It’s one of those expressions that most people have heard, whether one is Jewish or not. Simply put, it means “congratulations,” and I’ve uttered those words on a number of occasions over the last week or so.

Coming on the heels of the High Holy Days—the 10-day period between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) which ended on Wednesday, October 5—I’m tempted to say that I’ve been feeling particularly Jewish in the last few days, but that’s not really the case. I say “mazel tov” to others as a Yiddish/Hebrew pat on the back all year ‘round; it just happens that I’ve said it a lot of late. And I’m Jewish every day of the year, so there’s that.

Since I’ve just returned from my yearly High Holy Days sabbatical, I missed a couple of important, congrats-worthy events. Our own Liam Mayo received a Special Recognition Award from the Upper Delaware Council for his exemplary work covering river valley issues for the River Reporter and WJFF Radio Catskill. How cool is that?

I would also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the one and only Beverly Sterner, founder and moderator of the Upper Delaware Community Network, who celebrated another trip around the sun on the 29th of last month. She is beloved throughout the region, not only for her tireless dedication to the Upper Delaware community and all that entails, but also for being an amazing, involved, incredibly motivating force of nature in our community. Oh, and I just plain love the woman, as so many of us do. Mazel tov, Bev—you make a difference every day.

On top of that, another milestone was reached last week when WVOS radio (95.9), aka the “Voice of the Catskills,” celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special museum exhibit and party at the Sullivan County Historical Society in Hurleyville, NY last Saturday. The place was packed and peppered with dignitaries, including New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sen. Mike Martucci, County Historian John Conway and Bold Gold Media President, CEO and founder Vince Benedetto, all of whom spoke eloquently about the history of the radio station, the impact it’s had on our community for so many years, and the WVOS trajectory moving forward.

There were folks representing sister stations Thunder 102 and WSUL (98.3) and since I’ve been doing the River Reporter update every Thursday on Thunder’s popular “Ciliberto and Friends” morning show for what seems like 75 years, I joined in the festivities. I shook hands with past and present DJs (do people still use that old-timey term?) and took pics.

The museum exhibit will be on view through the month. To view some of the photos, check out our online gallery at www.riverreporter.com .  

A mere 48 hours later, I threw the dog’s stroller in the truck (don’t judge!) and headed for the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) seventh annual fundraiser. Titled “Grown Here Farm to Table Experience,” it’s held at their headquarters in Circleville, NY.

The club serves northern Orange and Sullivan counties, so its reach is wide. Because of COVID-19, the fundraiser has been on hold for a couple of years.

Featuring a cocktail hour and three-course dinner curated by local restaurateurs Jamie and Chef Marcus Guiliano of Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, NY, the event honored Greg Goldstein and Paul Anderson-Winchell. They were inducted into the Maureen and Steve Plain Hall of Fame.

Other honorees included Barbi Neumann-Marty and Shane Merone, who received the Distinguished Service Award. A special “Friend of the Club” award was presented to Garnet Health Medical Center; the award was accepted by the center’s manager of physician relations, Moira Mencher. She sat opposite me so she could visit with Dharma, while I took even more photographs. The photos can also be seen on our website,  www.riverreporter.com, as soon as Liam posts them for me, because, well… he works like a dog.

Since I don’t see enough of him (insert sarcastic inflection), Paul Ciliberto emceed the event with his usual panache—and in between the silent auction, the amazing meal and convivial atmosphere, I said “mazel tov” to the award-winners with utmost sincerity, for their work on behalf of the kids is (IMHO) beyond amazing.

All in all, I’m exhausted but well fed, and more inspired than ever to do more for my community, which has always been there for me in times of need.

Congratulations all around, people. You deserve the accolades given—whether in Hebrew, Yiddish or just plain English, it all means the same. Mazel! You’re an inspiration to us all.

Fun Fact: The Yiddish mazel tov derives from Hebrew words meaning “a constellation of good stars and destiny.” As Leo Rosten noted in his classic, “The Joys of Yiddish,” “Don’t ‘mazel tov’ a man going into the hospital; say ‘mazel tov’ when he comes out.”