The weather has been brutal and yet, there is plenty going to keep us warm during this holiday season.

The Sullivan County Holiday Concert Series in the Government Center Lobby is winding down. Remaining performances: 12/16 9:30 a.m. - Monticello High School Emerging Ensembles; 12/17 10:30 a.m. Sullivan West High School Select Choir and Instrumental Ensembles, 1 p.m. Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School Instrumental Chamber Group; 12/18 10:30 a.m. Minisink Valley High School Treble Choir; 12/19 10:30 a.m. Sullivan BOCES Elementary Chorus, 11:30 a.m. Tri-Valley High School Band and 8th Grade Band, 1 p.m. Liberty Middle School Band. Open to the public.

Sounds of the Season will be presented at the Daniel Pierce Library in Grahamsville on Thursday, December 18 at 6 p.m. featuring a special performance by Grahamsville native Shane Rennison.

Need a last-minute gift? Consider the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, Inc. January Daily Pick 3 Lotto ticket. For a $10 donation, if your ticket number matches the number of the NYS Pick 3 number, you win the dollar amount of the prize shown on your ticket for the date the number is drawn. You may win more than one time during the month. But, if your number doesn’t come up, your saved ticket is valid for one free admission to any 2026 SCDW production, with the exception of the annual musical. Holder of the ticket will receive a $10 discount off the price of the musical. With 31 chances to win, plus a guaranteed admission to a show, you are a sure winner. Please send a check for $10 per ticket to SCDW, PO Box 433, South Fallsburg, NY 12779, and your ticket will be mailed to you.

Another great last-minute gift: how about the coveted 48th Annual 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon T-shirt? A donation of $20 gets the shirt to you with 100% of the cost going to funds raised for this year's event which will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026. For more information contact 845-798-1770.

The Polar Express Party and viewing of the movie will take place at the Ethelbert Crawford Public Library in Monticello on Friday, December 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Contact the Library to reserve (required) your spot for 4+ for a family fun night. Snacks and hot cocoa will be served.

Happy Chanukah to those who celebrate. Remaining Community Menorah Lightings: Landfield Avenue Synagogue All Things Chanukah - Tuesday, December 16 – Honoring Law Enforcement, Monticello Village Hall – 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, December 17 – Honoring Medical Professionals, Garnet Medical Center, Harris – 4 p.m., Thursday, December 18 – Honoring Fire Services, Monticello Village Hall – 5:15 p.m., Friday, December 19 – Honoring Educators, Ted Stroebele Recreation Building, Jefferson Street, Monticello – 3:15 p.m., Saturday, December 20, Monticello Village Hall – 5:15 p.m., Sunday, December 21 – Honoring Community Service & Leaders, Ted Stroebele Recreation Building, Jefferson Street, Monticello – 5 p.m., Monday, December 22 Monticello Village Hall – 5 p.m.

The Rock Hill Business Association meets Wednesday, December 17 at 5:45 p.m. at Corner by Dutch’s Tavern, then ShopRite in Liberty, Saturday, December 20 at 8 p.m.

Kilgore Artistry will hold an Ornament Paint & Sip at Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. $40 admission includes two ornaments, one free drink, and snacks. Call 914-318-1010 to reserve your spot.

As the holiday season comes into full swing, remember to take a moment to help so many in our community in need. Whether you choose to donate a toy or two to the Boys & Girls Club, a food donation to a local pantry, or to volunteer your time to help with food distribution with organizations like United Way or The Federation for the Homeless, what you do matters. The Monticello High School Toy Drive has more on their list of those in need than they have the funds to cover. Please contact Mary Ellen Hurley at Monticello High School to donate.

Happy Birthday to Becky Mitchell, Ted Kusulas, Emily Billig (12/17), Hudson Cooper, Barbara Gore, David Cutler, Kelvin Jenkins (12/18), Ryan Schock, John Kiefer (12/19), Les Kristt, Antoinette Williams, Sally Gladden (12/20), Franklin Trapp (12/21), Mike Brooks, Sheri Bisland (12/22).

So, stay warm and keep up that holiday spirit. Cherish the moments, as we have learned these last few days, our time with those we love is precious. More to come... 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.