Send in the clones

Ever since that cloned sheep, Dolly, appeared on the scene, I have been terrified of what precisely that incredible technology might bring forth. The very idea that cloning is no longer the froth of science fiction, and that human duplication might not be as far off as we think, sets my mind spinning on a path that I truly fear to tread.

That being said, the idea has begun to take root in my disturbed mind and I find myself more willing to explore the possibilities than I care to admit.

While sifting through the myriad of events, openings and exhibits this past week, I had to acknowledge that I am only one man and can only do so much. It is gratifying to know that there is such a plethora of entertainment and artistic stimulation to take part in throughout the region, but I find myself- from time to time ever-so-slightly overwhelmed by it all.

Between a visit to Highland Lake, NY to experience another Sullivan County Bicentennial event (“The Many Splendored Songs Of Sammy Fain”) and a matinee of “Agnes Of God” at the Rivoli in South Fallsburg, NY, I ran into an acquaintance who exclaimed that I “must be one of a set of triplets, since I see you wherever I go.”

I explained that I was just the one person and the thought that I was everywhere at all times was merely an illusion. For a brief, shining moment, I found myself wishing that there actually was more than one of me (scary, ain’t it?) and realized that I need to stop and smell the roses, slow down and relax... just a teeny bit, every great once in a while.

I am often so enthusiastic about the never-ending parade of functions to attend that I over-zealously accept invitations to them all, knowing full well (deep in the recesses of the aforementioned disturbed mind) that I cannot possibly be everywhere, all of the time.

Aside from the need to add foods other than wine and cheese to my daily diet, I would like to be around for a while yet, rather than keeling over from too much stimulation, so my apologies to Trix Render of the Willow River Gallery in Honesdale, PA.

I’m sorry I missed the opening of the new exhibit (over 90 pieces on display, including jewelry) which encompasses the work of artist Raymond Rocklin. I understand the show will be running for a while yet and am determined to get there within the next week or so. The gallery is located at 118 Willow Avenue in Honesdale. Call 570/229- 7212 for more information.

I’m sorry that I missed artist and author Ramona Jan reading excerpts from her new book at the Catskill Artists Society, but the accompanying exhibit “Twisted Sisters” is still running at the gallery, located at 48 Main St. in Livingston Manor, NY and is well worth seeing. Call 845/436-4227 for more information.

Happy to have landed momentarily at the North American Cultural Laboratory (NACL) this past Saturday night, I was able to slow down for a few hours and catch the final performance of the Delaware and Hudson Canvas homage to songwriter (and Sullivan County resident) Sammy Fain. A prolific composer, many of Fain’s songs were wonderfully presented at the NACL by Tom Caltabellotta, Amanda Speer, Mariano Vidal and Julie Ziavras.

Accompanied by pianist (and local legend himself) Jake Lentz and narrated by historian Chris Farlekas, the evening, replete with renditions of “Tender Is The Night,” “Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella,” “Secret Love” and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing,” among many other notable and award-winning songs, was time well spent. While the evening meant that I could not be elsewhere, I’m happy to have caught this wonderful musical experience. For more information on events at the NACL, located at 110 Highland Lake Rd. in Highland Lake, NY, call 845/557-0694.

I’m sure I have more apologies to dole out. Suffice it to say that I will do my best to be everywhere, all of the time, Dolly not withstanding. The mere thought of more than one of me is enough to send most folks screaming from the room, so I will approach the cloning process slowly and carefully. Wouldn’t be prudent to rush in to such a venture and hopefully, there is plenty of time. Meanwhile, in the words of Sammy Fain: “I’ll be seeing you in all the old, familiar places.”