April is Donate Life Month

 I'm sure you all remember Section 36’s wonderful interview with Miss Vermont Julia Crane. During her visit, she discussed many things, including her platform of Organ Donation.

Since April is Donate Life Month, I thought it would be a wonderful time to mention that interview as a way to begin to learn about the benefits of organ and tissue donation.

I also know that Julia has several events planned this month celebrating Donate Life Month. So, I highly encourage you to find her on Instagram to make sure you don't miss out on anything she has planned.

You'll be glad you did.

A Sale for Opening Day

 The Major League Baseball season officially starts today! Are you excited? Can you feel it? The baseball on the field? The sun shining down on you wearing your Section 36 shirt? 

Wait, what's that? You don't have a Section 36 shirt? Well, you'd better hurry up! As luck would have it, I'm here to help. Because there's a sale!

Today through Sunday, the Section 36 will be on sale! Don't miss this opportunity to show your support for the blog all season long! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. The sale only runs through Sunday! That's right only a few days before prices go back to their regular levels.

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, and even Instagram!

Like Bridget did! (With some help from K. Garcia Productions)

This sweatshirt is on sale!

Like Kylee did to show off her amazing new tank top.

This tank is 27% off!

Or like Erin did with her tank!

It's still 27% off!

(Yeah, that tank top is my best seller!)

Or Nicolette, who went with a great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is 30% off!

Or like Allison did!

This t-shirt is 30% off!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from.

What will you get?

The available style and color combinations are practically endless!

Which is your favorite?

Love Better

You remember Section 36's fantastic visit  with Miss Greater Rockville Sylvana Gonzalez, right? During the interview, she mentioned an upcoming Love Better event that she was excited to host. To go along with that, Sylvana will be expanding on the goal of the event...promoting the vow to Love Better. The best thing for you to do is to follow her on Instagram so you won't miss any of the updates. But here is her latest post, in her words. 

“Everyone deserves healthy relationships. The problem is that while we’ve all felt love, we’re never taught HOW to love. By learning what healthy relationships look like and practicing these skills in our lives, we can strengthen our relationships and teach others to do the same. Making the world a healthier place starts with you, and how you love in your relationships.” - A direct mission statement of the @join1love foundation

Over the last year I have come in contact with men and women alike who stand as survivors, voluntarily sharing their truths of their toxic experiences with domestic violence. As we approach the #LoveBetterGala this #May8 I will be sharing what statements were made in our relationships, that made us vow to #LoveBetter. In doing so we will shed light that domestic violence is not just physical - but emotionally, mentally and spiritually draining.

Like I said, an important topic that I'm glad Sylvana's bringing more attention. So, definitely go visit her Instagram to learn more. And if you have a story of your own to share, leave her a message (with her account, or right here in the comments). 

I know she'd love to hear from you.

Happy Engineers Week!

Yeah, I know. The week is almost over, so I’m a bit late. But, there’s a reason I decided to mention it today.

I hope you’ve all been enjoying the interviews I’ve been fortunate enough to conduct with Miss America (and other organizations) titleholders. I’ve always thought it was fun to talk to these baseball fans and see what they had to say. You may have noticed that many of them have platforms dealing with science and engineering, which is fantastic. One of them (at least) is even currently a civil engineer. Emily Mahana interviewed with me last year when she held the Miss Upstate New York crown, and talked about her platform getting girls interested in engineering. With Engineers Week this week, I thought it might be fun to expand on that. So, Emily was nice enough to create a video talking about Engineers Week and, especially, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day...which happens to be today! (I told you I had a reason.) So please watch Emily’s video below… View from Section 36: Emily Mahana shares her views on Engineers Week”!

 

I hope you enjoyed it. (Notice the logo in the background?) With any luck this will be the first in a series of “View from Section 36” videos. Gotta put that YouTube channel to work!

Making Hoops For Miracles

I'm sure you remember Ashley Marsh from her visit with Section 36. Well, she is now involved in a fantastic event. She is running a basketball camp for charity! Check it out.

Here's the press release from the event:

Miss New Hampshire hopeful to hold basketball clinic fundraiser Feb. 3

Laconia native Ashley Marsh is running for the title of Miss New Hampshire 2019 this April in Derry. She currently holds the title of Miss Isles of Shoals, and has been competing in the Miss New Hampshire scholarship program for the past three years, earning over $16,000 towards her higher education. She’s currently a graduate student at Springfield College in Massachusetts, studying athletic counseling with a goal of becoming an athletic director for academic success for a Division I institution. 

To be eligible to compete for the title of Miss New Hampshire, Marsh and the other 28 candidates must raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. All money raised will go directly to the nearest network hospital, Boston Children’s. Marsh has visited Boston Children’s for the past two years for their Princess and Prince event, where she helps with arts and crafts, paint nails for that patients, and plays games with them. 

