Letters to the Editor: Thursday, Aug. 14

Tribute to Carol Kneeland, one terrific reporter

I had the privilege of becoming intimately familiar with the many communities of the Harlem Valley while editor of The Millerton News for nearly 20 years, from 2003 to 2022, until returning to my home state of Florida.

It was a position I adored.

For starters, I could both report on and opine about issues I believed were of critical importance in the everyday lives of our readers. Doing so gave me the opportunity to meet countless people, many of whom I admired and from whom I learned a great deal through our interactions. Some I’m still in touch with and am honored to call friends.

I also worked with a number of incredible people: some at The Lakeville Journal and others whom I’d hired for the Millerton office. During my tenure, the office moved from Main Street (yes, it was once half of what is now Irving Farm!) to the end of Main and South Center streets, second floor, and then to its current location on Century Boulevard, next to Northwest Lawn & Landscaping.

As with many small independent newspapers, the paper couldn’t afford decent salaries, so it was tough to attract and keep reporters — especially experienced reporters. Or consistent reporters.

So, imagine my surprise and delight when our office door opened one day and in walked a kind, gracious woman with a bouncy bob of white hair, twinkling eyes, and a warm smile. She asked timidly if she could help write anything for the paper on a volunteer basis, noting she wasn’t extremely mobile, so most interviews would have to be done via phone.

Little did I know that offer — which I was wise enough to accept, with a trial run — would bring with it one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever encountered, along with deep insight, brilliant perspective, an endless capacity for compassion, empathy, kindness, and humor, and an extensive and impressive journalistic career.

Once I knew Carol Kneeland’s resumé, I realized the paper couldn’t afford her. But she didn’t want a cent. In fact, she refused a paycheck!

Carol insisted on volunteering. Every interview she hunted down, every article she wrote, she did for the sheer pleasure of knowing she was helping to keep community journalism alive.

That’s the kind of person Carol is.

She also happens to be a terrific reporter. And a terrific writer. And a terrific person. And a terrific friend.

And I think Carol deserves a huge thank you for the seven years of hard work she’s done for this newspaper.

Because sadly, as of July 25, Carol resigned from her “dream job.” I was devastated to learn the news, as I know it was a tough decision.

Whenever this paper’s been in a pinch, Carol’s come through — always — and always on deadline. She’s amazing. And I, for one, want to say congratulations and much thanks!

Whitney Joseph
Shavelson

Former Editor,

The Millerton News

Appreciate the support

We would like to personally thank everyone who came to our son, husband and dad, Scott Thornton’s viewing on July 24 at Hufcut Funeral Home. The outpouring of love, compassion and kindness from friends, family, colleagues, trustees, and the community was truly overwhelming. The amount of support we received was an amazing tribute to Scott and the countless people whose lives he touched during his lifetime. Thank you to all who attended and who sent messages and gifts of condolences.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jeanne Thornton Schwager (mom),

Becky Thornton (wife),

Sawyer Haab and
Paxton Thornton
(daughters)

and family

Sharon, Conn.