Smile,

Though your heart is achin’

Smile,

Even though it’s breakin’

When there are clouds in the sky

You’ll get by...

Those words, penned by Geoffrey Parsons and John Turner, are beloved by millions, thanks to the song and its many incarnations working its way into people’s hearts over the years. 

While gently massaging my impaired elbow, arm and hand, I hummed the time-honored tune softly to That Dog Named Gidget and got gussied up for a night on the town last Thursday.

The occasion was the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Pride of Community Awards Gala and I was none too pleased about it. Oh, sure—I was happy for the deserving recipients, who were being celebrated by the chamber and their families, fans and friends—but feeling a little out of sorts and the need to turn my frown upside down.

Light up your face with gladness

Hide, every trace of sadness

Although a tear

may be ever so near

Understanding that wallowing in self-pity is a choice and that I’d see scads of folks I truly care about, I packed Gidget up for what was (for all intents and purposes) her Sullivan County debut and headed out to the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon, NY. 

Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and “oh my gosh she’s so cute” ensued, and the sentiment that “she’s got big paws to fill” echoed in the dining room as fans of her predecessor, Dharma the Wonder Dog, literally lined up to pay their respects.

Smile through your fear and sorrow

And maybe tomorrow

You’ll see the sun come shinin’ through,

For you...

The sold-out event allowed plenty of opportunity for schmoozing with community members and hobnobbing with those being fêted prior to the awards being handed out.

Dr. Joseph D’Abbraccio (Business Person of the Year), Al Frangipane (Distinguished Service) and Bradlyn Matican (Emerging Leader) joined Township Award honorees Nick and Kate Rusin, Joel Weinberg, Denise and Rob Lombardi, Doug Doetsch and Susan Madding on the dais. Crystal Run Healthcare’s Joan Patterson, R.N., spoke eloquently upon receiving the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Workplace Excellence Award. 

I was concerned about my puppy stealing the limelight with those truly deserving it until Dr. Joe acknowledged that Gidget was a patient of his at Catskill Veterinary Services and folks cheered. “They love you, Jonathan,” Dr. Joe said into the mic, but I’m pretty sure he meant the dog. 

Somehow, against all odds (with a hefty assist from chamber board member Marie Smith), I managed to corral all of the award-winners for a group photo, turning down those clamoring for Gidge to be in the pic. She had already posed for several and it wasn’t about her this time. Maybe there’s a Canine Community Spokesdog Award in her future. 

All in all, my decision to get out, stop thinking about myself, and bask in the glow of our amazing community was (IMHO) a wise one. Because of my injured arm, using my camera at the gala was out of the question, and I called the chamber’s director of membership and marketing, Geri Neumann, beforehand to express my concern. I informed her that cell phone pics might be the only content I could provide. “These are your people,” Geri said in response. “We don’t care if you take photos or not. We just want you to be there.” 

President and CEO Jaime Schmeiser echoed Geri’s thoughts after the event, as I expressed my gratitude. “This county, and its denizens mean the world to me,” I said.

“Right back atcha,” Jaime said. “It’s nice to see you smiling.” 

That’s the time, You must keep on tryin’

Smile, what’s the use of cryin’

You’ll find that life is still worth while

If you just smile

Fun Fact: According to the internet, “Smile” is a song based on the theme song used in the soundtrack for Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 film “Modern Times.” Chaplin, who composed the song, was inspired by Puccini’s opera “Tosca.” Turner and Parsons added the lyrics and title in 1954. Based on lines and themes from the film, “the singer is telling the listener to cheer up and that there is always a bright tomorrow, just as long as they smile.” 

The song has become a popular standard since its original use in Chaplin’s film, and has been recorded by numerous artists. For more “Smile” history (and there’s a lot!) go to www.americansongwriter.com/smile-charlie-chaplin-david-raskin-turner-parsons-behind-the-song/.