August 2007 Archives
I just came back from the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, FL. Erin Buck really made Maine proud! She did such a great job and we really do have an outstanding teen representing Maine. I was so happy to be there supporting her. As a Miss Contestant, the organization held numerous events for us. We were able to visit a local CMN hospital and spend time with some of the patients. We saw some of the MAOT preliminary competitions, had a wonderful tour of Disney World (all the rides none of the lines!), had lunch at Planet Hollywood, attended a fabulous gala for the teens, met some former Miss America's and many of the organization's key people, and saw the final MAOT competition. I had a blast and really got to know some of the new members of the Miss America 2008 class.
Before FL, I had a wonderful time with Valerie Clemens in PA. I got a real taste of what it felt like to be Miss America. Valerie took me to do some wardrobe shopping as well as numerous appearances. I danced and spoke at places such as the Ronald McDonald house, an inner city children's ESF camp in Philadelphia, the Sunrise Assisted Living Center, Benchmark summer camp, Melmark home for the mentally and physically handicapped, and even got to work on a Habitat home while I was there. I also met up with Miss NJ, Miss RI, and Miss Virgin Islands to take a tour of Atlantic City and the new Miss America office in NJ. I learned so much about the history of the program and I was even able to do a piroutte on the fabulous stage in the Atlantic City convention hall where so many Miss America's had been crowned. At the end of the week, we had mock interviews, talent and swimsuit reviews and a great reception for the visiting titleholders in preparation for Miss America. I had such a great time with Valerie and her family and I know that it really helped me prepare for everything ahead.
I have also been doing several appearances throughout Maine such as the Rockland Lobster Festival Parade and the Taste of Greater Waterville. Each experience has been unique and exciting and I have been able to meet so many great people.
This upcoming weekend I will be attending a fund raiser in Lewiston for Habitat for Humanity where I will be helping to serve food for the organization. I would love to have as much support there as possible for the festival and hot air balloon rides so if you are around that area please stop by! I also have a trip scheduled to Georgia for the last week in August where I will see the national headquarters of Habitat for Humanity and learn how about how it all began. I am continuing to help with Habitat projects and fund raising and I urge you to check out the Habitat website and do the same. There is something for everyone to do at Habitat. I have also corresponded with Congressman Michaud to learn about how our representatives in Congress are continuing to push for more assistance for low income families in Maine.
I will keep you posted as more things happen.....All the best!
