MAYOR’S COLUMN

The Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO) will hold its 23rd Annual Woofstock Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Voorhees Town Center (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 29). It is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Animal Orphanage. This year the Camden County Freeholders are again partnering in the event.

Woofstock will feature festivities for animal lovers of all ages and their leashed pets, including craft and retail vendors, rescue groups, live music from local musicians and an acoustic music tent, gourmet food trucks, a kids fun zone and more. There will be a VAO alumni parade, Police K-9 demonstration, basket raffles, microchipping for $25 and appearances by the Joseph A. Ferko String Band.

Admission is a $2 donation. Children under 5 are admitted free.

The Voorhees Animal Orphanage is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of animals and people through compassion, respect and education. A nurturing environment of caring and commitment is evident in everything they do.

Since 1988, the Animal Orphanage has been providing shelter, food and medical care to stray and unwanted animals until permanent homes can be found. Each year the Animal Orphanage takes in nearly 1,500 abandoned, unwanted stray and owner relinquished animals and rescues hundreds of adoptable animals from high kill shelters along the east coast. Every animal in the shelter receives individual consideration, whether the animals are healthy, elderly, sick or injured. The shelter and its volunteers care for approximately 150-200 animals on a daily basis.

The VAO is “Building for a Pawsitive Future” and recently broke ground on a much needed upgraded facility. Programs include an animal shelter and adoption center, a re-homing program, participation in the Camden County Pet Food Pantry, a foster care program, a mandatory spay and neuter program, volunteer opportunities and humane education classes for school children and the general public.

For more information about Woofstock or the Animal Orphanage, visit www.theanimalorphanage.org or www.vaonj.org/woofstock.

**The Voorhees Arts Council is hosting “Arts on the Boulevard” on Friday Sept. 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. along the Voorhees Town Center Boulevard. Come see local art and local artists and enjoy live music while strolling along Restaurant Row. Grab a bite then peruse the Boulevard for great local art.