The cold and snow have hit together in Sullivan County making our landscape look like a beautiful winter country side.  Thanks to all the Highway Workers, Emergency Services Workers, Hospital and medical employees, firefighters, police, and others who have been keeping our community safe in this next stage of winter. 

Due to the inclement weather, the Vision Board “ladies gathering” Workshop at Forage & Gather in Hurleyville scheduled for January 19th from 2pm – 4pm has been postponed.  Please keep informed as to the new date by staying tuned to my column.  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.  Remember – you can’t help others without helping yourself. 

Hearts are all around the county in preparation of the 47th Annual WSUL Heart-a-thon to be held at Resorts World – Catskills on February 21st with over 150 local business and schools lending a hand in the project.  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. 

We also want your blood as The Sullivan Rotary Clubs (Monticello, Liberty, and Livingston Manor) Annual Heart-a-thon Blood Drive during the Heart-a-thon is scheduled to take place from Noon until 6pm on Friday, February 21st at Resorts World - Catskills.  Please sign up to donate blood remembering that 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 

The Ethelbert B. Crawford Library in Monticello is still collecting plastics that will be recycled into benches for outside the library in the beautiful Library Garden.  Please contact the library directly for further information on what can be donated and further information on this project. 

There is a Casting Call for Sullivan County Dramatic Workshops production of “The Odd Couple” (Female Version). Show dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20. Auditions will be held on Monday, January 27th from 6-8 pm via Zoom.  Please send resume and headshot (if you have one) to Director Charlie Redler at CharlieR51@gmail.com no later than Saturday, January 25 to schedule your audition or for further information.

The Sue Bunce Memorial Sullivan Freeze for the Cure Polar Bear Jump Fundraiser Part 1 for the Alzheimer’s Association took place on Saturday, January 18th at the White Lake Firehouse.  Teams from across the county braved the cold to raise money for this important cause.  Part 2 of this event will take place on Saturday, February 8 in Highland.  For more information, call 845 866-6275 or visit subzeroheroes.org. 

The Sullivan County SPCA is in need of wet kitten food as well as litter.  Please drop off items to the SPCA at 104 Rock Hill Drive, Rock Hill.  And, while you are there, maybe consider fostering or adopting some beautiful animals needing a home. 

The Hurleyville Fire Department and Town of Fallsburg Youth Commission will hold the 37th Annual Ice Fishing Contest at Morningside Lake, 614 Brickman Road, Hurleyville on Saturday, February 8th from 7am – 3pm. Adults are $5 with Children 15 and under – Free.  For more information contact Jack Halchak at 845 796-8598. 

The Rock Hill Fire Department will hold a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 9th from 8am – Noon at the Firehouse.  Known for serving real Rock Hill produced Maple Syrup, you are guaranteed a terrific breakfast and great company while helping out those who help others.  Tickets are Adult - $12 and Children under 12 - $10.

Nesin Cultural Arts Spring 2025 Registration is open.  Nurture your child’s creativity and imagination with after-school and weekend arts programs, including music, dance, theatre and visual arts offerings. Class seats are limited and go quickly for these popular programs.  To register visit https://buff.ly/4apLj2e .  Scholarships are available.  Offerings and additional information can be found on the digital flyer at https://buff.ly/3Cc2EPk .

On a personal note, one of the hardest things as a teacher is when we lose a former student.  One who was kind, smiled, and helpful to all who she was with, Darcy Stiene Duggan was a beautiful child and an amazing woman.  The world lost a brilliant and loving light, but she is finally at peace.  Condolences to her mother Gail, sister Dana Stone, and the entire family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.  May her memory be for a blessing. 

Happy Birthday to Ronnie Greene, Michelle Sheerer, Lily McCausland, (1/22), Charlotte Kesten, Jerome Martin, Lori Rivenburgh Simmons, Collen Delles (1/23), Jennifer Jensen, Russ LaSpina, Nancy Nicoletti, Christopher Evans (1/25), Riki Gitlin Frankel, Irina Natale, Des Gonzalez, and Danny Catalano (1/28). 

So, enjoy the Sullivan County Catskills Winter where there is so much to do!  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