It is hard to believe that we are starting to see Back to School Sales beginning to infiltrate our media sources reminding us that our fun in the sun summer is quickly flying by us. Each year seems to go by more quickly, but as an educator, I am proud to see students (especially my former students) move on to the next chapter of life. 

Congratulation to Dylan Price who was a pleasure to work with as the Student School Board Member just 4 years ago while I was Board President of MCSD.  He has now returned to our community working for Bold Gold Media on the Catskills News Team.  In his new role, Dylan will report for the Catskills News Team, help grow local sports coverage, and serve as a part-time account executive on the sales team.  So proud of you Dylan and we are lucky to have you back home!

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce announces a large-scale Joint Chamber Mixer in partnership with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, the Greater NYC Chamber, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. This event will take place at The Kartrite on July 30 from 5-7pm, and will feature an AI & Technology Business Panel, ensuring local and regional businesses remain on the cutting edge. The evening will offer valuable networking opportunities and will include Kosher catering to ensure inclusivity for a diverse audience. 

The Catskill Public Theater presents Gin Game at The Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor on Friday, July 18.  Doors open at 7pm | Show is at 7:30pm. A Pulitzer Prize winning timeless tragicomedy, “The Gin Game” is the longest running comedy/thriller in the history of Broadway. Can two Seniors playing cards turn bad luck into good? Is it a game of cards or a game of life? The stakes are high as age and time bring them closer to their final game. The play features performances by David Patrick Wilson and Nan Gill in the roles played by Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, and is directed by CPT company member, Professor and performer, Jessica López-Barkl.

Miranda Behan is running for reelection as Town of Fallsburg Council Person and there will be a fundraiser in support of her on Tuesday, July 23 at Casa Mia in Hurleyville starting at 6pm.  Join in supporting trusted leadership, community values, and a vision for the future. 

A Summer highlight is the Kauneonga Lake Farm and Makers Market every Saturday from 11am-1pm.  On Saturday, July 19 join in for a beautiful coffee and paint class taught by Baby & Mothman Coffee. Your ticket includes a sampler flight of their popular drinks from their menu and their step-by-step painting class (all painting materials included) suitable for beginners or more advanced artists!

Outside food is welcome so bring your favorite snack or check out the other vendors at Kauneonga Lake Farm & Makers Market. Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend. $25 ticket sale per painter.  Sampler Flight includes Lavender Cafe au Lait, Vanilla Moka Swirl Cold Brew, Iced Strawberry Matcha.  Decaf options for coffee available, alternative drink menu options for children also available. Indicate when ordering tickets which drink option is preferred. 

After the Market and Painting, the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department will hold its Annual Drive-Thru Chicken Barbeque at 2pm on Saturday, July 19.  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.

The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre will present its Annual HPAC Music Festival on July 19 from 12- 4pm.  Performances are all day with lots of family fun! Bounce houses, local vendors, food, drink & more! Admission is free. 

The Rock Hill Fire Department will hold a Buffet-Style French Toast Breakfast on Sunday, July 20 from 8am-12pm at the Firehouse. Tickets are priced at $12 for Adults; Kids under 12 are $8. 

Don’t miss the Town of Neversink Park and Recreations Department Movie Night.  Join in on Friday, July 18 at Grahamsville Fairgrounds for a fun family night watching: SNOW WHITE!  The movie starts at dusk (approx 8:30 pm).  The Town of Neversink Parks & Rec will provide the popcorn and drive-in style movie.  All are welcome for this FREE event!

The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop presents the 2nd weekend of “BELLES” – a dramatic comedy by Mark Dunn.  BELLES is a full-length play told in “two acts and 45 phone calls!”  Performances are at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg on Fridays and Saturdays, July 18 & 19 at 8pm and Sundays, July 20 at 2pm.  Tickets are available at the box office or online at www.scdw.net .

Don’t forget to sign up for the 47th Annual Monster Run by July 15 to secure your selected size for the highly coveted Monster T-Shirt.  You can register up until Race Day on August 3 for the race to be held at Resorts World-Catskill, but your shirt size is not guaranteed. To register https://share.google/6hIcbqsX31Pku4YRt.

Lastly, thank you to all who have sent congratulatory messages to me for becoming State President for the New York State Council of Educational Association.  I am honored to serve the next two years and hope my work can lead to productive growth and positive change for all the students in NYS. 

Happy Birthday to Rose Joyce-Turner, Carmela Foglia (7/16), John Ayres, Diane Trinkaus, John Lauri, Kristin Kitson, Mikke Greene, Steven Wing (7/18), Naquan Holman (7/19), Matt Sush, Dana Schmidt, Alexis Costa, Rose Escalera (7/20), Jesse Robinson, Ivan Rivas, Marc Gitlin (7/21)

So hit those sales, but make sure to enjoy the rest of the amazing summer times still to come. 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 .