Hooray for Hurleyville!

JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 8/30/17

For something completely different, synchronicity reigned supreme last week as Hurleyville, NY crept into my psyche on more than one occasion. Defined as “the simultaneous occurrence of events …

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Hooray for Hurleyville!

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For something completely different, synchronicity reigned supreme last week as Hurleyville, NY crept into my psyche on more than one occasion. Defined as “the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but having no discernible connection” (www.dictionary.com), synchronicity is really a concept developed by psychologist Carl Jung used to describe what we mere mortals might simply refer to as “coincidence.” Glancing at my calendar, I noticed that folk singer Mike Jung (coincidence?) was slated to perform last Thursday in Gazebo Park (Bethel Lakeside Music) on Kauneonga Lake, along with David and Julie Bloch. In addition, there was a scribbled reminder that both Dharma and I were scheduled to get haircuts, prior to the Wonder Dog being a “guest woofer” at the second annual Bark in the Park event being held at Morningside Park in Hurleyville.

On more than one occasion, folks at the concert commented on how adorable Dharma looked and asked if she had just been to the groomer (coincidence?), while I kept my unruly mop under my hat, since my “groomer” was eyeing me during the show. The sunset concert series has been a wonderful summer treat, and there are two evenings left on the schedule, so there’s still time to check it out on Facebook and enjoy more music on Thursday evenings in the open air.

Where was I? Oh, right: Hurleyville. The Bark/Park schedule was dizzying, with a “best kisser” contest, Police K-9 Demo, pet costume parade, a tricky tray and Barbara Ward Blank speaking on behalf of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy-raising program—all in addition to Dharma’s scheduled appearance to inform folks about how a “seizure-alert” dog becomes certified, and how she assists me in my day-to-day routine. There were vendors, music (by DJ Jay.Z) and a “biscuit race” to boot, but at the heart of the event was the “Devoe-ted to a Cure” scholarship fund created “in loving memory to Livingston Manor’s Elizabeth “Jeannie” Devoe, who spent her life rescuing, caring for and fostering animals, until she lost her battle with cancer in September 2014. The scholarship is awarded to selected high school seniors from Sullivan County who are planning to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. It was a great event in a beautiful setting, and I hope (paws crossed) that Dharma will be asked back next year. For info on the scholarship program, contact devoetedtoacure@gmail.com.

Admiring the pristine rolling hills while wending my way home, I made note of the fire station location, knowing that I would be back in Hurleyville the very next day for the third annual “What the Hill” family fun day held in the fireman’s field. It promised music, vendors and food to bolster the grassroots awareness regarding the potential “water crisis” coming to the towns of Fallsburg and Thompson (see page 1). By that time, Dharma had been clipped and manicured and was prancing around, while adults and kids petted her freshly bathed coiffure. Meanwhile, I chatted with folks about the cause, while simultaneously enjoying the convivial atmosphere and music provided by David and Julie Bloch (coincidence?), Hudson Valley Sally, and Lion Zen (among others), interspersed with a performance by the Main Street Dance Company located in (duh) Hurleyville, NY. The little ones were beyond adorable while the teens presented a sophisticated routine, and Dharma visited the petting zoo, turning the tables on her admirers.

Hurleyville has (IMHO) been enjoying a renaissance of sorts in recent years, and if you haven’t been for a while, I would recommend paying a visit. Between the new Arts Center, The Makers Lab, and the Sullivan County Historical Society (and museum), one can easily spend a day in a charming, quaint town that boasts beautiful views, fresh air, some exquisite architecture and clean potable water, at least for now. To learn more about “What the Hill” and make your voices heard, visit www.columbiahill.org.

“No discernible connection?” I beg to differ. Hooray for Hurleyville!

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