March heads out like a lamb as we brace for all the silly April Fools pranks ahead as well as some of the most solemn holy days of Passover, Ramadan, Good Friday, and Easter to follow. And, especially for the kids, the long-awaited Spring Break!

The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at the Grahamsville Firehouse on Saturday, April 4 at 11am until 1pm. Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary, this annual event promises to be fun for all the littles out there. Don’t forget your Easter Basket for eggs and a special treat for the first 100 children. Bring your camera to take photos and make lasting memories. Coloring, bunny games, and prizes with hot dogs, drink, and cookies will be available at no charge during the event.

Chametz Burning will take place on April 1 at the Woodridge Firehouse from 6:50am - 11:58am. Bring only Chametz to Burn - no plastic bags. A reminder to all that there is a Burn Ban until May 14, 2026. Please keep us all safe and adhere to this important message.

The Landfield Avenue Synagogue is set with All Things Passover. Services will be held on the first two days of Passover (April 2 and 3), Shabbat Services on April 4 and the last two days of Passover (April 8 and 9). All services begin at 9am. Yizkor Services will begin no earlier than 10:15 on April 9. Shmura Matzah is available for purchase on a first-come first-serve basis as well. Call the Synagogue for additional information at 845-794-8470.

The Robert J. Kaiser (RJK) Middle School PTO will host its third annual RJK Panther Pride Fun Run on April 11 at 10 AM at RJK Middle School. This colorful, family-friendly event serves as a fundraiser to support the PTO’s mission of enhancing student experiences. Proceeds will benefit students at RJK Middle School and, for the first time, Monticello High School’s Class of 2026.

The untimed 1.5-mile run and walk will take participants across the school grounds, featuring “color blast” stations along the route for a fun and memorable experience. The course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Registration and additional information is available at www.runsignup.com. Race day registration starts at 9am. Those unable to attend can still support the event by making a donation online.

Consider honoring a hero in your life while helping to raise funds for a good cause. The Sullivan Central Rotary Club is selling Flags for Heroes. Each flag purchased will be displayed at the Sullivan County Government Center from Memorial Day through July 4 with a ceremony at 10 AM on Memorial Day. Honor Veterans, parents, police, community members, doctors – whomever is your hero. A commemorative medallion will be available to hang on the flagpole or to take with you to hang in your home. Flags can be purchased for a donation of $50 each with proceeds to benefit the community work done by the Sullivan Central Rotary Club and to begin a Scholarship Fund. For more information or to get a form to make the purchase, call 845 798-1770 or email sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com or contact a member of the club.

Congratulations to newly inducted Exalted Ruler David Welsch of the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544. Gary Huebner was named Elk of the Year and Julie Brennan Officer of the Year by outgoing Exalted Ruler Elisabeth Bringle.

Sullivan County mourns the loss of one of its own. Shirley Hornbeck was a pillar of the community. She was a dedicated educator touching the lives of so many students and leaving a lasting imprint on the future. Shirley devoted her time in making our community better through her work with the Hospital Auxiliary, service as a member of the Monticello Central School District Hall of Distinction Committee, Chair of the Monticello Central School District Centennial Celebration, and a provider of scholarship funds to graduating seniors. Shirley was the finest cheerleader for anything Monticello even well after being one of the first MCSD cheerleaders. A true woman of grace and kindness, she will be remembered fondly and missed by many. Condolences to her family and friends. May her memory be for a blessing.

Happy Birthday to Karen Linen, Tanya Duryea, Taylor Knapp (3/31), Jim Mecca, Gail Picciallo (4/2), Josh Murphy, Omnia Mohamed Elghaly, Teresa Lanuti (4/3), Bill Liblick, Jim Brawley, DJ Pugh, Ann Marie Nola-Kurthy (4/4), Sofia Heimowitz (4/5), Tashara Bridgeforth (4/6).

Wishing all who celebrate the upcoming holidays love and warmth of family and friends and the true meaning of the holidays filled with joy and peace. 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.