Happy New Year sentiments are in the air as the holiday season winds down and we bring in 2025. There is so much to do and so much that makes our community shine and never more so than in the way we support each other by being there whether on a personal level, or participating in events and projects that make our community the best it can be.

I know, I sound like the head cheerleader for Sullivan County. And, although I may not have the pop-poms to prove it, maybe I just am! Why? Because with all that is problematic in our county, I choose to look at the glass half full and what wonderful things are going on in our county.  Maybe you can make a New Year Resolution with that in mind?  

For example, kudos to Sheriff Mike Schiff and Under Sheriff Eric Chaboty, The Monticello Rotary Club, and so many others who spent time prior to the holidays collecting beautiful gifts for distribution at the Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility. Realizing that many would not be home for the holidays, our community came together to bring home to those who couldn’t be there.

How about the amazing Holiday Dinner prepared for all by the Federation for the Homeless? Kathy Kreiter and her crew of volunteers made sure that everyone had a safe and warm place to go, with gifts, food, and most importantly, the love of caring people surrounding those most vulnerable at this time of year.

And, let’s not forget the toys galore spread throughout our community by Julian Dawson and his exemplary work with all things United Way. No child went without that was in need and many students earned community service hours while doing good for others. 

None of that will change in 2025. As these organizations do for others throughout the year. So, it is important that we keep the holiday spirit and support these causes and local businesses to help Sullivan County thrive. And, my job is to keep you in the know. So, moving forward into the New Year…

If you have children 11 and under, don’t miss the Happy Noon Eve Party Celebration at the Ethelbert Crawford Library in Monticello on December 31st from 11am until Noon. Registration is required so call now as they bring in the New Year early for those who won’t make it until midnight for the big event!

And speaking of children, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce just held a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Goldielocks and the Three Bears Children’s Hair Salon at Serenity’s Touch II at 444 Broadway, Monticello. The salon specializes in haircuts for kids in a child friendly atmosphere with special attention to sensory needs of autistic children. Call for an appointment today. 

Free! (did I get your attention now) Guided Snowshoe at East Mongaup River Park is on January 11th from 10am – 12 Noon. In the event of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled to the next day.  Join Hal Simon of Fortress Bikes as he offers group snowshoe lessons and a guided walk!

Free Snowshoe rentals are still available to the first 25 Town residents who RSVP and call/email the Town to select their size of snowshoe. Have your own snowshoes? Just show up and join the walk! To RSVP, email jferriero@townofthompson.com today…or call 845-434-7303.

The Sue Bunce Memorial Sullivan Freeze for the Cure Polar Bear Jump Fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association with take place on Saturday, January 18th starting at 10am with the Plunge at Noon at the White Lake Firehouse. For more information, call 845 866-6275 or visit subzeroheroes.org. 

And speaking of plunging - The 47th 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-thon is in full swing announcing its Chair for this year’s event – SUNY Sullivan President Dr. David Potash. The Heart-a-thon will take place from 6am – 6pm on Friday, February 21st at Resorts World Catskills. T-Shirts can be ordered with all collected from the t-shirts donated to the cause. Healthy Heart Dinner locations will be coming out soon, organizations wishing to participate in the Health Fair (10am – 4pm) and/or to create a team fundraising event are signing up now. Hang Your Hearts are in distribution throughout the community to our amazing business community so donate a dollar to hang your own personal heart message. And the Heart-a-thon committee under that leadership of Dawn Ciorciari and Les Kristt are busy planning to ensure this is the best event ever. For more information, contact me (proud to be the longest serving volunteer for this event at 47 years), at LoriJames.scdemocrat@gmail.com. 

And speaking of the Heart-a-thon, the Monticello, Liberty, and Livingston Manor Rotary Clubs will be holding its Annual Heart-a-thon Blood Drive during the Heart-a-thon from Noon until 6pm. Please sign up to donate blood as each pint collected saves 3 lives. Supplies are low and you are needed by your neighbors to help. Sign-up today at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/321501 

The Swearing In Ceremony for NYS Assemblywoman Paula Kay will take place on January 5, 2025 at 1pm at the Thompson Town Hall, 4052 Route 42, Monticello. I am excited to work with Paula in her new role, and know she will stand up and deliver for ALL. 

Sullivan County lost hotel icon Marilyn Brizel recently. Marilyn, former co-owner with husband Milton, of the Flagler Hotel, was the first person who greeted any guest of the resort making sure any needs were met.  She was a tough cookie who sought perfection in her role understanding that she and her staff were the faces of Sullivan County and what that meant to the economic development of the County.  A strong advocate of SUNY Sullivan, and Fallsburg Central School District PTA, she believed that education opened minds to the possible.  Condolences to her son Robert Brizel and the entire family.  May her memory be for a blessing. 

Happy Birthday President and CEO of SC Chamber of Commerce Ashley Leavitt, Tyler Murtie, Gerry Skoda (12/31). Becky Perez, Debbie Muller (1/3), Lorelei Davis (1/4), Julia Kurthy, Heather Carnesi, Marissa Jurow, Christopher Russo (1/5), Laura Garone, Alyssa Thalman, Lauree Novegradsky (1/6).

2024 is officially in the books and we begin tonight by ringing in the New Year.  Many have hopes as to what that might look like, dedicating themselves to New Year Resolutions they long to achieve, while others look toward what the future can hold in a better tomorrow.  What is your plan to make a difference?  Let me know! Wishing all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.  And, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com.