April 7 — April showers bring May flowers! But even without the showers, Sullivan County is in full bloom, especially with the amazing annual daffodils in the areas that participate in the Daffodil Project.

Coordinated locally by Dr. Hope Blecher, the project goal is to plant a daffodil for every child’s life lost during the Holocaust. Look throughout our area to see the beautiful flowers come to life this month. If you are interested in more information, please contact Hope@HopesCompass.org

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 3rd Thursday Networking Mixer at All Things Accuracy, 25 Sullivan Street, Liberty on April 17 from 5 pm – 7pm. This one-of-a-kind networking experience is where precision meets connection.

Whether you’re a seasoned archer or a total beginner, you’ll have the chance to learn archery skills, test your aim, and compete for bragging rights using our high-tech Laser Shot Simulator to see who’s the best shot in the room.

But it’s not just about hitting the bullseye — this is your chance to network with fellow business professionals, make meaningful connections, and enjoy an evening of hands-on fun in a relaxed and engaging setting. Come for the challenge, stay for the conversation. You won’t want to miss this exciting blend of business and bullseyes!

Light refreshments and snacks will be available. Beginners Welcome! Come connect, collaborate, and elevate your network! For more information or to register, please contact: office@catskills.com Free admission - Registration Required.

Info worth repeating and with a correction: What were you doing 50 years ago? Many were getting ready to graduate from High School and take on the world. And for the Monticello High School Class of 1975, it is time to celebrate at its 50 Year MHS Class Reunion to be held the weekend of September 5-6, 2025.

The weekend will kick-off with a Meet & Greet at Dos Gados at The Alder on Friday evening and a Reunion Celebration Gala on Saturday at Double Top Bar & Grill at Resorts World Catskills. For more information or to reserve (by July 21st), please contact: MontiHigh1975@gmail.com. Stay tuned here for continuing information.

Mark your calendars and get your tickets now for the River Rep Theatre’s 2nd Annual Gala Benefit for fund the 2025 season to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Delaware Valley Opera Center, Lake Huntington, NY. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door and can be purchased at https://myrivertickets.com

You can still get your tickets for The Boys and Girls Club 3rd Annual Raffle to benefit the fantastic activities run for our community throughout the year. Drawing is April 28th so get your tickets today. Sponsor donors include Bethel Woods, Monster Golf Club, Mr. Shane’s, Lemoncello, as well as spa, scratch-off basket and more! To secure your chance to win for a good cause: https://www.bgcorange.org/news-events/2025-raffle.html.

Monticello Elk’s Lodge #1544 will hold a Ham Dinner on April 11 from 5pm – 7pm. Tickets are $15. To pre-order, call 845-798-2545. Eggplant Parm is available for those observing Lent. And don’t forget their Penny Social on April 27th at Monticello Elks Lodge #1544. Doors open at 11:30am with drawing beginning at 1pm.

The Monticello Rotary Second Annual Taste of Sullivan in collaboration with SUNY Sullivan to benefit the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless will take place at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at SCCC on April 22, 2025 from 6pm - 8pm.

Tickets (which go quickly) are priced at $40 per person and are available online: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/PGFWGZAT853LN, through Monticello Rotary members, or by contacting RotaryMonti@gmail.com Vendor space is still available until April 11th as well.

On April 13th stop by the Claryville Fire Department to enjoy an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast. Starts at 8am and runs until noon. A delicious way to start your Sunday morning!

“Great Free Shoe Giveaway” will be held on April 12th at the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless from 10am – 2pm while supplies last. To receive a free pair of children and/or adult sizes (shoes/sneakers) the person must be present at the event.

Congratulations to the Monticello High School cast of “Legally Blonde” for a most enjoyable performance this past weekend. Special shout out to show lead Emily Pine on a fun and memorable performance and to graduating senior Morris Germann on a great senior year performance. Best of luck to Morris as he moves to his next leg of his journey at UNC Wilmington to study Biology/Nursing. You see, music and the Arts allows students to flourish. Bravo to all involved!

The Monticello Rotary Club is joining in the Unity Walk raising funds to fight and find a cure for Parkinson’s. Monticello Rotary Members Hudson Cooper and Les Kristt are co-chairing Team Monticello Rotary at the local Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Unity Walk sponsored locally by the Liberty Rotary Club. Under Cooper’s and Kristt’s leadership Monticello Rotary will solicit funds to garner much needed financial resources to eliminate this terrible disease. The local walk will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10:30am on the Hurleyville Rail-Trail.

It is an easy 1.3-mile walk that is quite scenic, pleasant, and will provide a first-hand look of the beauty of Spring in Sullivan County. All are encouraged to join in the efforts walking/donating with the Monticello or Liberty Rotary teams. The walk is easy enough where children and grandchildren can take part making this a family fun event for a good cause.

To Join Team Rotary or find out more information on how to participate and/or make a donation, please contact Hudson or Les at RotaryMonti@gmail.com.

Our community lost a caring and kind community servant in loosing Mike Brooks. In my work with him as a member of the Tri-Valley School Board, and his time as a Sullivan County Legislator, I always found a gentle soul who wanted to help others.

He always had a positive word to share and truly wished to help others for good. We lost one of the good ones. Condolences to the entire Brooks family and may Mike’s memory be for a blessing. RIP, my friend.

Happy Birthday to Nicki Wells, Laura Glass, Allyson Steinberg, Tiffany Ferris (4/8), Tim Havas, Cheryl Clohen (4/9), Josh Sommers, Michael Cordisco, (4/11), Barri Glick, Susan Dollard, Mary Ellen Hurley (4/12), Jill Steingart, Ann Hazelnis, Albi Beluli, Jamie Noeth, April Rieber, and our very own Sheriff Mike Schiff (4/14).

Get out and smell the daffodils! So much to do – just get out and do it! 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.