Graduations everywhere is the theme of June. From Pre-K to High School & College graduations, celebrations of a culmination of learning is being celebrated throughout our county with a focus on the future for each graduate.

I had the honor to preside over a recent unique graduation (and its Class Facilitator for the past year) – the graduation of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025. The mission of Leadership Sullivan is to develop informed and committed leaders from all segments of the community who will apply their collective experience and skills to serve, strengthen and improve the quality of life for all people who live and work in Sullivan County. Congrats to these Sullivan County Ambassadors Ean Blank, Jen Jensen, Ashley Leavitt, Janae Myers, Cassandra Rhodes, Jesse Robinson, Dawn Roemer, and Alicia Tuliweit.

Join the Leadership Sullivan Class for its Ribbon Cutting Tour of Class of 2025 project “Little Food Pantry” on Friday, June 20. Food insecurity is prominent in our community and in a rural setting, many times local food pantries may not be open or those in need may not be able to get to them due to transportation limitations. In addition, the face of those in need has changed as many of our own neighbors are struggling with the cost of groceries and may be in need to help ends meet. Stigma is also a key reason some will not seek out needed services. The “Little Food Pantry” allows those in need to get assistance with dignity. If you need, visit any of the locations and take what you need. If you can give, visit the location and leave your non-perishable donation of food. Locations and Ribbon Cutting Times: Liberty Police Department – 9am, Landfield Avenue Synagogue in Monticello (All Kosher Location) – 10:15am, Bethel Town Hall – 11:30am, The River Reporter in Narrowsburg at 12:45pm, Lumberland Town Hall, Glen Spey at 2:00pm. The pantries will be up and running on that day.

Don’t miss the Monticello Rotary Club Annual Chicken BBQ at De Hoyas Park in Monticello from 4pm – 7pm today, Tuesday, June 17. Arrive early to guarantee tickets still available at the door until what will sure to be a sell-out capacity. Tickets are $20 each for your delicious meal complete with all the sides. 

You have one more weekend to catch the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop production of “Sister Act: The Musical!” at the Rivoli Theatre, South Fallsburg on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21 at 8pm, as well as Sunday, June 22 at 2pm.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice in full bloom at Solstice in Bloom, an artisan market nestled in the lavender fields of Winterton Farms on Saturday, June 21. Shop handmade goods, meet local makers, enjoy live music, and embrace midsummer magic with your family and friends. Free admission and family friendly.

Echos of Harlem: A Juneteenth Tribute to Langston Hughes is a must-see event on June 18 at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre at 6:30pm. This captivating multimedia tribute to prolific poet Langston Hughes will inspire and impress. Experience Hughes’ words brought to life by local poet G. Oliver King, with live jazz by the Blue Hearts Quartet and striking visuals of the Harlem Renaissance. A powerful celebration of culture, history, and art. For more information and reserve your free ticket, contact HPAC at info@hpacNY.org or call (845) 985-4722.

For a great laugh and a bit of reflection, make sure you make time to see the Sullivan County Historical Society production of “Cranky Seniors are Loose Again:” Featuring Eileen Kalter, Peter Natashi, Jean Eifert, Paul Purschner, and Sally Gladden at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville on, Sunday, June 22 at 2pm.

The Unveiling for Richard Gordon will take place marking the of year of mourning period on June 22 at the Landfield Avenue Synagogue Cemetery on Rock Ridge Drive in Monticello at 11am officiated by Rabbi Lawrence Zeirler. May his memory be for a blessing.

Happy Birthday to Sullivan County District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, Cheryl Taylor, Ed Epstein (6/17), Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber, Michelle Schneider, Steve Melendez, Armand “Moonie” Seibert, Irving Kaplan, (6/18), Stephanie Blythe, Leo Kaytes, Stephany Lopez, Stuart Wizwer (6/19), My beautiful little sister and bestie Lisa Budoff Ouimette, Nancy Wegrzyn, Justice Mazzotti, Shannon Sanford, Maryann Kaplan, Joe D’Abbracio, (6/20), Nikki Harding, Dennis Browne (6/21), Lori Gibber Glauberman, Town of Thompson Councilperson Melinda Meddaugh, Danny Briggs (6/22), Diane Moss, Dawn Ciociari, Hollie Hall, Jamie Lippen Shanberg (6/23).

Hoping for a rain free weekend as we celebrate graduation, wedding, and event season in our county. Just get out and enjoy what Sullivan County has to offer. 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.