The new year is well in swing with 2025 bringing in so many wonderful family opportunities, new lease on life opportunities, and ways to make yourself better opportunities – all right here in Sullivan County. So, let’s take a look at what this year is already shaping up to be. 

The Town of Thompson Recreation Department will be holding a Family Winter Fun Day at the Park on Saturday, February 8th from 11am – 1pm. Enjoy a FREE day of winter events at the beautiful East Mongaup River Park! There will be hiking, sledding (visit the “Sled Shed” to borrow a sled or bring your own), plus crafts for all ages and refreshments, too. And, you won’t want to miss the snowman contest.

And, don’t forget the Guided Snowshoe at East Mongaup River Park 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.

Hearts – Hearts Everywhere! Local businesses are beginning the Annual Hang Your Heart Campaign to benefit the 47th Annual WSUL Heart-a-thon to be held at Resorts World – Catskills on February 21st. Leave your name, a message of hope, a memorial message, or even a simple funny message while supporting this worthy cause. Red Hearts are a minimum of $1 with Gold Hearts at a minimum of $10. And, by shopping locally supporting these businesses that support this local event, you can make our community better. 

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. Blood 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 

Also, a new addition to the Heart-a-thon this year is a Community Health/Wellness Fair being hosted by the Monticello Rotary Club and Chaired by there very own (And SC Democrat Sports Editor) Crystal Tweed. If you are an organization or any individual in the Wellness field wishing to participate as a vendor or provider, please send an email to RotaryMonti@gmail.com. 

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. 

The First (Second) Friday Networking Breakfast for the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is on January 10th at the Heinle’s General Store, Cochecton. This month’s breakfast is being sponsored by Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. 

Mark your calendar for a “ladies gathering” at Forage Gather in Hurleyville for Vision Board Workshop on January 19th from 2pm – 4pm. This workshop lead by Cris Spinner will allow those attending to create a visual of 2025. A great self-care workshop that is fun and free. Give yourself the gift of reflection and time.

Also, make sure to circle the date of April 22nd for the Monticello Rotary Taste of Sullivan Event at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at SUNY Sullivan at 6pm – 8pm. This sold-out event was a hit last year with over 20 local restaurants and food/beverage establishments providing samplings of their products. A great time was had by all, prompting the Monticello Rotary to make this an annual event.

It was my honor to sing our National Anthem at the Swearing In Ceremony for NYS Assemblywoman Paula Kay which took place on January 5, 2025 at the Thompson Town Hall. Paula has hit the ground running serving all in the 100th Assembly District.

Sheriff Mike Schiff announced his intension to run for re-election at an SRO event at Albella in Monticello. The bi-partisan room told stories on how Sheriff Schiff ensured safety and services to them personally, their organization, their business, and their family and friends. 

Deputy Sullivan County Treasurer Kathleen Lara is excited to announce the launch of her campaign for the office of Sullivan County Treasurer. The announcement will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the Sullivan County Government Center. Nancy Buck, the current Sullivan County Treasurer, has announced that she will be retiring effective December 31, 2025. Lara has been praised for being a passionate advocate for governmental transparency and responsible stewardship. During her January 10, 2025, announcement, Kathleen will outline her plans and goals for the Sullivan County Treasurer’s Office. The public is encouraged to attend, learn more about the campaign, and get involved in her grassroots efforts to bring positive productive change to the office. For further information about the event or to RSVP, please email KathleenLaraTreasurer@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Karen Collura, Erin Slaver (1/8), Bob Ernst, Shannon Porter, Toni Carnesi-Montemurro, Kate Purcell (1/12), Ellen Pavloff, Martin Banner, Gary Silver 1/13). 

So much to do. So many places to go. So many opportunities to learn and have fun! Right here in our own backyard! Happy 2025 with more to come! 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.