This is not a paid endorsement

JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 12/7/16

I’m fascinated by commercials featuring celebrities lending their names to a wide variety of products and services, understanding that advertisers are under the impression that those …

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This is not a paid endorsement

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I’m fascinated by commercials featuring celebrities lending their names to a wide variety of products and services, understanding that advertisers are under the impression that those endorsements will influence the public. As a rule, I don’t believe that we in the Upper Delaware River region fall into any particular demographic, nor are we what said companies are looking for, since folks like us (IMHO) tend to have a mind of our own and aren’t easily swayed by smoke and mirrors.

Back in the day, during my “15 minutes” of fame, I was somewhat visible (as a nerdy teen) on TV shows like “Diff’rent Strokes,” “One Day at a Time,” “The Jefferson’s,” “Three’s Company,” “All in the Family,” and (ironically) “FAME,” which put me on the map, so to speak. As a result, there were offers, and I did hawk a few products, like soup, breath mints and cigarettes (times were different back then), and I was the official “spokes-boy” for Atari Video Games (tinyurl.com/jgx9vk8) during the ‘80s.

Flash-forward to my life in the Catskills, where my dubious “celebrity” is overrated, but gives me a warm fuzzy feeling every time someone acknowledges my participation in the community, more so than any given moment in “La La Land.” I’m still unsure, after all these years, that anyone actually gives a hoot about my humble opinion on anything, much less what kind of soup one should consume, but nonetheless, people ask. Over the last seven days, Dharma the Wonder Dog and I have been running on empty, attending a slew of events, including holiday markets and parties, where local artists and entrepreneurs are showing their wares, selling homegrown goods and services and encouraging us all to do what we do best: shop local.

Last Monday the folks at Bold Gold Media (www.thunder102.com) officially announced their acquisition of WSUL and WVOS radio stations. I ran into BGM founder and CEO Vince Benedetto at the Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA, www.scva.net) annual dinner and holiday meeting, where his excitement over the news was infectious. Vince told me that “his team” (including the folks at the “new” stations) are the “best in the business” and that “the future looks bright for Sullivan County.” Congrats all ‘round.

During the SCVA dinner, awards were given out to some most deserving folks, including Dan Hust (Catskills Confidential) for his amazing contributions to that periodical and the county; Elaine Giguere, (www.artsalliancesite.org), who received the STAR award for individual achievement in her field; and Jennifer Grimes (www.countryhouserealty.net) for her company’s solid performance raising awareness of the beauty of living and/or vacationing in our neck of the woods. New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, SCVA President Roberta Byron-Lockwood and Linda Cellini (representing NYS Sen. John Bonacic) were all present to hand out the awards, and Byron-Lockwood gave a glowing keynote address regarding the future of Sullivan County. The SCVA does not need my endorsement, but if your business is not a member, you are missing out on some great opportunities.

Following the lovely tree-lighting ceremony last Friday night in Kauneonga Lake, where (in true country style) Mrs. Claus arrived by fire truck, Dharma picked out a festive red velvet dress and sat on Santa’s lap for her traditional seasonal portrait, while I perused the array of goodies people were snatching up for gifts during the annual Holiday Market (www.bethelwoodscenter.org). I schmoozed with the vendors, none of whom attempted to bribe me for an endorsement. Although I admire them all to a fault, there were a few stand-outs in the crowd, including the incredibly talented Chiaki M Cameron, whose delicate Eggshell Ornaments (www.etsy.com) are stunning; life-of-the-party Lori Rae Silvers (www.lorirae.com) whose jewelry sparkles with magic; and local potters Ellany Gable and husband Franco Lo Pinto (www.honeyhillpottery.com). The last  were almost too busy selling pottery to chat, but managed to pose with a customer who was “thrilled to be purchasing local artists’ work.” Dr. Jenise Parris (www.beautywaterbyjp.com) was mobbed (as were all vendors!) by people eager to learn how her (locally sourced) skin-care products are produced. Although she, too, was not looking for any kind of endorsement (especially from my crinkly, wrinkled old face) I will tell you that I use them, and they work. When I met Jenise, she promised that her products would make my skin “glow,” and they do, I swear to you, they do.

The word “endorsement” is defined as “giving one’s public approval or support to someone or something,” and it is my great pleasure (even though you most likely don’t care) to do so. If I’ve left your name off the list, it is simply due to space constraints. I heartily endorse every single vendor, artist and company that tirelessly produce locally crafted goods and services to the equally supportive community that surrounds us all. Here at The River Reporter, we are all about community, and you all have our full support. This is not a paid endorsement.

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