: A Portrait in Sound," has been produced in Scotland by regular contributor Mark Vernon. For more information see http://www.meagreresource.com. "Framework" is a show about field recordings, acoustic ecology, and sounds.
8 p.m. – Dec. 22, 2013: 3 a.m.: Saturday Night Special: Holiday Jeer
Strange, weird, odd, and otherwise unworldly holiday tunes. Background music for your holiday party. Live party banter, historic holiday WGXC recordings, radio traditions, and more.