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.

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!

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

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!

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?