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!

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!

What's Wrong With World Peace?

One of the best aspects of pageantry is the friendships that you form, and I'd like to introduce you to one of my pageant friends, the brilliant and successful Ronica Licciardello. She has begun Pageant Consulting as one of the many services she offers at Ronica Communications. Her many years of competition coupled with an Ivy League education have given her great insight into what it takes to be the best and how to achieve that goal.

For those of you striving for pageant perfection, visit Ronica's new website What's Wrong With World Peace and make sure to sign up for the free email Newsletter, which is full of great tips, discussions and interviews. Ronica interviewed me for an upcoming edition and I really enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on my year, thus far, as Mrs. PA US and my love of pageantry.

Pageant Prep Expo

Today was the Pageant Preparation Expo is King of Prussia, PA, where I had a table to market my business as a singing teacher and vocal coach. At my neighboring table was my amazing and wonderful friend, Michael Hartman, who produces and choreographs for the America's National Teenager Pageant. Mrs. Delaware Valley (and hopefully Mrs. New Jersey US 2010) Kim Meehan, Mrs. New Jersey International Heather Cunningham, and Mrs. Pennsylvania International Sheri Jenkins were also in attendance and looking beautiful, as always.

It was a long day, but hopefully I'll get a few new voice students!

Dessert-Mania!

Tonight, I volunteered to serve at the Newtown Lions Club annual Spaghetti Dinner and I baked all of the desserts. My brother is a member of the Newtown Lions and it was a great opportunity to support both him and the Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Here's what I baked:

Apple pie

Rum cake

Black Forest Cake

White Chocolate Cheesecake with strawberry swirl

Cinnamon Merlot Roasted Pears

Tiramisu

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Pie with Chocolate cookie crust and chocolate whipped cream frosting

Heres what I learned:

Both chocolate and cheesecake are in demand, pears are not.

Nobody wants to eat burned apple pie

The chocolate hazelnut torte recipe looks complicated for a reason-- it is.

It was a great night and I'm looking forward to next year already!

Recital

On Sunday, October 25th, I performed in a recital at Delaware Valley College sponsored by the Community Conservatory of Music. I sang my favorite songs of all time:

"Someone to Watch Over Me" (Gershwin from the 1920s musical Oh, Kay!))

"They Say It's Wonderful" (Irving Berlin from one of his later musicals, Annie Get Your Gun),

"On the Street Where You Live" (Lerner and Loewe from My Fair Lady)

and finally "The Girl in 14G" (by Jeanine Tesori)

Barbara Weikamp and Joy Keener also sang beautifully. We were accompanied by pianist Bill Gottshall- who is just a wonderful musician and lots of fun to work with.

If I figure out how to add mp3s, then I can add some samples from the performance, but no luck yet...

Greeting an audience member

Abington Lions Club

Last night, I attended the annual Comedy Night fundraiser for the Abington Lions Club. It was a great event, well-planned and well-attended, and I was fortunate to have the honor of being a judge for the amateur comedian competition. Unfortunately, I forgot to charge my camera, so I don't have photos from the event (Bad, Mrs. PA, bad!).

The evening started with dinner and continued with hilarious headlining comedian Tom Ryan, who I recognized from tv. Next, Magician Hunter Gaul gave an entertaining performance. We had some dessert and I drank a couple cups of coffee to keep my energy up for a long evening of fun. Fueled by the magic of caffeine, I was ready to judge the amateur comedians. There were 3 contestants and it was a difficult choice! The audience was kept laughing by the Christian King of Comedy and Chris Smith and some more material from Tom Ryan. My abs are still sore from laughing so much (either I am sadly out of swimsuit competition shape or these guys were really funny).

What a great night! I hope The Lions Club reached their fundraising goal to help in their noble pursuits. It was truly a pleasure getting to know the Abington Lions and an honor to be a part of their festivities.

Rock the Mic for a Cure

I met Turea Hutson when she was just 17 years old and a first time contestant in the Miss Philadelphia Pageant. Turea survived ovarian cancer at age 16 and now at a gorgeous, cancer-free 24 years old is fighting to promote ovarian cancer awareness and to raise funding to find a cure for this disease. Turea created a talent show fundraiser at Plymouth Meeting Friends School and it was a great success! All proceeds were donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center's new Women's Health Center.

Turea Hutson and Dr. Robert Burger, Directorof the Fox Chase Cancer Center's new Women's Center.

