Miss Greater Waterbury and Miss Brass City

Congrats to Miss Greater Waterbury Amber Caron and Miss Brass City Dana Brooks!

"Connecticut's Own Recipes" kickoff to benefit CT Fallen Heros

I was honored to attend a fundraiser for the organization CT Fallen Heroes on Saturday, March 28, at the Connecticut Culinary Institute in Hartford. Several "gold star" families were in attendance. They have lost their sons and daughters in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was so moving to hear their stories of sorrow, remembrance, and ultimately strength. There were cooking demonstrations and different vendors set up to raise money for the organization that aids families of fallen soldiers here in our own state of Connecticut.

During one cooking demonstration I even got to get up on stage! The chef was explaining how to cook a lobster, which of course was still alive! I tried to pardon the lobster, but ultimately had to give him a parting kiss farewell. I guess I don't have the power of presidential pardon quite yet....

Miss Shoreline

Congratulations to Marie-Lynne Piscitelli, Miss Shoreline 2009! I remember competing against her for the first time in Miss North Haven and she was so nice and so beautiful, I knew it was just a matter of time. I would also like to send a HUGE shout out congratulations to Brianna Smail! Hurray! She won Miss Shoreline's outstanding teen and thank goodness, because I don't know what I would do at state without her.

USO Show Troupe, The Liberty Bells, Launch

On Wednesday, March 18, I attended the official launch of the 2009 Liberty Bells. Because I have not learned any of the choreography I attended as Miss North Haven to support my favorite gals and my favorite organization in the world, the USO. Everyone was lovely and there was a great turnout. Such talent! Congratulations to Heidi, Miss USO 2009. Now we can be sister queens!

You may recognize the woman in the picture with me, that is the one and only Susan Powell, Miss America 1981! I was completely star-struck of course. I asked her if she had any tips for preparing for state. Her advice was to be yourself, and to enjoy every minute of it because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Truer words were never spoken.

The Fighting 69th of New York City Homecoming

Oh my goodness! I am so behind in all of my posts! I do have two really great excuses: 1) My external hard drive with all of my pictures crashed. I am still recovering. 2) School has been crazy! We are so close to finals and all of my professors are piling on the assignments. 

Okay enough excuses.... let me give you some updates!

On Saint Patrick's Day I helped the USO of Metropolitan New York welcome home our men and women of the one and only Fighting 69th Infantry Division. I spent all day making hot dogs (or cooking them at least) and I know I handed out what felt like millions of buns. Thousands of service members and their families were present and it was really a memorable event. Even the mayor of New York, Mike Bloomberg, said a few words, thanking the division for all that they have done in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

For more information on the USO remember you can go to www.usonyc.org. If you have a second please take time to donate a lot or a little so that we can keep doing what we do for our men and women in uniform.

Grand Opening SpringHill Suites by Marriott

On Thursday, March 12, I attended the grand opening of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The event also acted as a fundraiser for the National Hemophilia Foundation. We ended up raising over $2,000 for the organization that provides research, lobbying, and support for people with blood-clotting disorders. 

The new hotel is beautiful and I wish I could just move in today! 

I highly recommend it to anyone in the area of the Bradley-Hartford Airport.

It was wonderful to see so many people turn out for the event. A few of our title-holders performed their talents and everyone signed a lot of autographs and took a lot of photos with the local community. I had so much fun with the kids in attendance that 

I ended up staying until late in the evening taking pictures, recruiting girls for the Diamond program, and talking to interested parents. 

West Point Society of New York Founders Day Gala

On March 6th I had the honor of attending the 2009 West Point Society of New York Founders Day Gala. The event was an amazing networking opportunity for men and women in all branches of service, but particularly graduates of West Point, the academy of the United States Army.

In keeping with my platform of civic education and public service, I work hard to make sure America has every opportunity to salute the troops. As the daughter of two Army cadets, I can say I feel a personal attachment to West Point and all that the Army does for America.

My lovely Liberty Bells of the USO were also in attendance and performed a couple numbers during dessert. Thank you girls for all that you do and for arriving on such short notice!