Dear YWN Catskills,

I would like to inform those that vacation in the Catskills of the “Summer 2013 appeal”. This is not an appeal for a family, a specific person, or organization but rather a cause. That cause is Kiddush Hashem.

Many people do not realize that for 10 months a year the Catskill Mountains is a quiet peaceful and clean environment. Traffic jams are unheard of and the roadways are clear of pedestrians. Long lines in stores are virtually non-existent.

Then comes memorial day and the entire scenery changes. Pickup trucks are replaced with Honda Odyssey’s, empty roadways and shops become hustling and bustling with shoppers and children of all ages.

Route 42 on erev Shabbos transforms into 13th avenue as people are getting their last minute items L’kovod Shabbos.

Lines in stores like Shoprite and Wal-mart resemble Pomegranate or Goldbergs.

To those of us living in Brooklyn this seems perfectly normal. However if you live in the country all year this becomes a ‘Tircha’.

True everyone is entitled to come and vacation in the mountains, however we should realize that we are doing just that. We are guests, and those whose reside upstate all year are our hosts.

The least we can do is show our gracious hosts some courtesy. It may not seem like such a big deal, but greeting a store keeper, thanking a cashier, letting someone who is a year round resident go ahead of you in line can have a tremendous positive impact and display of Hakoras Hatov.

Also please realize that stopping on the road in front of your colony “even for a second” is not the same as double parking in front of your house or on Coney Island Avenue. To someone that lives upstate it’s as if you blocked their driveway (and we all know how frustrating that is). The same goes for those walking on the road. Please try to keep to the side of the road and allow cars to pass.

Those of you walking at night please wear something reflective or roll up your sleeves. Perhaps we don’t realize how this makes a large difference because in the city we have lighted streets.

I’m sure those of you commenting will be able to offer more positive suggestions.

In the Z’chus of our display of Kiddush Hashem may we be zocha to a healthy and happy summer.

Y. Cohen
Brooklyn NY

(YWN Catskills Newsroom)