CCMC "Vie For The Kids" Sat. Oct. 23, 2010

The Connecticut Children's Hospital Hosted it's third annual "Vie For The Kids" event featuring a 5K morning run/walk through the rolling hills of the Ethel Walker Woods in Simsbury. In addition there was a "Kids Fun Run" as well as other activities. All proceeds raised from the event will ensure that children and families will receive the very best in pediatric cancer services.

Logan, "Miss Ct.s Outstanding Teen" and myself were the first ones of our group to arrive. 8:30 A.M. on the dot, and WAS IT COLD! While we waited for things to begin we met some of the children, signed some pictures and got our schedule of events.

Before too long "Brass City's Outstanding Teen" Nicole Nemense and "Rocky Hill's Outstanding Teen" Andreanna Buchheri had joined us. Our first Event was the "Kids Fun Run" We went out on the field and hooped and hollered for them!! Andreanna actually went out there and helped one little guy make it to the end! That's what we were there for after all, just for them.

For the big 5K race we took our places at the finish line and cheered everyone on as they neared the end. We stayed right there till all 400 RACERS HAD CROSSED!! It only took the winner 17 minutes to do the 3.5 miles, while it took others over a half hour. But all crossed including "Kyle" a 10 year old boy who had his hip removed due to cancer. It was beyond awesome to see him coming toward us as we cheered louder and louder, and our eyes filled with tears.

At the end of the races there was a wonderful award ceremony. Medals and prizes of all sorts. Logan, Andreanna, Nicole and myself all took turns awarding the winners. I felt so honored to be asked.

It was a very uplifting day. I had no idea there would be so many Cancer Survivors there. To watch them and hear their stories is an experience I will not soon forget. Once again I am so proud to be an ambassador of Conn. Children's Medical Center.

Photo Shoot Oct. 6, 2010

On October 6th Mike Chakin of the Bristol Observer asked me to do a photo shoot for a collection called "Shades of Vermeer" It was for an exhibit for an Art Museum in New York. Of course I was quite honored and accepted right away. These are some of the Pictures from that shoot. It all had something to do with lighting and shading.

Miss Bristol Pageant Oct. 2, 2010

This was the official opening of the 2011 pageant season. It seemed to be a full house and lots of excitement going on everywhere. (I'm still on crutches, but only for 2 more weeks). I met up with "Miss Wolcott's Outstanding Teen", Erin Ward and "Westbury's Outstanding Teen", Annalisa Sega. We had not seen each other since we were at State in June so we had some catching up to do.

This is the Brand New "Miss Mum 2011" We chatted awhile and then found our seats. It was an amazing show. The 50th anniversary of the "Miss Bristol" Pageant. There were at least 25 former Miss Bristol's there to join the celebration. BUT they were just on presented on stage, they actually participated...singing and dancing through out the whole show. My Mom was real excited when she saw Miss Bristol 1969, since they had competed together at STATE IN 1969...WOW!

Well here I am, hobbling out onto the stage for the traditional "Introduction of Visiting Queens." But as you can see, I was not the only one on crutches this time!

The evening ended with the announcement of Marisa DelBuono as the new "Miss Bristol 2011"

Jenna Kowalec, "Miss Bristol's Outstanding Teen", and Tori Bailey "Terryville's Outstanding Teen" Congratulations to all the girls. Everyone was fantastic, and I truly enjoyed the whole evening.