July 13 – Looking for another steaming hot week ahead weather-wise and for things to do in beautiful Sullivan County?

As the summer fun continues, the New York Blood Center reminds us that there is an urgent need for blood at this time of year. More folks outdoors with injuries coupled with the recent storms which shut down Donor Sites due to flooding and/or loss of power has created a summer shortage. But you can most definitely help.

The Sullivan Central Rotary Club in partnership with the White Lake Fire Department will be holding a Blood Drive on Saturday, August 22 from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Firehouse, 1596 State Route 17B in White Lake. Make a day of it visiting the Kauneonga Lake Farmer’s Market and giving blood. From signing in, donating, and then replenishing with snacks (and of course, the delicious Lorna Doone Cookies), it takes approximately half an hour for you to save three lives. Register at NYBC.org for a specific time spot appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Donating is simple. To find out more on how you can make a difference, visit the website or call 845-798-1770.

And, this Saturday, July 18, don’t miss the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department Annual Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ starting at 2pm. Come out for a delicious chicken dinner that includes half a chicken, ear of corn, potato salad, roll, and a sweet treat! The reviews speak for themselves; you don’t want to miss it! Dinners are just $15 each.

Dear Evan Hansen is a deeply moving, Tony Award-winning musical that follows a socially anxious high schooler who inadvertently gets caught up in a lie about a deceased classmate. This desperate search for connection quickly spirals out of control but ultimately explores themes of mental health, grief, and the importance of being found. Performances of Dear Evan Hansen will run from July 14th – 26th at Forestburgh Playhouse with the Wednesday evening, 7/22 performance designated as “NAMI Night” where a portion of each ticket sold for the performance and the pre-show Dinner/Cabaret (80s Rewind bringing back the soundtrack of the 1980s) will go to NAMI Sullivan. A Silent Auction will also be held, featuring tickets for upcoming Forestburgh Playhouse Shows and Cabarets. Call the Box Office at 845-794-1194 to reserve your ticket.

Plant Bingo is back, and it sold out last time, so reserve your spot early. Plants are up for grabs at the Town of Thompson Summer Plant Bingo Night for Adults. Win potted plants, plant starts, even hanging baskets, and more. Bring your friends! This will be held at the Community Room at East Mongaup River Park on July 15. Space is limited to the first 50 who register, and there is a $15 fee. Register at https://thompsonny.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29841 .

Love to golf? Don’t miss the Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills 47th Annual Golf Classic on Wednesday, July 15 at the Tarry Brae Golf Course in South Fallsburg. All proceeds from this year’s outing will benefit the Patient Experience program at Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills. This program is creating a sustainable fund to support patients and their families with basic needs at a vulnerable time.

Tournament Timeline: 8:30 AM – Registration, 9:30AM - Shot Gun Start, 2:00PM – 4:00PM - Lunch & Tournament Awards. Sponsorships are available. Please contact foundation@garnethealth.org or call 845-333-8963.For more information and to register, please visit: www.garnethealth.org/catskillsgolfclassic .

Want to have great fun and exercise? Get some move-on with Line Dancing at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, every Wednesday night from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. Come express yourself, let off some steam, and dance along to a variety of music genres in a welcoming, high-energy space. This class introduces basic terminology, step patterns, step sheets, dance floor etiquette, style, technique—and yes, the health benefits too. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to get moving in a fun, social way. Please wear safe, comfortable footwear (bring your dance shoes if you can—foot brush available at the entrance). Ages 12+ welcome (parental supervision required). No partner needed—just show up and dance! 

While you are at it - Steps Forward is HPAC’s new dance-based wellness program for adults and young adults healing from substance use, mental health challenges, and trauma. A creative, supportive space to move, express, and reconnect. Weekly Sessions - 60 minutes of group connection and guided reflection + 60 minutes of expressive movement. Led with Expertise & Lived Experience - Facilitated by a dancer with lived experience who ensures an empathetic, empowering environment. Open to All - No dance experience required. All bodies and backgrounds welcome. Creative Expression - Journaling, reflection, and occasional “Share Nights” that celebrate growth and community. Contact HPAC at 845-985-4722 for more information.

And speaking of good health, don’t miss the Cooking Demonstration at the Sullivan Fresh Monticello Farmers’ Market every Thursday throughout the summer at 11 AM. Recipes will be shared using in-season farm fresh produce and samples! If you are enrolled in the Fresh Rx program, you'll received $40 in Fresh Rx coupons to use at the market on fruits and veggies. The Market is on the corner of North Street across from the Government Center from 10 AM – 1 PM. And don’t forget that this week it is Kids Day at the Market, where kids can earn Sullivan Fresh Bucks by going to each activity.

Condolences to the Kutcher family on the loss of family patriarch Marc Kutcher. Much love and prayers to Carla, Zack, Jennifer, and the entire family and friends. May his memory be for a blessing.

Happy Birthday to Tara Berescik Burke, Gary Rosenbluth, Judith Shapiro (7/14), Rose Joyce-Turner, Carmela Foglia, Justin Harding (7/16), Gabrielle Wissman (7/17), John Aryes, Steven Wing, Diane Trinkaus, Michael Rothberg, Kristen Kitson, Mikki Greene, John Lauri (7/18), Naquan Holman, Marc Gittleman, Alexis Costa, Dana Schmidt, Matthew Sush, Holly Rau, Rose Escalera, Colette Berger (7/20).

Get out there and engage! 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.