We may have thought we would never see the signs of a true Spring, but we are finally starting to see the signs of Summer around the corner. And for many of us the unofficial start of Summer is marked by Memorial Day. 

More than a three-day weekend, Memorial Day began in 1868 to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. Union veterans designed the day for communities to decorate graves with spring flower hence the original name of “Decoration Day.” After World War I, the holiday was shifted to honor all American service members who have died in any conflict. Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday by an act of Congress in 1971 and officially moved to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend. Not intended to expand the weekend for sales and an extra day off from work, the hope was that in an ever-changing social environment, the day would be set aside as a designated National Holiday to allow proper reflection to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

So, what are you doing to honor the true meaning of the day? There is much going on throughout the county, and I encourage that you take time from your day to participate in some way to pay respect to those who are heroes.

Start by giving a true recognition to a hero in your life. The Sullivan Central Rotary Club will hold it Flags for Heroes Ceremony at the Sullivan County Government Center on Monday, May 25 at 10 AM. There are several other events throughout the county on that day starting at the same time, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t demonstrate your support to this project. 

Each flag donated will be displayed at the Sullivan County Government Center from Memorial Day 2026 through July 4. Honor Veterans, parents, police, community members, doctors – whomever is your hero. A commemorative medallion will be available to hang on the flagpole or to take with you to hang in your home. The recognition flags can be “purchased” for a donation of $50 each with proceeds to benefit the community work done by the Sullivan Central Rotary Club. For more information or to get a form to make the purchase, call 845-798-1770, email sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com or contact a member of the club.

The Sullivan County Veterans will hold its Annual Memorial Day Service at the Veterans Cemetery in Liberty at 1pm on Monday. This rain or shine event, brings together our community to properly honor our fallen heroes.

Sullivan Central Rotary Club also has its Inaugural Steve Schwartz Scholarship Application available to all graduating Senior across Sullivan County. Students applying must have post high school plans in Music, The Arts, and/or Business. Please note, students continuing studies in all aspects of these areas, not necessarily college programs, are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is June 1. Applications are available by contacting sullivancentralrotaryclub@gmail.com or calling 845-798-1770. 

Professional Women of Sullivan County (PWSC) will hold its monthly meeting at Casa Mia Restaurant, Hurleyville, on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 PM. The Keynote Speaker is Marty Hersh who is the principal attorney of his private practice in Liberty, New York, specializing in Elder Law, Trusts, Estates, and Medicaid Planning. Important subject for us to hear about as we age or have loved ones who are aging, the meeting is open to all interested. 

Voting for School Budget and School Board Elections in every school district in Sullivan County is today, Tuesday, May 19. 2026. Please check with your local school district for locations and times and get out to vote!

The Ethelbert B. Public Library has two great events coming up. Organizing with Jamie Novak - Keep This, Toss That: “Digital Decluttering: organize and free up storage space” will take place on Tuesday, May 19th, 6:00pm - Virtual Via Zoom. Also, Borscht Belt Artifacts: Relics of the Catskill Resort Age with Alex Prizgintas on Thursday, May 21st, 6:00 PM in the Robert D. Norris Community Room. Local author, musician, and historian Alex Prizgintas debuted the lecture “Borscht Belt Artifacts: Relics of the Catskill Resort Age” last November, highlighting the Borscht Belt’s cultural significance in American history. Prizgintas has dedicated ten years to collecting relics from the Borscht Belt. He currently serves as an advisory board member of the new Borscht Belt Museum of Ellenville, New York. Prizgintas will share insights on the history of the Borscht Belt and showcasing five unique artifacts from his personal collection and illustrating the region's rich heritage. Please call (845) 794-4660 ext. 9 for more information.

Congratulations to Jacob (Jake) Rieber on becoming an Eagle Scout this past weekend. 

Condolences to the Gitlin family on the loss of their beloved matriarch Roz Gitlin. Our prayers and love to Marc and Riki and the entire family during this difficult time. May her memory be for a blessing. 

Happy Birthday to Dara Kristt Hebert, Tobi Magnetico (5/19), Dr. Jefferey Weinstein, Amy Nardi, Rob Pezzella, Joseph McDonald, (5/20), Dorothy Wagner, Kimberly Franklin, Shane Merone (5/21), Paul Champagne, Adele Kiss, Starla Ciarelli (5/22), Lorrie Houghtaling, Corey Nash Gips (5/23), Scott McBride (5/24), Jonathon Charles Fox, Deena Tanzman, Diane Ruggeri-Lorino, Sandra Will (5/26).

Thank you to all of our veterans and heroes who serve and have served, making our community and country the land of the free because of the brave. 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.