The Quality of Life in Small Towns
As most folks know or come to realize rather quickly, my life is focused on reading and writing. My call to church life further refines these two aspects of my life. And, on the other hand, my knowledge of pop culture is scant. To wit, the last movie I saw was in 2004.
Thus it was that I was totally confused a few backs ago when I browsed through ‘status’ lines during my regular browsing in ‘Facebook’. One of my friends was commenting on her upcoming event at Fenway Park and hoped she would not trip on the Red Carpet. I wondered what that was about. Was she involved in a charity fashion show or other such event?
Further on, I noted others chiming in about a movie and a premiere and I finally cobbled together the series of clues and realized what was happening. It is a neat version of ‘Who Knew?’
Let me then connect the dots. Some years ago, I worked with a colleague organizing a series of programs on ‘Parenting’. We had an author/psychologist deliver a presentation one night; we had a panel discussion on another night; and we ended with a member of the district attorney’s office presenting some legal context regarding risk behavior of young adults. After the program concluded, I was contacted by a parent in Sharon who was a board member of a private pre-school program. She was looking to offer some similar programs for parents sending their children to her school. We met over coffee one afternoon and shared ideas and resources and began a friendship. I know her and her husband, Chuck Hogan, now as regular family parishioners at our church in Sharon.
With that, and finally understanding what Charlotte was intimating on Facebook, I realized that her husband was the author of ‘Prince of Thieves’, the book from which the new movie, ‘The Town’ was adapted. Charlotte then was letting us all know via Facebook of her anticipation of being in the presence of the Hollywood actors and actresses at Fenway Park for the preview.
After musing about my ignorance of pop culture and the power of entertainment, I was struck by another intersection of life, people, and events. In August, I met with several parents in our church who were having their children Baptized over the next few weeks. We discussed details of the ritual and the responsibilities of parents and noted how cultural traditions sometimes affect how the ritual is carried out. One of the parents, Mark McAuliffe, concurred. Although I was not present for the Baptism, I learned from our pastor that Mark and his wife had opened up a new Pub in the center of Walpole and invited folks who attended the Baptism to enjoy refreshments at his Pub that Sunday.
Hmm. I thought about two parishioners with young families and their wider world achievements and work beyond the context of church. Chuck Hogan has been interviewed by a variety of media and featured in newspaper articles and continues his writing of novels. I wondered if the communities of Sharon and Walpole might have an opportunity to meet him and be reminded of the talents and skills evident in our neighbors.
The plans now are as follows. On October 27, at ‘The Raven’s Nest’, in downtown Walpole, Chuck Hogan and family will be in attendance to meet and greet the public.
There will be a book signing and a social hour. All are welcome.
