THE 5th ANNUAL SUMMER PAW PICNIC Fran Heaney ccSCOOP News On Saturday, August 2, 2008, the new Omi International Arts Center in Ghent was the scene of the 5th Annual Summer Paw Picnic to benefit the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA. The party celebrated more than 50 years of caring for animals in need. Good Food Catering cooked up a delicious spread, accompanied by wine and beer. Local artists and merchants donated exciting artwork and treasures to both the silent and live auctions. There were arts and crafts, face painting, and entertainment for children. The Paw Picnic has quickly become one of the premier events that county residents look forward to each year.

Libby Helpern holds the 5th Annual Summer Paw Picnic poster while President/CEO Ron Perez, Barbara McCullough, Chris Simonds, Jennifer Newton, Stephanie Clements, and Fran Wilkinson of the planning committee enjoy a working lunch in the boardroom of the Kinderhook Bank in Chatham.

It seemed like all of Columbia County was going to the dogs. “Best in Show,” one of the painted pooches from the Columbia County Council on the Arts public art show in Hudson, visited with the folks at the sign-in tent. Margaret and Jennifer Ricketts, Maureen Angerame, Jennifer Newton, Don Sarin, and June Mayton looked after the autograph hound, while I checked out the silent auction goodies. I placed my bid on a few items and then looked over the items for the live auction.

I got to chat with Charlene Marchand, Chair of the CGHS/SPCA Board of Directors, and President Ron Perez. Ernie Quinto was busy videotaping the event for his documentary about the shelter and the Paw Picnic. I escaped before the live auction hosted by Seth Fallon of the Copake Auction House. I had shopped enough.