SchoCo Pride INC Meets; Getting Paperwork Filed

By Lei Rowan

SCHOHARIE – SchoCo Pride INC hosted its monthly meeting last Tuesday, Nov. 25. The group discussed provisional chair updates, PrideFest 2026 committee reports, elections for official chairs in January, and public comment. 

SchoCo Pride INC is a group of queer community members coming together to host a pride event in Schoharie County. They have been working since August to get the members and paperwork needed to create a formal non-profit organization. 

Bylaws were created for October's meeting to be voted on this month, but the vote has been benched until the next meeting due to low attendance and two members of the provisional chair being absent for the holiday. The internal chair was tasked with drafting the code of conduct by December’s meeting.

SchoCo plans on having an annual meeting for board member elections in January. The election process and date was deliberated on how to make it efficient and open to as many members as possible while also reducing the risk of the vote being rigged by an outside party.

A website is being drafted by a member of SchoCo Pride INC. It’s intended to be up in time for the annual January chair elections. 

The group has filed for a Certificate of Incorporation, which requires “INC” to be added to the name, with the next steps being filing for an EIN. The two documents will allow SchoCo to file for non-profit status and open a bank account. These documents are expected to be completed by mid-January 2026. Fundraising and grants can begin being obtained once completed as well. 

Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce has been presented as a potential proctor for SchoCo Pride. An agreement is being drafted to present to the Chamber by 12/15 to present to them at their next meeting. If the deal goes through, SchoCo Pride can begin taking donations while the group works on non-profit status.

 If you’d like to join future meetings, mailing lists, or learn more, contact schoharielgbtqia@gmail.com or schocopride@gmail.com for more information. 

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Sharon Springs Senior Chases his Dreams at BOCES

SCHOHARIE – It’s not every day a student whose dream is to be a lawyer pursues a career and technical education, but that’s exactly the path Joe Nedelsky of Sharon Springs is pursuing.

Nedelsky is a senior in the Capital Region BOCES Criminal Justice program at the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus, where he is learning the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in law enforcement.

While the majority of his classmates are planning to become troopers, police officers and forensic investigators, Nedelsky is planning to one day serve on the bar.

“It’s something I have always wanted to do,” said Nedelsky, during a recent class in which he and his peers practiced felony traffic stops.

The soft-spoken scholar is chasing his dreams at the University at Albany next year, where he will be enrolled in a pre-law track.

In the meantime, Nedelsky said BOCES has armed him with a tremendous amount of knowledge that he expects to use in college and one day in the court room.

“Attending the Criminal Justice program has allowed me to learn a lot about the law and it has provided me a really good base for my future studies. I have learned about the law, like knowing the Miranda rights and other basics that I will need to know when I study law,” he said.

Nedelsky and his classmates learn about the history, theory, practices and recent developments in the field of criminal justice during two years of study at the Career and Technical Education Center. They also learn hands-on skills such as fingerprint collection, radio use, arresting and handcuffing and dealing with safety hazards and emergency situations.

Besides the skills and knowledge he has gained, Nedelsky praised the BOCES environment.

“BOCES is great because the people are really friendly and [teacher Darin] Jones shares so much of what he has learned working in law,” he said.

For more information on the Criminal Justice program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/criminal-justice/.

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

With inches on the ground after the last storm, look out for even more snow Tuesday through Thursday next week. Seems like we’ll have snow on the ground through next year at this rate. 

This coming Friday evening, December 5th, at 6:00 PM the Holiday Parade of Lights is scheduled at Sharon Springs Central School! The highly anticipated annual celebration starts at the SSCS then makes its way out to Route 20, wrapping its way around to the Sharon Springs Fire House for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus and treats! Check out the full feature in this edition for more details. 

Remember your Sharon column is a great place to find out all about your local events, news, birthdays, and more! 

The Cherry Valley Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony is also this Friday, Dec 5th at 6 PM! Join the Historic Cherry Valley business on Main Street for this fun family event. The parade will be followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join Santa as we mark the beginning of this festive season. Carolers and a fire dancer will add to the festivities too! Fun for the whole family and a great way to kick off the Cherry Valley Holiday Weekend! Visit the FB event for more details.

