On January 5, 2017, the Shawangunk Journal posted an appeal to its readership, which you can read here.
On November 6, 2008, the Ellenville Journal took a new name: Shawangunk Journal. We believe it better reflects our current coverage and our hopes for the future. Please read our editorial on the subject. Comments are welcome.
The Ellenville Journal first appeared in 1849 and continued publishing for over 140 years until it went quiet. This website and its forthcoming newspaper counterpart is our attempt to resurrect an Ellenville institution for the twenty-first century.
Alex Shiffer is a New York native. He attended the State University of New York at New Paltz and received bachelor's degrees in both mathematics and computer science. He went on to receive a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan.
Sharon Richman is originally from Long Island and also attended the State University of New York at New Paltz where she and Alex first met. She received her degrees in visual arts and mathematics, and then had several jobs including working as a graphic designer and typesetter for a regional publisher.
In 1994, Alex and Sharon started Zelacom Electronic Publishing based in Liberty, NY and offered web design, web hosting and internet access to 2,000 people in the Sullivan County and Southern Ulster region.
In 1999, Alex and Sharon moved to Napanoch. Their business followed soon after and relocated to Ellenville in 2004.
Along the way, Alex and Sharon found time to travel cross-country, run a farm and have two children, daughters Jasmine and Violet.
In 2006, after much deliberation, Alex and Sharon decided to revive the Ellenville Journal as both a news website and newspaper.
