Sunday, September 30, 2012

Last Rehearsal and Thank You

The Critter Ball is 6 days away.  Team Matt and Kristin are ready to dance!  They appreciate all the votes and support.

If you haven't voted yet, it's not too late; click here.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

NBC 29 Welcomes Matt and Penny

Matt Joslyn stopped by the studios of NBC 29 in Downtown Charlottesville with a friend -- a mixed beagle pup named Penny.

He was there to promote the Critter Ball (October 6th, buy tickets here!) and to support the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA and pet adoption in general.

Watch the segment here, and remember to Vote Team Matt and Kristin.
 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Teaching the Moves can be a Bumpy Road

Rehearsal heats up with the Critter Ball just a few weeks away.  In this video, Kristin lets us know that Matt is a natural.  She hope he will keep dancing after the competition.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Matt Welcomes the Critter Ball Challenge

Matt Joslyn, whom many of you know as the Executive Director of (and chief fundraiser for) Live Arts, explains why it is important to him to reach out for many great causes in the wonderful town we call home.

Not only is he proud to be involved because of his two best friends-- his dogs, Ethan and Atticus-- but also for his and Kristin's mascot, Toucan Sam, and all the animals at the ASPCA.

He says that... well just watch this:
 
So, whatever your passion is, be proud and happy and says keep doing all the good you do.  And if you'd like to vote for Team Matt and Kristin, click here.

Hopefully we'll see you at the Critter Ball and many of the other fabulous ways you help make Charlottesville rock!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Kristin Introduces Matt to CW2S

The theme of this year's Critter Ball is Boot Scootin' Boogie!
"The 2012 SPCA Critter Ball promises to be a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Don your best Southwestern, Latin, or Country/Western attire!"
So, Kristin chose Country Western Two-Step to choreograph and teach to her partner Matt Joslyn, Executive Director of Live Arts.

Kristin says that this type of 2-Step is "fast paced and danced to country music (usually country, although it doesn't have to be - it get's complicated -- but for the purposes of the blog "county music" is fine, Ray, just write that.)"

She adds that for the lady in Country Western 2-Step, "there's a lot of spinning, and there's a lot of dancing backwards - often at the same time."

 It is a really fun dance and she is very proud of Matt for taking on this challenge.

This is Matt's first experience with partner dancing but as you can see in the small clip he is dedicated to getting it right.  One "quick-quick-slow-slow" step at at time.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012


This is Ethan Allen Hawley. Atticus Finch is behind him, having discovered something interesting on the ground. Or, to be more accurate, doing his own thing and celebrating the alpha that he is. The day this was taken we were at Secluded Farm Trail at Monticello. With no leashes on. Rebels, we are.

About eight years and one month ago, I met Ethan. I met him before I met Atticus because he was the first puppy to jump up to me from inside the cardboard box that he and his seven siblings were sharing. He was born to a junkyard dog, the faithful companion of a man without a home of his own that lived behind an auto garage near my house in Sandusky, Ohio.

Ethan and I connected immediately. Something in the eyes, mayhaps. We are similar creatures in that we both crave attention and affection. We both like adventures and the open air. We are playful, and oftentimes a little simple (okay, maybe a lot simple). And we both love to cuddle up on the couch and nap. As strange as it may sound to many, Ethan and I understand each other.

When my ex and I looked at each other from across the box (him having made similar connections with Atticus Finch) we knew we were adopting both of these guys. That was one of the best decisions of my life. Ethan and Atticus are my family. We've been through a great deal together over these eight years. 

When I signed on to support the CASPCA and the Critter Ball, it was a very easy decision for me. Many of my friends think I'm crazy to fundraise for so many different causes this Fall. I simply could not say no. 

When you support the CASPCA, you are supporting companionship, friendship, and compassion. Every single one of these incredible creatures needs a nurturing home, and every one of them needs someone to nurture. 

Won't you please cast your vote today? 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Maybe I should have started with this:


That may help get things going a bit.