"We're going to treat the whole patient and
focus heavily on each woman's
quality of life."
— Dr. Burger

Newtown Market Day

I was proud to promote the Newtown Chamber Orchestra at Newtown Market Day on Saturday, September 19th. They receive funding from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and have a cd for sale and a great free concert for kids planned this March at Pennsbury High School in Bucks County.

Rosh Hashana

Friday was Rosh Hashana, which is the Jewish New Year. I cooked dinner for fifteen guests and we enjoyed a special seder celebrating a sweet new year. Under the tutelage of Chef Georges Perrier, Jonathan learned to make "floating islands", which are merengues drizzled in caramel in creme anglaise.

Guy Savoy in Philly

Jonathan, Chef Perrier, Me, Chef Savoy, and Mary Beth Walling

Internationally acclaimed chef Guy Savoy is in Philadelphia for a brief visit and we had the most decadent evening on Sunday, September 20th. We savored a seven course meal with the Walling Family at Le Bec Fin.

Fundraiser for Arlen Specter

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Governor Ed Rendell, Senator Arlen Specter, and President Obama, oh boy! I had the opportunity to attend the fundraiser for Senator Arlen Specter at the PA. Convention Center on Tuesday, September 15th. I met the Senator and was thoroughly smooshed in the Presidential mosh pit (see below). Hearing the President of the United States speak in person was an inspiring and life-defining moment!

I'm on Youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/user/SaveTheArtsInPA#play/uploads/4/8ljWI7gLX3w
Save the Arts in Pennsylvania!

Mrs. United States Pageant 2009

Saturday, July 18

Upon arrival at the Philadelphia Airport, I met up with the fabulous Ginny Meerman, Mrs. Maryland, found my Dunkin Donuts coffee (the elixir of happiness) and settled in for the long flight to Las Vegas. At first, I felt completely intimidated by this gorgeous, pageant perfect woman who travels in 4 inch heels as I stood beside her in my no makeup, comfy clothes and sneakers. But after about 3 minutes of chatting, I discovered Ginny and I had a great deal in common, which began the week with a great new friendship.

After an uneventful flight, we found our driver and headed to the Orleans to check in.

Let's just say it isn't the Plaza Athenee...

Both Ginny and I had shipped the majority of our luggage to Vegas (I had 2 boxes totaling 55lbs of sparkle) and we had to resort to bribery and eyelash batting to locate them and have them brought up to our room. Ginny and I could fight crime with our awesome powers! We spent our evening unpacking and organizing for the week ahead. I found the fitness center and had a good workout.

I learned that the swimsuit competition specified sarong dimensions of 2 yards by 3 yards was by no means mandatory, so I spent the rest of my night cutting my sarong and sewing up the edges so that my sarong would no longer resemble a burka. After a few hours of sweatshop labor, I was ready for a good night's rest.

Sunday, July 19th

After another visit to the fitness center it was time to get ready for pageant Registration. I had thought registration would be an event, but it was only a table set up in the hotel lobby where you handed in some papers. I felt a bit overdressed until I saw that everyone else had done the same. I met everyone and took some photos and perused our program book, which turned out really well.

We finished the evening with a dinner in the hotel buffet. Note to self: don't wear a cocktail dress to the hotel buffet (even if everyone else is too).

Monday, July 20th

Pageant Orientation began our day with some announcements, introductions, and the distribution of our State gifts. That part reminded me of trick-or-treating; I consumed any and all candy received immediately, as is my custom. We rehearsed for a few hours with amazing choreographer Natalie Carson, the self-appointed "Mrs. Australia".

Monday evening was our night out at Caesars. We boarded the bus and I sat with Mrs. Alaska, who was super-sweet. See our self-portrait below.

Instead of shopping, (everyone knows I abhor any shopping that doesn't involve groceries) a group of us had dinner and some good and meaningful conversation. I enjoyed the time to get to know Mrs. Virginia, Mrs. Indiana, Mrs. North Carolina, Mrs. Utah, and Mrs. Delaware (Marci and I go waaaaay back to our MAO days).

My husband, Jonathan, arrived when we were out so I was thrilled to see him when we got back to the hotel.

Tuesday, July 21st

Swimsuit Shoot. Why, oh why? Gloria Steinem is rolling in her grave. What is a grown woman supposed to do with photos of herself in a bikini? Holiday cards? Maybe I'll show them to my kids in 20 years-- look, that's when mommy was skinny!

