In 1918, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, at the eleventh hour, WWI ended, marking what was considered the war to end all wars. Sadly, that has not been the case, and Armistice Day was changed officially by President Eisenhower in 1954 to Veterans Day recognizing WWII and Korean War Veterans as well. And, today we honor so many more who have served and serve our great country. As a reminder, Veterans Day honor those who are still with us, not those who have passed. It is a day to truly say thank you to the brave men and women who protect and defend our rights. It is a day to reflect on how we can better serve in their honor.

There will be numerous events throughout Sullivan County to commemorate and honor our heroes.  The Sullivan County Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at the Government Center in Monticello at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 11. All are welcome.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, but food insecurity is happening now. After my last plea to help fill the Little Food Pantry Boxes started by the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025, so many stepped up to help others in our community.  Please consider a couple of items each shopping trip to place in any of the locations: Liberty Police Station, Landfield Avenue Synagogue in Monticello, Bethel Town Hall, Lumberland Town Hall, and The River Reporter in Narrowsburg.

The Sullivan Central Rotary Club is holding its “Not Les Nessman’s Turkey Drop” from now through Thanksgiving. If you have a ShopRite Free Turkey and send your ShopRite Card (Phone Number) to Sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com, the Club Members will pick up your turkey to donate to a family in need to be distributed through United Way, SC BOCES, and Federation for the Homeless. In addition, we will arrange pick up from an alternate location for a turkey pick up, as well as non-perishable food items and drop the food pantry items off to the Monticello Rotary Food Drive on November 22 to be held at Monticello ShopRite from 9am -1pm. Lastly, folks in need can do a drive thru Thanksgiving and More Food Pick up at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello on November 22 starting at 10am going until 1pm or all is distributed. First come first served. Sullivan Central Rotary will be on hand to help package and distribute those meals. In addition, should you wish to volunteer your services to help (shifts needed from 7am – 1pm), please sign up at regionalfoodbank.net/2025-thanksgiving-food-distribution-information. For additional information, call 845-798-1770.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual 2025 Business Excellence Awards and Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 13 at Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre in Hurleyville starting at 5:30pm. Contact the Chamber at 845-791-4200 for additional information.

The Boys and Girls Club is seeking “angels” to adopt a family for the holidays during its Giving Tree Project. Please contact Barbi Neumann at 845-342-8833.

Make-A-Wish of Hudson Valley is holding a Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, November 15 at the White Lake Firehouse from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make-a-Wish of Hudson Valley makes wishes come true for critically ill children in our community.

The Liberty Interact Club will hold its Rise & Shine: Pancakes, Huevous & Heart Fundraiser on Sunday, November 16 from 8am – Noon at the Liberty Firehouse. All proceeds support the purchase of a Book Vending Machine for Liberty Middle School and a lover of reading for all students.

Lastly, Congratulations to two of the most giving human beings I know. Marty and Lynn Colavito wanted to make a difference so decided to do a Long Walk to the Regional Food Hub in Montgomery. The 4-day, 44-mile walk was to raise awareness and maybe a few dollars to help the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard. Their efforts raised well over their original goal of $5,000. You can still donate as there is still need. To help visit www.saltcares.com/sullivan-fresh.

Happy Birthday to Jane Sorensen (11/11), Billie Waterton, Araceli Mir-Pontier (11/12), Jack Etter (11/13), Keith Edwards, Michael Greco, Faith Abbott-Bowden (11/14), Lourdesa Hunt, Mekayla Rayne, Susie Parks Landis (11/15), Amelia Gleyzer, Erik Mayberg (11/16).

Remember to enjoy all that Sullivan County has to offer. Thank a Veteran. Help a neighbor. And, as always, just in case I really don’t “Know It All,” please keep me in the know by emailing me at LoriJames.SCDemocrat@gmail.com.