Admittedly, I have more than a few miles under my belt at this stage in life, but it is milestones of a different sort that have cropped up over the last few days. While I was making reservations to attend the NACL 20th anniversary party in Highland Lake (www.nacl.org), it occurred to me that I had also been present for their 10th. That caused me to take a look at where I was a decade ago. I did a quick Google search on myself and discovered that I began my journey with The River Reporter at the same time, and although there was zero fanfare (LOL) when I walked through the office door last week, I informed my co-workers nonetheless.

“Oh, I think it’s longer than that!” publisher Laurie Stuart responded. “Didn’t you start covering the arts for us in 2006?” Shaking my head, I laughed. “Nope—it just feels like it. Let’s face it,” I continued, “a little bit of me goes a long way!” In point of fact, it’s been a pretty wonderful ride, and even though my vehicle is now “celebrating” 20 years on the road, somehow, I keep on truckin’.

Realizing that there was no cake hidden in the kitchen, I settled in to our weekly staff meeting and daydreamed a little as memories flooded my reverie. “Hmmm,” I mused. “I think my first concert (www.nyphil.org) at Bethel Woods was in 2006. Maybe Laurie is right.” Part of my confusion is based on failing brain cells, while some can be chalked up to 30 years of doing what I do. Even though most folks think that I sprang up out of the ground the first time I wrote this column, in reality I’ve been expressing my “humble opinion” in print for decades, so it’s a bit fuzzy. But I digress.

“I’ll be at a performance of ‘The Little Mermaid” (www.FBPlayhouse.org) on Thursday. It’s the theatre’s 71st anniversary,” I informed my editor. As it turned out, the stellar production is making waves in Forestburgh, and I wound up writing an in-depth review, which can be read in its entirety at www.riverreporteronline.com.

“And the NACL on Saturday,” I chimed in, “to celebrate their anniversary, too.” Unsure that I would be able to make it to the John Mellencamp concert at BW, I asked TRR’s Amanda Reed to fill in for me and take some photos. Thankfully, Amanda was up for it and there are photos to check out on our Facebook page. I think. Wait a minute… where was I? Oh, right—the NACL.

“Feel free to wander during the evening,” co-founder Brad Krumholz told us as folks gathered on the steps before taking their seats inside. “There will be performances occurring on stage, outdoors and at the bar. We will have music, a slide show and ‘Feats of Daring!” he teased. “It’s our anniversary—let’s get this party started!” Perusing the program, I was immediately struck by a letter from United States Sen. Kirsten Gilibrand addressed to Krumholz’s partner Tannis Kowalchuk, acknowledging the theatre’s vital role in our community. “I would like to thank you for your continued work in the arts,” the letter states. “Your work in the NACL Theatre has been amazing and the performances that you are able to put together shine as an example of the importance of the National Endowment of the Arts.”

Wow. As the evening progressed, we were treated to a reading from Paul Austin (formerly of the Liberty Free Theatre), and some heartfelt words from Krumholz and Kowalchuk, both of whom got a bit choked up watching the slideshow retrospective playing across the big screen overhead. “Thank you for trusting us to make magic,” Tannis said “for supporting us and allowing us to explore what we do. I love making theatre with you guys, without whom none of this would be possible.”

Nodding in agreement, Krumholz expressed himself as well. “I think we are celebrating our commonalities, but our differences as well,” he said. “This experience has been a miracle, not just for those of us in the company, but also because of you, the audience.”

While their list of benefactors is long, at the very top are Brad’s parents, Roberta and Arnold Krumholz. They were acknowledged with a plaque commemorating their unwavering support, which began with their assistance in acquiring the property 20 years ago. “Here’s to 20 years of doing this crazy, crazy thing,” Krumholz said in his toast. “Can’t wait to see what’s next.” Before taking my leave, Tannis pointed out the photo-booth, and I stopped to say hello to film actress Debra Winger, who has joined forces with the NACL for the next installment of “Courage,” which will debut on Governors Island in New York City this September.

Thinking that I could get a shot of Winger with the dog, she recoiled. “Oh, she doesn’t like me!” Debra said, backing away. “I know who Dharma is, believe me. She snarled at me last time we met.” Shaking my head in disbelief, I backed off and snapped a pic of Winger with Krumholz and Kowalchuk instead.

“First time for everything,” I muttered under my breath. Happy anniversary!