More rehearsal in the theater (which is really nice). We have learned the opening number and closing number.

Interviews! We have just 3 minutes with the panel of judges, and I hope I was able to share with them some interesting and unique points. I suspect no one else was asked about bel canto technique!

Sushi with Jonathan and then off to sleep.

Wednesday, July 22nd

Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal!

oh, and more rehearsal.

The beautiful and talented Cari Baker did my hair and makeup and then it was showtime!

I did my very best in Swimsuit and Evening Gown and enjoyed every minute on the big stage. I was glad to see Siouxzan Moore, the wonderful director for PA, DE, MD, and VA. She has been so supportive and encouraging and it was great that she could be in Vegas!

My husband was a little overwhelmed by all of glitz-- he says he feels like he visited the planet Sparkleonia. He also does a really good impersonation of me attempting to dance in the opening number. It's like I'm on Totally Inhibited Dance Party.

Thursday, July 23rd

Our final day of pageant fun. I can say that I am so glad to have met so many amazing women including but not limited to:

Mrs. New York-- Every day she had another exquisite hair accessory, I am ready to order all of her designs

Mrs. Oklahoma-- A fantastic woman who owns more shoes than I knew could be possible.

Mrs. Maine-- renewed her wedding vows in the Elvis Chapel!

Mrs. Vermont-- loves Wegmans as much as I do

Mrs. Virginia-- the sweetest, kindest heart

I could go on and on and on!

Cari Baker did my hair and makeup again (my inner drag queen was very pleased with the results!) and before I knew it, it was time for the final show.

Though my name was not one of those called for the Top 12, I didn't feel even a twinge of sadness or regret. I knew I gave my best performance and I was really happy for those who were moving one step closer to the crown, especially Rachel, Mrs. Virginia. The eventual winner was Mrs. South Carolina, who is simply lovely. I wish her all the best as she enjoys her reign! Congratulations to every contestant; each of you is beautiful both outside and in and it was an honor to share the stage with you!

More Photos from the Arts Rally

Save the Arts in Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is facing some very difficult budget choices during this time of financial strain. The current budget proposes to eliminate the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, which would make our State the only in the nation without a State office dedicated to the arts and culture. The Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania organized a rally at our Capitol this past Tuesday and I was honored to be one of the speakers. Hundreds of people attended and I only hope that we made enough noise (both literally and figuratively) to make a difference. My remarks focused on my experiences over the past decade as a music educator at a community-based arts program. The arts are a vehicle of expression and communication for our most vulnerable citizens including those with low-income, the elderly, and those with special needs. Eliminating state funding makes the arts into a luxury for some instead of an experience accessible to all. Only a nickel a week per taxpayer keeps the arts alive for all Pennsylvanians!

Working Hard!

Just a note of thanks to Carlos Bradley, my AMAZING trainer, for challenging me to be my best.  This former NFL linebacker has been getting me into swimsuit competition shape for the Mrs. United States Pageant.  (though I don't think my skinny little arms will ever look like his!)  Carlos has recently been inducted to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, congratulations!!

Annual CVI Ball

On June 6th, Jonathan and I had the pleasure of attending the Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia's annual Ball.  Our very dear friend, Georges Perrier of Le Bec Fin, was this year's honoree.  Though it was not an appearance as Mrs. PA (but, of course, I'm always networking for pageant purposes!), it was a great opportunity to contribute to the vital work of promoting cardiovascular health throughout our region.

I'm in the Philadelphia Daily News!

Check out the last portion of Dan Gross's column:

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/dan_gross/20090611_Dan_Gross__Mike_Tyson__Lahika_Spicer_tie_knot.html

Smith Playhouse

Once a month, I lead Songs and Storytime at the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in Fairmount Park, West Philadelphia.  I read several stories to the children and then invite them to sing out loud and make some NOISE with all of the small percussion instruments that I bring along.  Stop by with your young children on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30am;  it's free and it's fun!

Green With Fashion

Back on April 22, Earth Day, I modeled in the Green with Fashion Show, which was held at FUEL (aka the "Real World House") in Philadelphia.  The event showcased green fashions and accessories while raising funds for the Leukemia Society.  Hundreds of attendees along with the press enjoyed the show with special guests, Gretchen Rossi of the Real Housewives of Orange County, former and current Miss Philadelphias, and Mrs. Montgomery County (now Mrs. PA!)