Patching Things Up!

Combine one of my favorite things to do: taking photographs, with something else important to me: being involved in my community, and you will realize how lucky I am to work as a photographer for Newtown PA Patch.  Newtown PA Patch launched just before the start of the year, and I had my first assignment that very week. I love that I get to experience Newtown to it's fullest and I enjoy knowing the in's and out's of my hometown! Today I am writing to say how much I appreciate this opportunity by posting a few of my favorite Patch photos. 

Tyler State Park.

Washington Crossing State Park.

Milkhouse Farm.

State Street.

Bucks County Community College.

Thompson Neely Barn.

Council Rock North Prom.

Rose Bank Winery.

Newtown Classic Auto Show.

Newtown Auto Show.

Auto Show.

Goddard School Fundraiser.

Core Creek Park.

Fourth of July Parade.

Co-ed Lacrosse.

 Rita's Waterice.

Tyler State Park.

Stanley Wiggins at home on Stoopville Road.

Memorial Day Parade.

 Soft Serve Temptation.

"Chip."

Milkhouse Farm.

Since I began freelancing for a living, I've learned,

YOU GOTTA HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

Pit Bulls & Shoeless Golfers

My friend Nancy has been so supportive of my involvement with ReUseYourShoes.  She understands that it's something I'm passionate about, and she helps me in any way possible. Nancy brings me shoes that she's collected at work; her daughter has loaned a hand at many of our shoe sorts, and they both came to our Inaugural Golf Outing last week to check out the shoelesss golfers, and just to be there with me.  Their support has been really encouraging.  I appreciate it, and I would like to thank them by bringing to light something that THEY are passionate about!

Not only is Nancy raising two wonderful young women, she also fosters Pit Bull breeds until they find a forever home. The program is through Trenton Animal Shelter.  Not only do they help at Adoption events every Sunday at PetSmart in Fairless Hills, Nancy and her girls routinely take dogs into their home who have not had an ideal life, and treat them with the dignity and the love they deserve.  During the foster period, I have seen these dogs go from malnourished and skittish, to the handsome and confident breed they should be. When I asked her if she is sad to see them go (most dogs are in her care for 4-6 weeks) she said that the pleasure in knowing they will now have a good home outweighs anything else. She and her daughters are wonderful advocates for this breed!

 Deanna has always loved dogs - mine included!

 Nancy helped "Red" find a loving home.

Nancy and Red, 6/22/11.

 Brooke and Dexter, Winter 2011.

Miss Brooke at Easter time.

 

Me with Kim Celano, Nancy, Dee, and Jess at the ReUseYourShoes Golf Outing.

Nancy and Dee on their evening walk!

Deanna and I at the ReUseYourShoes Awards Ceremony.

To see some of the dogs currently available for adoption, click here: Trenton Petfinder

To see photos from the ReUseYourShoes Golf Outing, click here: Photo Gallery

Thanks for reading my blog!

Dog Days of Summer

This is the short and sweet "friends and family" edition of my blog. I hope everyone is having a nice summer so far, and that you'll keep me in mind if you're cruising to Alaska or taking a camel ride in Morocco.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Sloane graduated from high school, and already left for summer session at Penn State today. Once Sam goes back to Towson in August, Scott and I will be empty nesters!

The only other exciting news is that the organization I've been volunteering for, ReUseYourShoes, was on Fox 29's "Good Day Philly" this week. Here's the link; and if you look very closely you'll spot me and a few of my friends: http://bit.ly/kwkbQq   I'd like everyone to know about this wonderful cause!

 The Graduates!

Cody's Annual Irises.

Blue Bells.

 Not to be confused with blueberries!

 Enjoying the longer days at Tyler State Park.

 Roasted Asparagus.

 Summer Rose.

Just one of our mascots!

The Crew at The Zoo

This weekend I had the opportunity to go to The Philadelphia Zoo with ReUseYourShoes. We were invited to collect running shoes and other used shoes at a series of 5K races that take place there on Saturday mornings. It was great to meet some of the runners and explain our mission. It was also great to talk to some of the other sponsors about what we do, and how we can help each other out! But the best part was being at the Zoo when it opened for the day and enjoying it with the other volunteers. When was the last time you were at the Philadelphia Zoo? Our Volunteers get to directly help our community and attend some fun events, so please consider us if you have some extra time for a great cause! Our next fun-filled Volunteer opportunities are sorting shoes while being filmed for Fox 29's Good Day Philly at Reedman Toll Subaru on June 9th at 9:00 am; and a huge Shoe Sorting Party at Churchville Nature Center on June 28th at 6:00 pm. Please email us at reuseyourshoes2@gmail.com if you'd like to join us! Children are always welcome- make volunteering a family event!

This family of four donated a pair of shoes each.

Glad this runner remembered her spare pair!

We take dress shoes too! They help homeless women or women in transitional shelters

have something to wear for job interviews.

 (The Polar Bear sort of wanted those white high heels...)

Seems someone is always getting seranaded at our events!

Pink Flamingos, anyone?

Think these two are more than "just friends?"

We take leopard print shoes too.

Meet Elizabeth, our youngest volunteer!

We appreciate all the shoes that were donated!

 We will get them to someone who needs them.

Thank you on behalf of Kevin Kane, and the ReUseYourShoes Crew!