And, just like that – Poof – September is gone and October is here.  As we watch the beautiful way Mother Nature paints a stunning portrait of what I consider one of the most stunning counties in New York State, we continue to find so much to do in and for our community. 

Congratulations to the Monticello Rotary Club and the community that supported the clubs Rotary Scholarship Gold Outing.  The event raised over $10,000 toward the scholarships that will be distributed to graduating Seniors from the Monticello and Fallsburg School Districts. 

With the Fall chill in the air, we begin to layer into our outer coat wear.  Too many in our community don’t have a coat to wear.  And you can make a difference.  Please donate to the Monticello Rotary Annual Coat Drive.  I will continue to list locations where you can drop off gently used or new coats. 

 The Coat Drive collects for ALL AGES and GENDERS.  Coats will be collected through the month of October when they will be delivered to United Way of Sullivan County for distribution.  Drop off locations to date include Kristt Company, Albella Restaurant, Monticello High School (Thank you Interact for your participation), and both Jeff Bank locations in Monticello.  More to come…Warm your heart, by warming someone in need!

If you’re looking for an early spooky time, don’t miss out on the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop’s Haunted Theatre at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg.  Not for the faint of heart, but a guaranteed good time for all.  Not recommended for children under 13.  Admission is $12 per person and the event runs October 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th, from 6pm to 10pm.  

I had a great time networking with community leaders at the Meet the President (SUNY Sullivan) Bar-B-Que this past week.  It was wonderful to hear of the plans to revitalize the college and the work they are planning to do to expand community relationships.  Welcome to our community, President Dr. David Potash. We wish you well in your work and offer our assistance in making SUNY Sullivan the best it can be. 

Congratulations to the Bold Gold Media Group for its recognition by the NYS Broadcasters Association for the campaigns run for “No Shave November,” (Ellenville Regional Hospital), You.Reinvented campaign by the Health & Family Services of Sullivan County, and the Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge campaign.  

Congratulations to Dr. Peter Chester who was elected to serve as President of the Landfield Avenue Synagogue.  High Holiday Services are posted on Facebook and flyers around town.  You can also call the Synagogue to get information and to make a Yizkor donation in memory of a loved one (845) 794-8470.  President Peter looks forward to welcoming ALL who wish to Come Home to LAS.  

Happy Belated Birthday to Melissa DiCostanzo (9/26), Dolores Sheeley (9/27), David Rosenberg, Joan Mingo, Lois Kaufman (9/28), Michael Spear, and Randy Resnick, (9/29).  Happy Birthday Roberta Byron-Lockwood (10/2), Donna Wilson, Nancy Buck, Eileen Lungen (10/3), Joanna Gass, Louis Setren, Chuck Dorman, (10/6) and Robin Moore DeRito (10/7).

Enjoy the crisp fall weather, and remember – there is always something to do and good to be done!  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.  Until Next Time…Be Safe, Be Healthy, Be Happy.