I ran around like a madman last week and attended this ‘n that. There were a few cancellations along the way, and as is often the case, I missed one or two things that I should have seen/done/attended. I don’t know if I’m slowing down, losing steam or just need a swift kick—but I’m just one guy and running as fast as I can. 

I went to a fundraiser or two, saw a couple of shows and still had time for a personal meltdown, so pretty much same old/same old here at Camp Fox. Except for the fact that I (insert drum roll here), find myself devoid of an actual opinion this week, humble or otherwise.

I snapped scads of pics, some good, some not-so-much, which added to my angst, but if you’ve met me, then you know that “Angst” is my middle name. Years ago, I changed it to “Charles” because it looks better in print. 

My first stop last Tuesday was the fundraiser Taste of Sullivan, sponsored by the Monticello Rotary and benefiting the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless. It was held at SUNY Sullivan and featured over 20 restaurants, distilleries and food distributors. Attendees had the opportunity to sample “culinary delicacies from appetizers to desserts” and enjoy the “multicultural and diverse eatery options in our area” while being serenaded by the ever-popular duo of Fisher and Kean. 

I know virtually nothing about food, so won’t offer an opinion—but by all accounts (and my own inadequate taste buds) everything was fantastic, the event was sold out, and it was a great success. As I look back at the photos, it’s clear that everyone had a great time, including me and That Dog Named Gidget, who (insert sigh of relief) was on her best behavior. 

You can peruse pics on our Facebook page at your leisure, and reach out to www.scfh@hvc.rr.com at any time to make a donation. Because as always, every dollar helps.

For the fourth week in a row, I had plans to pop over to the Narrowsburg Union’s digital gallery specifically to catch Claudine Luchsinger’s exhibit, titled “Quantum Entanglement”—and once again was foiled by my own inadequacy. Dear Claudine: I’ll see it this week, I swear, “come hell or high water” as Barbara Fox would say. I might even muster up an opinion—and once again, Mom’s words ring out—“be careful what you wish for.”

On a different note, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to interview Anson Williams of “Happy Days” as he prepared to bring “Crazy Mama: a True Story of Love and Madness” to Bethel Woods. Directed by Anson and written by Sharon Scott Williams, the one-woman show features award-winning actress Lee Purcell and follows the story of “a family coming to terms with the diagnosis of a loved one with mental illness.” 

Purcell portrays more than a dozen characters in the story, with musical transitions performed by James Jackson. There was a nice “meet and greet” reception prior to the performance and as it was Gidget’s first time at the venue I was anxious that she make a good impression. As it turns out, Anson and Sharon are dog lovers, and were happy to meet the Gidgester. 

It also happens that this week marks the one-year anniversary of losing my beloved Dharma to heart failure. As the three of us discussed her far-flung fame and admired cell phone pics of our beloved animals, I was reminded that some wonderful, thoughtful, incredibly kind people at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts have chosen to honor Dharma with a permanent marker in front of the museum.

Susan Russ, head of marketing and communications at Bethel Woods; associate director Bridget Smith; and Julie Kaufman, senior director of programming, took it upon themselves to have a paver that reads “Remembering Dharma the Wonder Dog” installed last week in front of the museum, along with the many other beautiful markers that line the walkway. I was stunned when I found out, hadn’t seen it, and (insert meltdown here) went looking for it during intermission. 

The rest of the show is a blur, so I’m begging off from offering an opinion (humble or otherwise) for now. Knowing that Dharma’s presence at Bethel Woods will be remembered long after I’m gone because of the kindness that these three women have shown is overwhelming and I’m still ferklempt. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hugging Gidget a little too tightly, I packed up her sling the next night, tossed an umbrella in the car and made my way to another fundraiser, this time for the River Rep Theatre, which is in residence at the Delaware Valley Opera Center (DVOC) in Lake Huntington, NY. Promising “a celebration of River Rep’s artists and audience,” the evening featured a buffet with food donated by Sullivan County restaurants and chefs (again with the food!), a silent auction, musical performances and excerpted scenes from upcoming plays of the 2024 season. It opened with “Art,” written by Yasmina Reza. I saw that show on Broadway in 1998, have a not-so-humble opinion about “Art,” and since I have shared it with River Rep artistic director Christopher Peditto, he has made it his mission to change my mind. Time will tell. 

The event was packed with well-wishers and theatre enthusiasts, so another success in the books. 

Clearly, I’ve been busy and already have Claudine’s exhibit and yet another fundraiser—WJFF’s “Tiny Porch Concert” (4/20)—ahead over the next few. 

Meanwhile, with a sigh of relief, I’m declaring the past one as “that was the week that was.” 

Fun Fact: “That Was the Week That Was” was a satirical TV comedy program that aired on BBC Television in 1962-3. It was hosted by David Frost.