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.

Children Miracle Network Radiothon 9/2/2010

On Friday Sept. 3rd I went to the Children's Hospital in Hartford to help with their 8th Annual Radiothon. It was put on with conjunction with DRC-FM 102.9. It is a huge fundraiser for this incredible miracle network. Here at this hospital miracles are truly performed everyday. All afternoon, families of former patients came in to tell their stories of hope, tragedy, courage and triumphant. Just listening brought tears to my eyes more than once. I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to meet some of these children, but I was truly honored to be raising money for them.

My job, Along with Miss Conn., Brittney Decker, was to answer the phone lines and take the pledges from the people who called in.
I got so excited each time my phone rang. I'm not sure how many "Miracle Makers" I signed up. A "Miracle Maker" signs up for $10.00 a month for a year) but I also got a lot of one-time pledges as well. I had never been involved with something like this before, and I couldn't believe how fast the time just flew by.

This is Jerry Christopher, the DJ from DRC-FM (102.9) Several times during the afternoon he came over to interview Brittney and I live on the radio so we could encourage people to keep the phones ringing for this remarkable cause.

All afternoon former patients and their families came in to tell their miracle stories live on the air with the Team from DRC-FM. This is Mia and Gianni, a set of twins who started their lives at CMN.

This is Nickki, another former patient who spent 245 days in this hospital when she was in Kindergarten. Another story that pulled at my heart strings. She still comes from time to time for treatment, but now leads a perfecly wonderful teenagers life thanks to this wonderful hospital and its staff of dedicated staff.

This is Scott Organek, the organizer for all of our events at CMN. No matter how busy he gets, he always takes time to have a little fun with us. The man is amazing and literally raises millions for this wonderful hospital.

It was kinda of fun when Gail McCool (Miss Ct.'s Bus.Mgr.) showed up with the exact same "stylish" shoe that I was wearing!!

It was an absolutely incredible day, and one that I won't soon forget. In the end, the 3 day Radiothon raised $241,340.09 !!!

End of WWII 65th Anniversary celebration 9/2/2010

On Sept. 2nd, 2010, Mayor Dickinson from Wallingford invited me to attend a special commemoration program to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the END OF WWII. It was a beautiful night and the lawn of City Hall was absolutely filled with towns people and Veterans from all branches of the Military. I brought with me a small group of my fellow dancers from Reach For The Stars Academy of Dance in Terryville. Jennah, Alex, Alyssa & Ashley. They were amazing as they preformed "A Soldiers Silent Night" for the crowd.

Since I obviously could not dance with my group I opted instead to sing. I chose "Proud To Be An American" to honor not only the Veterans in attendance, but my own Grandfather who was a decorated hero in WWII. It was such a inspirational night, and really makes us remember why and how we are free.

Thank you so much Mayor Dickinson. It was my honor to be there for you.

Alice In Wonderland 8/28/10

The Square Foot Theater again produced another wonderful show, and I was there. On Aug. 28th they presented "Alice In Wonderland." Now as you can see from these photo's, I've had a little set back. I had surgery on my ankle. So for the next 2 months you will notice I'm on crutches!! Not to worry, everything is fine, and it certainly will not hold me down.
The Play was wonderful, and the kids were fantastic. It's amazing what Jared can accomplish in such a short time.

My sister Queen Amber Caron was there too. As usual we signed a few autograph cards, and of course the kids immediately wanted to know all about my ankle.

This is Jilly, Michael Maze's daughter. She is so much like her dad, cute as a button and full of energy. She was so excited to be performing in this show!

It was really nice to spend time with Amber again. We really hadn't been together since pageant week in June. Even with my crutches it was a really nice night.

