August 17 – As another Sullivan County summer begins to officially wind down, we wish our seasonal visitors a great and healthy year. And, that means, a new school year is about to begin.

And, to get your students prepared, plan to attend the Back to School Backpack and Snow Cone Event sponsored by the New York State Towns and Villages Court Officers Association, Inc. on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at DeHoyos Park in Monticello starting at Noon until supplies run out. Children must be present to receive a backpack.

And, just because summer is coming to a close doesn't mean we are done with summer happenings quite yet.

The Sullivan Central Rotary Club will hold a Blood Drive in Partnership with the White Lake Fire Department on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 9 AM until 4 PM at the White Lake Firehouse on Rt 17B in White Lake. Supplies of blood are critically low and you can make a difference. Each donation saves three lives. A life of someone you know, someone you love, or a complete stranger could be the life you save by giving about half an hour of your time. Register today for a confirmed time slot. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Make it a day: Donate, visit the Kauneonga Lake Farmers & Makers Market with all the fabulous artisans and vendors, then be sure to visit all the great restaurants, Bethel Council of the Arts, local shops, and more!

Celebrate Life! Give The Gift of Life! To register on-line: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/340359 or for more information call 845-798-1770.

Don't miss Voices through Brushstrokes: Celebrating Community through Songs and Art on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Liberty Mall with doors opening at 4:30 pm. This community gathering celebrates culture, connection, creativity, and the power of shared stories. The evening features live music with Shane Rennison and Lourdesa Hunt, including the premiere of an original Shane Rennison song inspired by people’s stories and grounded in themes of love and life. Guests will enjoy food from Casa Di Longobardi, with gluten‑free and vegan options available, along with kettle corn from What’s Poppin’ Kettle Korn. The event will also include a silent auction featuring artwork from the “Shine the Light” exhibit, offering attendees a chance to support local creativity and community programming. Come as you are. Leave inspired. Tickets are $20 which includes food and beverage, meeting the performers and artists, and artmaking opportunities.

Please reserve your ticket in advance to ensure your spot as seats are limited. For more information, contact Dr. Hope Blecher Croney at hope@hopescompass.org.

Congratulations to the Neversink Agricultural Society on another wonderful Grahamsville Little World’s Fair. A great time was had by all over three glorious days. On a personal note, I would like to give special thanks to the Grahamsville First Aid Squad, especially Nancy McLean for helping me during the Fair. They immediately were on scene to assist me when I began to feel lightheaded. Attentive, caring, and thoroughly professional medical attention was given, and I am fine. A quick drop in my blood pressure caused by walking too much too quickly around the fairgrounds. And, although I know I have this condition that causes this type of episode and that I would be fine, Nancy and those working with her didn't leave my side and even called the Sheriff's Patrol on scene who deserve a big shoutout too, to take me back to my car when I was ready to leave (don't worry - Bill was driving).

We never know when we will need the assistance of these outstanding folks who care for others, but we are grateful they are there for us when we need them. I was more embarrassed to call on their services, especially having a pretty good idea what was happening, but I am so grateful they were there to care for me and put those with me minds at ease.

Looking for a little more fun with the kids before school starts up again, mark your calendars for Friday, August 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM for the Jeffersonville JEMS Movie, Music, Family Dance Party at Backyard Park (21 Lovett Lane, Jeffersonville). Free for all ages with a kid-friendly sing-a-long with songs everyone knows by heart. Costumes are welcome. Free pony rides with Butch. Concession stand has fresh popcorn, hot dogs, sweets, drinks, and more for purchase. Bring a blanket to sit on. Sorry – No pets allowed. Donations are gratefully accepted and funds raised will benefit future events and beautification projects in the community.

For more information, call (313) 702-0325.

Happy Birthday to Karen Crumley, Alyssa Reina Rodriguez (8/18), Corrinne Dunlap (8/19), Kenya Snowden, Steve Belgiovene (8/20), Todd Groden, Kevin Giroux, Lisa Failla, Maryjean Carroll, Lisa Layman (8/21), Rhonda Kaufman Golub (8/22), Gloria Gulotta, Isabel Lopez, Teofilo Newsuan (8/23), Romona Gray, Mike Friedman (8/24).

And lastly, as all our college bound head on to their next adventure, we wish them all the best for a safe and productive Fall Semester. Have a great week and get out and do something wonderful! 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.