Happy 2026 to everyone! The hours of sunlight during the day are getting longer as we navigate all the wonderful things to be involved with in Sullivan County. Make a resolution to find at least one event to attend or one group to help per week to support the amazing opportunities in our own backyard!

Looking for something for the kids? How about FREE Kid's Bingo Nights! Kids win candy as they play. This is 1 of 3 Winter Bingo Nights, held indoors at the community room at East Mongaup River Park, 181 Town Park Road in Monticello. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and reside in the Town of Thompson. Space is limited to 50 participants. Registration is required. To RSVP or for questions, please contact Jamie Ferriero at Town of Thompson Parks & Rec Department: Call 845-434-7303 or email jferriero@thompsonny.gov.

Wurtsboro Antique Market has its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, January 10th, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at 86 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro. A full day of fun, community, and discovery awaits you featuring live music, door prizes and raffles, delicious food and beverages, and over 50 vendors. For more details, visit www.wurtsboroantiquemarket.com or call 845-644-4132.

A community gem, Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) has a number of wonderful programs the next few weeks. One focusing on your health is Sound Healing with Elenie which creates a sacred space in sound baths, one that allows rest and nurtures the mind, body, and soul. You will be gently guided to sink into a meditative state, the sounds introduced are an invitation to sink even further into a deeper state of consciousness. This allows you to unplug from the external so you can connect within. An overall experience of well-being, promoting peace, calmness, relaxation, self-discovery. Come for one or all in the series on Thursdays: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9.

Additional wellness can be found by attending the remaining Friday Fitness Series at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Remaining classes will be held Fridays: January 9 and March 13 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County in the North Room. If you have any questions or to register, please call Joy at 845-292-6180 ext. 101. In the event of cancellation, you will be contacted at the email address provided in your registration. Fee $15.

For some great outdoor family fun (so dress warmly), head out to Maple Woods Farm in Hurleyville for Soup, Snow, and Cow Snuggles. Enjoy a cozy winter afternoon spent petting, grooming, and hanging out with Patty, Bessie, and Mirabelle, the farm’s mini-Herefords. Hot, homemade soup is included to help keep you cozy while you enjoy the farm. January 11 & 18, from 2–5 PM at Maple Woods Farm (not the farm stand), Cole Road, Hurleyville, $35 Adults, $20 Children, Kids 5 and under - Free. No RSVP needed, show up and enjoy! Cash, card, or Venmo accepted at the door.

The Annual Rotary Clubs of Sullivan County Blood Drive is on Friday, February 20 at Noon until 6 PM during the 48^th Annual 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-thon at Resorts World-Catskills. Each pint of blood donated saves 3 lives. You can make a difference in about half an hour of your time. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can pre-register for a time slot of your choice at the Donor Portal for New York Blood Center at www.donate.nybc.org.

Congratulations to all the newly inducted officials in all village, towns, county positions. We place our faith in you as you begin your journey in this community service role. In addition, we thank those leaving roles for their dedicated service. Whether you agree or disagree with individual politics, all of these folks have been selfless enough to place their name on a ballot and chosen to serve our communities. We thank you all for your commitment. 

Condolences to the Vassmer/Simpson family on the loss or family matriarch Marion Vassmer. A true woman of valor making history in August of 1969, becoming a mother to many Woodstock Concert attendees ensuring they were fed and had a safe place to be. Her commitment to her community and church along with a wonderful family is a legacy of love that she will be remembered for. When you speak of a life well lived, Marion Vassmer is a perfect example. May her memory be for a blessing to all who knew and loved her. 

Happy Birthday to Alyssa Thalmann, Lori Solomon-Longobardi, Lauree Novagrodsky, Laura Garone (1/6), Karen Collura, Janet Carey, Erin Slaver, Jake Gunther (1/8), Mary Buckley, Shane Phillipy (1/11), Shannon Porter, Tasha Butler, Raj Patel, Mikael O'Hara, Toni Carnesi- Montemurro, Kate Pucell (1/12).

So, stay warm and spend more time basking in daylight (and remember, sunscreen in the winter is just as important as the summer) not to mention all the fun evening things to do. 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.