The first month of 2025 is coming to a close with many hoping the Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow in hopes of an early spring. Either way, we have so much going on in Sullivan County that enables lots to learn, support, bring family together, and have fun, that we don’t need to mind a few more weeks of winter either. 

The Sue Bunce Memorial Sullivan Freeze for the Cure Polar Bear Jump Fundraiser Part II for the Alzheimer’s Association takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Highland. Teams from across the county will again brave the cold to raise money for this important cause. For more information, call 845 866-6275 or visit subzeroheroes.org. 

The SUNY Sullivan Heart Cards are starting to pop up everywhere. This past weekend, members of the Monticello and Liberty Rotary Clubs were on hand at Resorts World Casino selling Hearts with proceeds benefiting the 47th Annual WSUL Heart-a-thon to be held at Resorts World – Catskills on February 21st. The Rotarians will be at Resorts World every weekend leading up to the big event. Purchase there or at the over 150 locations throughout Sullivan County. 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. 

Are you hungry? There will be a special Night of Giving at Mr. Shane’s in Matamoras PA on Thursday, February 6th in which 10% of all sales will be donated to the Heart-a-thon. Contact Mr. Shane’s for more information. Also, A Single Bite will sponsor Hearty Meal Thursday: a $60 take-out dinner for 4 on February 13th. Please call 845-482-1030 for more information or to make your reservation before February 10th. 

The Vision Board “ladies gathering” Workshop at Forage & Gather in Hurleyville has been rescheduled for Februrary 15th 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. Remember – you can’t help others without helping yourself. 

Did you know that 60% of Sullivan County residents are eligible to donate blood and yet, only 2% donate in all the blood drives held in Sullivan County? 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 have officially hit emergency levels, and you are needed by your neighbors to help. Sign-up today at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/321501. 

There is a Casting Call for Sullivan County Dramatic Workshops production of “Siter Act.”. Show dates are June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22., 2025. Auditions in person will be on Saturday, February 1st , from 1:00 to 5:00pm at the Fallsburg Senior Center, Laurel Avenue, South Fallsburg. Callbacks will be on Sunday, February 2nd, 1:00 – 4:00pm. Please be prepared to stay for the entire callback. For more information contact Director Alexis Costa at alexiscosta720@gmail.com.

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.

The Coldest Night of the Year event to benefit locally the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless is a National Program held annually on what is, by the calendar, The Coldest Night of the Year. Join Team Monti Rotary & Friends to help raise funds for this event. The Team will walk on Saturday, February 22nd from 4pm – 6pm at Dos Gados in Monticello.  Members of any Rotary, other service clubs or organizations, or friends may join the team or donate directly, using this link: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1026771&langPref=en-CA 

Remember - for most of us, we will wrap ourselves in warmth in many ways. For many, the cold brutal nights exist regularly. Help to help those keeping so many warm on those nights through their warming centers. By doing so, you are saving lives, and in some cases, of people you may know. Make a difference and join the Monti Rotary & Friends team today.

Condolences to Lori Schneider on the loss of her sister, Sondra Brown. May her memory be fore a blessing. 

Speedy recovery to Carol Montana and Mary Burkhart. 

Happy Birthday to Tim Crumley, Dr. Barry Scheinfeld, Alaina Bendi (1/29), Pat Lubin (1/30). Marie Smith, Gifford Booth, Oliver King, Donna Hemmer (1/31), Aleta Lymon, Michael Hazelnis (2/1), Judy Siegel, Michael Iannucci, Frank Muller, Jen Metzger (2/3). 

So, get out and enjoy the great things happening around our county! Whether you see your own shadow or not, there is no reason to go back into hibernation! 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.