March is certainly roaring in like a lion as we all look forward to a quick change into the Spring Season.  We spring our clocks forward this Sunday, losing one hour of time to get all the great things going on in.  But not to worry, there is still tons of happenings to fill our week!

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Networking Breakfast at the Kartrite Hotel is Friday, March 7 at 7:30am, sponsored by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation. To RSVP contact the Chamber at 845-791-4200.

Rotary District 7210 is holding a Rotary Meet Up at Resorts World-Catskill on Thursday, March 6 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Ever wonder what Rotary is or what this International Club does? Get the chance to Meet Up and find out from District and local Rotarians. Known for doing good while having fun, come learn first-hand what the hype is all about. To RSVP contact RotaryMonti@gmail.com. 

The Landfield Avenue Synagogue is holding its Purim Party on Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. 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 9 a.m. on Friday, March 14 ending the day with a homemade mouthwatering Community Shabbat Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday evening. 

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 at 1 p.m. (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.

Vern will present a talk about his extraordinary mountaineering career. Vern currently holds the world record for the amount of time taken to summit all seven summits consecutively. He is the first person to solo summit several of the world’s tallest peaks. And in 2002, Sports Illustrated named Tejas as one of the top fifty Alaskan athletes of the twentieth century.

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.

Join Troop 101 – Girls for an Open House! Girls Ages 10 and Older are welcome to join with a parent on March 5, 2025 at 7pm at the Rock Hill Firehouse.  Come see what Scouting has to offer and how it empowers young girls to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create lasting friendships!

Explore exciting opportunities for adventure, community service, outdoor activities, and personal growth. Learn about the many fun programs Scouting offers, from camping trips to merit badges, and discover how our troop is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.  For more information, contact Billie Waterton at 845-421-2350 or runningwynn@yahoo.com.  Troop 101 – Empowering Girls, Inspiring Leaders!

Join HPAC (Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre) on March 8, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. for Kids Craft Hour to create your own St. Patrick’s Day-inspired fabric wreath! Using colorful fabrics and simple materials, kids will craft a festive wreath perfect for celebrating the holiday. It’s a fun and creative way to embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day! Tickets are $15. Contact HPAC to reserve your seat

March is Music in Our Schools Month and The Sullivan County Music Educators Association will hold its Annual All County Festival at Monticello High School on March 8. Congratulations to all of the young musicians from across Sullivan County who have been working together with their teachers to bring the beloved concert to the community.  

Registration is presently underway for the spring season for the Monticello Trap Team, a co-ed program, for students in grades 6-12 and ages 12 and older. Prior experience is not required, and everyone gets to participate and advance at their own skill level. Registration is done through the state league (not the school), so email coach Jay Mendels at monticellotrapteam@gmail.com for further details and availability.    The mission of the team is to emphasize the positive influence the sport can have on athletes and their families. This is accomplished by providing a safe, comfortable, and positive environment focused on safety, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun!

It is scholarship time and the Monticello Rotary Club is accepting Scholarship Applications from students in the Monticello and Fallsburg High Schools.  Monticello Rotary distributes approximately $10,000 a year in funds to graduating High School students.  To apply, students should acquire an application from their School Guidance Counselor.  Deadline for submission of application is March 21, 2025.  For additional information, contact RotaryMonti@gmail.com 

Glad to know that Carol Montana is finally home to finish recovering. Good wishes and positive energy for a full and speedy recovery. 

Happy Birthday to Kelly Lawler, Jessica Nesin (3/4), Brian Miros, Dvorah Lumerman, Bill Sipos, Randy Costa (3/5), Catie Lucas (3/6), Robyn Mendels, Helen Rados, Debbie Gilles O’Malley, Brenda Sloan (3/7), Al Dumas, Denise Sullivan, Melinda Stratton, Ann-Marie Sidtis, Michelle Prestianni, Karen Dean (3/8), Jacob Lerner (3/9), and Rick Stein (3/10).

Spring Forward and Spring Ahead to Sullivan County Pride with so many great things to do and know.  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