AshCreek 5K Run 2009 Families Helping Families

Net Proceeds to Benefit Hanover Arc & American Internet Safety Association

American Internet Safety Association:
Its is the mission of the American Internet Safety Association to empower parents and kids with the tolls and education necessary to protect children online. In addition, AISA commits to working with law enforcement, online service providers parents on collaborative and effective best practices to protect against the ever present threat of online predators.


What is the Hanover Arc?
The Hanover Arc, Inc. is an organization serving those with or at risk of intellectual disabilities and their families living in Hanover County, Virginia. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with disabilities and their families. Members of the Hanover Arc include 200 families, self-advocates, professionals and concerned citizens.

ASHCREEK 5K SLIDE SHOW

Also in May, I volunteered to be the official photographer for the Ashcreek 5K charity run. Please take a few moments to view the slideshow of the event. It was a great way for us to give back to our community, as two great charities benefitted from the money raised. We also donated two gift certificates for photographer services, as prizes for the winners.

Woofstock 2009 Richmond Animal League

Woofstock 2009 Slide Show - Save A Life

Woofstock was action packed the whole day with great music, 5 food vendors, 35 business vendors, 16 animal rescue groups and plenty of entertainment for the kids and dogs. After it was all said and done, the Richmond community helped us raise almost $50,000 to further our mission: Saving Lives – providing hope, help and homes for animals in need. On behalf of the over 800 animals we rescue and care for each year, thank you for your support. See you at Woofstock 2010!

Bluto RIP

I wanted to let you all know about some of our charitable work.  Lois and I volunteer with Lab Rescue of Greater Richmond (LRGR), a non-profit organization that rescues homeless Labrador Retriever dogs and finds them their "forever home".  Lois and I are "foster" parents.  A rescued lab is placed with us, and we take care of them and if necessary, work on basic training, until they are adopted.  We are often asked "why do you do this".  Well, the first answer is that WE CAN.  We are fortunate to have what we have.  The second reason is a bit longer.  When our beloved lab Bluto passed away 3 years ago, we toyed with the idea of getting another dog.  But in her drive to explore all possible options, Lois looked into fostering with a rescue group.  What we landed upon was, if we adopt a new dog, we are helping just that dog.  If we fostered, we realized we could help many dogs.  So............NINETEEN foster dogs later, we are still going strong. 

We also donate photography services for prizes for LRGR fundraisers as well as photograph events in which LRGR participates.  If you would like more information on LRGR, visit the website at www.labrescue-richmond.org

KAUAI - Paradise of the Pacific

Kauai

In May, Lois and I spent a glorious 8 days in Kauai, HI. The trip was a great combination of exploring the various parts of the Island and relaxing at the pool and the beach. Some of the highlights were:

1. A day catamaran trip up the Na' pali coast, for views of the mountainous shoreline and some great snorkeling. We saw seals, rays, dolphins, brilliantly colored fish and a rare whale shark that came right up to the boat. The crew was so excited, they "abandoned" ship and jumped in the water with the shark (I personally think they have spent too much time in the sun!). It was a baby whale shark, so it was only 20 feet long, but very friendly, I guess as far as sharks go. The shark let the crew grab on to it's dorsal fin and it pulled them around in the water. A crazy but wonderful thing to see.

2. We did the obligatory luau and show. While we watching the un-earthing of the pig, our friends Doug and Allison waited for the bar to open. By the time Lois and I got back to the table, it was covered with many glasses of colorful tropical drinks. Needless to say, we were quite "happy" by the end of dinner. Show, what show? I don't remember a show?

3. Having a massage, outdoor, near the lagoon waterfall. Ahhhhh….

4. Sunning and swimming at Hanalei Bay. What a glorious location and mostly devoid of tourists (except for us!)

All in all, a wonderful way to spend 8 days!

My Home Town Richmond Virginia