And, just like that we are half way through with summer. As the calendar page turns to August (or for those who swipe left to the new month on their device), we start to look for Back to School Sales, while still holding tight to the Dog Days of Summer. Now is the time to take advantage of the sunshine and warmth with the plethora of activities. 

The start of August in Sullivan County is always marked by one event that has been a standout for now 47 years. The Monticello Rotary Club holds its 47th Annual Monster Run Classic with proceeds to benefit the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition on Saturday, August 2nd at Resorts World Catskills. This is a rain or shine event. Preregistration is encouraged https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Monticello/MonsterClassic. Day of registration is available starting at 7am the day of the race. For more information, email RotaryMontiMonsterRun@hotmail.com.

National Night Out will take place at Krieger Park in Woodridge from 5:30pm – 8pm on Tuesday, August 5th. Come have a great time filled with music, crafts, give-a-ways, games, face painting, basketball tournament, free eats (kosher foods available) and more.  

Join the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 31 from 9:00 am–1:00 pm at Resorts World Catskills for the “Galvanize Marketing Masterclass” featuring marketing expert Dr. Heidi Davidson. Learn to master storytelling, turn data into compelling narratives, integrate AI, manage your brand’s reputation, and more—all through engaging, hands-on instruction. Presented in partnership with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, this $100 investment includes the masterclass, workbook, refreshments, and a full hot breakfast at 8:15am. Space is limited—enroll today by contacting the Sullivan County Chamber at (845) 791-4200. 

Then continue your networking experience at the SC Chamber First Friday Networking Breakfast on August 1st at Roscoe Mountain Club, 100 Fairway View Drive, Roscoe sponsored by Jeff Bank. Contact the Chamber Office to reserve your seat at (845-0 791-4200.

The best part about being part of the Sullivan County community is the way the community steps up to assist their neighbors in need. We go out of our way to help others and the tradition of doing good continues with the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 and the Monticello Fire Department as they co-sponsor a takeout roast beef dinner to benefit Past Exalted Ruler Michael Speer’s daughter Carly who is being treated for cancer. The dinner is at the firehouse on Friday, August 15th from 4:30pm - 7 pm with tickets priced at $20. Donations are also being accepted. 

Don’t miss the Harry Shapiro Chicken BBQ hosted by the Fallsburg Fire Department on Saturday, August 2nd from 2pm – 6pm. Dinner is Take Out Only with tickets priced at $15 per dinner. 

And rolling into town is the Loch Sheldrake Mobile Market Stop on July 30th at 2:30pm at the corner of Hasbrouck A Road and Route 52. Shop for fresh fruits, veggies, eggs, meat, dairy, and more. Accepting cash, credit/debit, SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Fresh Connect Checks, Fresh Rx, Sullivan Fresh Bucks, Senior & Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupons. A great way to eat healthy at an affordable price, sponsored by Sullivan Fresh. 

The Monticello High School Class of 1975 celebrates its 50-year reunion on Friday, September 6th at The Double Top Bar and Grill at Resorts World Catskills starting at 6pm.  Over 60 classmates who have already RSVP’d for this unforgettable weekend of laughter, reflection, and celebration ready to reconnect with old friends, share stories, and make new memories.  Cost is $70 per person and includes dinner buffet, DJ entertainment, and program.  Financial assistance is available as the committee wants everyone to feel welcome.  Discounted Hotel rates are available at The Alder and Resorts World Catskills as well.  To reserve your ticket for the Reunion, or for further information, email montihigh1975@gmail.com 

And what could be better than to mark your calendars for The Bagel Festival in Monticello on Sunday, August 10th.  The day is filled with music, food, vendors, and fun celebrating the home of the Bagel Capital of the World.  Sponsored by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, this is now a 13-year annual tradition showcasing so much of what is great about Sullivan County. 

The Landfield Avenue Synagogue will have its famous Bagel Dog booth set up at the end of Landfield Avenue during the Bagel Festival. This year Sullivan County resident Camielle O’Brien will be at the booth at noon to share her experience as part of the National July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. She is saving room for the delicious Kosher Bagel Dogs at the booth and she may even demonstrate her technique for her success while there. Don’t miss it!

Applications for the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Leadership Sullivan Class are available now. Learn about Sullivan County while building leadership skills and networking with a focus on how to make Sullivan County the best it can be. Deadline for submission is August 15th. To find out more information on these events, contact the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce directly at 845-791-4200. 

Condolences to the Goodman, Novogrodsky, and Kaufman families on the loss of family matriarch Beatrice “Pookie” Novogradsky. A true woman of valor and pillar of the community, Pookie will best be remembers as a caring, no nonsense, honest woman who loved her family and community. May her memory be for a blessing.

Happy Birthday to the one and only Ellen Neumann, Christina Antizzo, Joanne Gerow (7/30), Dawn Roemer, Tina Rau (7/31), Hope Blecher, Daisy Green (8/1), Kelly McRell, Allison Scheinfeld, Stacy Cohen (8/2), Captain America (AKA - Eddie Wilson), Derek Kirk (8/4), Joyce Salimeno Gitlin (8/4). 

As we wind down the summer there is still so much to do in Sullivan County. Just mark your calendars, plan accordingly, and 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.