This week we will celebrate 249 years since the Congressional Congress approved the most famous document of democracy, our Declaration of Independence, creating the United States of America. 

Congratulations to Sullivan County’s own Camille O’Brien for qualifying for the Nathan’s Famous 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. She will compete at the Coney Island traditional event on July 4th. Good Luck, Camille. 

This past weekend was filled with local high school graduations! Congratulations to the Class of 2025.

The Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 will hold its Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Wednesday, July 2 at 4pm-7pm (or sold out). Text 845-866-5183 to reserve your meal priced at $15 per dinner. 

Liberty will celebrate our Nations Birthday on July 4th with its Liberty Rising and Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Annual Liberty 4th of July Celebration starting at 10am on July 4th with a rain date of July 5th.  Parade will begin at Noon, Love entertainment, local artisan & crafters, an Any Make – Any Model Car Show, amazing delicious foods until 4pm before ending the day with a Fireworks Spectacular at 9:15pm. 

The Rock Hill Summer Concert Series begins its season in its new location of Lake Ida Town Park at 53 Adams Road, Rock Hill on Wednesday, July 2nd from 6:30 – 8pm with Cruise Control. This is a rain or shine event.

Don’t miss Zumba on July 1st and beyond...Have fun and get fit with free Zumba for Town of Thompson residents! Instructor Jamie Vandervoort will lead FREE classes at East Mongaup River Park in the upper pavilion every Tuesday and Thursday May 1st through September 30th, 5:30-6:30pm. Tuesdays are Zumba Fitness classes where you’ll dance your way to better fitness. Thursdays include both Zumba Fitness AND Zumba Toning! You may bring your own weights of 1-3 lbs. Also, these Zumba classes are only for those 18 years of age and older.

This program is brought to you by Town of Thompson Parks & Recreation. Contact Jamie Ferriero at 845-796-3606 or email jferriero@thompsonny.gov for more info.

The Catskill Reader’s Theatre is back at the Liberty Public Library to present “CRANKY SENIORS – PART 5!” - a lively, laughter-filled performance that dives headfirst into the joys and quirks of aging. This event takes place on Monday, July 7 at 10:30 AM, and is designed especially for seniors who know all too well what it means to have a case of “SENIORITIS.”  

The cast of Jean Eifert, Sally Gladden, Peter Natashi, and Paul Preuschner returns to the stage with all-new material for 2025, guaranteed to bring humor, heart, and maybe even a few heartfelt nods of recognition from the audience. 

The Liberty Public Library hosts its popular Senior Coffee Club gathering on the first Monday every month from April to December providing seniors with the chance to enjoy coffee, conversation, and educational presentations in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Register your kids for the Town of Thompson Parks & Recreation Department FREE Kid’s Bingo Night on July 8th at East Mongaup River Park, where kids win chocolate and candy as they play. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. NOTE: Kids must reside in the Town of Thompson. Pre-registration is required - Space is limited to the first 50 kids who pre-register with Jamie Ferriero at Town of Thompson Parks & Rec Department: Call 845-434-7303 or email jferriero@thompsonny.gov to pre-register.

The Sullivan Fresh Monticello Farmers’ Market is open for the season, find farm fresh fruits, veggies, meat, eggs, dairy and more! Located across from the Government Center and next to the Ted Stroebele Center on Thursday’s from 10am – 1pm.

Shop for fresh fruits, veggies, eggs, meat, dairy, and more at the Fallsburg Mobile Market Stop on Wednesday, July 2 sponsored by Sullivan Fresh. Look for the colorful van in the Fallsburg Town Hall parking lot from 11am – 12:30pm. Pay your way! We accept cash, credit/debit, SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Fresh Connect Checks, Fresh Rx, Sullivan Fresh Bucks, Senior & Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupons.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will hold a Caregiver Support Group for Families of Veterans on Wednesday, July 2nd at 4pm -5pm at Action for Independence, 309 E. Broadway, Monticello. This support group is offered and hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC)’s Caregiver Resource Center (CRC), Action Toward Independence, and the Alzheimer’s Association. This group is intended to provide both support and offer new community resources to the informal family caregiver who assists an aging, ill, or disabled adult relative or friend as well as Veterans and their family members.

These meetings provide an opportunity to listen, learn, and share in a comfortable space while finding assistance with caregiving concerns. The support groups offer a safe place for: Sharing feelings, frustrations, and practical ways of coping; meeting other caregivers who are in similar situations and can offer practical advice, discovering new information and resources. To register: sullivancce.org/events or email sullivancrc@cornell.edu.  For more information or to talk to a Veteran Peer Advocate, please call 845.794.4228.

Happy Birthday to Jodi Vansaders (7/1), Jennifer Gorr, Suellen Magnetico, Perri Gips (7/2), Maureen Velten, Lori Rae Silvers, Sandy Monroe (7/3), USA, Michael Mednick, Marie Ng, Tom Ellison (7/4), Luis Alvarez, Kathi Widman, Ari Cohen (7/6). 

Happy Birthday America! Celebrate and participate safely!  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