August 29 – Welcome Back to all the Students, Teachers, and Staff of all of our local schools. Wishing everyone a productive and great year of growth. Education is the one thing in life that we obtain that nobody can take away from us. And if you are not still in school, that doesn’t mean you can’t still learn. Find what is out there – sign-up and do it. Whether an Adult Learning Class, Dance Class, Art Class, Cooking Class, Workshop, or Happening, there is much we can take away from each opportunity. That is the best way for us to personally grow.

Congratulations to the Grand New Opening of the Attain Lab at SUNY Sullivan. The Attain Lab is a grant-funded, cost-free resource for New Yorkers 17+ that provides digital literacy training, GED Prep, career exploration, and industry-recognized certifications such as Microsoft Office, Quick Books, Azure Fundamentals, Rosetta Stone for English plus 24 other languages. Please contact the college directly for further information.

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop proudly presents the finale of its Plays in Development Series weekends from September 5-September 14 at the Rivoli Theatre. In the Spring, audiences were invited to view five short plays and give feedback to the authors, directors, and actors. Playwrights took the constructive criticism and wove it into their pieces.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg. For further information and tickets please visit www.scdw.net.

Seeing a great local band is fantastic. Seeing the band at a spectacular community-minded local business is fabulous. Doing both while supporting those in need – well that is just outright awesome. Mark your calendar for an outstanding night of fun and music while doing good for others. Far Beyond Gone will Rock the House (well, Tavern), at the Forestburgh Playhouse Tavern on Friday, September 12 at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm for dinner and drinks (not included in ticket price). Cover is $15. This event will help support the Sullivan Central Rotary Club “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” Food Drive Project which will take place at the Town of Thompson Town Hall on Saturday, September 20 from 9am until 1pm to benefit the United Way of Sullivan County and the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless Canned Corn Drive. To reserve your seat, please call FB Playhouse at 845-794-1194.

Don’t miss the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department Second Annual BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Dinner on Saturday, September 13 starting at 4-7pm or until sold out. Adults are priced at $12, with kids 6-12 $8 each. Tickets available at the door.

Nesin Cultural Arts (NCA) is holding its Fall Registration.  Classes and workshops are available for Pre-K through Grade 12 in Music, Dance, Visual Arts, and Theatre. The Aspiring Young Musicians Program offers one-on-one lessons and ensembles taught by world-class outstanding teachers and professional musicians. Bring your little one to NCA’s new Baby & Me Music and Movement Class. Call 845-798-9006 for more information.

Don’t miss the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Fall Festival/The Great Pumpkin 5K Dash on Saturday, September 20 (Rain Date: September 21) at Walnut Mountain, 73 Walnut Mountain Road, Liberty. The 5K Dash will take place from 9-11am raising funds to benefit the Sullivan County Ride to Survive and Liberty Central School District National Honor Society. From 11am-4pm come and enjoy delicious food, bouncy houses, hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and more. Vendors are still being sought. Contact 845-292-7690 for more information.

It has been a busy past two weeks in our house with me continuing to heal, and now Bill joining me in the ranks of recovery. We are both on the mend with time and we can’t thank those who have reached out enough for their kindness. We are blessed to be surrounded by such a caring community.

Happy Birthday to Melinda Little-Green (9/2), Abe Rosenberg, (9/3), Shari Cohen Koster (9/4), Sullivan County Coroner Alan Kesten, Joshua Deitchman, Joanne Alesi, Kwane Delvalle, Pat Walsh (9/5), Beth Leshner Garner, Slam Alan (9/6), Colleen Cunningham, Katie Ippolito Fagan, Ellen Cutler, (9/7), Dan McCormack, Dan Smalls (9/8).

So, as the back-to-school haircuts, first day outfits, new bookbags and school supplies have been acquired and the new school year is underway, remember that with all the great things happening in our community, there is much to do and plenty to find your new learning and participation opportunities. And I am always willing to learn so, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com .