Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

SLT applies to renew accreditation; seeks public comment

SHARON — The Sharon Land Trust is applying to renew its accreditation seal and encourages residents to submit comments concerning SLT’s application to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is an independent body that reviews the ethics and activity of land trusts around the nation, awarding the seal to trusts “meeting the highest national standard for excellence and conservation permanence,” according to its website.

In a recent press release, SLT Executive Director Carolyn Klocker stated the importance of the program: “Accreditation is critical to ensuring that we’re not only following best practices to protect land today, but also creating a sustainable framework to fulfill our promise of conserving these lands for generations to come.”

As a regular component of the application review process, the Commission invites members of the public to submit signed comments. The Commission requests that comments must be related to SLT’s adherence to the national quality standards of a land trust, which concern its ethical and technical operations, according to the press release. Further information on the national standards for accreditation can be found on the Commission’s website.

Comments may be emailed to info@landtrustaccreditation.org, or mailed to the Saratoga Springs, New York, office at 36 Phila St., Suite 2. Letters should be addressed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, with the attention line: “ATTN: Public Comments.”

In its press release, SLT stated that comments will be most useful if received by March 22 of this year.

Latest News

Maureen A. Moore

Maureen A. Moore

Amenia — Maureen A. Moore, 79, a longtime resident of Amenia, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Maureen worked as a registered nurse at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, NY for 40 years retiring in 2008.

Born on August 12, 1947 in Poughkeepsie, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Quinlan and Jean (Martin) Quinlan. She was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School Class of 1965 in Poughkeepsie, NY and Villanova University School of Nursing in Villanova, PA. On October 5, 1975 in Hyde Park, NY, she married Norman Moore who survives at home.

Keep ReadingShow less

Frederick Reel Jr.

Frederick Reel Jr.

CANAAN — Frederick Reel Jr., 89, passed away on Oct. 5, 2026.

Fred was born on April 22, 1937, in Canaan, Connecticut, to Augusta Bagnaschi and Frederick Reel. Following Augusta’s passing, Fred and his siblings were raised by their aunt, Dorothy Wilson.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gary V. Ackerman

Gary V. Ackerman

ANCRAMDALE — Gary V. Ackerman, Jr., 60, of 233 East Ancram Road, died Monday morning Oct. 5, 2026, at Sharon Hospital.He was the husband of Camille M. Mastropolo. Gary was born Aug. 16, 1966, in Poughkeepsie, New York, son of the late Gary V. and Betty Jane (Wilbur) Ackerman Sr.

Gary had last worked in the maintenance department of the Indian Mountain School in Lakeville. Prior to that he had worked in the same capacity at the Maplebrook School in Amenia, New York for 30 years. Gary enjoyed cars and target shooting, in his spare time, and was a member of the Ancram Land-Owners Association.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Jam leaves Sharon, prepares for Salisbury opening

Jam Food Shop’s future home at 19 Main St. in Salisbury. The shop ended service in Sharon on Oct. 3, but an opening date for the new location has yet to be set.

Patrick Stachniak

SALISBURY — Jam Food Shop has officially closed its Sharon location, with its much-anticipated standalone store still under renovation in Salisbury.

Jam Food Shop, previously operating out of the Sharon Farm Market, is in the middle of renovating its new location at 19 Main St. Construction crews are renovating the former Neo Restaurant and Bar space as locals await the deli’s opening.

Keep ReadingShow less

Dinner with the dog

Dinner with the dog
Georgie, enjoying a late-summer “pup cup” on the porch at Grassland Dessert Cafe in Lakeville.
Natalia Zukerman

Dog owners know the dilemma: You’re out for the day with your four-legged sidekick when hunger strikes. Fortunately, a number of area restaurants, cafés and breweries welcome dogs, mostly at outdoor tables. Policies and outdoor seating can change with the season, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

The White Hart and Provisions in Salisbury is particularly pet-friendly. The inn welcomes pets on request, and its front porch and sprawling lawn make inviting places to settle in with a canine companion. They even welcome well-behaved patrons — bipedal and quadruped alike — in the cozy dining area.

Keep ReadingShow less

A day in the life of a rescue dog

A day in the life of a rescue dog

Marsala is eager to go home with you.

Jennifer Almquist

“It’s unbelievable that this sweet, loving boy hasn’t found his home yet,” said Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager of The Little Guild, whose mission is to rescue, love and heal homeless cats and dogs. She smiled at the small dog wagging his tail. “This is one of the most deserving dogs you could ever meet, with so much love to give.”

Marsala is an energetic, 1-year-old, 45-pound black Labrador mix waiting to be adopted. He arrived March 25 as a stray named “Chicken” from Toccoa, Georgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.