August 10 – We are on the downturn of Summer officially at the halfway point in August. As we wind down the summer fun, there is still so much going on in our beautiful Sullivan County Catskills. 

And as we witness time marching forward, have you ever thought about writing your memoir? Well, here is your chance. The Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello is holding a Memoir Writing Workshop with Teresa Tulipano. Sessions will be held September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, and 14, 6-8 p.m. with a Memoir Writing Workshop Fall Performance on Saturday, October 17 at 1 p.m. This six-week workshop course is designed for adult writers. Space is limited. To apply send your name, phone number, and a 500-word writing sample to mtcit@rcls.org by August 16. Participants will be notified by August 31 if they have been selected. For more information, call 845-794-4660 ext. 9.

And, with opening of school just around the corner, don’t miss this important and timely presentation. The mission of Sullivan 180 is to build a healthy community, one degree at a time, through people, places and policy; with an intentional focus on prevention and youth. Over the past several years, Sullivan 180 has been working alongside our schools to strengthen school nutrition and support healthier meals for students. 

As part of that effort, they are thrilled to welcome Chef Ann Cooper to The Center for Discovery for a free community conversation focused on the power of healthy school meals, scratch cooking, and creating lasting change for children and communities. Attendees will enjoy an evening of conversation, inspiration and fresh ideas as Chef Ann shares how scratch cooking can transform school meals, support healthier students and strengthen communities. 

School meals play an important role in the health and well-being of students across Sullivan County. Nationally, children consume up to half of their daily calories at school, making the food served in our cafeterias an important part of their health, learning and well-being. Chef Ann Cooper’s practical experience and engaging storytelling have inspired schools nationwide to rethink what's possible. This free event will take place at the Michael Richie Big Barn at the Center for Discovery beginning at 5:30pm. Registration is requested at bit.ly/ChefAnn2026 or by calling 845-295-2680.

Looking for that last summer fun for your kids? Consider Nesin Cultural Arts (NCA) Summer Open House “A Taste of the Arts.” A two-week full-day session for Pre-K through Grade 12 in Music, Dance, and Visual Arts is on hand August 17-21 and August 24 – 28. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuition is $250 with limited scholarships available for Town of Thompson residents – tuition $50. For more information, call 914-318-1010. To register contact; Nesinculturalarts@gmail.com.

Congratulations to the honorees at the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 Law Enforcement Night. Each year, the Lodge Members recognize those in the Law Enforcement community for exemplary service. Recipients are selected by recommendations of their agency’s leadership. From the NYS Police – NYS Trooper Jack Rutkowski; Liberty Police Department – Officer Matthew Brooks; Monticello Police Department – Officer Kelvin Nunez; Fallsburg Police; Sullivan County Sheriff Patrol – Gang and Narcotics Intelligent Unit (Peter Ramos, Anthony Skow, Matthew Strauss and Shawn Sinistorie; Sullivan County Sheriff Jail – Chief James Ginty; and Sullivan County District Attorney Office – Crime Victim Specialist Jade Corelli. 

A big shoutout to another successful Bagel Festival by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. Broadway in Monticello was filled to overflowing on a beautiful Sunday in the Catskills, bringing together vendors, organizations, arts, car show and, of course, great food together for this great community event. 

And what would August be without the Grahamsville Fair? Dubbed as “The Little World’s Fair,” this event hosted by the Neversink Agricultural Society for the past 146 years is the perfect country fair. Great fair food, 4H and Future Farmers of America booths, farm animals, baking, equestrian, gardening, and craft competitions, local artisan vendors, music, dancing, and, of course, the famous fair rides, there is something for everyone at this local gem event. 

The Grahamsville Fair officially opens at Noon on Friday, August 14 and runs through Sunday, August 16 at the Neversink Fair Grounds. A guaranteed amazing time and fun for the whole family. On a personal note: Don’t miss the Tri-Valley High School FFA Ice Cream Booth while there. The best ice cream and delicious shakes around!

I would be remiss if I did not wish a Happy Anniversary to my husband, Bill James. Thirty-nine years ago, on August 16, 1987, we were married on the lawn of the Lawrence H. Cooke Sullivan County Courthouse. Literally stopping traffic on Broadway so people could watch the bride walk up the aisle, surrounded by so many family and friends, some still with us, others who have passed, it still seems like yesterday as we have watched time fly by. 

Happy Birthday to Helen Diehl, Carol Weathers (8/12), Randy Katz, Chris Hartman Price, Ann Mir (8/13), Scott Eckers, Honora Wohl (8/14), Donna Lara, Donna Ackerley (8/15), Mary Scott (8/16), Phyllis Kaufman, Valerie Minton (8/17). 

Have a great week and get out and do something wonderful! 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.