We are officially in the heat of the summer! And, events are heating up as well! With lots to do and learn from and tons of fun to be had, mark your calendar ensuring you don’t miss a beat.

It’s time for Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) monthly Community Conversation and they would LOVE for you to join in!

Join SALT at the Ethelbert Crawford Library in Monticello on July 10 at 6pm for this engaging and thought-provoking conversation on FREEDOM. We’re all thinking about freedom in all its shapes and sizes; when we have it, when we don’t; when we take it for granted, when we honor it.  Come join this monthly community conversation where participants practice listening and learning from each other, sharing deep thoughts and funny memories. We are in this life together, and the more we talk WITH each other about what’s in our hearts and minds, the better.

Please arrive on time! Once started, the conversation can get deep and it’s important to be there at the beginning. Doors will close promptly at 6:10pm to ensure the best experience of the conversation.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce invites you to its July Monthly Networking Breakfast, held at the beautiful Eldred Preserve and sponsored by Sullivan 180 on Friday, July 11 at 7:30am.

Sullivan 180 will present “A Morning of Wellness and Nature”.  Start your day with a fun, trivia-style presentation by Sullivan 180 on the mental health benefits of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. Sullivan 180 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a healthier Sullivan County through people, places, and policy.  After breakfast and networking, you’re invited to enjoy an optional peaceful walk along The Eldred Preserve’s scenic 2-mile trail and explore their stunning gardens – a perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and appreciate the natural beauty of our region.

Start your day with connection, purpose, and community.  Register now to secure your spot by contacting the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at 845-791-4200.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about my dear friend, Jonathan Charles Fox in his new one-man show: Get Off My Lawn! on Saturday, July 12 at 8pm at The Cinema at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre.

Guaranteed to be a special evening with master storyteller Jonathan Charles Fox and That Dog Named Gidget. Whether he’s regaling us with anecdotes about his childhood, his adolescence, or his storied career on stage and screen, “Get Off My Lawn” promises to be an evening you won’t soon forget. “I’m a legend in my own mind” Fox quips. “Think of it as a conversation between good friends, one in which I do most of the talking.” *Some stories may be of mature content*.

To reserve your ticket ($20) which I am sure will be an SRO performance, call HPAC at (845) 985-4722.

Also, don’t miss the Paint-a-Tile Night at HPAC on Wednesday, July 9 at 6pm. Be part of something lasting and join HPAC for a special evening of community connection and creativity!

As part of HPAC’s Capital Campaign to restore and reimagine the historic Hurleyville Train Station, they invite you to paint a tile that will become a permanent piece of the station’s new mural.

While tile kits are available to take home throughout the summer, this event is a unique opportunity to paint your tile onsite at HPAC surrounded by neighbors, inspired by community, and supported with all materials and guidance on hand. Tiles will be collected and stored for installation in the renovated station.  Be part of a collaborative public artwork honoring Hurleyville’s past and future.

One  complimentary Beer or Wine is included with tile kit purchase for the paint night. Reserve your ticket priced at $100 per person for all the materials by calling 845- 985-4722.

Congratulations to Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 Scholarship recipients Hailey Kaplan, Hannah Titus, Andrew Weiner and Dante Tallia. 

The Sullivan County Historical Society invites you to an afternoon of “Where Are We? Presented by Roger Baker on July 13 at 2pm. You have seen his art work each Friday in the Sullivan County Democrat. Roger will share a behind the scenes presentation of how he chooses the sites he has used in his weekly contest. To date he has had over 40 of his pictures in the Democrat. There is no charge for the presentation, however, donations are always appreciated. Refreshments will be available.

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop presents “BELLES” – a dramatic comedy by Mark Dunn.  BELLES is a full-length play told in “two acts and 45 phone calls!”

Belles visits six southern sisters, who, over the course of an autumn weekend, seek to bridge the physical and emotional distance between them via the telephone and in the process come to terms with their shattered family history.

Directed by Charlie Redler and produced by Harold Tighe, these six sisters (and one guy) pack an emotional punch you don’t want to miss. The cast includes Jean Eifert, Rachel Ferrari, Teddy Hirschorn, Lourdesa Hunt, Pamela LeConey, Amber Schmidt and Tony Puleo.

Performances are at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg on Fridays and Saturdays, July 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8pm and Sundays, July 13 and 20 at 2pm. And, on Saturday, July 12, at 2pm, a special benefit performance with all proceeds going to the Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County. Tickets are available at the box office or online at www.scdw.net.

The Sullivan County SPCA Animal Rescue will hold a Summer BBQ-Vendor Event-Yardsale on  July 13 from 9am-3pm at 104 Rock Hill Drive in Rock Hill. BBQ at 11:30am.

The Grahamsville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will hold its Vendor Crafts & Treasure Vendors Event on July 12 from 10am-3pm at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds. 

And, don’t forget the Wurtsboro Board of Trade Founders Day Street Fair on Saturday, July 12 from 11am-5pm. Music, Vendors, Food, and Fun for the whole family!

Happy Birthday to Debbie Stave, Jay Azzato (7/8), Michael Bensimon (7/9), Gayle Irving, Sandy Wagner (7/10), Jackie Rutledge, Glynn Magilton, John Slaver, Barry Greynolds (7/11), Lina Ledvin, Joe Prestianni (7/12) Tedarrel Gray, Roe Marcellino (7/13), Tara Berescik Burke (7/14).

So much happening in the heat of summer! Stay hydrated and get out there and enjoy! 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.