‘Puppies & Pooches’ returning to Woodstock this week
“Puppies and Pooches on Parade” benefits the Norman Williams Public Library, shown here in Woodstock. The event takes place on the scenic Village Green nearby. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Dogs of all shapes and sizes will take part in “Puppies and Pooches on Parade” this coming weekend in Woodstock Village, as yet another favorite local tradition returns to the area in 2021. All proceeds benefit the Norman Williams Public Library, and an active team of volunteers has spent many weeks preparing for this event.
The fun begins Saturday, Aug. 28, on the Village Green, which will feature a 10:30 a.m. dog parade down the main path grouped in categories: Most Precious Petites, Mightiest Mid-size, Gentle Giants, Ms. Fashionistas and Mr. Beau Geste. Then it’s off to the Ring to see each category of dogs.
The judges will select a Best in Show from the category winners, but the spectators will decide the Crowd Favorite by cheering and clapping. Without a doubt, all dogs are winners and will receive ribbons and bandanas. Additionally, Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society will be present so people can learn about pet adoption.
This event, which began seven years ago, is sponsored by the Friends of the Norman Williams Public Library and enables the community to make valuable contributions to the library. All dogs must be registered before Aug. 26. Registration forms are available at www.puppiesandpoochesonparade.com, at the library’s front desk, or by contacting Peggy Fraser at fraserusa@gmail.com. Raffle tickets are on sale most days outside of the library.
Organizers are inviting everyone to come by and celebrate the return of this live event that brings good cheer, fun memories and great moments for all to enjoy.
New leadership for Friends of NWPL
The Executive Committee of the Friends of the Norman Williams Public Library recently introduced Jarret Adams of Woodstock as the new president of the Friends, and Jennifer Baxter of Woodstock as the new vice president.
In their new roles, Adams succeeds Peggy Fraser, and Baxter succeeds Jennifer Falvey. As past president, Fraser will remain on the executive committee.
Adams and his wife Heather are the new owners of The Village Inn of Woodstock. Heather is an accomplished chef, and Jarret runs a boutique public relations firm, Full On Communications. In moving to Woodstock, they’ve returned to their New England roots after years of living near Washington, D.C., and abroad.
Jennifer Baxter grew up in North Brunswick, New Jersey. She moved to Vermont with her family in 2006 to own and operate a country inn in Killington. She lives in Woodstock with her husband Rich Kozlowski, and she has many years of experience as a finance officer and human resources professional. Most recently, Jennifer was the director of finance and human resources for Advance Transit, the Upper Valley’s bus transportation agency.
The Friends of the NWPL has grown into an organization of 100 members whose mission is to foster and encourage community support and participation that benefit the library in its role as a cultural center in the greater Woodstock area.
— Gareth Henderson
