June 23 — The Heat is On which means with the official Summer Solstice arrival, Summer in the Catskills has begun. So many wonderful opportunities to partake in throughout our beautiful county. Just get on board and join in them.

Congratulations to the Tommy Watson Sr., Tommy Watson Jr., and the entire Watson family on their recognition during the recent Sullivan County Government Juneteenth Ceremony.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025 officially installed the Class Project of five “Little Free Food Pantries,” throughout Sullivan County. The “Little Free Food Pantry” allows those in need to get assistance with dignity. If you need, visit any of the locations and take what you need. If you can give, visit the location and leave your non-perishable donation of food. Locations: Liberty Police Department, Landfield Avenue Synagogue in Monticello (All Kosher Location), Bethel Town Hall, Lumberland Town Hall, Glen Spey.

Join SUNY Sullivan on Thursday, June 26 for a Meet and Greet Cocktail Reception (4:30pm) followed at 6pm for a special screening and in-person presentation of excerpts from the critically acclaimed PBS Frontline documentary, “China, The US and the Rise of Xi Jinping” (2024), with award-winning journalists and filmmakers Martin Smith and Marcela Gaviria. The evening will be moderated by Ultan Guilfoyle. To learn more about this event and to secure tickets visit: https://sunysullivan.edu/excerpts-conversation/.

Head on over to the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre on June 26 from 11am – 12 noon for a self-led event held once a month - Board and Brilliant Senior Gaming Hour where seniors can enjoy a variety of free card and board games at their own pace. It’s a great chance to relax, socialize and have fun with friends in a casual, welcoming environment. All are invited to come and play! Game donations are also welcome! This is a free event, registration required by contacting HPAC.

Farmers’ Markets are up and running throughout our county. This Thursday is opening day for the Sullivan Fresh Monticello Farmers’ Market. Join Subi for a cooking emo at the event and learn how to make a tasty recipe with our market finds at 11am on June 26. The market is open to the public and located behind the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center on Jefferson Street in Monticello.

For a great laugh and a bit of reflection, make sure you make time to see the Sullivan County Historical Society production of “Cranky Seniors are Loose Again:” Featuring Eileen Kalter, Peter Natashi, Jean Eifert, Paul Purschner, and Sally Gladden at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville on, Sunday, June 29 at 2:00pm.

Head over to Winterton Farms & Two Farms Brewing for the Allyson Whitney Foundation’s Lavender Bliss Yoga & Brewery Beats on Sunday, June 29. Start your day with a relaxing yoga session in the Lavender Field at 11am, led by instructors from The Yoga Space Catskills. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, it’s the perfect way to unwind. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on the day.

After yoga, enjoy craft beers from Two Farms Brewing, food from SMOKIN Mo’s BBQ, ice cream from The Sweet Spot, and live music from FAR BEYOND GONE (1-4pm). A special drink menu supports the Allyson Whitney Foundation, plus exciting raffle prizes! Note all food & beverages at Two Farms Brewing are for purchase. Not doing yoga? For just $5, head to Two Farms Brewing at 12pm for drinks, food, music, and raffle fun.

Support a great cause while enjoying good company. Cancer patients can receive complimentary yoga tickets. For more information, or to purchase (or reserve complimentary ticket) contact katrina@allysonwhitney.org or barbara@allysonwhitney.org.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Mixer will be held at Kadampa Meditation Center, 27 Sweeney Road, Glen Spey, NY on June 26 at 5pm – 7pm. Connect with fellow Chamber members, local professionals, and community leaders in a relaxed and welcoming setting at the beautiful Kadampa Meditation Center. Free to attend and all are welcome.

Kid Alert – Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre has its Kids Craft Hour with DIY Suncatchers on Friday, June 27 at 1pm. Create a dazzling suncatcher using colorful glass marbles! Kids will arrange translucent glass gems and other sparkling beads, then secure them. Perfect for all ages with adult supervision.

Happy Birthday to Hank Good, Alex Rey (6/25), Shannon Daniels, Pastor John Williams (6/26), Miranda Behan Yisroel (Izzy) Kreitman (6/27), Carol Montana (6/28), Pedro Tweed, Janie Vine (6/29), Carol Paty, Shirley Ann Felder, Mona Tugender (6/30).

Enjoy the sun and beautiful Sullivan County Summer. Get out and enjoy what Sullivan County has to offer. 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