Some consider it to be something negative if you choose to "live in the past" or take that periodic stroll down memory lane. However, visiting the past from time to time can be a very good thing. Especially, if it enables you to chart your growth or evolution over the years. In these times that can often be troubling, revisiting those yesteryears can be a welcome respite.
Recently I had the good fortune to tread those well-traveled paths one more time, and I found the experience to be exhilarating.
On October 16th, I joined a large and very enthusiastic crowd at Red River Theatres, for the 50th anniversary screening of The Way We Were. Many of those in attendance, had never seen the well-loved classic and so seeing it through their eyes, reminded me of going to Cinema-93 in the fall of 1973 to view it for the first time. There's been a lot of water under the bridge in the half century since, but for two hours, time stood still. The event, put together by Jim Webber and a group of volunteers, was a benefit for our beloved downtown independent movie theater. As usual, our community turned out in force to support the event.
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Two nights later, on the 18th, it was standing room only at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage for an event, marking the 90th anniversary, to the day, that the Concord Theatre opened its doors, back in 1933.
Mayor Bouley declared it "Concord Theatre Day" and Laura Knoy hosted the fun-filled evening. Steve Duprey, who helped to spearhead the saving of the theater, chatted amiably about his role, crediting so many others in our community, with their willingness to step-up in the "Concord way". Margaret Porter, esteemed local author and a great friend, co-produced the event with me and we were specific in wanting it to be a FREE event, so that all who wished to join could do so.
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For me it was also a celebration of a theater where I worked for 27 years, and the Cantin Family, who welcomed me and made me feel valued at the theater.
The aforementioned Jim Webber created a magical 8-minute film celebrating but a few of the countless films that flickered across the theater's silver screen between 1933 and 1994. Here is a link to it and it is well worth a looksee: (21) On The Screen at the Concord Theatre - YouTube
Finally, last Thursday, I made a trip up 93 North to Plymouth. The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Center at Plymouth State University, invited me to come and speak. How could I say no?
While I had only attended Plymouth for a couple of months, more than fifty years ago, what the Center stands for is so vital and important and represents all of the things I wish I had been able to find while I was there. After being brutally raped at knifepoint, more than once, I had run, since there were few if any options available at the time. Today things are so much different and hopeful and safer. While it is still an imperfect world, there have been so many steps forward with many still to be taken.
The Center provided all attendees with free copies of my 2022 book, A Sprinkling of Stardust Over the Outhouse, and the enthusiastic mix of students and faculty were very welcoming as I told my story and shared my philosophy. In fact, the question portion lasted almost as long as my chat.
It was good to return, just as it is good to recognize personal growth that can come out of adversity.
As the days shorten and darkness falls earlier and earlier, it seems a good time for all of us to revisit some moment from our past. Relive it with laughter, tears, a full heart or some good memory of someone or something that may no longer be with you. It's that past that helped create the present and nostalgia can be something worth replaying.
