---

Woofstock - The 2006 GRRI Reunion

---

Allie Decina

Erik Veiga

Woofstock came to North Branch park on September 30, and people and dogs enjoyed a day filled with food, games, competition, and friendship at GRRI’s annual reunion. Dogs and people alike were showing off their favorite tie-dyed fashions, and the threatening skies held off long enough for everyone to have a wonderful day.

Let the games begin!

Ralphie and Scotty DiLemmo
getting ready to compete

The annual reunion is our opportunity to bring together volunteers, adopters, and of course all of the dogs that have touched our hearts over the years. Since GRRI conducts much of its business through email, it is a terrific opportunity to put faces to familiar email addresses, as well as reunite with many of the dogs that have been part of our program.  We also raise money to support our programs by selling merchandise and raffling beautiful items donated by our volunteers and supporters.

 
Pat DeSarno, Michele Masone, and Carolyn Decina
in the fashion of the day

Once again this year,  there was fierce competition in a variety of games.  Allie Decina walked away the winner in this year’s costume contest, with Carmen Andersen taking second place and 15-year-old Jake Rotunno placing third. The hot dog toss is an annual crowd favorite, and the dogs seem pretty happy to play as well! This year Keara McLaughlin was the champ (with the expert assistance of her pals Matt and Chris McLaughlin), with Scotty DiLemmo and Jake Girvan taking second and third respectively.  In the musical hoola-hoops context, Carmen Andersen was the last one sitting and won, with Scotty DiLemmo in second and Sandy Johnson in third place.  Betty Mihansky and Amber slobbered their way to first place in the kissing contest, with strong competition from the Veiga family, as Matt and Finnie kissed their way into a tie for second with brother Erik and foster dog Maggie. We all enjoyed the amazing dog tricks as well as the impromptu displays of incredible talents by dogs, adopters, and volunteers alike!

Kay DiTolla and Bailey

Linda, Rich, and Sparky Walter smile for Jeanne

Shutterbugs didn’t know where to turn next! – whether it was the goofy costumes (or goofy people!), there were plenty of great pictures to be had. GRRI’s Jeanne Urna once again donated her professional talents to take wonderful portraits of the attendees, raising money for GRRI in the process. Jeanne’s beautiful pictures of our day together can be seen at http://www.photosbyjeanne.com/gallery/1968976

Ted and Linda Byram with Bailey & Sonnie

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the volunteers who got the food, set things up, manned the tables, ran the games, and cleaned up when we were done. Our very special thanks to GRRI volunteer Carolyn Decina, who once again planned and coordinated the day and made it all look easy.

Carolyn Decina

---