in my humble opinion

Oops, I did it again

By JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 10/14/20

And by “it” I mean ventured out into the world, which is still a little bit scary—and a little bit spooky, just in time for Halloween. Suddenly and without warning, last …

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in my humble opinion

Oops, I did it again

Posted

And by “it” I mean ventured out into the world, which is still a little bit scary—and a little bit spooky, just in time for Halloween. Suddenly and without warning, last week’s calendar was chock-a-block with actual (not virtual) events that beckoned, and regardless of my hesitation to mix it up and be seen in public, I threw caution to the wind (uh oh) and sallied forth, camera in hand, dog at my side, mask firmly in place covering both my nose and mouth. At the same time. Go figure.

That alone makes it difficult for me to communicate (you’re welcome), but nothing can stop me from being heard—or so they say. Were it not for the Wonder Dog, I might be able to slip in and out unnoticed, but everyone knows Dharma and, in turn, some feel obligated to acknowledge my existence. I’m still a bit of a “Nervous Nellie” about being out in public and the fear that others might have relaxed too much. I know, I know... it’s been eight months, but COVID-19 still exists, regardless of what the mask-free moron at the dollar store has to say (and by “say” I mean scream) about the situation and my displeasure over putting himself and others in harm’s way. Although he was a full-grown man-child, I couldn’t help but notice that his mommy drove him to said dollar store, so I’m guessing he has other issues as well. ‘Nuff said.

Thankfully, the kind folks at the Narrowsburg Union offered me an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the new exhibit before the halls were opened to the public. “I wanted to invite you to the Narrowsburg Union for a sneak-peek before the show [People and Places: Photography as Observation] officially opens on Saturday,” Curator Krystal Grow expressed in an email last week. “You may have read that we are doing guided tours and the artists will be present to meet people and talk about their work,” she explained, “but I wanted to extend a personal invite to tour the show one night this week. I’d be happy to meet you and show you around.”

I took Grow up on her offer and popped in and, as we discussed the work lining the gallery walls, I took some photos but, truth be told, I loathe taking pictures of pictures, so my advice would be to go check it out on your own. The photographers represented (Glenn Lieberman, Nicholas Mehedin, Laurie A. Guzda, Carlos De La Rosa, Norlan Olivo and Ricardo Castro) clearly have a story to tell.

Grow followed up with additional words: “The opening was great!” she wrote. “We had a strong turnout and people really seemed to enjoy the guided tours. It meant a lot to me to be able to introduce the photographers to each other. It’s so important, especially now,” Grow expressed, “to make connections and build community and I really feel like our event did that.” The exhibit [check their website for COVID-19 guidelines] runs through Saturday, November 14.

Another email caught my attention. “Hi Jonathan,” began the missive from Franklin Trapp (www.fbplayhouse.org). “This year, our Fall Music Theatre Intensive Workshop [singing, acting and dance] concludes with a performance by 21 young artists—ages ranging 8 to 16. The class is socially distanced,” Trapp explained (allaying any “Nervous Nellie” fears I might have had), “and the kids are having a blast. I would absolutely love it if you came by.” I did, and the kids were fantastic (IMHO), lifting my spirits with their talent, their spirit and their resilience in the face of a global pandemic and all that it entails.

Following that nerve-free outing, I ventured further afield and went to Callicoon, NY, where I paid a visit to the site of the proposed new Riverside Park (more coverage on the front page) and waved at old friends while schlepping my dog around in a stroller (don’t judge!) from a distance. From there, I lumbered (it means “move in a slow, heavy awkward way”) to Main Street where the annual Art Walk was underway and throngs of residents and visitors gave the illusion that all was right with the world, save for those not wearing masks. Look, I want to see things return to normal as much as the next one, and for our local economy to revive and thrive, but it’s possible that I bit off more than I could chew last week. “Ooops, I did it again,” I rasped at the dog. “Better regroup.” She growled in response. “Let’s go for a walk and see where it takes us.” Please, mask up folks, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.

Fun Fact: “Old Nell” was a playful nickname for old, worn down horses. A high strung horse became a “Nervous Nellie.” The name started to be applied to fearful or nervous people: “You’re acting like a nervous Nellie!” and later acquired the connotation of cowardly.

Callicoon, photography, Narrowsburg Union, Pandemic, Dharma the Wonder Dog, morons, Forestburgh Playhouse, Art, River Reporter, wear a mask

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