The sun is out and the trees fully bloomed, graduation parties and weddings in the mix. It’s time for Summer in the Mountains! 

The Sullivan Central Rotary Club in partnership with Sullivan County presents Flags for Heroes Ceremony on Sunday, June 14 (Flag Day) at 11 AM on the Government Center Lawn, 100 North Street, Monticello. Keynote Speaker will be Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay. The Scouts of America Troop 101 will serve as Color Guard with Emily Pine sharing her lovely voice for the National Anthem. Special thanks to Assembly Member Kay and Senator Peter Oberacker for sponsoring the event. Flags are still available. Please call 845-798-1770 for more information. 

The 250^th Anniversary of our country is just around the corner. Vendors are now being accepted for Liberty’s 250^th Independence Celebration on Sunday, July 4 at 10 AM. Food vendors, makers, artisans, and small businesses are being called for.  Be part of Liberty’s celebration which brings together thousands for a full day of patriotic fun featuring a parade, live entertainment, food, crafts, and fireworks on Main Street. If you are looking for a great opportunity to showcase your products, connect with the community, and be part of a memorable celebration, join in. For further information, contact the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at 845-791-4200. 

As we move into the celebration of the United States of America turning 250, we must remember that in our democracy, one of the most important aspects of being a citizen is our right to vote. June 13 – June 21 is Early Voting for this year’s Primary with a regular Primary vote on June 23. Early Voting takes place at the Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello, and at Sullivan Couty Public Health, 50 Community Lane, Liberty. Voting times are 9am – 5pm each day accept June 16 and 18, when times are Noon until 8pm. In Sullivan County, there is a Republican Primary for NY Senate District 51, Supervisor and Highway Superintendent in the Town of Cochecton, Supervisor in the Town of Forestbugh, and a Democratic Primary for State Comptroller. 

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Leadership Sullivan Class of 2026 holds its Graduation on Tuesday, June 16 at the Resorts World Ballroom with a networking reception at 5:30 PM and Buffet Dinner and Ceremony at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $75 dollars per person. The Leadership Class is a 10-month intensive leadership training and in-depth look at Sullivan County. From Agriculture, Education, Government, Tourism, Economic Development, Health and Wellness, Environment, and more, the class members, sponsored by their employers, attend training to learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of our community. In addition, the class is required to produce a legacy project based on their research that will benefit the community. This year’s class is doing an all-schools Comfort Closet Project. Members of the class bring back valuable information to their employers as well as become leaders in our community. For more information on reserving tickets, or to learn more about the Leadership Class for 2027, please contact foundation@chamber.org.

To help the Comfort Closet Project, bring your friends, families, and community together for Spirit Night - a night that benefits the Project on June 12 from 5pm – 9pm at the Tango Café in Hurleyville. You have to eat, so why not do it while helping others at a place that has terrific food? Ten percent of all sales for the night will be donated right back to support the Sullivan Leadership Class of 2026 Project. 

Have you heard about the ATTAIN Lab available to all at SUNY Sullivan? SUNY ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) labs are community-based centers providing free educational, occupational, and career development courses across New York State. These programs utilize advanced technology training to enhance participants computer literacy, academic readiness, and job preparedness, equipping them with essential education, vocational, and technological skills for today’s tech-driven world through safe-paced courses and certifications. There is no cost to utilize the ATTAIN Lab. From learning a new language, achieving your GED, Microsoft Certifications, and so much more, the ATTAIN Lab is a gem in our community. Contact Lori Boyd at 845-290-9135 for more information.  

The 34^th Annual Rhulen Rock Hill Run & Ramble takes place on Saturday, June 20 from 9 AM – Noon. The R4 is presented by the Trevor Loughlin Foundation, whose mission is unwavering to make a difference to patients battling blood cancer and other acute catastrophic illnesses in need in our region. The Foundation provides patient grants and supports other non-profits that play a key role in patient treatment and recovery such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, DKMS Delete Blood Cancer, United Way of Sullivan County, and Garnet Health Catskills Foundation. The new course begins and ends at Holiday Mountain meandering along the beautiful Neversink River. Register today at www.rockhillrun.com. 

Condolences to the Ginsberg family on the loss of family patriarch Phil Ginsberg. Phil was known as a man who enjoyed life, his family, and friends, and will be missed by many. Sending love and prayers to his wife of 49 years, Myrna, his children Debra, Fern, Alan, and Steve, and all who knew and loved him. May his memory be for a blessing. 

Happy Birthday to Zach Constantine, Adrianna Mayson Greco, Debra Gabriel, Sherelyn Mirros, Roothland Medina (6/9), Ginny Gallet, Ron Freilich (6/10), Serra Gene McDowall, Sherri Blais, Mark Sieczek (6/11), Steve Karasik, Abe Rutner, Tim Billias, Debra Conway, Andrew Trombley (6/12), Emily McConnell (6/13), Heather Strauss, Goldie Wagner, Carolyn Ramsay, Eric Aweh, Former Senator John Bonacic (6/14), Darren Sush (6/15.)

Enjoy another great Sullivan County week ahead!  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.