“…the behinder I get.” That’s right—and until today, when I fact-checked it, I thought this was said by the White Rabbit in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” The rabbit ran round in a frenzy, checking his pocket watch before disappearing down a hole in the ground.* 

I don’t own a pocket watch, but I’ve also been seen running around “in a frenzy” from time to time, muttering those very words to myself, all the while pretending that I’m talking to the dog.  According to the almighty Google, the quote serves as a reminder that “rushing to get things done can lead to negative consequences such as: lower morale, attendance issues [hmm], turnover problems [hmmm] and issues with communication.” Uh huh.

The quote can also be interpreted as a nudge to “be mindful of time and what you do next to achieve your goals and deadlines.” 

Honestly, I don’t think I need a nudge, per se, but what I do need is a working computer, and experienced a week-long hiccup in that department a week or three ago. I’ve lost track because I’ve been rushing, rushing, rushing in between trips to the computer doctor, but suffice it to say that the “hurrier” I go…

As a result, several events worthy of writing about have slipped away, and were it not for my endless pile of notes, written out with an old-fashioned pen and paper, I’d have nothing to refer to at all because, well—let’s just say, the “behinder” I got.

While still computer-free, I attended the Sullivan 180 Evening of Recognition a while back. It honored NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther “for her years of support and friendship.” Also recognized were The Black Library and Tusten Social “for their innovative efforts to engage youth,” and I’m just now able to take a peek at some of the pics—because, well, you get it. As I recall, the evening was lovely and the honorees most deserving.

In the days that ensued I actually found myself at The Black Library (TBL). There co-founders Douglas Schindler and Michael Davis welcomed guests to the opening reception of the library’s third artists-in-residence exhibit, featuring the works of six Sullivan County artists, representing a variety of styles and disciplines. High school student Briel Cucuta combines the written word with her pieces and found that through the TBL residency she was able to “use the opportunity to challenge myself and try things I haven’t attempted before.” Pretty cool, too—IMHO. 

Now that I’m looking at the hundreds of photos, I’m reminded that I stopped by the Sullivan County Historical Museum in Hurleyville, NY, to hear Shain Fishman and her sister Anna speak of their experience being raised as children of Holocaust survivors. A sobering subject to be sure, but one that should not be forgotten, which is the mission of Hope’s Compass. The organization is devoted to “supporting community education and civic engagement” spearheaded by “author/volunteer/educator/author and friend” Hope Blecher Croney. 

Shain and Anna’s story was enlightening, disturbing, fascinating and important, and while some of you may have missed it, something tells me Hope will show up again, just when you least expect it.

Speaking of uncomfortable subjects, I finally gave in last Sunday and “walked the walk,” as it were, joining the county’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) executive director Lori Schneider and close to a hundred others who participated in the Out of the Darkness community walk. In association with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSM), it helps to raise much needed dollars and awareness. Check out www.Afsp.org/sullivanCounty to get involved. Sigh.

Meanwhile, I’m forging ahead, since there’s no “behinder” for me to get. Want more pics? Check ‘em out at www.Facebook.com/theriverreporter. Have an event you’d like to promote? Make sure to let Roger and Co. know by alerting them at events@riverreporter.com. 

*Wait, what...?: According to https://quoteinvestigator.com/2021/04/04/behinder/#google_vignette, Lewis Carroll never wrote that. Looks like that attribution is one of those viral internet boo-boos