Well, a quick cold snap hit, but our days are certainly longer allowing for so many great things to do as blooming continues in Sullivan County! And, one of the greatest things to do is to help those in need. We can all make a difference by supporting this year's Leadership Sullivan Class of 2026 Comfort Closets Initiative.

The Leadership Sullivan Class of 2026 is proud to launch its Comfort Closets Initiative, a county wide effort to support students in need across Sullivan County schools. Comfort Closets provide essential personal care and clothing items to students who may not otherwise have access to them, helping ensure dignity, confidence, and the ability to fully participate in the school day. Every contribution directly strengthens our local school communities and ensures staff can respond immediately when a student is in need.

The Class is accepting new, unused essential items, including body wash, bar soap, deodorant,

dental floss, mouthwash, feminine hygiene products, hairbrushes and combs, hand sanitizer, lotion, new socks, T shirts, underwear, sensory and comfort items, shampoo and conditioner, tissues, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and travel size personal care items.

You can donate essential items at any Jeff Bank Branch, Hurleyville Performing Arts, Tango Cafe, The Arnold House, Kadampa Meditation Center, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. You can also make your tax-deductible monetary donation or become a sponsor by visiting the Leadership Sullivan page at www.catskills.com/leadership-sullivan/ for more information.

Are you into bling? Then don't miss the Jewelry Making Workshop at the Ethelbert Crawford Public Library in Monticello on Thursday, May 7 from 5:30 PM- 7:30 PM. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on program will guide you in creating your own unique jewelry piece. Unleash your creativity for an enjoyable and creative experience as this workshop explores new techniques and materials. Don't miss the chance to design something special. Space for this program is limited. A $5 cash materials/registration fee will be collected. Please call (845) 794-4660 ext. 2 to register.

Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop proudly announces its second annual Plays in Development series. Seven plays by local playwrights Jean Eifert (Rock Hill), Brian Petti (Warwick), Anna Puleo (Harris), Judith Maidenbaum (Kauneonga Lake), and Margie Semilof (New Paltz) will be presented on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 10 at 2 PM at the Rivoli Theater in South Fallsburg.

Fourteen actors will portray a wide range of characters from a young man talking to the voice of ChatGPT, a couple getting ready for their 50th high school reunion, and two spies meeting in a bar! Both comedic and dramatic, these new plays are an entertaining mix. This is an exciting opportunity for audience members to watch new plays and give feedback to the playwrights, directors, and actors. General admission is $10.

Bill Liblick and I, as New York State Democratic Committee Members representing Assembly District 100, proudly represented Sullivan County this past weekend at the Democratic Rural Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. Issues discussed included NYS Rural farms, utility costs, cost of living, Tier 6, healthcare in rural areas, education, and much more. Both were able to spend time discussing local concerns directly with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Josh Riley (who gave a well-received standing ovation key-note address), NYS Lt. Governor Candidate Adrienne Adams, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and NYS Attorney General Letitia James.

Liberty Blooms West in Jeffersonville celebrated its expansion at its Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting this week. Assembly Member Paula Kay was on hand along with Sullivan County Legislator serving District 1 Matt McPhillips. Wishing co-owners Jean Dermer and Tami VanLeuven the best of luck on this expansion as a growing business in Sullivan County.

A special shoutout to Sabrina Pine on her Bat Mitzvah last weekend.

Happy Belated Birthday to Rachel Steingart (5/2), and Happy Birthday to Adam Jacobson, April Resnick (5/5), Marty Miller, Ingrid Bergstrom, Jaime Schmeiser, Susan Mahan, Tyla Ballard, John David Stanway, Ginger Maher, Hannah Powers (5/6), Julian Dawson, Justin Dawson (5/7), Darryl Kaplan (5/8), LeeAnna Maniace, Jeanette MacArthur  (5/9), Mary Kendall, Don Bennett,  Justin Treadway, Robert Kesten (5/10), SC Legislator Brian McPhillips, Brian O'Donohue and Jason Corley (5/11).

Happy Mother's Day to all our mom’s (by birth or otherwise) out there. Enjoy the day!

Also remember although I said not to plant until after Mother's Day, keep an eye on crazy Mother Nature. She has different plans for us this year. 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.