Covering Life Between the Ferries for the past five-plus years has been an enormous pleasure. My goal in this labor of love has been to be lighthearted and inclusive in writing about this Island we so dearly treasure. As the primary contributor, I’ve enjoyed reporting to and interacting with you all. However, an exciting opportunity has arisen, and I’ve agreed to join the staff at Sylvester Manor in the newly created position of Capital Projects Coordinator. So — at least in this format — this will be my final post.
Please follow this link to the Manor’s official news release.
But first, I thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the Shelter Island Gazette and our newsletters. I call out with special gratitude: the Heights office of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty and Shelter Island ACE Hardware, two stalwart local businesses that have anchored our advertising. I’m enormously grateful to Julie O’Neill-Bliss, who assisted me in a part-time capacity with aspects of the work too numerous to list here before moving on to her full-time role at Sag Harbor Cinema. The Gazette has also benefitted from talented contributors, including Jo-Ann Kirkland, who writes so beautifully on behalf of numerous Island nonprofits, and Joanne Sherman, whose humor columns contributed to our early appeal.
Many thanks, too, to all of our advertisers and to the subscribers who read our free LBTF newsletter since its launch in 2018. And I’m so grateful to everyone who signed up for premium subscriptions, enabling us to keep our publications going. (Please note that you’ll receive refunds for the unused portions of your subscriptions.) Lastly, I want to thank my husband and co-publisher, Eddie Brennan, who introduced me to Shelter Island 37 years ago and remains steadfast in supporting my efforts.
As a second homeowner turned full-timer, I’ve learned much about the wonderful community of individuals bound by a shared affection for this place. In giving up the Gazette to help Sylvester Manor in its transition from private estate to public center celebrating the many threads of our shared history, I’m shifting the focus of my attention to an aspect of life here that I believe has an integral role to play in our beloved Island’s long-term health and prosperity. Part of my work will be keeping the community posted on the Manor’s progress. If you want to add your name to the email list and receive information, please contact me at jbrennan@sylvestermanor.org.
