The Fountains at Millbrook host Valentine’s fundraiser

The Fountains at Millbrook host Valentine’s fundraiser

Fredlyn “Freddie” Doelling and her cat, Peaches.

Lisa Reickermann

This Valentine’s Day, residents and associates at The Fountains at Millbrook celebrated love by giving back. From Feb. 1 to Feb. 14, they collected pet food, toys, blankets, and other supplies to support the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue. Their efforts resulted in a donation valued at approximately $300, which was delivered to the shelter on Feb. 15.

The Fountains is a unique retirement community that warmly welcomes pets, recognizing the joy and companionship they bring to residents. Unlike many senior living facilities with strict pet policies, The Fountains embraces animals as part of the community.


Joy Papa, a resident of The Fountains, with her dog, Pookie.Lisa Reickermann

Resident Joy Papa knows firsthand the deep connection between people and their pets. She spent Valentine’s Day with her chihuahua, Pookie. “Valentine’s Day is not just about having a boyfriend or husband,” said Papa. “It extends to family, friends, and, for me, my dog. Pookie is good company, keeps me on my toes, and brings me peace.”

Lucy Bonacquist, another resident, shares a similar bond with her 13-year-old dog Harvey. Harvey has become a beloved figure in the community, often joining residents for activities and providing encouragement during Bonacquist’s exercise class, “Limber Up with Lucy.”

“Harvey is essential to my well-being,” said Bonacquist. “He has more friends than I do here!”


Lucy Bonacquist, a resident of The Fountains, and her dog, Harvey. Lisa Reickermann

Fredlyn “Freddie” Doelling and her orange cat, Peaches, enjoy their daily companionship. “I just love Peaches; she’s great company and loves to talk to me,” Doelling said. Peaches has won over many residents, often joining in on visits for extra attention and playtime.

Lisa Rieckermann, community life director at The Fountains, highlighted the impact of pets on residents’ well-being. “Whether furry or feathered, the pets bring so much joy to our community on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year. We are excited to have a fundraiser that can bring animals a bit of the happiness they bring us.”

Through this fundraiser, The Fountains at Millbrook extended its love for animals beyond its own community, sharing kindness with pets in need. Their Valentine’s effort proves that love truly knows no bounds.

Latest News

Rhys V. Bowen

LAKEVILLE — Rhys V. Bowen, 65, of Foxboro, Massachusetts, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sept. 15, 2025. Rhys was born in Sharon, Connecticut, on April 9, 1960 to Anne H. Bowen and the late John G. Bowen. His brother, David, died in 1979.

Rhys grew up at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, where his father taught English. Attending Hotchkiss, Rhys excelled in academics and played soccer, basketball, and baseball. During these years, he also learned the challenges and joys of running, and continued to run at least 50 miles a week, until the day he died.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kelsey K. Horton

LAKEVILLE — Kelsey K. Horton, 43, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut, following a courageous battle with cancer. Kelsey worked as a certified nursing assistant and administrative assistant at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, from 1999 until 2024, where she was a very respected and loved member of their nursing and administrative staff.

Born Oct. 4, 1981, in Sharon, she was the daughter of W. Craig Kellogg of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and JoAnne (Lukens) Tuncy and her husband Donald of Millerton, New York. Kelsey graduated with the class of 1999 from Webutuck High School in Amenia and from BOCES in 1999 with a certificate from the CNA program as well. She was a longtime member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church in Lakeville. On Oct. 11, 2003, in Poughkeepsie, New York, she married James Horton. Jimmy survives at home in Lakeville. Kelsey loved camping every summer at Waubeeka Family Campground in Copake, and she volunteered as a cheer coach for A.R.C. Cheerleading for many years. Kelsey also enjoyed hiking and gardening in her spare time and spending time with her loving family and many dear friends.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eliot Warren Brown

SHARON — On Sept. 27, Eliot Warren Brown was shot and killed at age 47 at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a random act of violence by a young man in need of mental health services. Eliot was born and raised in Sharon, Connecticut, and attended Indian Mountain School and Concord Academy in Massachusetts. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He and his wife Brooke moved to New Orleans to answer the call for help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and fell in love with the city.

In addition to his wife Brooke, Eliot leaves behind his parents Malcolm and Louise Brown, his sisters Lucia (Thaddeus) and Carla (Ruairi), three nephews, and extended family and friends spread far and wide.

Keep ReadingShow less
Randall Osolin

SHARON — Randall “Randy” Osolin passed away on Sept. 25, 2025, at the age of 74. He was born on Feb. 6, 1951, in Sharon, Connecticut to the late Ramon (Sonny) and Barbara (Sandmeyer) Osolin.

He was a dedicated social worker, a natural athlete, a gentle friend of animals, an abiding parish verger, an inveterate reader, and an estimable friend and neighbor. He was a kind-hearted person whose greatest joy was in helping someone in need and sharing his time with his family and good friends.

Keep ReadingShow less