October 13 — As the leaves drop to the ground, and the chill of the air becomes more permanent, it is clear that Fall is upon us. The other signal that it is Fall are all the signs sprouting up in each of our communities as Fall also mean election season. Although we may not like the signs, the barrage of calls, and the political ads that are in abundance; we must remember that voting is the most important responsibilities we have as citizens.

Dates you need to know: Early voting begins October 25, 2025 and ends on November 2, 2025. Last day to register to vote for the November 4, 2025 General Election Day is October 25, 2025. Voting hours and locations can be found on the Sullivan County Board of Elections website. Make your plan and get out and vote.

Don’t forget the Ethelbert B. Crawford Library Budget and Trustee Vote on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 3 PM – 8 PM at the Library.

With the election day upon us there are so many opportunities to learn about the candidates. The Town of Thompson Democratic Committee is holding a Meet & Greet for Supervisor Bill Rieber, Town Council Members Melinda Meddaugh and John Pavase, and Highway Superintendent Hayden Carnell on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at The Brew in Rock Hill from 5 PM to 7 PM. 

Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay will hold a Birthday Fundraiser on October 16, 2025 at The Brew in Rock Hill on Thursday October 16, 2025. Happy early Birthday Assembly Member!

Town of Highland is holding a Constituent Event on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at the Highland Town Hall from 4 PM – 6 PM. Representatives from NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Office will be there for Unclaimed Funds, Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay to help with Constituent Services, and Garnet Health with its “Know Your Numbers” program.

The Sullivan County Democratic Committee is holding its “Jeffersonian” on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Eldred Preserve at 11 AM – 1PM. New York State Budget Director is serving as Keynote Speaker, with Congressman Josh Riley, Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay, Supreme Court Judicial Candidate Will T. Little, and Sullivan County Treasurer Candidate rounding out the speakers. Tickets are $100 per person. RSVP scdemocraticcommittee@gmail.com or call 845 798-1770.

Town of Thompson Supervisor Candidate Scott Mace is holding a Meet & Greet on October 16, at 5:30 PM– 7:30 PM at Dos Gatos.

Please note that there are many other possible events taking place, but these were the only events shared with me.

Gather to plant 3000 yellow daffodil bulbs as a living memorial to the children who perished in the Holocaust, and in support of children suffering in humanitarian crises in the world today, (daffodilproject.net). This Daffodil Garden Event will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello. Bring extra trowels, gardening gloves, and knee pads.

The Monticello Elks Lodge is holding a Roast Beef Dinner on October 17, 2025 at 5 PM – 7PM to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Call 845 798-2545 for more information.

The Monticello Fire Department has it Annual Fall Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, October 19 at 7AM until Noon. Tickets at $12 for Adults, Seniors & Children Under 12 $8, and under 5 Free.

The 2nd Annual Glen Spey Day is Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Noon until 6 PM, Mohican Lake Road, Glen Spey with proceeds donated to the Lumberland Fire Department, Eldred Little League, and Eldred Youth Football. Tickets $15 Adults with Kids Under 12 Free. Advanced Tickets $10.

Mark your calendar for Lemonade and Sweet Treats of Wishes at Cunningham Family Farm in Bethel on October 18, 2025 at 11 AM – 5 PM. This annual event was inspired by Wish Kid Madelyn and her siblings Hannah, Adam, and Noah who run this special “Treats Stand” to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. You will love to visit many times over the season and support this wonderful cause. The Sullivan Central Rotary Club will be on hand with its Baskets of Hope Raffle. The drawing will take place at the event. Funds raised go directly to the Wishes of children in Sullivan County. You won’t want to miss this day with pumpkin picking, hay rides, gem mining, sunflower field maze, miniature golf, tons of family fun and more. For more information or to secure your raffle tickets, email SullivanCentralRotaryClub@gmail.com or contact Cunnigham Family Farm.

Happy Birthday to Michelle Gibber, Tim Hawkins (10/14), Brad Rutledge, Lauren Sutton, Stuart Hirsch (10/17), Andrew Verdino, Paul Keller, Becky Belcher (10/19), John Hauschild (10/20).

Tons to do – Get out and vote! And, as always, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com.