The 12 days of Christmas are already underway in the Village of Sharon Springs through December 21st! Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, shop at participating Sharon Springs businesses and spend $30 or more to receive a $5 Sharon Springs Gift Certificate! You can earn one certificate per store, per day, so come back every weekend to collect more! Eileen Harcourt of EH Rural Provisions offered, “From partridges to golden rings, every corner of our Village will hold a little holiday magic. The 12 Days of Christmas Village Walk invites neighbors to shop, eat, drink, smile, and rediscover what makes our community special. The true essence of Holiday: sharing, meeting new and old friends and giving back”.

Polar's Express Sled Dog Rides with Santa is coming up on Saturday, December 13th from 11-2 PM at Run by Dogs in Sharon Springs with Musher Kate Walrath! Come celebrate your love of huskies, Santa, and holiday cheer! Visit Run by Dog FB page for tickets and more info!

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! Located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from SSCS (511 US Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY 13459). They are always in need of donations of food or even unopened personal care items! The pantry hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM & 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or (518) 852-1193.

The Village of Sharon Springs holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each Month at 6:00 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, December 18th. The Village Mayor is Denise Kelly and the new Village Clerk is Hope Bayes. The Office Hours for Village of Sharon Springs are Monday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. For more information please call (518) 284-2625. Reminder: No Overnight Street Parking in the Village of Sharon Springs from November 1 - May 1. Please keep your sidewalks clear.

The Town of Sharon holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 1st Wednesday of each Month at 6:30 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, January 7th. The Town Supervisor is Sandra Manko and the Town Clerk is Melissa Olsen. The Office Hours for the Town of Sharon are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM or by appointment. For more information please call (518) 284-3010.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. They are now collecting new children’s books for the holidays in partnership with the Joshua Project through the first week in Dec. The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126. 

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

Grace Episcopal Church (24 Montgomery Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly Holy Eucharist at 11:00 am. Contact at (315) 858-4016 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

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Gift Exchange at Spa Ritz Luncheon

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club will hold its December Luncheon meeting on Friday, December 12th at the Office for the Aging’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd with a business meeting and chance auction to follow.

The Silver & Gold Senior Club continues to positively contribute to the lives of so many! Members of this dynamic social club come from surrounding areas including Sharon, Cherry Valley, Cobleskill, Ames, and beyond. With Seniors of all ages, this group is always open to new members! This is a great place to make new friends and catch up with the community! The after-lunch activities and presentations change monthly and are always something to mark the calendar for!

For this December Luncheon, expect a nutritious and hearty meal of baked ham with pineapple, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, fruit, dessert, juice and milk served at noon.

Following lunch, participants look forward to a Christmas visit from the Sharon Springs Central School Kindergartners and a few 1st and 2nd graders.

The senior club will conduct its monthly business meeting after the students depart. The December gathering of seniors will also include a Christmas gift exchange.

Individuals interested in attending the December 12th Silver & Gold Luncheon must register by calling the Spa Ritz meal site at (518) 284-2883 from 10 AM - 2 PM on Friday, December 5th, Monday, December 8th or Wednesday, December 10th.  Area seniors interested in more information about the club should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse (137 Beechwood Road) M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2:00 PM. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

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SSCS Sharing & Caring "Evening of Giving" Chicken & Biscuit Dinner & Basket Raffle Dec. 11

SHARON SPRINGS — There will be a great “Evening of Giving” for Sharon Springs Central School District families on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 4:30-6:15 p.m. The raffle drawing begins at 6:30!

The event is Eat in or Take Out/

The dinner proceeds benefit SSCS families with food and winter clothing and the Basket Raffle proceeds go to the Liz Handy FBLA/FFA Travel Fund and St. Peter's ALS Center.

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Summit Honors Kovac

By Karen Cuccinello

SUMMIT — The Summit November town board meeting opened as usual followed by a moment of silence for board member Fern Kovac who passed away October 31.

Supervisor Vroman asked if the board had any questions about the October minutes or supervisors report; there were none. Vroman also mentioned that the public hearing was still open for the preliminary 2026 budget.

Highway Superintendent Jim Dibble gave the Board a contract from Bassett Hospital for drug and alcohol testing; approved. The highway department has an opening for one position on the highway crew to replace someone that retired. If interested in applying, call Jim Dibble at 518-287-1544.

Assessor Dave Jones reported all is going well and exemption season is coming. Jones has decided to resign after recently completing his six year term.

Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox reported he is lining up some advanced training classes and issued eight building permits and three renewals.

Historian Karen Cuccinello reported stopping by the Old Summit and Eminence Cemeteries to continue cleaning veterans gravestones and gave a Summit Farms slide show program for Cobleskill Historical Society.

The Town Clerk, Allison Wilson’s, report listed processing: 13 dog license renewals, building permits, three hunting/fishing licenses and gave out four handicapped parking permits.

DCO Jillian Smith handled five issues; no travel involved.

Bills were paid and the floor was opened to the public.

Jim Morrell asked if he can continue setting up in the town parking lot to offer scrap metal pick up one Saturday per month. He said through the summer he had 12-15 people per Saturday drop off scrap. There was a discussion about placement of signage, having a list of what is acceptable to drop off and not setting up if the plows are out plowing snow, then approved. Morrell will try to be ready for December.

Georgia VanValkenburgh reported that the Revitalization Committee is making progress; next meeting December 18 at 5pm.

The contract with the Schoharie Animal Shelter was signed. The fee for bringing a dog to the shelter is $100.

The Bear Gulch dam repairs are done. Supervisor Vroman needs approval to sign a check for the job after it is inspected.

Vroman asked if anyone had any questions about the proposed 2026 budget. I asked what the line-item for street lights $5,500 was for. That is how much the town has to pay National Grid for street lights in the town.

There was minimal discussion about the budget then voted on by the Board and approved.

The board went into executive session.

Next Board meeting December 18 at 7pm.

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SUNY Cobleskill Stumbles on the Road, 66-42 at RPI

COBLESKILL – The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team couldn’t recover from slow starts in both halves on Tuesday night, falling 66-42 to RPI inside ECAV Arena.

Bruce Wilder Jr. (Rochester, NY) led the Tigers with 11 points, knocking down all five of his free throws and finding his rhythm late. Chrischen Chung (Poughkeepsie, NY) and Spencer Daby (Au Sable Forks, NY) added six points each, with Chung connecting on two threes. Rowan Morel (Manhattan, NY), Ryan Nadje (Harlem, NY) and La’Anthony Fairley (Canajoharie, NY) each grabbed four rebounds, while Zander Poissant provided a lift off the bench with five points.

Cobleskill shot 27.5 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from deep, while RPI finished at 39.7 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from three. The Engineers controlled the interior, holding a 34-12 edge in points in the paint and a 49-31 advantage on the glass. Cobleskill’s bench continued to be a positive, outscoring RPI 20-17.

RPI opened the game on an 11-0 run before the Tigers broke through with an Andrew Wright (Berne, NY) layup off a feed from Morel. Chung followed with a step-back three to spark a 5-0 push, and Cobleskill clawed within 13-10 after a strong drive from Cameron Rhode (Elmira, NY). The Engineers answered with another burst to rebuild space, and Chung buried a second triple to keep the Tigers in range as they entered halftime trailing 27-16.

The Engineers came out of the locker room with momentum, using a 14-5 run to take control and extend their lead. Wilder Jr. stayed productive late, cashing in a pull-up jumper for his 11th point, but Cobleskill couldn’t generate enough offense to climb back into contention.

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Schoharie Valley Concert Band Holiday Concert Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7PM at Cobleskill-Richmondville HS

COBLESKILL – The Schoharie Valley Concert Band (SVCB) Holiday Concert performance will be on Saturday, December 6th  at 7 PM in the Cobleskill-Richmondville HS Auditorium. The snow date is Sunday, December 7th at 3PM.  To check the concert inclement weather date/time status go to the SVCB website: https://svconcertband.org or listen for event closures on area radio stations.  

Conductor Baldwin’s program includes many Holiday favorites.  “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a Larry Clark medley featuring the Broadway tunes “Welcome Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”.by Albert Hague with lyrics by Dr. Seuss.

“Christmas on Broadway” arranged by John Higgins is a medley of “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas”, March of the Toys”, “Toyland”, “My Favorite Things”, We Need a Little Christmas”, and “God Bless Us Everyone”. 

“C’est Noel! (It is Christmas!)” is a 1985 French-Canadian Yuletide celebration written by Andre Jutras.  It blends original music with familiar favorites “Winter Wonderland”, “Silent Night”, and “Angels We Have Heard on High”.

