This and that.

Some pictures for your viewing pleasure as I prepare for the 2009 Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant, only three weeks away! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I recently attended a festival with local titleholders and spoke at a Women's Club, of which my dear grandmother was a member. It was so nice to see her friends with all their fond memories of Grams.

Not Too Late to Join the Fun!

The deadline for participating in the 2009 Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant is July 1st. You can download an application at www.mrsnewjerseyamerica.com.

We recently welcomed new contestants at a workshop. Geri always makes sure her ladies are well-prepared to hit the stage. At this workshop, I got to see Mrs. New Jersey America 2005, Yvette Ludwig, and her husband Eric. Eric was kind enough to escort me onstage at the last pageant, so he's 2 for 2 at escorting Mrs. NJs! He should rent himself out! Anyway, it was good to see them both again - our Mrs. NJ's always stay part of the organization.



There are so many intelligent, caring, motivated, beautiful women competing this year. I would hate to be a judge! I can't wait to see which one of these great ladies will get to have the wonderful experience I've had as Mrs. New Jersey.

Memorial Day.

I was honored to participate in two Memorial Day Parades over the Memorial Day weekend. My dad was with me at the first parade, and as he is a Vietnam vet and VFW member, it was very special getting to spend that time with him in my hometown. Unfortunately, the rain stopped and started all day. As I was in a sweet borrowed 1969 Ford Mustang, we had to keep putting up and down the top. What follows is a story in pictures, taken by my sister, who was riding navigator in the passenger seat ...








The next day, I got to spend time in the county seat with the newly formed Belvidere Water Rescue team, made up of police, fire, and corrections officers. I even got to sit in the boat! And who is that handsome diver I'm posing with?

Photo courtesy David M. Schofield, www.thedruidseye.com

Thanks to the Blue Claws for donning their pink jerseys (auctioned off for Komen for the Cure) and participating in a Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the stadium. We were able to provide information to a lot of people this past Sunday. Komen for the Cure always organizes amazing, inspiring events, and I was so honored to walk around the field with survivors in the survivor and supporter parade. Thank you for sharing your positive outlook, and your stories.

The other side.

Had a wonderful time at a local auction two weekends ago. I was asked to show items during a charity auction. Lots of beautiful donated items and money going to great causes. I didn't want to take anything off, but was happy to help raise money for charity.

The next day I was honored to be a judge at the 2009 New Jersey Superteen pageant.

I must say thank you to all the judges I've had competing for Mrs. New Jersey! Being on the other side of the table is hard. The ladies were so enthusiastic, lovely, and well-spoken, I wanted to put a crown on each of their heads. Big congratulations to Caroline Strazzulo, who was crowned at the end of the night. Have a wonderful journey this year; you will learn so much about yourself!

It was fun to spend time with Christina (Mrs. NJA 2006, Superteen choreographer and tabulator) and Geri (Mrs. NJA 2003, Mrs. NJA director, Superteen host) as well!


Then yesterday I went down to South Jersey for an Irish festival and learned about NJ maritime history - I've always found maritime history fascinating after studying it in a graduate school class. It was the first year of an event I'm sure will keep getting bigger and more exciting. I was glad to be there for its inauguration.