Community Events

Eight young female members of the cast of Lyric Theater‘s production of OLIVER, had their hair cut short Saturday, for their roles as boys from the workhouse and Fagin’s gang. They waited as long as possible, but with the show opening at the Flynn Theater Thursday night, it was time for them to begin their (theatrical) gender bending.

So, with family, friends and members of the production team cheering them on, the group arrived together at O’M Salon (owned by cast members Don Patrick O’Connell and Serena Magnan O’Connell) to meet the group of talented stylists who would help them transform into their male characters. They each decided to donate their “locks” to one of a handful of organizations: Locks of Love, Matter of Trust, Wigs for Kids, or Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

There was a lot of nervous laughter, a few tears, supportive hand-holding and group hugs, and in the end, the girls were all pleasantly pleased with their new moptops, pageboys and pixies.

Oliver runs from Thursday, April 11 through Sunday April 14 and tickets are on sale at the Flynn Box Office.

A super fun day yesterday at a fundraiser for Therapy Dogs of Vermont, held at the Essex Veterinary Center. The event included the most amazing disc dog demonstration by SuperNova Dogworks, I donated free pet portraits sittings with all donations for Therapy Dogs, and a Vermont state Police K9 officer and his German Shepherd did a drug search and biting demo (very intense!). Essex Vet supplied hot cider, yummy snacks and lots of giveaways for the 4-legged friends attending with their family members. And, yes, there sure were loads of cute furry (and not-so-furry) friends there.

I was happy for a clear day, since I was setting up a mobile studio outside, with a backdrop hanging between two Trees! But it worked great, and I took some fun portraits of many precious pets!

Look at this gorgeous bird!

I love this portrait of a kid and his dog-such love!

OK, not a pet I’d choose to cuddle up with, but..

What a baby!

This Schnauzer just passed his test to become a therapy dog!!

This family came prepared to pose for their Christmas Card!

I wanted to sneak this pair into my camera bag and take them home…

It wasn’t easy getting this energetic pup to stay still for a photo, but with loads of help, he finally stayed put for a few shots.

So, check out the action from the Supernova Disc Dogs:

And the Biting Demo…

If you’d like to see all of the photos from this wonderful event and order enlargements, just click HERE. 10% of proceeds will also benefit Therapy Dogs of Vermont!

Congratulations to the raffle winner, which included a portrait session at my Burlington studio. I look forward to photographing your two big beautiful Black Newfies!!!

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One of my favorite non-profits in Vermont is the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. It is an amazing organization, with an annual enrollment of 250 full time members and serving more than 1,000 community youth and families through their outreach and activities. I love their mission: To inspire and enable community youth, especially those who need it most, and to help these kids realize their full potential. Go team!!!

I volunteer to photograph their annual winter fundraiser, ONE FASHION EVENT but , in the past, I have always had a conflict on the date of their Spring fundraiser- A Kentucky Derby Gala (and I mean GALA) held at the Barn at Lang Farm in Essex Junction. This year I was free!!

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What a fun night, great food by Catering By Dale, an amazing silent-and live-auction ( I was outbid on a couple of items I wanted, but probably for the best!) and, of course, the Run for the Roses-the one hundred and thirty-eighth edition of the Kentucky Derby, shown three large screens!

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The 200 attendees watched as I’ll Have Another, Going off at 15-1 odds, passed the front-running Bodemeister in the final stretch and crossed the finish line to capture the 2 million dollar prize!

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And, along with the excitement of the race came Mint Juleps and Big Hats-Lots of BIG HATS.

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The real highlight of the evening, and the reason why everyone was there, was a performance by kids from the Club, Singing a song about what they want to do ONE DAY. It was joyous and inspiring and, with the help of the staff and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club, I know these kids can reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.

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So, loads of fun and now… lots of pictures:

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Photo enlargements available on my website and all proceeds from prints benefit the club, so if you see a picture you like, buy a copy!

About 400 people came out to Higher Ground Saturday night for the annual ONE Fashion EVENT to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. In it’s 6th year, the event featured 19 local retailers, 28 designs by children from the BGC and over 130 community volunteers. This was the third year I donated my services and once again, it was one of the highlights of my winter.

The night was nothing short of a lovefest for the organization and what it brings to the community and the children it serves. The kids were so excited to be on stage, to model their designs, and to be a part of the show. Their smiles make the whole night and every penny donated worthwhile.

I hope this slideshow captures all the great enthusiasm and energy from this event. It was such a wonderful night!

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There are hundreds of photos from this event available to see and order and all proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club!! Click HERE to see the full photo gallery.

BGC Director Nancy Cathcart gives her thumbs up at the end of the night!