This past week has been filled with ups and downs in the unscripted version of this drama we call life.  So many wonderful events and celebrations; coupled with sad news with so much of what is going on, reminds me as my birthday (and the day 8 years ago I heard the words on that day, “You have cancer.), that there is much to be grateful for and so much more to do. 

Some have asked me if I find the title of this column offensive. (BTW – I suggested it).  Not at all.  I have what is to become 61 years of life – YES…LIFE, to have earned the honor to be a “Know It All.” So let’s see if I can live up to this title.

Congratulations to the Monticello Rotary for two successful events this past week.  They held the reconstituted Sullivan County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Bethel Woods.  A strong grouping of community members came together to help raise funds to fight this debilitating disease affecting over 6.7 million people and families in the Untied States.  You can still help the cause as donations are being accepted through the end of December online at https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=17798&pg=team&team_id=910154. 

And, if that wasn’t enough do-gooding, the entire community pitched in at the Monticello, Liberty, and Livingston Manor Blood Drive at Resorts World on September 30th.  The blood donated resulted in the ability to save 60 lives.  Special thanks to Sullivan County Public Health (Mental Health), NAMI of Sullivan County, and Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) for manning tables with information on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention during Suicide Prevention Month.  The next Blood Drive is scheduled in February during the Annual WSUL Heart-a-thon. 

This month the Monticello Rotary is holding its Annual Winter Coat Drive. Yup – a bit more of that community service stuff.  Donation boxes to drop off new or gently used coats for all ages and genders can be found at both Jeff Bank locations in Monticello, Ethel B. Crawford Library, Kristt/Kelly Office Supplies, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther’s District Office on Anawana Lake Road in Monticello, Albella Restaurant, Wayne Bank in Monticello, The Black Library, and the Sullivan County Government Center.  In addition, the Monticello High School Interact (The HS version of Rotary) will also have locations set up at each of the school buildings in the school district.

Congratulations Meghan Taylor on the well-deserved honor being named “2024 Woman of Achievement” by the Orange County Partnership for Economic Development.  Meghan is the Senior VP of Government Affairs and Public Relations at Genting Americas Inc.  Locally, we know her as a key person in all community relations at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello and division of Genting.  I was excited to share in her special moment, attending the Awards Breakfast last Tuesday.  

If you didn’t get a chance to stop by the Sullivan County Historical Society in Hurleyville to experience any part of the Voices of Survivors – Holocaust Remembrance Project, curated by Dr. Hope Blecher, you really missed something special.  It was a distinct privilege to be asked to present “The Influence of the Holocaust on the Arts. “An engaging and moving presentation,” said an audience member. It was my honor to be the voice of the artists (musicians, dancers, visual arts, media arts, and theatre) who have allowed us to continue the story of and for them through our work.  

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce has been busy holding an informative Multi-Chamber Mixer where Chambers came together to discuss the best way to serve the community by working collaboratively.  Deemed a huge success, Chamber President and CEO Ashley Leavitt says to stay tuned for more work in this area to provide user-friendly service to Sullivan County. They will also be holding their “First Friday (Second Friday due to Rosh Hashanah Holiday) Networking Breakfast at HPAC in Hurleyville on Friday, October 11th at 7:30am.  Contact the Sullivan County Chamber directly for more information. 

The Sullivan County Democratic Committee sponsored by the NYS Democratic Committee will be holding a “NY-19 Congressional Debate Watch Party” between Candidate Josh Riley and Congressman Marc Molinaro at its Election Headquarters on lower Broadway in Monticello on Thursday, October 10th from 6:30 – 9pm.  To register go to https://mobilize.us/s/o0Reyw

Happy Birthday Wishes go out to Mary Burkart, BettyJane Stevens, Tayla Regan, Carolyn Bivens, Charles Lee Miller (10/8), Joanna Goldfarb, Maria Kyprianou, SC Clerk Russel Reeves, Cristina Cellini (10/9), Mike Cohn, Steve Schwartz (10/10), my birthday twins Dr. Gerry Galarneau, Anna Dexheimer (Great people born on 10/11), George Nikolados 10/12, Angel Rein, and Dr. Ilan Zedek (10/13).  Happy Anniversary to Dr. Ilan and Nikki Zedek (10/5).  

Condolences go out to my dear friend Deena Tanzman, her daughters Tayla and Dara and their entire family on the sudden loss of their husband, father, Pop-Pop and friend to many.  Also to childhood neighbors and long-time family friend Steve Kapito on the loss of his brother Barry.  Our thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time. 

The Celebration of Life for Tony and Linda Cellini will take place on October 19-20, 2024:

Calling Hours: Saturday, October 19th, 11am-2pm, at VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home on Broadway in Monticello, Burial (private service): Saturday, October 19th, at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Jervis, NY, following calling hours and Celebration of Life: Sunday, October 20th, at the Rock Hill Fire Department from 11 AM to 3 PM. This will be an open, catered gathering to share stories and memories of Tony and Linda over a replicated version of the famous Roark’s Roast Beef Sandwich.

It is hard for me to believe another year of my life is just about to pass me by.  Those who know me know that one of my favorite expressions is that I am failing at retirement.  Some ask me why, after working so hard my entire life, and struggling with personal setbacks, I continue to push forward.  The answer is simple. 

These last few weeks have forced me to really reflect on life.  To be a true “Know It All,” I am privy to a great deal of the positive and negative going-ons.  In hearing so much, I truly understand that life needs to be lived to its fullest.  Take the time to enjoy the “nachus,” (the joys in our lives), and don’t sweat the bad stuff.  No matter your political affiliation, take this quote from Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz and live by it– “We’ll sleep when we’re dead!” 

So, hold your loved ones close.  Cherish and celebrate – live life to its fullest!  Tomorrow holds no promises, and all we have is now. And, if for no other reason, this life journey that I live by is truly what allows me to be distinctly honored to be called a “Know It All.”

Just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com.  Until Next Time…Be Safe, Be Healthy, Be Happy.