Who is Valorie Rittendale? Where to begin? Valorie is a woman who helps organize and run book and writing clubs and charities, and once was a teacher. Manor Ink thinks she and her many contributions should be brought to light.

After retiring from teaching, Rittendale had time on her hands. She recalled that while watching the news one evening, she saw a story about an organization called Wreaths Across America. Though she had never heard of it before, she knew it was an organization that had no chapter in Roscoe. So she decided to introduce it to the community.

What is Wreaths Across America? It’s a nonprofit organization that partners with large companies such as Frito-Lay and Perdue Foods, to transport full loads of memorial wreaths to participating communities. Those wreaths are then laid on the graves of local veterans, EMS/EMTs, firefighters and police.

Rittendale is now Roscoe coordinator for WAA. Over the past few years, she has run the wreath-laying event at the Westfield Flats, Beaverkill and Riverview Cemeteries.

Reading and writing, too

Rittendale also runs a group called the Four Seasons Book Club at the United Church of Roscoe. The club meets quarterly, and she finds the members’ conversations to be positive. “We have scholarly book discussions, rather than just asking ‘what was your favorite character’ questions,” she said.

The book club has continued to grow and improve over the years. In addition to running that club, Rittendale also mentors an adult writing group with Ahu Terzi, owner of Hound Books in the hamlet.

The group includes adults of all ages and skill levels. They meet monthly and have expansive conversations enabling them to grow their understanding and hone their abilities as writers. Rittendale said that throughout her life she has had a great love for writing and reading, and hopes that more libraries will open and that young people will grow to love literature as she does.

“My inspiration is my parents,” she said, explaining her participation in so many community organizations. “My parents were always involved in volunteering, and I think it just rubbed off on me.”

As a child, Rittendale wanted to be a teacher, and after teaching for 30 years at Tuxedo High School in Orange County, she retired to a home in Roscoe with her husband, Mike Rittendale.

Rittendale is very passionate about her volunteer work and, though retired, is busier than ever and is very proud of her accomplishments. She is confident her programs will continue to flourish long into the future.