It should come as no surprise that Punxsutawney Phil and our very own That Dog Named Gidget saw their shadows predicting six more weeks of winter. But not to worry, there are so many amazing things going on in Sullivan County to help take care of those Winter Blues!

Start your weekend off right by joining the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce for its February First Friday Networking Breakfast, at the Liberty Diner from 7:30 AM – 9AM. Start your morning with great company, meaningful conversations, and valuable connections with local professionals and community members. Plus, be among the first to hear an exciting announcement from the Chamber that you won’t want to miss. In addition, take a moment to welcome Matt Sush as the new President and CEO of the Chamber.  Don’t miss this opportunity to network, share ideas, and strengthen relationships within Sullivan County’s thriving business community.

And, yes – although this may not help your Winter Blues, it is officially tax season and the Ethelbert B. Crawford Library in Monticello is offering Free Tax Preparation. Volunteers trained as tax counselors will prepare and e-file your Federal and NY State Tax Returns.  There will be preparers at the library for each time slot. Crawford Library is also offering From Screen to Sky: An Evening of Astronomy on Thursday, February 5 at 6pm in the Robert D. Norris Community Room. Join John Kocijanski and Irene Pease for an evening exploring the stars! Weather permitting, the evening will also feature outdoor stargazing. Please call (845) 794-4660 ext. 9 for more information.

Mark your calendars for the Rotary Clubs of Sullivan County Health Fair to be held at Resorts World Catskills on Friday, February 20 from 10 AM until 3 PM during the 48th Annual 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-thon. Over thirty health related agencies and practitioners from throughout Sullivan County will be on hand to provide screenings, information, assistance and hold mini health sessions. From blood pressure screenings, to nutrition, to mental health, to over-all wellness, and more – come to learn, find ways to, and get assistance on becoming healthier. All are welcome with special invites to Senior Citizens. Call (845) 798-1770 for additional information. 

Congratulations to Sullivan Central Rotary Club on being recognized as the third place Top Service Club Team fundraisers for the Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The club will build upon its success this year with new and engaging opportunities for the Sullivan Walk on Saturday, October 24. Mark your calendar now to help make a difference for so many of our neighbors. And thanks and congrats to all who participated this past weekend in the Sue Bunce Memorial Polar Plunge benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. The second Plunge takes place this Saturday, February 7 at Berean Lake at Berean Park, 49 Reservoir Road, Highland with Check-in beginning at 10:30 AM, 11:45 AM Opening Ceremony and Noon Jump. 

And with plenty of ice from all the cold, don’t miss the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 7 at Loch Sheldrake Lake. Registration starts at 5:30 AM with fishing starting at 7 AM or first light until 1pm. $15 per person with kids 12 and under – free. 

HPAC Heart & Soul: Heart-A-Thon Give Back Night will be held on Thursday, February 5 at Tango Café.  Enjoy an evening of good food and community by purchasing off the menu with ten percent of all proceeds being donated to this year’s 48^th Annual 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon. Afterall – you’ve got to eat. Why not do it while making a difference. Take-out also available. Friday, February 6 is National Wear Red for Women Heart Health Day. Remember to wear red and consider a donation to this year’s Heart-a-thon, or donate at the Blood Drive, and join in the Health Fair on February 20 at Resorts World Catskills. Reach out to me directly for more information on these events. 

Condolences on the loss of one of Sullivan Counties true patriots, Ed Magilton. Although known to many as the Chair of the Sullivan County Conservative Party, Ed will always be remembered for his kindness and caring demeanor, his wry wit, and his infectious smile and laugh. Sullivan County lost one of its finest. Our love and prayers go out to his beloved Glynn and Ed’s entire family and friends during this difficult time. May his memory be for a blessing. 

A very special Happy 100^th Birthday to Grannie Annie Benson! For 100 years, Annie has said it like it is, provided and cared for so many Sullivan County residents in her nursing career, and loves with more heart her beautiful family and friends. As we say in the Jewish religion, may you live to 120 in good health! Happy Birthday to Town of Thompsons amazing Highway Superintendent Hayden Carnell, former NYS Senator and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Michael Iannucci, Judy Siegel, Frank Muller (2/3), Tiffany Sheerer, Dan Berkowicz (2/4), Ryan Tinsley Sr, Linda Morgan-Kenny, Tommy Watson Sr (2/5), Marrion Harrison, Brendon Bonner, Esther Gold, Kathy Booth Bunce (2/6), John Bernstein, Greg Goldstein (2/7), Jim Schmidt, Ryan Speer (2/8), Judy Hellman (2/9).

Just because winter isn’t over yet, doesn’t mean we are not active in Sullivan County. Just get out and do it! 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.