We are independent filmmakers, creating our first film as a labor of love, outside of regular jobs in Television. The documentary is based on the experience of families in the Catskill Mountains during it’s heyday (1920’s-70’s). There is no substantial bankroll. All of the individuals working on the project are actually doing it out of a common interest in the project or as a favor(associates and friends). We have been obtaining footage, letters, photographs and postcards from people through their mutual generosity, but mostly their shared desire to make a statement about this cultural experience. We pay all expenses to ship it, copy it, etc. We will send all masters back to you (in perfect condition!)following the duplication. As far as photos go, you can easily send JPEGS (High Resolution if possible). All people will be credited in the film. We have already received a generous amount of resources from people and we also have asked for releases from them) to protect all involved, including the people who donate their footage. At the present time we are collecting all of the above as well as setting up interviews with many of the “lifers”….If you know of any families or friends that spent time in the “borscht belt”, please pass this note along to them. We truly appreciate all of your assistance in this project. Please stay in touch! Sincerely yours, Nina Benzi/Evan Haiman Kippered Herring Productions 15 Baker Street Wayne, NJ 07470 kipperedherring [at] hotmail [dot] com …

Anybody ever been to Fisk or Quarry Hill commune, up near Burlington, Vermont? There’s a 300 ft. deep marble quarry beside the place. A friend flew us up from NYC. It was interesting, neat and hygienic (nothing like I’d been told a commune was like) but still not my cup of tea. I met George Fisk (I think it was him), but I wasn’t the type to get turned on by older mentor types. The kids of these aging hippies were my age, and since they lived in a relatively isolated area, visitors seemed were fresh meat. They were too eager; or maybe I was just too uptight. I like having my own stuff and knowing where it is when I want it; and locks on my door. Dead-bolt New Yorker to the bitter end. Great swimming in that hole, though; especially by moonlight. Maybe if I had taken a few tokes when it was constantly passed around and a few sips, I would have fit right in. …

I used to go to a bungalow colony in South Fallsburg- Pancrest Lodge. We are having a big reunion. Anybody out there? Elissa …

Saw the movie too. It was cute but not that realistic. If she was having an affair like that in a bungalow colony, everyone would know and the tongues would be wagging. Also, did anyone ever see a peddler that cute in the Catskills? …