Each January we reflect on the messaging of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as we honor the life well lived by a true community servant. He believed in a future of equality, love, and peace. He believed in the power of community. And in that light, think of ways you can help to serve our community.

The Rotary Clubs of Sullivan County (Liberty, Monticello, Livingston Manor, and Sullivan Central) are sponsoring a Blood Drive during this year's 48th Annual 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon to be held at Resorts World Catskills on Friday, February 20 from 10am - 6pm.

There is always a desperate need for blood donors, but this winter season finds the need greater! Please help save lives by signing up today to donate. It is quick and easy. About 1/2 an hour total from signing in, to delicious snacks to replenish your body, you can save 3 lives with your donation. There is no cost... it is safe... and you help others with the gift of life! Walk-ins are welcome or sign up for a dedicated donation time at https://donate.nybc.org/.../schedules/drive_schedule/330025. For questions on eligibility or how to donate to this drive, please call 845-798-1770.

And speaking of the Heart-A-Thon, as you travel throughout Sullivan County, consider a purchase of a SUNY Sullivan Heart Card. Businesses throughout Sullivan County have the Heart Cards available for purchase. A minimum donation of one dollar to leave a message for all to see is a great way to help. Some ask what a dollar can do, but a whole lot of littles, makes a whole lot of lots. If we all take that moment, we can make a difference in supporting heart health in our community. Please purchase a card (or a few) today.

Please consider a donation to The Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard serving 700 of our neighbors every week. To donate visit https://bit.ly/43w6kpB.

The Sullivan Central Rotary Club continues with its “Never Ending Coat Drive.” Please drop off new or gently used coats, scarfs, hats, and gloves to Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay’s Office, United Way of Sullivan County in Monticello, The Children’s Home in Liberty, or email sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com.

Think about participating in this year’s Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser to benefit the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless on Saturday, February 28 at The Adler Hotel, Resorts World Drive in Monticello. Walk in this symbolic event (approximately 1 mile), as an individual or consider joining (or creating) a team to help raise much needed funds to help. Sullivan Central Rotary Club and Friends Team is already established, and you can contact 845-798-1770 for more information on how to join the team or as an individual or to create a team.

And don’t miss the chance to support the Alzheimer’s Association and supporting my friend Terry Grafmuller and his team Strike Out Alz during the Sue Bunce Memorial Sullivan Freeze for the Cure Polar Bear Jump Fundraiser, as he and his team take a plunge jumping through a hole in the ice to raise funds to help find a cure of this disease that touches so many of us and our neighbors. For more information, please call 845-866-6275.

Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) continues with wonderful programs to help reduce stress and be creative.  Sip & Craft at HPAC will kick off the new year with a cozy night of creativity at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre! Sip & Craft: Wooden Canvas Stencil Painting, is a relaxed, self-guided evening where you can unwind, sip, and make something uniquely yours.

Your ticket includes one drink and all materials needed to paint a 10x10 wooden hanging canvas. Use provided stencils or freehand your own design—no experience needed and no pressure, just create at your own pace. Wednesday, January 14, 6 p.m., Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, Hurleyville for $30 per person.

Help our local Firefighters by attending the Claryville Fire Department All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, January 18 from 8 a.m. until Noon. Adults are $13, Senior Citizens (65+) are $11, Children 5-11 are $5 with under 5 – free.  All take-outs are $13.  Call 845-985-7270 for more information.

Happy Birthday to Dr. Peter Alan Chester, Martin Banner, Gary Silver, Ellen Pavloff, Camden Olivero, Rhonda Thomas (1/13), Janna Walter (1/14), Maritza Rodriguez, Helena Manzione (1/15), Barbara Carr, Linda Smith (1/16), Denise Shaffer (1/18), Sari Rosenheck (1/19).

So, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., be reminded of his words, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Find your way to help our neighbors. You can make a difference. 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.