How can anyone say there isn’t anything to do in our community.  Each week is filled with ways to participate in all types of possibilities and all you have to do is know. That is what I am here for.  

Assembly member Paula Elaine Kay (District 100) will join the local community providing updates on key legislative issues, community initiatives, and state programs affecting seniors and local residents. Bring your questions and concerns to the Senior Coffee Club on Monday, September 8th at the Liberty Public Library, 189 North Main Street, Liberty, New York. Call 845-292-6070 for more information.

Don’t miss the award winning Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare, a 70-minute one woman one act play written and performed by Sandra Laub. This timely event is sponsored by Congregation Agudas Achim of Livingston Manor and will take place at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre in Hurleyville, New York on September 8th at 7pm. There will be a complimentary reception beginning at 5:30pm with a discussion with the playwright/actor immediately following the performance.

An American Jew, Laub dramatizes a variety of voices and perspectives emerging in the wake of grief, anger, heartache, and fear after the October 7th Hamas attack. Her play questions: Can the world understand and sympathize with two opposing groups of people: Israelis and Palestinians? How can both sides begin to heal from their traumas? How can American Jews, with their deep connection to and love for Israel express concern and criticism from a place of love and support.

Tickets are priced at $25 per person and $18 for students.  Please call (845) 798-2389 for further information.

Congratulations to Sullivan Central Rotary Club on its official Charter being granted by Rotary International on July 28. The new club is sponsored by the Monticello Rotary Club and proudly has 32 Charter members from throughout Sullivan County. The club meets virtually b-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month with in-person meetings planned as needed. If you are interested in how you can join the 1.4 million Rotarians in the world in doing good, please email sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com.

The Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 and the Monticello Fire Department are co-sponsoring a takeout roast beef dinner to benefit Carly Speer 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.

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop presents its second weekend of Beetlejuice Jr. Performances are at the Rivoli Theatre, South Fallsburg, on Friday and Saturday, August 15th & 16th at 7pm  and Sunday, August 17th at 2pm. For tickets: www.scdw.net or the box office.

The Monticello High School Class of 1975 celebrates its 50-year reunion on Saturday, September 6th at The Double Top Bar and Grill at Resorts World Catskills starting at 6pm. 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 don’t miss the 1975 Reunion Informal All Monti Alum Happy Hour at Dos Gados at The Adler from 5pm – 8pm.

The Monticello Fire House will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on August 21st from 1pm-6pm. To register go to RedCrossBlood.org.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

And you definitely don’t want to miss the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair at the Fairgrounds in Neversink starting on Friday, August 15th at Noon until August 17th at 6pm.  Fun for the entire family, this good old-fashioned country fair is a highlight of summer in the Catskills.  You won’t want to miss the Daniel Pierce Library, Funnel Cakes and Strawberry Shortcake, and my personal favorite – the Tri-Valley High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Ice Cream Booth. Go for the rides, traditional carnival foods, the amazing entertainment, crafts and baking, the adorable animals and so much more. You will not be disappointed with this country-classic experience.

Happy Birthday to Helen Diehl, Carol Weathers (8/12), Randy Katz (8/13), Chris Price JoAnn Drake (8/13), Honora Wohl, Scott Eckers (8/14), Donna Nilsen (8/15), Phyllis Kaufmann (8/17), Karen Crumley, Alyssa Rodriguez (8/18).

And, how can I not wish a very Happy Anniversary to Lori & Bill James (8/16).

Another packed week of knowing and going!  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 .