The spring season is heating up (we hope literally) as we begin to see the calendar getting to be busy, busy, busy! Goodbye winter, hello spring!

The Narrowsburg Union and Welcome to Narrowsburg kicks off the season with its Spring Makers Market at the Narrowsburg Union. Shop handmade goods from local artisans inside Delaware Hall, alongside the opening day of the Narrowsburg Farmers Market. Plus, the café will be serving up plenty of delicious food. For updates & vendor applications: www.narrowsburgunion.com/spring-market.

Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 invites everyone to a Penny Social on Sunday, May 17th at the lodge at 46 North Street in Monticello. Doors open at 11:30 am. Calling begins at 1:00 pm. Look for fabulous prizes, baskets, gift certificates, door prizes and a 50/50! A sheet of 25 tickets is just $1, 6 for $5. Hot food will be available from the kitchen. The not-for-profit Monticello Lodge supports local veterans, scouts, Little League and the Homeless Federation, as well as providing winter coats and gloves to elementary school children. For information call the Lodge after 3 p.m. weekdays at 794-1544.

Like to sing? Sullivan County SPCA’s Karaoke Night is for you! A fun night of music, food, raffles, 50/50 family fun and giving back awaits you on Sunday May 17 at El Sombrero in Rock Hill from 5 PM – 9PM. Mention SPCA when ordering dinner and get free appetizers plus 10% of your bill will be donated to help local animals in need!

Sip, relax, and get creative at Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) Planter Painting Night on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 PM. Enjoy a laid-back evening while you decorate two 6-inch terracotta pots using paint, paint markers, and stencils. Or go freehand and make them totally your own. All materials are included, plus enjoy a complimentary sip while you craft. Come for the creativity, stay for the good vibes, and leave with custom planters ready for your favorite plants. 

For more HPAC happenings don’t miss Bingo Night and Movie Day to benefit the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation Leadership Sullivan Class of 2026 Comfort Closet Project. Entry to Bingo Night on Thursday, May 14 is five travel-size products for the comfort closet or pay $10 to receive your Bingo Book of five game sheets. Additional Bingo Books are available for $10. Great Prizes, 50/50, raffles all for a great cause. 

And who doesn’t like good movies in a beautiful state of the art movie theater? On May 16, join the Leadership Class for its Movie Day Event. Bring the entire family for Zootopia 2 at 11 AM. Then see Superman (2025) at 7 PM. Tickets are $10 for each showing with the full entry fee benefiting the Comfort Closet Project. 

For more information on these events, please contact Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre at 845 985-4722.

The newly selected Sullivan County Poet Laureate Kim Thai will be recognized as the county’s sixth poet laureate. This inaugural celebration will take place on the outdoor stage at Ethelbert B. Crawford Library at 10:30 a.m. followed by refreshment. Outgoing Poet Laureate Kevin Scott Graham will pass the torch to Kim Thai, who will be reading her original poem inspired by Sullivan County. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors.

School Budget and School Board Elections are on tap in every school district in Sullivan County on Tuesday, May 19. Check with your local school district as to times and locations. Several Meet the Candidate’s Nights are slated. Liberty – May 11 at 6 PM at the Liberty High School Media Center, Monticello – Wednesday, May 13 at 6 PM at Robert J. Kaiser Middle School Cafeteria, Eldred (pre-recorded) can be found online on the District Website, Tri-Valley – Thursday, May 14 at 6PM in the Secondary School Collaboration Space, Rockland Central School District (pre-recorded) online on the District Website. 

Support Scout Troop 101 during its Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Tricky Tray on Saturday. May 16 at the Rock Hill Firehouse from 4 PM – 7PM. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $10 for Kids 12 and under, and Children under 3 – Free. Tickets available at the door. 

Looking for something for the kids? JEMS (Jeffersonville EMS) holds its Kid Fest on Saturday, May 16 at 11 AM at the Backyard Park. For more information, call 845 796-6966.

Walk in Love an Interfaith Prayer Walk will take place on Sunday, May 17 at 2pm. This Rain or Shine Event presented by Neighbors in Faith starts and ends at the Sullivan County Government Center and will travel down Broadway and beyond on its way back stopping at religious institutions along the way pausing for multi-faith prayers throughout the entire community. 

Happy Birthday to Mandi Kaufman Dickman (5/12), Our very own Senator Peter Oberacker, Gabe Esposito, Moochie Merchant, Nancy McGraw (5/13), Judy Levine (5/14), Debbie Heins, Scott Glasser (5/15), Linda Widomski, May Heins (5/16), Nikki Maxwell (5/17), Shanna Rieber, William Hudson, Amador Laput, Merle Parsons, Nikki Zedek, Lynn McDonald (5/18).  

Well, Mother's Day has come and gone, but still watch the weather before planting! 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.