There are more sneezing, coughing and watery eyes happening around Sullivan County as this year’s allergy season is in full swing. Just remember, the annoyance will lead to a beautiful landscape and summer season.  

Local Honey Therapy does work! And you can learn about local beekeeping (and those who do it) at Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre on May 20th at 6pm. Join the Basics of Beekeeping workshop and dive into the fascinating world of bees! Learn essential skills for starting your own beekeeping journey, from understanding hive management to maintaining bee health. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, this workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence to get started in beekeeping. Contact HPAC to register.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. More than 264 million people worldwide are affected by depression, according to the World Health Organization, and although many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, many people who need treatment do not receive it. 

Monticello Rotary Club Member Jackie Rutledge, President Lori Orestano-James, and Past President Jacob Learner are proud to take part in the Rotary International “Don’t Bottle It Up” campaign. The goal of the “Don’t Bottle It Up” campaign is to break the stigma of not talking about mental health issues, raise awareness, and increase mental health access to those who need it.

 Rotary has a remarkable record when it comes to health initiatives. They have helped bring polio to the brink of eradication, and clubs have carried out myriad projects focused on preventing disease and supporting maternal and child health. 

Now the global pandemic has brought attention to another aspect of health that is often overlooked: mental health. In many places, depression, anxiety, and suicide are seen as things to be ashamed of and kept quiet. But Rotary members are recognizing the gaps in understanding and resources and are stepping up to help.

If you or a loved one is in need of assistance, please contact locally Sullivan NAMI at https://namisullivan.org/crisis-info/.

Mission 35 of the Hudson Valley Honors Flight recently completed its tour of duty, and Sullivan County residents Korean War Veteran Andrew Valenti, Vietnam Veterans Albee Bockman, Gary Lederman, and Gilbert Welsh were on the Mission. Hudson Valley Honor Flight is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which “Honors American Veterans” for all their sacrifices. 

They transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them. They are a local hub of the National Honor Flight Network, which consists of over 100 independent non-profit “hubs” across America. 

The Hudson Valley Chapter is Chaired by Lou Ingrassia, who feels honored to help make this possible for “our true heroes.” Mission 36 is planned for May 31. For more information on how to nominate a hero you know, please visit https://hvhonorflight.com/.

And, remember to mark your calendar for all the Memorial Day Services to honor those heroes we have lost. We thank all for their service and appreciate the sacrifices you and your family made in support of a better world. 

Don’t miss the Liberty Elks Lodge #1545 Craft Fair on May 17 10am to 3pm at 21 St. John Street, Liberty. There is no entrance fee for customers. Refreshments are available throughout the day. To become a vendor, contact: cdworetsky@earthlink.net. 

In the spirit and the study of creating fine drama, The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop has a treat for you – the audience! This year’s new event is a series of short plays in development. The playwrights all are local – from Sullivan, Orange and Ulster Counties. Come to the first readthroughs, live on the Rivoli Stage in South Fallsburg.

You will meet the actors, directors, and possibly the playwrights of each play and will have the opportunity to participate in discussions giving constructive feedback. Then, come back in September when the polished plays are presented and find out if your feedback was incorporated into the finished product. SCDW’s Plays in Development, produced by Jean Eifert and Peter Nastasi, welcome you to contribute your input to START TO FINISH. Performances at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg on Friday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, May17 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted.

The Fallsburg Fire Department is hosting its Annual Bernie Deutsch Memorial Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Fallsburg Fire Dept, 10 Railroad Plaza, So. Fallsburg, NY 12779. Adults $13, $8 Children under 12 and 5 and under free.

The Temple Shalom Primetimers scheduled its series of fun Bus Trips for June 25 and August 13 – Trip to NYC/spend a day on your own - $55 round trip with tip, August 27th Wind Creek Casino and outlet stores - $50 pp with ticket holders getting back $25 in free play; a beautiful bus ride to Bethlehem, PA and fun for all. For each trip the buses leave from Temple Sholom parking lot. For more information and/or to make reservations, call Paula at 561-504-7192.

Condolences to the family and friends of Chet Smith. Many will remember him from his voice on the Rock Hill Trading Post radio ads coining the phrase “It’s worth the trip!” Chet will best be remembered in the countless hours he served as a member of the Rock Hill Fire Department keeping those in his and other communities safe. May his memory be for a blessing. 

Happy Birthday to our very own Senator Peter Oberacker, Nancy McGraw, Susan Rost Christopher, Moochie Merchant (5/13), Judy Levine (5/14), Debbie Heins, Scott Glasser, Amy Hines (5/16), Al Etkin (5/17), Nikki Zedek, Lynn McDonald, Shanna Rieber, William Hudson, Amador Laput, Merle Parsons (5/18), Dara Hebert, Tobi Magnetico (5/19). 

Enjoy the week filled will lots to know and things to do! 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.