Italian Festival of Angels, North Haven Aug. 20, 2010

"Italian Festival Of Angels" Aug. 20th, 2010

This event was sponsored by the North Haven Sons and Daughter of Italy lodge #2805. Being Italian myself, I was really looking forward to this. As I arrived you could hear Italian music streaming from everywhere. There was live entertainment, delicious food, crafts of all kinds and charity events set up everywhere. This Festival truly embodied the generosity and goodwill that defines the Italian spirit and I was so proud to be a part of it.
The first thing I did after I arrived was meet up with "Miss Connecticut", Brittany Decker and our new Executive Director Tom Prete. I could tell right from the start that this was going to be a fun night.

Brittany and I walked through the entire festival stopping for pictures and talking with the people. It was so nice to be with her again. We had not done an appearance together since 2008 when she was "Miss Torrington"

I signed a lot of Autographs that night. I aways find that kind of fun. I can't help but wonder what they actually do with those pictures when they get home.

This girls name is Monica. I've run into her several times before at my appearances. She herself is a bundle of talent. I wouldn't be surprised to see her be "Greater Hamden's Outstanding Teen" someday.

Now here was a group of men who were definitely out to have a good time. I stopped and visited with them for awhile. They were so funny checking out everyone who walked by and just endlessly laughing at everything.

Ah...the dunk tank. "Dunk a Firefighter". Now this was right up my alley. It took me 4 tries, but I got him!

This man was so funny, as I walked by him, he started to play "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody" I just couldn't resist stopping to listen to him play for awhile.

Now what is an Italian Festival without a "little" piece of fried dough!! So my last stop before I went home was at the food tent. I'm sure they saved the biggest piece for me!

I had an awesome time tonight, thank you for inviting me.

MIRACLE TREAT DAY AUG. 5, 2010

Thursday Aug. 5th, 2010 was "Miracle Treat Day" at Dairy Queens all over the United States.
If you brought a Blizzard Treat on that day, you were helping sick and injured Children in your area.
For each treat sold on that day, Dairy Queen donated $1.00 or more to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. I was proud to participate to help miracles happen for the kids in need.



I traveled to 3 different locations. Here I am in Wallingford, with the Mayor William Dickenson, and the DQ owner Ron Sotere. Both were amazing people and we had a lot of fun

Hartford County's Outstanding Teen, Haylee Rochler met up with us in Wallingford and joined in with the "Blizzard Feast"

Ok, so we didn't spend the WHOLE day eating, we did meet up with a lot of folks, took pictures and spread the word about the wonderful work the Children's Miracle Network does.

In Hamden, My sister queen, Casey DelBasso who is North Haven's Outstanding Teen, joined me. We had to dodge a lot of Thunder, lighting and rain, but we stuck it out.

And before the day was over, we also visited the DQ Grille & Chill in North Haven as well. It was such a fun day, especially since we knew we were spreading the work about the Children"s Hospital. Several Months ago, I had a opportunity to actually tour the hospital in Hartford. It was such an amazing experience. My own nephew spent some time there last year, let me tell you, it is so comforting to know that a place like this exists. On Friday Sept. 3rd, I will be manning the phones for their annual fundraising radiothon and I am really looking forward to it.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. July 29 2010

On Thursday July 29th, I was at the Square Foot Theater in Hamden for the opening of "Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr." The cast consisted of students from the Jared Andrew Studio for Performing Arts. What a talented and energenic group of kids. The show was amazing and I look forward to the next production; "Alice In Wonderland" coming up soon.














This was the little star herself. Monica Capriglione. She is only 12 years old, but a bundle of talent. Watch out everyone, she will be a top contender for our Teen Competition soon!























I was introduced prior to the show and I spoke briefly about my issue of concern; "Disability Awareness" I thanked everyone for coming and settled into my seat to watch the show.















My other Business Mgr., Patrick Laffin did all the costumes and scenery for the production and I've got to tell you, I was quite impressed. But he always finds time for a hug.
















As I was passing out programs, I met this adorable little girl. I never was able to get her name, but she was my best friend all night!!

And of Course my Buddie Michael Maze from KC101 was there as well. It was a wonderfully successful night for all and I was so happy to be back at the "Square Foot Theater" once again. Thank you for inviting me.