Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hosting the Miss Southeastern Pageant






I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Miss Southeastern Pennsylvania Pageant (MAO local), along with the talented and dynamic Jill Wiley, Miss PA's Outstanding Teen. Congratulations to all of the new Teen and Miss titleholders, as well as Mary Meister, who put together a wonderful pageant.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Miss Philadelphia Workshop


















I've been a member of the Miss Philadelphia Pageant committee since 2003 and it's my responsibility to plan the Contestant Workshop. This year's was the best yet! The event took place at the Four Seasons Hotel, which generously sponsored the ballroom space and lunch. Each contestant had the opportunity to hand in all of her paperwork, do two mock interviews, communications coaching with Ronica Licciardello (Miss Philly '05) of Ronica Communications, to work with our Production team, have photos taken with Jean Valentin, talent coaching with Cristina Guzman (Miss Philly '99), Modeling coaching with Brintha Vasagar (Miss Philly '08), attend a presentation by professional makeup artist Alayna Rakes, enjoy What Not to Wear with Chris Saltamacchio, shop with the Red Carpet Pageant Shop, Crowning Around, and Jimmy Crystals, not to mention to get some advice from reigning Miss Philadelphia Ryann Richardson. It was a busy day, but I think everyone enjoyed the experience!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

More from the VA Hospital





There are a number of ways to give back to the Veterans who have given us so much! Here's information about donations needed and volunteer opportunities from the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Wants and Needs List

COMFORT ITEMS

Toothbrushes (individually packaged), Toothpaste, Deodorant, socks, tissues, shampoo, combs, brushes, shaving cream, disposable razors, chapstick, shower gel, denture tablets/creme/adhesive, denture brushes, flip flops (size 10 or larger), hand lotion, phone cards (over 100 minutes), postage stamps, mouthwash (alcohol free), Emory Boards, Back packs (small), Flashlights (small), Baby Lotion, Daily Planners, Baby Wash, Address books

RECREATION PROGRAM NEEDS

Sponsors needed for evening and holiday activities, Coffee, powdered creamer, Paper products, such as plates, napkins, and cups and bulk plastic silverware.

ITEMS NOT NEEDED: Stuffed Animals

NOTE: Voluntary Service may be contacted for any questions concerning donations at 717-272-6621 x4064 or 6030 Thank You!

Volunteer Opportunities

Floater/Greeter, Various activities, Information Desk, Hospitality Bar, Patient Satisfaction Surveys, DAV Drivers, Law Enforcement Day (Annually every May only), Lab Runners

Thank you for your interest in Volunteering at the VA Medical Center. To sign up and orientation contact Patricia Gayle at 717-272-6621 X 4064


Saturday, February 13, 2010

National Salute Week



Yesterday, I spent the day at the Veterans Hospital in Lebanon, PA as a part of National Salute to Veterans Patients Week. This program recognizes Veterans for their service and is celebrated each year during the week of February 14th. The purpose of this national event is to:

*pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized Veterans

*increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical centers

*encourage everyone to visit hospitalized Veterans

*promote the value of becoming a VA volunteer


It was a moving experience to meet so many men and women who have courageously served our country and to have an opportunity to say thank you. I hope I brought some cheer to the patients as I delivered Valentines made by local schoolchildren and hundreds of my own homemade cookies (the baking of which was made possible by being snowed-in for two days!). They just opened a new Women's Health Center as well, and with so many women returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's good to know that they can receive the best medical treatment possible as they return to families and communities.

Of the 23.2 military veterans living in the United States, over 1 million are Pennsylvania residents. Thank a veteran for his or her service today!


Thursday, January 28, 2010

Latest Appearance












It's fairly clear from my frequent posting of my cakes and dinners that I love to be in the kitchen. This past weekend, I was invited to be in the kitchen with world-renown chef Georges Perrier at his restaurant Mia in Caesars in Atlantic City. He taught me how to make white chocolate mousse and we had a lot of fun with the crowd! Wouldn't I be cute on the Food Network?

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!





Best Christmas EVER!!!
I skated with kids, wrapped gifts to raise funds for Habitat, and spent time visiting some elderly ladies in a nursing home and shared in the joy of Christmas.
Thank you to all of the volunteers at the Laura Sims Skatehouse, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, and Little Brother Friends of the Elderly for inviting me to share the holiday with you. Thanks to Kate Hertzog, Manager of Civic Engagement at the United Way for all of the referrals. Finally, thanks to my kind and patient husband for driving me around and sharing this Christmas journey with me!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Volunteer-a-thon

First, I want to wish all of the Christmas celebraters out there a very Merry Christmas!!
This Christmas, I turned to my good friend, Kate Hertzog, Manager of Civic Engagement at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, for some ideas on how I could use my title to give back to the community this year, specifically on Christmas Eve and Day.

In just a few minutes, I'll be heading to the Laura Sims Skatehouse in West Philadelphia to ice skate with over 200 kids and hand out Christmas stockings. Here's a link to the article in the University City Review newspaper. Then, it's on to the Neshaminy Mall, where I'll wrap gifts to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. (Incidentally, I led a volunteer group years ago that did construction work on Habitat's Cherry Street project in Norristown. It's great to have an opportunity to reconnect with this organization.) Tomorrow morning, I'll spend a few hours visiting residents of Tucker House Nursing Home in North Philadelphia, as a volunteer for Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly.

Have a wonderful, safe, and Merry Christmas!