Bold plans for next year’s New Year’s

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — WJFF Radio Catskill is planning for December 31, 2008 to be a different New Year’s Eve in our area. Based on the success of similar celebrations around the country and across the world, the station is now putting out a call to organizations throughout the region to join together to discuss the feasibility and coordination of First Night Catskills 2009.

Started in 1976 in Boston, First Night has grown into an international celebration of community, the arts, new beginnings and family activities, with cities from Auckland, New Zealand to Whistler, British Columbia and across the United States taking part. All First Night events are substance-free and, therefore, family-friendly, and each performance focuses on the host area’s artistic richness.

Coordinating such an effort is a large task, so WJFF is seeking assistance in planning, coordinating and implementing the parts of the program necessary for success. With several arts, cultural and community-based organizations in the area, there are several potential partners already active in the region. Station manager Mike D’Antonio has called a First Night Catskills 2009 planning meeting for Friday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jeffersonville branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library (corner of Jefferson and Centre Streets in Jeffersonville).

The meeting is open to all who would like to take part in what will likely become a Steering Committee to coordinate the First Night celebration throughout the remainder of 2008. Interested parties are asked to contact Mike D’Antonio at miked@wjffradio.org or by phone at 845/482-4141.

For more information visit firstnightintl.org.