April showers bring May flowers. And that couldn't be any truer than what we are seeing around in our community.  From tree buds to new blooms, spring is in the air.

Take a moment to travel around Sullivan County and take in the beautiful daffodils blossoming as part of the worldwide Daffodil Project. Local resident Hope Blecher has been working hard to spread the word of this international project. The Daffodil Project aspires to build a worldwide Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million Daffodils in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust and in support for children suffering in humanitarian crises in the world today.

How appropriate to witness these beautiful blooms as the world prepares to celebrate Yom H'ashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 14. Stay tuned for events scheduled in next week’s column.

Don't miss this month's Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast on Friday, April 10 at 7:30am. Although the event is slightly beyond the Sullivan County borders this month, the location is one that showcases the great work done to support the Sullivan County community.

The breakfast will be held at the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley, 580 State Route 416, Montgomery, NY 12549. Kick off your morning with great food and even better connections. This relaxed and welcoming gathering brings together local business owners, professionals, and community leaders from across the Hudson Valley to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships.

The Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley, an organization making a powerful impact by fighting hunger and supporting families throughout the region. Their mission-driven work serves as a reminder of the importance of community and giving back.

Come to learn, network, and grow. For more information, contact Geri at the Chamber Office at 845-791-4200.

Looking for a job or a position to advance your career? Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 8th for the SUNY Sullivan Career & Job Fair from 10 AM to 1 PM in the E Lobby. Connect with regional employers and organizations that are eager to meet talented, motivated job seekers like you! Special Bonus - Attendees can receive free professional headshots for use on resumes, LinkedIn, and other personal branding purposes. For more information, contact Klu Padu, SUNY Sullivan Career Development & Transfer Advisor at
kpadu@sunysullivan.edu.

Reminder - 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. Proceeds will benefit students at RJK Middle School and the Monticello High School’s Class of 2026.

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.

The Youngsville Fire Department holds its Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 12 from 7 AM – 11 AM. Tickets are priced at $12 with children ages 6-12 at $7, and under 5 – Free. Come out and support our local fire departments. 

This year's Taste of Sullivan to benefit the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless and other organizations who help with food insecurity will take place on Tuesday, April 14 from 6–8 PM at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at SUNY Sullivan.

This community event brings together restaurants from across Sullivan County for an evening of delicious tastings, live music, and great company hosted by the Liberty and Monticello Rotary Clubs. Tickets available at $40 each at www.tastesullivancatskills.com.

On a personal note – special thanks to our very own Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay, Assembly Member Landon Dais, Senator Rachel May, and Rural Schools of New York State Executive Director David Little for showing their support for The Arts in NYS during the recent Arts Rally in Albany last week, sponsored by Senator Jose Serrano in conjunction with Arts New York, the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, and New Yorkers for Arts. All have come together to support the passage of Senate Bill S6318a and Assembly Bill A6490b ensuring a high-quality Music and Arts education for all regardless of zip code. As the Immediate Past President of the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, and the current President for the New York Council of Educational Associations, it has been my pleasure to work alongside them having watched so many come together due to their leadership for a common goal in making education better for all of our students. Here’s hoping passage in the coming weeks in the Assembly and then to the Governor’s desk!

Condolences to the family and friends of Leo Armstead on his passing. A distinguished man of service in law enforcement on the Monticello Police Force and to the students of Monticello High School as Head of Security, Leo was respected for his kind and caring way to find solutions and help others. May his memory be for a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Happy Birthday to Katie Alverez, Jill Behling Rue (4/7), Teffany Ferris, Nicki Wells, Laura Glass, Allison Steinberg (4/8), Tikva Blum, Tim Havis, Cheryl Cohen (4/9), Josh Sommers, (4/10), Rosie Decker Michael Cordisco, Howard Roner (4/11), Susan Dollard, Mary Ellen Hurley (4/12), Liz Callaway (4/13). 

So, keep an eye for those buds blooming - 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.