Shandaken has seen an uptick in civic engagement in the past year, with new water district committees in Phoenicia and Pine Hill, a renewed Parks & Rec Committee, a Conservation Advisory Committee that hosted meetings that drew people from other towns, a Housing Smart Committee that spawned a new nonprofit, and PH2, a coalition of Shandaken citizens working together to further projects. The hubbub “there’s press in our Town Board Meeting!” spread with glee among those of us attending the August meeting. Thanks for sending journalists out our way Overlook. It may not always be easy to be watched, but for the moment it feels validating to be seen.

Barbara (Babs) Mansfield Phoenicia, New York

I enjoy reading your paper on Fridays when it shows up in my mailbox. Articles are precise, well written and informative. One of the things I found very refreshing was that there were no “Letters to the Editor”. Hudson Valley One has always had this feature and basically what it’s boiled down to are the same 5 or 6 people throwing insults and clarifications at one another week after week. I’m sure you have read them and know what I’m talking about. So I welcome your decision, but fear these same people will clog up your inbox. I am an advocate for freedom of speech but maybe you could limit it to one entry per person, per month to allow room for some fresh air. And perhaps limited to published articles.

Respectfully,
Stewart Schuenemann Woodstock, New York