We have officially done a Spring Forward on our clocks and hopefully our weather as we get ready for the beauty of one of the best of the four seasons glory of Sullivan County. And, with St. Patrick’s Day, Purim, Gardening Tasks, and so much before us, we have much planning to do. 

The Sullivan County Pageant season is upon us and there is still time to sign up to be part of this long-standing Sullivan County Tradition. There are several different categories and divisions so please email questions or to receive an application to Sullivancountypageant@yahoo.com . The entry fee is $75, and includes all phases of the competition. Please include age in the email so correct application will be sent. Deadline to enter the 2025 pageant is March 12, 2025. The Pageant will be held on April 12, 2025 at the Neversink Firehouse in Neversink NY.

Join Sullivan Fresh for a special evening of cooking and community at the Sullivan Fresh Cooking Class Fundraiser on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty. 

Chef Erin Moore, a seasoned NYC and Catskills-based chef will guide you through a hands-on winter cooking experience using farm-fresh ingredients. Your $65 participation fee directly supports the Sullivan Fresh Food Security Program, which provides access to nutritious food through farmers markets and the Community Cupboard.

You will have a great time and learn so much in the beautifufully-equipped teaching kitchen, learning new culinary skills, while making a difference! Register today at sullivancce.org/SullivanFresh

The Landfield Avenue Synagogue is holding its Purim Party on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7pm. Ending the Fast of Esther (after services - approximately 8ish o’clock), the Kosher Dairy break fast Pizza Party complete with delicious Hamantaschen, costume parade, raffles, prizes, groggers (noise makers), and festive foods will bring in the celebration of the survival of a Jewish community from genocide in ancient Persia.

Morning services for Purim and the reading of the Megillah (The Book of Esther) will be at 9am on Friday, March 14, 2025 followed by a mouth-watering dairy Kiddush full of Purim Fun. 

All events are family friendly and open to the public. Please contact the Synagogue Office at 845 794-8470 to reserve today.  As it is a custom to donate “half shekels” (money) to charity on Purim - to symbolically recognize and counteract the giving of 10000 silver coins by Haman to King Ahasuerus to exterminate the Jews shared in the Book of Esther - the Synagogue respectfully ask for a donation in lieu of a fixed cost for admission to the Purim events. 

On March 13, 2025 at 1pm (doors opening at noon), The Cook Society is pleased to present an afternoon talk with Vern Tejas - world record holding mountain climber! Vern Tejas is known for Mt. McKinley’s first solo winter ascent, the first solo of Mt. Vinson (Antarctica’s highest), first winter ascent of Mt. Logan (Canada’s highest) and as lead guide for Col. Norman Vaughan’s first ascent of Mt. Vaughan in remote Antarctica.

Join The Cook Society at the Sullivan County Museum, 265 Main Street, Hurleyville, for this terrific event which is free - refreshments will be available and donations are welcome. Call 845 434-8044 for more info or visit frcookpolar.org.

Congratulations to the Sullivan County Music Educators Association which held its 70th Annual Sullivan County All-County Music Festival. With over 450 young musicians from across 8 school districts in Sullivan County, the hills were filled with amazing music. Resolutions were presented to Festival Chairs Mike Mingo and Andrew Verdino from Monticello Central School District, and SCMEA President Dan McConnell of Liberty Central School District by Assembly Member Paula Kay and Camille O’Brien representative Senator Peter Oberacker in recognition of this 70th Annual Tradition, dedication to Music and Arts Education in our local schools and Music in Our Schools Month. 

The Monticello Elks Lodge will hold it’s Annual Corned Beef Dinner on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5pm. To pre-order, call Jim at 845 798-2545. Tickets are $17 each and includes corned beff, boiled potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and Irish soda bread!

Get ready for the Jeffersonville St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Fun for the whole family and a great way to celebrate Spring. And don’t forget to start your day with a Pancake Breakfast before the parade at St. George Church from 8am – 12 Noon. Adults $10, Children 5-12 $5 and under 5 – free.

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit listening to lead singer and guitarist Tommy Gardner and fiddler Carol Sharar of the Hooley Shooters, play classic Irish pub songs at the Liberty Public Library on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:30pm. Wear some green and join in this lively musical experience. 

The Monticello Fire Department will be holding its Annual Spring Pancake Breakfast on Sunday March 16, 2025 from 7am – 12 Noon with profits to benefit an firefighter in need. Come out and support those who support our community every day. The company and food, not to mention the cause, is well worth your time. 

The Marion O’Neill Culture Club presents its 2nd Annual Yulan St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 1pm – 5pm. Join in with St. Anthony’s of Padua, the Yulan and, Highland Lake Fire Departments, Highland Ambulance, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department and Area Businesses for music, fun , floats, and more. 

The Monticello Rotary Club is accepting Scholarship Applications from graduating students in the Monticello and Fallsburg High Schools through March 21st. To apply, students should acquire an application from their School Guidance Counselor. For additional information, contact RotaryMonti@gmail.com

Happy Birthday to Evelin Schuster, Luciana Carvo (3/11), Al Switzer, Charles Burdett, Karen Fink (3/12), Lori Schneider (3/13), Scott Samuelson, Mother Diana Scheide, Ross Turner (3/14), Brad Harris, Frank Schwarz, Jim Barnicle (3/15), Joey Perrello, Tiffany Hafler (3/16), Anne Hart (3/17). 

So much to do celebrate green and spring! Get out and about to enjoy the fresh air! Have fun! And, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com