April 14 – I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I would be remiss if I did not start this column to remind you that tomorrow, April 15, is the day that your tax filing is due. Doesn’t matter what is going on, you need to file and put that part of the beautiful Spring behind you. And, now to better thoughts…

The week ahead brings us some record high temperatures and time to get outdoors to start outdoor clean ups! And how about a little challenge to start off the season? The Sullivan Central Rotary Club Beautification – Clean Up Sullivan County Challenge has begun. Between now and Earth Day (April 22), collect at least one bag of Litter Pluck Trash in your Community. Take a picture of you with the bag(s) of trash collected and post the picture on social media of your choice tagging Sullivan Central Rotary Club NY and hashtag #SCRCRotaryCares.

This is an open challenge to all Rotary Clubs, community members, students, other service clubs, businesses – the more the merrier. Top collectors in each category will be recognized at our Rotary Epic Day of Service in May. For more information, contact SullivanCentralRotaryClub@gmail.com .

Don’t miss the Liberty and Monticello Rotary Clubs Taste of Sullivan at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at SUNY Sullivan tonight. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the door. This event benefits the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless and other Sullivan County food insecurity agencies. 

And speaking of food – Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Fields to Forks: Building Local Food Partnerships half-day, hands on workshops with real-world insights providing networking and lunch for farmers, chefs, and food professionals. Two tracks are available for this event: Chef/Hospitality and Farmers/Producers. This free event is hosted at the Arnold House, provides a structured environment for farmers, chefs, restaurant owners, and food professionals to explore practical strategies for working together more effectively. Registration is required. For more information, contact CCE directly. 

Mark your calendars for the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 Roast Beef Dinner on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 5pm – 7pm. Dinner includes roast beef, mashed potato, vegetable, roll and dessert, all for only $15. For more information call (845) 798-2545. 

A guaranteed fabulous evening of entertainment is on hand at the Arts Nest, 6692 Route 52, Lake Huntington when the one and only Jonathan Charles Fox takes center stage in An Evening of Personal Storytelling. Hosted by the Delaware Valley Opera on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7pm, this event promises to be a highlight of the Spring Season in a performance that will make you laugh, cry, and experience what life is truly about. Tickets are priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 

The Monticello Fire Department is holding a Blood Drive on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 1 PM – 6PM at the Firehouse. Call (800) 733-2767 to register for an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome. 

The Professional Women of Sullivan County will hold its monthly meeting at Casa Mia in Hurleyville on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 6 PM. Dinner will be available for purchase from the restaurant menu and all are invited to attend. Guest Speaker Regina Clark, an author and leadership expert for women will address the topic, “The 7 C’s of Leadership.” This will include Competence, Connection, Courage, Communication, Commitment, Champion Changes, and Character. Clark’s book, “Women Who Step Up to Lead,” will also be available for purchase. For more information or to RSVP, call (845) 866-6175. 

The Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library presents, “Reclaiming and Renewing the Principles of Democracy – America at 250 and a New Birth of Freedom,” with Tony Nappo on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6pm. Mr. Nappo will deliver a lecture focusing on the founding documents of our nation, highlighting key themes in their historical context. Nappo will spend time applying these themes to our current state of politics, and conclude with concrete suggestions for fostering a “new birth of freedom.” 

This past week, the Sullivan County community lost two pillars of our community. Condolences to Maria, George, Steve, and Irene Nikolados and the entire extended family and friends on the loss of family patriarch Dimitrios “Jimmy” Nikolados. He will be remembered for his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family and hard work. Also, condolences to Claudia, Denise, and Nick Frangipane and the entire extended family and friends on the loss of family patriarch Al “The Heart Man” Frangipane. Al’s work with the Heart-a-thon, Lions Club, and St. Judes, along with his devotion to family and friends will serve as his legacy. May both of their memories be for a blessing to those who knew and loved them.

Happy Birthday to our very own Sheriff Mike Schiff, Ann Hazelnis, Jill Steingart, Alvi Beluli, April Rieber, Jamie Noeth (4/14), Lumiri Tubo, Elisa Mendels, Matthew Romano, Maxine Goldman, Jalitza Padin (4/15), Joyce Kocsis, Tracy Callard (4/16), Melissa Stickle, Jaime Denenberg, Jennifer Nieves, Paul Manz (4/17), Sullivan County Treasurer Kathleen Lara, Dana Kurthy, Erin Lorino, Tony Carlucci, Ariana Sepulveda (4/19), Saniye Gungor, Mars Lombardi (4/20).

Enjoy the warm weather. Still hold off planting until at least Mother’s Day! 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.