Although my less-than-glamorous life is hardly one of silver tea sets, lunching with royalty or even remotely like an episode of “To the Manor Born,” I like to think that I know how to comport myself in most situations. While fairly confident that I’m capable of carrying on a somewhat intelligent-sounding conversation on any number of topics, there are noticeable gaps, and I’m always happy to learn new things. 

The past week exemplified that notion, so I didn’t even pretend to know much about the week’s events, choosing instead to open my mind instead of my mouth (I know, right?) and soak up some culture, which believe it or not, often thrives right here in Sullivan County. 

Regardless of the political climate, the celebration of Black History Month was very much alive and well in the county. I was happy to see that gymnastics coach and author Pedro “Pete” Tweed was being recognized by the Sullivan County Legislature for his contributions to the community at the government center last Thursday. 

Tweed, who is something of a local legend, was honored with a legislative proclamation.

“Whereas, approximately 12%  of Sullivan County’s year-round population identifies as African-American,” the impressive document reads, “and that demographic has immeasurably influenced and enhanced the county throughout its two-century existence… the Legislature is desirous of participating in [Black History Month] by recognizing and honoring those African Americans who inspire, serve, and lead this county.”

As District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward read the words aloud to the packed room, Tweed was visibly moved.

“Now therefore be it resolved,” Ward said in conclusion, “that the Sullivan County Legislature recognizes and celebrates Pedro ‘Pete’ Tweed’s accomplishments, sacrifices, tenacity, commitment and positivity, by which he has inspired thousands, transformed communities, and [set] world records.” 

“He’s known—on a first-name basis—by all of Sullivan County and far beyond,” Ward then shared with those in attendance. “His name is synonymous with athleticism, compassion, entrepreneurship and positivity. He is truly a beloved and legendary figure in our midst!”

Ward also read a statement from the county’s Human Rights Commission executive director, Ramone Wilson, who was unable to attend. 

“Black history is not a side story to American history,” Ramone wrote. “It is American history. It is a story of a people who survived slavery, segregation, disenfranchisement, racial terror, exclusion from opportunity and generations of systemic injustice, yet still gave this country some of its greatest moral leadership, its most influential art, its most transformative civic moments and some of its deepest expressions of hope.”

Aside from the dignitaries and legislators present, the Monticello High School Garage Band (Kiamesha Torres, Tobias Brown, Evianne Beker-McBride and Jasper Hunce) was in the house to celebrate Tweed before he said a few words, and lemme tell you, these young musicians have got it goin’ on.

As Tweed stood at the podium, a hush fell over the room filled with friends, fans and family.  

“When I started coaching gymnastics in Monticello, my whole team was Jewish, and I was the only Black person coaching at competitions,” he said. “I never thought my color was an issue, but when I moved upstate, I discovered that some of the people I would coach had never interacted with a person of color.” 

“I stayed because I fell in love, and then I started working for the Village of Monticello, where I taught gymnastics,” he said. “That was in the 1970s.”

Tweed then recounted a bit of history regarding his work, his love of gymnastics and community, and his true love, Crystal, with whom he has shared his life for over 20 years. “She came to my aerobic kickboxing class,” he said. “I still joke that it was ‘love at first kick’!”

I learned a lot about the culture of Sullivan County that morning. Although I’ve known the Tweeds on a “nice-to-see-you,” basis for years, I’m more familiar with Crystal’s acting career than the man being honored that day, so getting a glimpse into Pedro’s deep connection and dedication to the community was inspiring, moving and stirring. Congrats, Pete Tweed. Well done.

“I’m feeling downright cultured!” I crowed triumphantly to the dog. “Whoulda thunk it? Let’s keep it up!”

I decided then and there that an afternoon of classical music would be appropriate, and fortunately, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) was hosting a program celebrating German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 -1827) that “explores this evolution through his three distinct compositional periods: early, middle and late.”

Presented by the  Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra and part of the Salon Series, the concert was held in the Krauss Recital Hall and featured performers Kirsten Jermé and Vadim Serebryany, on cello and piano, respectively.

As it happens, my sister played the cello all through her school years; as a result, I attended more concerts, Beethoven and otherwise, than you could shake a stick at. 

“Beethoven wrote five cello sonatas over the course of his life, and this performance highlights that journey,” the program notes informed me, and Jermé had words of her own to share.

“Playing in this room is really special to us,” the cellist said, “because this is how the music was written and intended to be heard—in a salon.” 

Along with the others in the audience, I learned that “classical music is often divided into eras [no, not the Taylor Swift kind] that define the age where composers lived and thrived, eras that influenced composers of the time.”

“This is not the case for Beethoven,” we were informed. “He lives in an era of his own. Trained through the Enlightenment, yet always wearing his heart on his sleeve, Beethoven is neither purely classical nor romantic, but a blend of the two which shaped the standard for every composer who followed.”

Personally, I was thrilled to be in such close proximity to the musicians, and clearly understood why they are referred to as “performers,” since being “up close and personal” allowed us all to see Jermé’s intricate fingering on the cello and the range of emotions expressed on Serebryany’s face as he played the piano with great passion, great talent and great skill. 

Being able to keenly observe how the music moved them moved me, and both performed Beethoven’s cello sonatas 1, 3 and 5 with incredible virtuosity (IMHO), elevating the entire afternoon to one of culture and class personified.

“Thanks, I needed that,” I said to  DVAA Performing Arts Manager Catherine Montesi, while making my way out. Slinging the dog on my hip, and flinging my camera round my neck, I expounded. “I feel more sophisticated already,” I said with a laugh. “No, really—there’s nothin’ like a little culture to make me feel like a member of the club.” 

For more about the Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra, go to www.sccoplayers.org, and for info regarding upcoming Salon Series events, visit www.delawarevalleyartsalliaance.org.

Fun Fact: “More than you can shake a stick at” is an American idiom dating back to the early 19th century, meaning ‘an abundance, a very large quantity or more than one can easily count.”