“Dashing Through the Snow” is based on “Jingle Bells” but Michael Saucedo’s arrangement also intertwines snippets from the German Christmas song “O Tannenbaum” (“O Christmas Tree”),  and “Angels We Have Heard on High”.     

“A Rollicking Hanukkah” is a Randall Standridge 2018 festive quick tempo arrangement of several traditional Hanukkah songs.  

The original traditional English folk song “Greensleeves” was written in 1580.  In 1865 William Chatterton Die added lyrics and today “Greensleeves” is better known as “What Child is This?”.  

John Williams composed the music for both the “Home Alone 1” and Home Alone 2” Christmas movies. “Christmas Star” is one of his pieces from “Home Alone 2”.  

“In the Christmas Mood” will round out the Holiday program. This John Wasson medley is in the style of Glen Miller and includes “A Holly Jolly Christmas”, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, ”Let It Snow”, Frosty the Snowman”, and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”.   

The Schoharie Valley Concert Band is open to area residents including high school and college students.  Thursday rehearsals are held from 7-9:15 PM. in the Cobleskill-Richmondville HS band room.  January 8th is the first rehearsal for the Saturday, February 7th ,7pm Valentine Pops Concert.  To join the band, contact Conductor Samantha Baldwin at svcbconductor@gmail.com. 

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Dec Veteran Events

By Alexis Pencar

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Check out all the resources for Veterans and their families, with the December schedule of events provided by the Schoharie County Veterans’ Dwyer Program. 

There are countless resources available for Veterans! You’re never alone! Many of the events provide local social opportunities and others are group activities out of the area! With no pressure or commitment you can join whenever you’d like. This is welcome to all veterans and their families.

Dec Schedule:

December 10th 9AM Breakfast at the Cobleskill Diner 

SEP 17th 12PM Veteran Lunch at the Gathering Place- Please make sure to contact the Gathering Place to let them know you are attending for head count for food. Call at 518-823-4338 to reserve your spot.  

The Holidays can be extra hard for Veterans. Please, if you are struggling, remember you are not alone! Reach out to a fellow veteran or friend. Call the VA Helpline 988 or NYS Helpline 1-877-HOPENY or Text HOPENY. 

We need you here in January at the events!!

If you have questions, want to get involved, or just need to talk, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office at (518) 295-8360, email at CountyVA@co.schoharie.ny.us or even visit 284 Main Street 3rd Floor Schoharie, NY 12157 or call (518) 295-8360.

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Obituary - George Freeman

George Joseph Freeman, born on September 4, 1931, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 94. 

George was the beloved husband of the late Catherine Freeman and the devoted father of Regina Mazzoli (Julio Mazzoli), Susan Flanagan (Patrick Flanagan), Nancy Gunther (Randy Gunther), and the late Walter Freeman. He was the cherished grandfather of Katie Flanagan, Peter Mazzoli (Megan Mazzoli), Kelly Flanagan (Alex Flanagan), Lauren Zavala (Mitch Zavala), Robert Gunther (Ashley Gunther), and Nicholas Gunther (Sunny Gunther), and a caring great-grandfather to Ellie Gunther, Rafaella Zavala, and Levi Gunther. 

He was the dear son of the late Walter and Agnes Freeman, and the beloved brother of Judy Laurie and the late Tom Freeman, John Freeman, Mary Sutherland, David Freeman, and Larry Freeman. George is also survived by many beloved extended family members and unforgettable friends. During his working years, 

George dedicated his life to education as a High School Guidance Counselor and Coach at Cobleskill Central School, where he made a lasting impact on countless students and athletes. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Brockport, laying the foundation for a career marked by mentorship, leadership, and compassion. George lived a full and vibrant life. He was an avid runner, bowler, dancer, golfer, reader, skier, and farmer. He loved coaching and traveling, and he even earned his pilot’s license. 

His enthusiasm for life led him to participate in multiple marathons, the National Senior Olympics and the Novi Senior Golf League, where he continued to inspire others through his energy and optimism. A man of deep faith, George was a lifelong Catholic whose spirituality guided him throughout his life. His faith gave him strength, purpose, and comfort.  A funeral Mass was held at St. James Catholic Church in Novi, Michigan, November 8, 2025, There will also be a livestream available for the Funeral Mass. 

