August 24 – Wow... summer has flown by as we get ready for a beautiful Sullivan County Fall season ahead. But, with a few more days before schools are back in session, there is still plenty out there to do.

Al Frangipane was a pillar of the Sullivan County community. From his work with the Lions, St. Judes, and the Heart-a-thon to name a few, Al always looked for ways to help others. And, in his memory, Garnet Health - Catskill is holding a Blood Drive on Friday, August 28 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Registration is required. Call 800-733-2767 to make your appointment. Every pint of blood donated saves a total of three lives. Live the legacy of Al by helping to save lives just like he always did.

With schools opening for the new year, Back to School opportunities abound.

Nesin Cultural Arts (NCA) provides year-round arts opportunities with classes and workshops available for ages 18 months through Grade 12 in music, dance, visual arts and chorus. In addition, register for their Aspiring Young Musicians (AYM) Program for one-on-one private lessons and ensembles. For more information or to register:  qrco.de/bg9xNA.

Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay presents a Back-to-School BBQ Giveaway August 28. Meal kits delivered to your door serving meals to 100 homebound families in our community. Contact 845-794-5807 or email KayP@nyassembly.com for more information.

The Sullivan County NAACP and Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) join forces for a Backpacks and School Supplies Giveaway for the community on Monday, August 31 from noon until 3 p.m. at The Spark Center, 5277 NYS Route 42, South Fallsburg (Former St. Andrew's Episcopal Church). Induction plates will be given to the first 50 participants.

Scouting America is alive and well in Sullivan County and a terrific program for youth. Formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, now welcomes boys and girls into its program. Rock Hill Troop 101 welcomed its newest Eagle Scout, Logan Waterton. Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouting. Only about four percent of all Scouts reach this elite level. It shows a strong record of leadership, hard work, and service to others. Congratulations Logan on achieving this wonderful milestone. We know you will do great things to make our community and world better. Logan is the son of Billie and Calvin Waterton and a student in the Monticello Central School District. 

As summer winds down and school approaches, why not give your brain a fun pre-workout with some trivia? Don’t miss the Family Trivia Night at the Ethelbert Crawford Public Library in Monticello on Thursday, August 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. Registration is required to ensure snacks and beverages are available for maximum fun. For more information or to register for this family fun event, contact the library at 845-794-4660.

Start Fall off right at the Claryville Volunteer Fire Department Annual Fall Craft and Vendor Fair and Community Yard Sale on Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This rain or shine event will be held at the Claryville Volunteer Fire Department, 1500 Denning Road, Claryville. New, used, antique, handcrafted and homemade items welcome – something for everyone. Food, refreshments, and raffles will be available for purchase throughout the day. To register for more information, call 845-807-6563.

And, as an end of summer family fun time, enjoy escaping the everyday and make a splash under the open sky at Kartrite Waterpark in Kiamesha on Friday, August 28 from 8-10 p.m. Book a unique family swim experience in the outdoor heated pool and enjoy the beautiful Sullivan County sky and stars from the water. Priced at $20 per person. Call 845-397-2500 to make a reservation. 

Congratulations to Allison Benson Sage on her promotion to Supervisor of Forensic Services for the New York State Police.

Happy Birthday to Kelly Keesler, Christy Alper, Billie Jean McGinnis, Fouad Kerendian, Kayla Stacchini, Danielle Goodstein (8/25), Abe Friedman, Dawn Weiss, Palmie Fernandez, Grace Van Etten (8/26), Nikki Dorfman, Barbara Weinstein, Jessica Tugender Gordon, Amy Benford (8/27), Emily Pine, Anna Milucky, Ken Parks (8/28), David Kazansky (8/29), Beth Jones Weinstein, Lori Rito, Ed Gallet (8/30), Sam Sanders, Jr., Yoeley Kahan, Lorelei Reynolds (8/31).

So, as we get ready to end one season and move on to another, remember to take every possible moment to get out and explore the great happenings in our community. 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.