The winter season, weather-wise, seems to creep along slowly, but with all that is going on, the days continue to fly by. Pull out your calendars now because there’s lots happening you won't want to miss! 

On Wednesday, December 10, Nesin Cultural Arts (NCA) is holding a Celebrity Bartending Night Fundraiser at Starters American Eatery, Broadway in Monticello from 5 PM until 7:30 PM. Join Celebrity Bartenders, Heather Fassel, Bethany and Bob England, Erin Morse, and Sean Walker to serve you during this fun event. Help them raise funds to support programming and students in their pursuit of the arts. No student is ever turned away with your support and generosity.

And, for children of all ages, the Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra with NCA will present The Toy Symphony Concert on Saturday, December 13 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Monticello, followed by a Christmas Holiday Market. There will be a second performance at Landfield Avenue Synagogue in Monticello on Sunday, December 14, followed by a Community Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Dinner sponsored by the Synagogue. Both concerts begin at 3pm and are family-friendly. In addition, children will receive a toy instrument to play along with the orchestra.

Tickets for the concerts are available at the door with a minimum donation of $5. To reserve your seat or more information for the Chanukah Dinner on Sunday, contact the Synagogue at 845-794- 8470. The Sullivan County Government Center is well underway with its Holiday Concert Series: on 12/9, Sullivan West Elementary Select Chorus - 10:30 AM, Rockland High School Band, 12 Noon; 12/11 Rutherford Elementary School Recorder Ensemble - 10:30 AM; 12/12 McKenzie Elementary School Band and Chorus - 10:30 AM, Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School Chamber Chorus - Noon; 12/15 Rockland Senior Choir - 12 Noon. All concerts are open to the public in the Sullivan County Government Center lobby in Monticello.

The Sullivan County SPCA has its Pictures with Santa event on Sunday, December 14 at 104 Rock Hill Drive, Rock Hill from 11 AM - 2 PM. Family and pet friendly event. The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop cordially invites you to usher in the Holidays with 3 Radio Plays on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13, at 7 PM; and Sunday,

December 14, at 2 PM. “Molly’s Holiday Gift,” an original play written by Peter Nastasi and directed by Jean Eifert, “The Big Little Jesus” al la, Dragnet, and Christmas Gift Mix-up” will warm your heart with this special holiday treat. 

Performances will be at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building, 64 Ferndale Loomis Road, Liberty. General admission is $12 and includes coffee, tea and desserts – or donate an unwrapped toy (value $5 or more) for our Toys for Tots and pay only $7.00. For more information call 646-996-4188.

The Landfield Avenue Synagogue presents All Things Chanukah: Eight Nights of Peace, Love, and Light Calendar beginning December 14 through December 21. Sunday, December 14 – Celebrating Family - Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra/Nesin Cultural Arts Presents The Toy Symphony & Chanukah Celebrations through Music at the Synagogue, 3:00 PM. Children will receive a toy instrument and perform. The suggested donation is a non-perishable item for Little Food Pantry or bring an unwrapped toy for families in need. Menorah Lighting Monticello Village Hall – 5:00PM LAS Lots of Latkes Annual Chanukah Dinner to follow at the Synagogue. RSVP for Dinner to ensure seating – Adults $25, Children 12 and under $12, Family/Special Needs Price available – Contact 845 794-8470.

Monday, December 15, 2025 – Honoring Emergency Medical Services Menorah Lighting Ted Stroebele Recreation Building, Jefferson Street, Monticello - 5:15pm. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – Honoring Law Enforcement, Menorah Lighting Monticello Village Hall – 5:15pm. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – Honoring Medical Professionals. Menorah Lighting, Garnet Medical Center, Harris – 4:00pm. Thursday, December 18, 2025 – Honoring Fire Services Menorah Lighting, Monticello Village Hall – 5:15pm. Friday, December 19, 2025 – Honoring Educators, Menorah Lighting Ted Strobel Recreation Building, Jefferson Street, Monticello – 3:15 pm. Saturday, December 20, 2025, Menorah Lighting, Monticello Village Hall – 5:15pm. Sunday, December 21, 2025 – Honoring Community Service & Leaders Menorah Lighting, Ted Strobel Recreation Building, Jefferson Street, Monticello – 5:00pm.

Crooked Willow Holiday Show takes place December 12-14 from 11AM – 4PM, 2016 Route 17B, Bethel. Works of Sara Patterson, Marisa Ruglio Pottery, Pottery by Carol Grocki Lewis, Earrings by Designs by Domeisy, and Wreaths by Anji Bakos will be showcased and available for purchase. 

Congratulations on an outstanding performance by Kenny Walz, son of Bethany and Bob England at the New York State School Music Association All-State Concert. Kenny auditioned to be selected last spring during the NYSSMA Spring Adjudication season for this prestigious opportunity to be selected and perform in the NYSSMA All-State String Orchestra. A Double Bass Nesin Cultural Art Aspiring Young Musicians student of Andrew Trombly from the New York Philharmonic and Artistic Director for Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra, Kenny was excited to participate in this 3-day long experience. Kenny plans to attend college for Computer Engineering but says it’s important for him to also play music and perform wherever he goes. On a personal note, I am delighted that I was able to attend this magnificent concert at the Kodak Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York as I represented the New York State Alliance for Arts Education as its State President.

Happy Birthday to Chris Palmer, Amy Meade, Pat Switzer, Allie Linen, Joshua Oates, Anissa Westerman, Billy Crumley (12/9), Orshii Boldiis, Erica Heins (12/10), Jerry Neimand, Joe Kenny, Amy Goldfarb, Dan Parkhurst, Jane Jacobsen, Keith Rieber (12/11), Mike Mingo (12/12), Jamie Neylon, Denise Cedeira, Ariana Peluso Tierney (12/13), Doreen Cooper, Cora Edwards, Debbie Blackford (12/14), Jodi Kesten Kurlander, Bob Hoose, Lisa Perkowski (12/15).

So, let the snow fly and the temperature drop. There is plenty to do out there to keep us warm.  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 .