April 28 – May flowers are definitely here and what is known as our county’s busy season is upon us. There is so much to do, and so many opportunities that you are sure to need a plan of action to accomplish all the wonderful things afoot.

Join the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce for its monthly First Friday Networking Breakfast at Seminary Hill, May 2 at 7:30am. A morning of great connections, community conversations, and a beautiful Catskills backdrop. This month’s breakfast is proudly sponsored by the Sullivan County Child Care Council, Inc., supporting working families and early childhood education across the county. For more information, contact the SC Chamber Office at 845 791-4200.

The Third Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will be held on May 3, 10am–4pm in Downtown Liberty. Enjoy a day filled with delicious food, exciting entertainment, and traditional dances. A fun-filled family event not to be missed.

The Farmhouse Project and Sullivan Catskills is presenting the Spring Makers Market in the Catskills on May 3 and 4 from 11am-5pm at Callicoon Hills in Callicoon Center.

And certainly, follow the Spring Fest at the Annual Scout Troop 101 in Rock Hill Spaghetti Dinner on May 3, starting at 4pm at the Rock Hill Firehouse. The delicious meal of spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and a drink is just the start of this wonderful event. So many come out to support these kids and the company is fabulous. Not to mention the great lessons taught and community service provided through scouting programs. Tickets are $15 and take out is available.

The Liberty Public Library is excited to announce a special Senior Coffee Club event on May 5, at 10:30 am. This free event will feature Fred Stabbert, III, Publisher of the Sullivan County Democrat, as guest speaker. Don’t miss it! Visit the Library Facebook page, or website: www.libertypubliclibrary.org for more information about upcoming topics. This free event takes place in the lower level of the library and is open to all community members. For more details call the library at 845-292-6070 or stop by the circulation desk.

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop is kicking off its season with a night of music, mayhem, and microphone magic! Before the curtains rise on their live productions, they are handing the spotlight to YOU. Sing your heart out, laugh ‘til it hurts, and help launch the 2025 season with a bang! May 3 at 7:00pm. Entrance is $10 to help support the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop!

Have fun and get fit with free Zumba for Town of Thompson residents! Instructor Jamie Vandervoort will lead FREE classes at East Mongaup River Park in the upper pavilion every Tuesday and Thursday May 1-September 30, 5:30-6:30pm. Tuesdays are Zumba Fitness classes where you’ll dance your way to better fitness. Thursdays include both Zumba Fitness AND Zumba Toning! You may bring your own weights of 1-3 lbs. Don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated in the heat! Also, these Zumba classes are only for those 18 years of age and older.

This program is brought to you by Town of Thompson Parks & Recreation. Contact Jamie Ferriero at 845-796-3606 or email jferriero@townofthompson.com for more information.

Join over a thousand members of the community for a day of fun, special events, and surprises at SUNY Sullivan’s Loch Sheldrake campus! Don’t miss out on the SUNY Sullivan Spring Fest (formerly known as The Kite Festival) at SUNY Sullivan on May 3 starting at 11am. Bigger and better than ever, this family friendly day is filled with kites, community, food, and fun! Open to the public and a great day to be out in the beautiful Catskill fresh air.

For more than 30 years, the festival has brought kites, crafters, food vendors, community organizations, and family-friendly activities to campus. Enjoy dance and theater performances, an art show, a professional kite demonstration with candy drops, free bouncy houses, and free kites for the first 300 kids.

In addition to the traditional outdoor fun, participants can explore the campus hiking trails, check out Hope Farm, visit with live farm animals, and tour our apiary. Also, SUNY Sullivan Alums should stop by the SUNY table for a special gift.

Everyone is invited to join in a community litter pluck on May 3, from 9am-12pm which will take place along Route 42. Parking is available at the Thompson Town Hall (4052 Route 42 in Monticello). Participants will meet at the Town Hall parking lot and begin the litter pluck at 9am.

Garbage bags will be provided and volunteers can simply leave the bags for the Town to pick up after litter plucking. Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and brightly colored clothing.

Joining the litter pluck is also a great chance for people to discover what it’s like to adopt a road. The Town Adopt-a-Road program is officially underway. Individuals, groups of people, businesses, and other organizations can adopt a road for free. Once adopted, the road should be litter plucked at least once per year for a two-year period. The Town then provides a custom sign on the road that announces which group has adopted it. Roads are adopted in stretches that are no longer than 2 miles. For details about Adopt-a-Road or questions about the litter pluck, please contact: Jamie Ferriero, Town Parks and Recreation Department, call: 845-434-7303, or Email: jferriero@townofthompson.com.

Condolences to the Glick and Fox Family on the loss of Barri Glick. I grew up across the street from Barri and stayed in touch through the years. She was a free and passionate spirit who embraced each moment of life to its fullest. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Happy Birthday to my dearest of friends Norman Duttweiler (4/29), Lee Karasik, Rebecca Gordon, Shawn Wiles (4/30), Ryan Cerullo, Evan Waterton, Danielle Mack, Pat Smith (5/1), Allie Billias (5/2), Mona Karasik, Irene Greenfield, Maggie Schutte, (5/4), Adam Jacobson, Amanda McCormick, and April Resnick (5/5).

So much to do – now get out there and do it! 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.