Marsh is hosting a basketball clinic with all funds raised going to her Children’s Miracle Network hospital account. The clinic, Making Hoops for Miracles, will be held Sunday, Feb. 3, with two different sessions. Session 1 is for ages seven to 10, and runs 10 a.m.-noon. Session 2 is for ages 11-14, running 12:30-2:30 p.m. The clinic will be held at Gilford Hills Tennis and Fitness Club, and Brewster Academy’s assistant coach David Hersey, along with players from his team, will volunteer at the clinic. 

The cost of the clinic is $25, and limited spots are available. To sign up, email ashleymarsh1011@gmail.com with the child’s name and age.

***

That's all the details. Doesn't it sound like a lot of fun? You should absolutely contact Ashley as soon as possible to reserve your spot. It's sure to be a great time, supporting a great cause!

What could be better? 

Talking Miss America - a Guest Blog Series by Bridget Oei (“The Other Titleholders”)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here.

Today we have our third entry as Bridget shares what it was like spending time with the other titleholders in Atlantic City. I hope you enjoy it!

Miss America was an extraordinary experience for the particular reason that in two weeks, 51 strangers became 51 best friends. The bond that I and the other Miss America candidates formed were catalyzed by our commonalities as well as our differences. Which, in my opinion, make us the most dynamic and well-rounded group of women in America.

But like all strong friendships, they have to start somewhere. Strengthened by silly memories, hearty laughs, and sharing new experiences, the two weeks at Miss America provided us with just that platform to grow and learn about one another.

Prior to the start of the competition, we spent our days in New Jersey exploring and enjoying magical parts of Atlantic City. Our first night, we attended a sponsored dinner at Bocca, a family owned restaurant that truly treated us all like queens. We sat at group tables and connected over a delicious meal, sharing stories of our excitement and our trip to the Miss America competition.

Another fantastic experience was at the Linwood Country Club, where we all got a chance to try our hand at golf. Pro-golfers or

not, we all made memories as we raced in golf carts, and took videos of each other having our PGA tour moment on the course. Later that evening, we met members of the country club and local supporters of Miss America. This was one of the most memorable events for me, I spoke to a physician who had studied medicine at Yale University, and we discussed my goals to become a doctor myself. I also happened to meet a lovely couple who had been to my parents’ wedding and had come to meet me for the first time!

Of course I have to mention spending an evening at the iconic steel pier on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This event was the last of its kind before the start of the competition. I distinctly remember the love, support, and genuine excitement that was among all of the ladies. We all relaxed together riding the swings, and breathing the salty air. I felt at home, surrounded by women that I admired and respected, and grateful to be a part of such a unique experience.

With Love,

Bridget Oei

Talking Miss America - a Guest Blog Series by Bridget Oei (“The Arrival”)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here.

Today we have our second entry as Bridget shares what she was thinking and feeling as she arrived in Atlantic City for the Miss America Competition. I hope you enjoy it!

My room was divided into sections, one area for competition wardrobe, another for rehearsals. Every article was labelled with CT and my initials. Two weeks of clothing, supplies, and necessities were packed and organized ready for the trip to Atlantic City.

The drive to New Jersey, seemed like the longest trip of my life. I was so excited to get there, get settled, and get going. I had been prepping for this experience for months, but dreaming about how it would actually feel to be attending Miss America for years. This was it!

I cannot say that the reality of going to Miss America had really sunk in at this point. I was ready and prepared, excited to share with America who I am. It was game time, and I had every tool I needed to succeed. Family and friends were sending me messages of well wishes and I distinctly remember during the drive, saying to my mom, “I want to make my people proud, I want to make some history!”

When I arrived at the Golden Nugget where I was staying, I was immediately greeted by one of my warm and wonderful hostesses Debbie, who made me feel so calm and welcomed. My wardrobe was whisked away to my room, while I was brought to the hospitality suite where I met my other hostesses and the other titleholders who were all staying at the same location. The hospitality suite had a beautiful view of the Atlantic City Marina and I remember taking pictures of the scenery and getting overwhelmed with excitement that I was finally here! The other candidates began trickling in as their flights and rides arrived, and we all chatted as we finally relaxed after the frenzy of packing and preparing. This is where I felt that initial bond of sisterhood with these women. We were all aware that we were sharing in this once in a lifetime experience together and that made us closer than you can imagine. We all agreed that these next two weeks were opportunities for each of us to soak up every single moment.

If you told little 10 year old Bridget years ago that she would be where she was today, I do not know if she would have believed you. When I arrived in Atlantic City, I felt inundated with opportunity and possibility. I had the chance to shine, to give this experience everything I had and leave these two weeks with no regrets whatsoever. Supported my sponsors, my board and team from Connecticut, and my entire family behind me, I felt ready to make little Bridget proud.

With Love,

Bridget Oei