BLOOMINGBURG -- Motivated by results of last year's elections and donning some of their most elegant headwear, The Democratic Women of Sullivan County (DWSC) held their fifth annual Spring Fling Brunch and Fundraiser at the Eagle's Nest in Bloomingburg on Sunday, May 19.

“We're all blessed to live in the great state of New York,” said DWSC President Donna Schick. ”For the first time in many years the voters of New York have elected a Democratic Assembly, a Democratic Senate and a Democratic Governor. This remarkable accomplishment has resulted in a landslide of landmark legislation to benefit all New York residents … New York is a leader in combating climate change, [supporting] women's rights in healthcare, supporting prison reform, voting rights, public education, reducing gun violence and the list goes on and on.”

Schick said she was especially proud to be the chairwoman of the National Federation of Democratic Women's 2019 convention in Albany this June. It will be their 48th annual convention and the first time it's being held in New York State. “People from all over the country are going to learn about Sullivan County,” Schick said.

The DWSC recognized three honorees, including Mamakating Town Judge and candidate for Sullivan County Court Judge Cynthia Dolan, State Senator Jen Metzger and Sullivan County Public Health Deputy Director Wendy Brown.

NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther was the day's special guest speaker. She echoed the sense of motivation she's seen among Democrats in New York and their ambitious plans for 2020. “It takes getting young people motivated. People don't realize that one vote really does count,” Gunther said. “We need all hands on deck.”

Also in attendance were New York State Supreme Court Justice candidates Cheryl Roberts and Justin Corcoran hoping to fill two vacancies this fall.

In the hat contest, winners included Kathy LaBuda in third place, Diane Lechner in second place and Constance Slater in first place.