Well, I’m back in Sullivan County anyhow, even if my new digs don’t feel as much like “home” as the layout did a couple of months ago. I won’t bore you with any more details about having to find a new place to live, but suffice it to say that it’s done… at least for the moment.

That said, I’m still out of sorts, so a quick trip to my “home away from home,” aka the Finger Lakes, couldn’t have come at a better time. I saw old (and I do mean old) friends, communed with nature and made multiple campfires (sans s’mores) for eight glorious nights before packing it all up and making my way back here with That Dog Named Gidget tucked in beside me, just where she belongs.

Of course, the glow of being on vacation faded quickly, as my dance card was filled with this ‘n that, waiting in the wings for me to come back, attend events, take loads of photos and, well… start all over again. 

So now, I’m catching up, as there are photos and conversations that have yet to be addressed, even though a few weeks have come and gone. 

As luck would have it, I had a couple of taped conversations to listen to, and more than a few pics in my camera to review, so in the interest of making a clean slate of it all, I’m lumping together some disparate conversations and a hodgepodge of pics, while hoping (paws crossed) that any of it makes sense, before it all fades into obscurity, just as I’m bound to do at some point.

The first batch of pics awaiting my review was of Bold Gold Media’s Paul Ciliberto, who was recognized  for his 50 years in broadcasting. As the kingpin of the popular radio show “Ciliberto and Friends” for the last couple of decades, Ciliberto has been a staple in the Sullivan Catskills and beyond, providing warmth, humor and his love of community to his legions of fans. 

Rather than waxing rhapsodic about the man myself, I turned to Bold Gold General Manager Dawn Ciorciari for some pithy commentary.

“Fifty years in radio broadcasting is an extraordinary accomplishment,” Ciorciari said. “At Bold Gold Media, we are fortunate to have Paul for over two decades of those years.  In Sullivan and the Catskills, Paul is a trusted voice: telling stories, connecting people, giving a platform to local organizations and businesses, and being there for countless community moments, big and small.  He is the true definition of what local broadcasting is all about.”

Thanks, Dawn—I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The next set of photos to show up in my roll was of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sullivan County Out of the Darkness Community Walk, held recently in Bethel, NY.

Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the local NAMI chapter sponsors a community walk yearly to “raise mental health awareness, fund suicide prevention research, honor loved ones lost to suicide and support individuals and families affected by mental illness.”

Town of Bethel Supervisor Daniel Sturm was on hand to say a few words: “I think that it’s great that the folks at NAMI and the AFSP have chosen the Town of Bethel to host this important event,” Sturm said while addressing the crowd of more than 200 attendees. “As far as I’m concerned, we’ve lost too many people to suicide over the years, right here in the Town of Bethel. Even one suicide is too many, and as members of the local government we mourn and pray for people, here today.”

“These events give people an opportunity to know they are not alone” NAMI Sullivan County Executive Director Lori Schneider shared with me as folks mingled prior to the two-mile-long walk around Kauneonga Lake.

 “When people come together with unity and strength, we can talk about it—we can share. If you have not lost someone to suicide and your life is untouched by this subject, consider yourself very lucky.”

I sincerely wish that I was one of the “lucky” ones, but consider myself fortunate to live in a community where this kind of outreach is available to us all. For more info, go to www.namisullivan.org.

As long as I was feeling inspired by many of the wonderful folks who make up this great region I call home, I decided to head over to the Villa Venezia in Middletown, NY and do my bit to honor some extremely generous folks who support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Town of Wallkill, which covers northern Orange and Sullivan counties. 

Now in its 11th year, the annual Grown Here fundraising dinner event not only features a locally sourced meal, but  is intended to honor the club kids while recognizing those who make contributions to their well-being by giving selflessly (IMHO) of their time and talents every day. 

This year’s inductees into the club’s Maureen and Steve Plain Hall of Fame were Karen Fisher and Jay Anthony, both of whom have made major impacts on the lives of hundreds of young people, helping to shape their lives, and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. 

Following a proclamation presentation by New York State Assembly Member Paula Kay, Fisher’s words struck a chord with me and the sizable crowd who came out to support the cause.

“Four thousand, three hundred and eighty three days. That’s it. That’s the window we have to help shape a child’s future at the Boys and Girls Clubs,” Fisher said, looking out into the Villa’s stunning dining room that evening. 

“Four thousand, three hundred and eighty three—from age six to 18. Four thousand, three hundred and eighty three days to give kids positive experiences, and [foster] healthy habits. And the chance to discover what they’re good at—what they might become.”

“Boys and Girls Club isn’t just about keeping kids busy after school,” she said. “It’s about helping them succeed in school. It’s about giving them a safe place with caring adults who show up. It’s about learning to make good choices. To contribute. To belong, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

“Because when we help a kid grow into a confident, caring adult who gives back,” Fisher said, “we all benefit. Families are stronger, schools are stronger [and] our community is stronger. This Boys and Girls Club isn’t just a kid’s organization,” she said in conclusion. “It’s a community organization.” Cue the thunderous applause and a well-deserved standing ovation. Hear, hear!

I can’t think of three better examples to illustrate what Sullivan County and the Upper Delaware River region mean to me. While I might be “less than thrilled” (as Barbara Fox would say) about the square footage of my new domicile, I suppose there’s a fair amount of truth to the old adage “Wherever I hang my hat is home.” 

Next up: Logging Days (October 10) in Narrowsburg. Gidge and I look forward to seeing you there! 

For more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Town of Wallkill, go to www.bgcorange.com.

Ask the Google: “What the heck is a dance card?”

Answer: “A small decorative booklet or card that women used at formal balls to write down the names of their scheduled dance partners for each song. “(How old AM I?)