Truth, Inspiration, Hope.

Sarah Shao

Minisink Kindness Rotary’s Second Annual ‘Dress for Success’ Event Turns Mulberry House Into a Community Clothing Boutique
On Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, the Mulberry House Senior Center at 62-70 W Main St, Middletown, NY, buzzed with laughter, music, and the soft rustle of hangers as residents browsed through rows of donated suits,...
Joseph DeStefano Wins Middletown Landslide, Vows to Hold Taxes Steady and Complete Key Projects
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano won a landslide victory in the mayoral election, earning 83 percent of the vote and will now serve his fourth consecutive term. In an exclusive interview with...
From Music Rooms to Open Houses: Edie Duncan’s Patient Path to Homes and Community
After 36 years shaping young minds as an elementary music teacher, Edie Duncan has found a new stage in real estate, where her “saintly patience” and protective guidance help clients discover homes that match their...
Middletown Welcomes La FATA’s Eatery: A Community Celebration of Italian Flavors and the American Dream
Middletown celebrated yet another milestone in its vibrant downtown revival with the grand opening of La FATA’s Eatery, the second business venture of renowned pastry chef and entrepreneur Rakesh Nayak. Just a year after the...
‘A Car Doctor with a Kind Heart’ — Isabel Nolasco’s Journey with Dail Transmission & Total Car Care
In Middletown, New York, Dail Transmission & Total Car Care is more than an auto repair shop—it’s a family-owned, woman-operated haven of trust and compassion. Since 1999, led by the remarkable Isabel Nolasco, this shop...
‘A Café With Heart’ — Miguel’s Journey Building Autismo Café in Middletown
When you walk into Autismo Café in Middletown, you immediately feel something different. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods fills the air, but even warmer is the kindness that seems to flow through...
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano: A Vision Rooted in Community and Renewal
As Middletown heads into the 2025 General Election—with early voting running from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2, and Election Day on Nov. 4—Mayor Joseph DeStefano is seeking another term to continue the work he says...
Gio’s Gelato Cafe: A Taste of Italy With a Hometown Heart
Nestled at 30 Front St, Port Jervis, NY, Gio’s Gelato Cafe has been a beloved cornerstone of the community since 2010, offering a unique blend of European-inspired cuisine, homemade gelato, and artisanal baked goods. Owned...
Pike County Champion: Michael Sullivan’s Lifelong Dedication to Economic Growth and Community Building
When you meet Michael J. Sullivan, Executive Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, you immediately sense his energy, optimism, and deep love for community. With more than 40 years of experience in business,...
‘Finally, a Remodeler Who Can Do It All!’: Smith Kitchen & Bath
For nearly 70 years, Smith Plumbing & Heating/Kitchen & Bath has been a cornerstone of Port Jervis, crafting dream kitchens and bathrooms with skill, care, and community pride. Founded in 1955, this family-owned business, led...
Angela Lee: A Beacon of Kindness in Middletown’s Heart
At 76, Angela Lee, president of the Kindness Rotary Club in Middletown, NY, radiates a youthful energy that proves kindness is not just a virtue but a transformative force. A lifelong pharmacist and dedicated community...
Michael Sussman’s Vision for a Transparent, Thriving Orange County 
“We have to stop campaign contributions from people doing business with the county. I have taken no contributions from any corporation, any LLC, because I don’t want anyone to believe they could buy Michael Sussman,...