FALLS VILLAGE — The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News will present the 2026 Estabrook Community Leadership Award to Dick Hermans at the annual Jubilee celebration on Oct. 11 at the Sharon Playhouse.
The award honors outstanding leadership in community service. Joan Osofsky and Suzanna Hermans are serving as co-chairs of the event. More than 50 community members, reflecting Dick’s wide influence and his support of writers, editors and publishers, have joined the Host Committee to support both Dick’s recognition and the annual fundraising effort for The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News.
A co-founder and longtime steward of Oblong Books, Dick has spent decades championing writers, readers, and independent bookselling. Equally important, he has generously—and often quietly—devoted his time, energy, and leadership to strengthening Millerton and the surrounding communities. His contributions have included leadership roles and active involvement with the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, the Millerton Business Alliance, the Irondale Schoolhouse, and his long-running New Harmony radio program on WKZE.
“I am honored by this award from The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News,” said Hermans. “I feel lucky to live in a region with so many remarkable nonprofit organizations and civic leaders working every day to strengthen our communities. Any contributions I have made have been possible because I have had the privilege of working alongside generous, committed people who care deeply about where we live.”
“Dick’s community leadership is a model for us all,” said James Clark, Publisher and CEO of The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News. “For decades, he has devoted his time, energy, and resources to causes that improve the quality of life in our region. He has done so with humility, generosity, and a deep belief in the value of community. We are delighted to honor Dick with the Estabrook Community Leadership Award and to celebrate his remarkable contributions.”
The award was inspired by Mary Lou and Robert Estabrook, who owned the newspapers from 1970 to 1986 and later served as dedicated board members. Committed to public service, they believed that publishing independent, high-quality local journalism was only one way to strengthen a community. In addition to their own nonprofit work, they also celebrated the contributions of fellow citizens who did the same. During their stewardship, the newspapers flourished, and Robert Estabrook’s editorials were twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
