How quickly the month of September is flying by. The cool evenings and warm days provide the perfect opportunity to get out and about to participate in all Sullivan County has to offer.

Your input is wanted! Provide feedback on the Town of Thompson’s updated comprehensive plan at the September 16 Public Hearing at 7pm at the Town Hall. Also called a “master plan,” this document provides direction on policy recommendations about future land use and development in the Town. Thompson’s planning consultant, Delaware Engineering, will give a brief overview of the draft plan, including the vision statement, goals and recommended actions that will guide policy decisions in Thompson over the next five to ten years. You can share feedback and make comments in person at the meeting, or in writing by e-mailing the Town Clerk at marilee@thompsonny.gov. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on September 30.

The Sullivan Central Rotary Club presents “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors. This food drive event to benefit United Way of Sullivan County will hold the main event on Saturday, September 20 at the Town of Thompson Town Hall from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. In addition, Food Collection Boxes will be set up to drop off items prior to the main event through September 19 at Office of Assembly Member Paula Kay on Broadway in Monticello, Liberty Dollar Tree, White Sulphur Dollar General, Rock Hill Pharmacy, Platinum Leaf, D.A. Brian Conaty’s Office, Sullivan County Clerk Russell Reeves’ Office, Sullivan County Treasurer Nancy Buck’s - County Treasurers Office, Children’s Home in Liberty, and Berson Associates in Monticello, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Liberty. Non-perishable items such as canned veggies and fruit, pasta, tuna, soups, jarred tomato sauce, shelf stable milk, and baby foods are sought to help feed our neighbors in need. This project is the start of a legacy project within the community with more information to come. For more information, please contact Co-Chairs Dawn Roemer and Alyssa Wowk at sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com.

The Sullivan County Substance Abuse Task Force invites all to Voices of Recovery: A Festive Community Celebration on Thursday, September 18 at Hanofee Park, Liberty from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Fun games for all ages, vendors, Community Resources, music, entertainment, refreshments and more. For additional information call 845-513-2077.

The 3rd annual chief Ozzy Gonzales poker run will be held on September 20. Kick stands up at 12 noon leaving from the Smallwood-Mongaup Fire House for a scenic route throughout Sullivan County with five stops along the way. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and sausage and peppers will be served along with 50-50 and raffles. Last stop will be Hector‘s in Bethel. Registration is event day.

Woodburne Fire Department Annual Chicken BBQ will be held on Sunday, September 21 from Noon - 4 p.m at 560 Hasbrouke A Road, Woodbourne. Tickets are $15. For more information or to reserve tickets call 845-434-6763.

The Grahamsville Fire Department will be hosting its 3rd Annual Chicken BBQ at the Tractor Show at the Fairgrounds on September 20. Tickets are on sale now for presale at $15 a dinner! For more information or to reserve tickets, call 845-985-2260.

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 a.m. – 11 a.m. raising funds to benefit the Sullivan County Ride to Survive and Liberty Central School District National Honor Society. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. 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.

The Professional Women of Sullivan County (PWSC) will hold its September meeting at the Munson Diner, 12 Lake Street, Liberty on Wednesday, September 17. Networking at 6 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Christina Carminati, a Therapist/Staff Social Worker at SC Government and Adjunct Professor in Human Services at SCCC will speak about “How Women Can Protect Our Mental Health.” The public is invited. Order off the menu. RSVP to Amy Colon at: acolon@sunysullivan.edu.

Do you like to sing? Come unwind with the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg on Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m. for Karaoke in the Catskills. The acoustics are great. Grab the mic and belt out your favorite songs. Beer and wine are available (for purchase) to whet your talent and wet your vocal cords. Don’t sing? No problem, cheer on your friends (old and new), dance along, make some noise. Bring your bestie (18yrs.+) have a beer or a glass of wine (21yrs+). Admission is free; donations welcome.

Happy Birthday to Sarah Mootz, William Hulse, Demetrius Vernezos (9/16), Peter Kunz (9/17), Carol MacAdam, Anna Gibbs (9/18), Stephanie Byrne, Donna Donovan (9/19), Jared Kaufman, Pat Walsh, Scott Mace, Roe Romano (9/20), Meghan McCormick, Nancy McDonald-Gilbert, Jennifer Reeves (9/21), Vanetta Lane, Grace Lanuti (9/22).

Hope to see you all out and about there soon! 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.