When you really think about it, all we have is our health. Ever have a runny nose and wish for the days when you could breathe easily and took it for granted? And those dealing with serious illness, … more

If an out-of-town visitor is in town for long enough, it’s bound to happen. At some point we’ll spot them with their hands held tight against both ears and a shocked look on their face.  … more

There is something special about the arrival of autumn in Sullivan County. Today, the fall equinox marks the turning point between summer and winter, when daylight hours and nighttime are nearly … more

The last house on our Derbyshire house tour was the Hardwick Estate, one of the two houses built by Elizabeth of Shrewsbury (1527-1608), who was a true Boss Lady and the second richest woman in … more

The start of a new school year brings a familiar rhythm back to Sullivan County. School buses are once again traveling our roads, children are waiting at bus stops and parents are making the morning … more

The question has lurked in my head for months now, springing up at the most unexpected times.  more

Twenty-five years. It is hard to believe that a quarter-century has passed since the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when the world as we knew it changed forever. For those old enough to … more

My friend and intrepid travel buddy Marystephanie and I were ready to see Chatsworth on the fourth day of our tour, but we were a bit panicked. Word had leaked out from some of our fellow tourmates that we would have to climb a six-foot stile on our journey to Chatsworth. When questioned, our guide Christopher “Gentle Incline” Garibaldi admitted that it was true. Now we had made it through some pretty interesting squeeze stiles so far on our treks, but the thought of a six-footer was definitely daunting. Nevertheless, we set off with a spring in our step and fingers crossed. more

Recently, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation applauded five years of progress in making higher education in the state more affordable, accessible and attainable. The … more

Warning: What you’re about to read may cause the people around you to look at you like you’re losing your mind. You might want to let them know that you’re about to start talking to yourself … or not. You can always just see how long it takes them to notice. more

Labor Day is often thought of as the unofficial end of summer—one last long weekend, one last barbecue, one last chance to enjoy the sunshine before the school buses return and the pace of life … more

At long last the day arrived. I was going to be visiting the legendary Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire. It was the promise of a visit to Chatsworth that had lured me on this journey to begin with. … more

As we enter September just like the trees around us, we start to change with the change of the season. more

His voice was soft, almost a mumble, but I heard enough to understand.  The stranger standing near the doors to Marshall’s in Monticello was asking for money.  The family … more

Recently, New York was one of 47 states to join in on a landmark lawsuit against Meta (the company that owns Facebook and Instagram) claiming the platforms are harmful to teens and children. The … more

To the editor: The thing about a lie is… … you can’t tell just one. They’re compounding, they feed one another. You have to keep track of what you said and who you said it to. And … more

My friend Marystephanie and I were enjoying our hikes to country houses in Derbyshire, England, much more when the heat broke after two days of 90+ degrees.  Our next day’s journey took us to … more

To the editor: In the early morning hours of August 19, I can only describe what I felt as gob smacked. The news was atrociously reported as a callous leak unbeknownst to the staff, residents, … more

To the editor: For the past year, I have wanted to address several matters concerning the Youngsville Fire District and provide the community with information I believe has not been fully or … more

It’s a simple phrase, but one that might hold a lot of weight to so many for many reasons. It’s tough being open for business. This past week’s news cycle saw a collection of stories that … more

The lasts have begun again.  Somehow, they feel even more final this time, perhaps because we’ve been here before.  more

To the editor: To us Fortunate Sons (and Daughters) who scored an invite to this year’s Jeff Bank Customer Appreciation Night at the Forestburgh Playhouse, what can you do but steal a line … more

To the editor: It is with sincere sadness that I have submitted my resignation to the Youngsville Fire District Board today, August 17. When I was asked to join the board, I felt it was one … more

To the editor: I was extremely pleased that Fred Stabbert III was the most recent inductee to the Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tourney Hall of Fame. No one is more deserving of the honor. … more

To the editor: Despite being classified as a mostly rural county with a year-round population of only 80,000 residents, Sullivan County is not immune to serious crime. … more