A video of the service is available at https://stjamesnovi.org/george-freeman. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to the Walter A. Freeman Memorial Scholar Athlete Award, a fund that was set up to honor George’s late son Walter. Checks can be made payable to: C-RCSD Please write on the memo line: Walter A Freeman Award Donations can be mailed to: C/O Tracy Ferguson Secretary at CRCS Highschool 1353 State Rte 7 P.O. Box 490 Richmondville, NY, 12149  

A committal service for George  will be held in the spring at Cobleskill Rural Cemetery in New York, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Catherine and his cherished son Walter. His warmth, kindness, and enduring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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MCS Win Over Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury

CV-S's #5 Abby Vroman trying to get control of the ball vs H-T

GCR's Calleigh Porter, #13, takes the ball down the court during the second day of a two-game tournament hosted by the HTC Booster Club

HT's #22 Brooke Becker looks for an opportunity to score against CV-S

CV-S Wins Tourney CAPTION: HT's #1 Lily Constable faces CV-S defense in the paint. Photo by Max Oppen

HUNTER — On November 24 and 25, the HTC Booster Club hosted a Girls Varsity Basketball tournament.

On Monday, Hunter-Tannersville opened with a tight 44–41 win over Margaretville. For the Wildcats, Jude Sabugueiro scored 15 points, and Lily Constable added 14. Margaretville was led by Kendra Balcom and Mackenzie Hubbell, who scored 13 points each.

In Monday’s second matchup, Charlotte Valley-Schenevus defeated Gilboa-Conesville-Roxbury 45–19. Brinlee Wright led CV-S with 20 points, followed by Carleigh Reed with 9. GCR’s top scorer was Calleigh Porter with 7 points.

The tournament continued Tuesday, November 25, with the consolation game, where Margaretville topped Gilboa-Conesville-Roxbury 31–21. GCR’s Jacey O’Donnell scored 11 points, while Margaretville got 12 points from Mackenzie Hubbell, 6 from Livy Fronckowiak, and 5 from Kendra Balcom.

Charlotte Valley-Schenevus claimed the tournament title with a 60–31 win over Hunter-Tannersville. CV/S had a balanced scoring effort: Brinlee Wright with 16 points, Claire Clark 11, Jordan O’Dell 10, Carleigh Reed 10, Abby Vroman 7, and Hayden Marino 5. Lily Constable led the Wildcats with 15 points.

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Honoring Ella

MARGARETVILLE — The world lost a beautiful soul on November 20th when longtime, much-loved therapy dog, Ella Truitt, crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  For over eight years, she created miracles every week, from getting 93-year-olds and adults with autism over their lifelong fear of dogs to encouraging nursing home residents to say her name when they uttered no other words.

Ella was a natural at therapy dog work.  On the first day that she met with a professional trainer when Ella was only one year old, the trainer said, “this dog needs to be a therapy dog.  She is smart, she looks you in the eye, she craves attention, and she brings warmth to the room.”  After completing her training, earning her Canine Good Citizen certificate and passing her evaluation with Pet Partners, the highly esteemed therapy animal organization recommended by her trainer, Ella took it from there, with a career of 900 facility visits bringing smiles and comfort to 26,000 people.  She visited four facilities on a regular basis, along with a smattering of other visits:  Mountainside Residential Care Center in Margaretville; the Anderson Center for Autism in Saugerties; the Pavilion at Robinson Terrace in Stamford; and the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Ella didn’t care who you were, what you looked like, how old you were or what you believed in; she was an equal opportunity spreader of joy.  And, she absolutely loved her work, which you could see when she perked up when she was told “let’s go to work” and the smile she had on her face during all of her many visits.

Ella is survived by her humans, Jen and Brent Truitt of New Kingston, her grand-dog-ma, Joan Smith, and her beloved housemates, Chaucey, Dave, Auntie B. and Penny Parker.  Jen and Brent are forever grateful to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society for bringing Ella into their lives.  Also, special thanks go to Pet Partners of Central New York for supporting her therapy dog career and Delhi Animal Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialties for providing her with such compassionate care.

For those who were fortunate enough to know or meet Ella, there would be no better way to honor her memory than to vow to make someone new smile each and every day, as she did.  While she will be missed by thousands, her life should be celebrated as the gift that it was.

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