Editor's note: The following letter is written by a resident of Henderson, Nev., whose family lived in Liverpool temporarily for seasonal work.

To the Editor:

When my husband accepted a seasonal job near Syracuse, we were excited at the prospect of experiencing life in the East. We weren't disappointed. Of course, the scenery is breathtaking -- that was no surprise. But what impressed us time and time again were the people. Let me give just a few examples.

I don't like crowds and I don't like waiting. When I pull into a parking spot, I do a quick visual scan to know how fast I have to jump out of my car to beat anyone else into the business where I'm headed. Well, I pulled up to the tiny Liverpool Post Office and took a deep breath as I saw someone was already out of his car and near the door. I'd have to stand in line. Ugh. Much to my surprise, the older gentleman who beat me to the door saw me coming and instead of zipping in ahead of me actually waited at the door so he could open it and allow me in in front of him! He did the same at the inner door, but when we got to the line of people, I insisted he go ahead of me since he had arrived first. The slow-moving line was frustrating, but I was calmer than I've ever been while waiting in a line. When it was the gentleman's turn to go to the register, he stepped aside and with a dramatic bow motioned me forward saying, "Did you really think I'd go in front of you?"

This behavior is typical of all the strangers I came in contact with during our stay in Liverpool. Whether at a garage sale or the supermarket, everyone seemed to be thinking of what was best for those around them rather than thinking of themselves. Courtesy is abundant in your beautiful part of the country!

My daughter began her junior year at high school in Liverpool. And although the administrators knew she'd be attending for only a few weeks, they worked personally and diligently with us to make sure her education was perfect for her. And speaking of school ...

Day One: Yikes! I thought we had allowed plenty of time for travel, but as we approached the school, the cars were backed up so far, I was certain we'd made a huge mistake. With no traffic light or even a stop sign to allow traffic to flow in and out of the school grounds, I couldn't imagine how we'd ever be let in. But true to Central New York courtesy, as I approached the school entrance, cars on both sides stopped to let me in. There is an overall feeling of respect in your area.

One last example: I checked my daughter out of school early one day for an appointment and was impressed and honestly surprised to find out that it wasn't necessary for me to physically go into the school, show my driver's license and sign a gazillion papers. Rather, she only needed to take in a note from me, and then sign herself out. The administrators actually trust the students and anticipate that they will be responsible. And with that trust, the students rise to what is expected.

All in all, we love New York, thanks to the citizens in and around Liverpool. With your everyday actions, you have shown us humanity at its best!

Denalee Chapman

Henderson, Nevada

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