It's official... the blue herons have flown through and we have had our first frost. Hope everyone got their harvests in for that delicate vegetation. Peak season is behind us, and Halloween is around the corner.

Also around the corner is Election Day 2026 on Tuesday, November 4. Early voting begins on Saturday, October 24. For more info on how to vote early, visit Early Voting Information | Sullivan County NY https://share.google/8y7wlYIJTM6xZJwUf .

The Sullivan County Democratic Committee will hold its "Jeffersonian" on Sunday, October 25 at 11 am at Resorts World Catskills with Keynote Speaker, New York State Comptroller Thomas P.  DiNapoli, with Congressman Josh Riley, - NY19, Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay – Assembly District 100, and NYS Senate Candidate Michele Frazier – NY 51. Get your tickets early for this sure to be “sold-out” event. As always, town and local officials will be in attendance just as the event by the same name was held by our Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. A true Meet & Greet where all are welcome to this historic based event to enjoy delicious food, engage in conversation, and hear about the happenings of the day. Tickets are priced at $100 each. Digital Journal space still available. To reserve your ticket(s) or place a sponsorship ad, call 845 798-1770 or email scdemocraticcommittee@gmail.com.

The Sullivan County Republican Committee holds its Annual Gala on Sunday, October 25 at the Rockland House at 5pm. Scheduled speakers are State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assembly Member Chris Tague. Tickets are priced at $85. Call 845 866- 8138 for more information.

Sullivan Catskills Food Security Coalition presents a Food Pantry Gathering and Networking Meeting on Monday, October 26 from 1 PM - 3 PM at Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty. Join fellow pantries and community organizations to explore available resources, receive local, state, and federal updates, and exchange ideas, successes, and challenges. The HV Regional Food Bank will also share updates on its ongoing efforts and initiatives in Sullivan County. RSVP By October 21 to 845-292-6180. For more information, sullivan@cornell.edu or visit www.foodsecuritycoalition.org.

The Neversink Fire Dept. holds its Pancake Breakfast Sunday, October 25 from 7 AM - Noon. Delicious pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, juice and pure maple syrup from local farmers. Come enjoy a delicious breakfast and support your local firefighters! All proceeds benefit the Holiday Youth Fund.

Monticello Elks Lodge reminds graduating seniors of the Most Valuable Student Scholarship. Apply today at enf.elks.org/MVS . Eligible high school seniors can apply for a four-year scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 per year! Applications close November 12.

The Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello presents Poetry Reading by the Alchemy Club. The Alchemy Club is a group of local poets & writers who meet monthly at the Liberty Public Library.  The club has been going strong for over 70 years!  Join them to listen to original poetry from talented members of their club on Thursday, October 22 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM. Light refreshment available.

Join the Library for a cello performance featuring local author, musician, and historian, Alex Prizgintas, who will perform From Bach to Rock on Tuesday, October 20 from 6 PM - 7 PM. Enjoy a night of music at the library! Please call (845) 794-4660 ext. 9 for more information.

The Professional Women of Sullivan County Inc. holds its October Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, October 21 at Casa Mia Restaurant, Hurleyville at 6 PM. Join in for an inspiring and informative meeting featuring women who own and operate their own businesses. Guest speakers will share their personal experiences, including: How they started their businesses, the challenges and successes they have experienced, how they manage and maintain their businesses, and their plans and goals for the future. Following the presentations, there will be a Q & A session, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from these inspiring women. Come connect, learn, and be inspired by women who are making their mark in the Sullivan County business community! Dinner available for purchase from menu. For questions or to RSVP: acolon@sunysullivan.edu .

Condolences to the Velten family on the loss of family patriarch, Robert “Bob” Velten. Bob was a caring, loving, and giving man with a larger-than-life sense of humor and infectious laugh. A proud Vietnam Veteran, Bob was always seen at any veteran event in our community. Our prayers and love go to his beloved wife Maureen and daughter Julie. May his memory be for a blessing.

Happy Birthday to Christopher Tuleweit, John Hauschild (10/20), our very own NYS Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay, Matthew Rouke, Annie Purcell (10/21), Laurie Steinberg, Jada Mitchell, Joseph Abraham, Rebecca Haber (10/23), Stacey Sharoff, Steve Gold, Sullivan County Coroner Albee Bockman, Robert Doherty, the Honorable E Danielle Jose-Decker (10/25), Moreen Lerner, Charles Payne (10/26).

Chill in the air – but plenty to do! Just get out and do it! 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.