My journey as Miss Shoreline 2009...: May 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

United Way Wi-mentor Awards Dinner

I was invited by Cathy Greco from United Way - Coastal Fairfield County to speak at the awards dinner for their Wi-mentor Program. I met Cathy at the Fallen Heroes ceremony at Hall School in Bridgeport while I was there with Claudia, one of our Diamonds. I explained to her the purpose of our Miss Connecticut's Diamond program and my role as a mentor to the Diamonds.

She thought it was a perfect example of how children can benefit from the different role models they can have in their lives and exactly what the Wi-mentor program encourages. So I brought two of my Diamonds with me, Claudia and Haley. The theme was "A Night in Hollywood" and many characters like "Audrey Hepburn" and "Sherlock Holmes" showed up!

I spoke about the importance of mentoring and how role models positively impacted my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today or have accomplished what I have if it weren't for my mentors - parents, family, friends, teachers, teammates, colleagues, etc. I also urged each and every one of the mentees to give back by becoming a mentor to someone else whenever possible.

We had a blast! I had to drag the girls off the dance floor because it was a school night and getting late! Thank you to Cathy, Malin Olofsson & Maria Tolzmann the Wi-mentor program coordinators, as well as Merle Berke-Schlessel, the President & CEO of UWCFC for inviting me and the girls to an event fit for celebrities!

Claudia Capozzo and Haley Capozzo, two of our Miss CT's Diamonds

Yours truly, speaking to mentors and mentees

Me and the girls at our VIP table ;)

Aren't they too cute?!

Future Miss Connecticuts right here!

My girls <3>

Claudia dancing to the "Cha-Cha Slide"

(When I was little we danced to the "Electric Slide")

Monday, May 25, 2009

Old Saybrook Memorial Day Parade & Open House at "The Kate"

I was invited by a very dear friend, Ann Nyberg of WTNH News Channel 8, to be apart of the Old Saybrook Memorial Day Parade. We had such a great time! Not only did the weather hold out, but the community turnout was just fantastic. With only 8,000 residents in Old Saybrook, you would've thought the whole town was at the green celebrating our veterans and servicemen. It was such an incredible honor to be apart of this wonderful ceremony.

We started at the glistening shoreline of Saybrook Point for a presentation of the wreaths and a brief introduction by Commander Anthony Mammola, Old Saybrook's highest ranking retired naval officer and a veteran of World War II. Commander Mammola has been a fixture in this parade since it started many years ago. It is obvious that his dedication to this wonderful memorial is very much appreciated by the community.

Ann and I rode in a little yellow convertible sponsored by the Board of Trustees of Old Saybrook's very own Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Ann is a Board member for what is affectionately known as "The Kate" and I was happy to accompany her to the Open House that she hosted after the parade. This theater is beautiful; I was so impressed to see the construction progress they've made. I can't wait to see its completion at the Grand Opening in the Fall.

Thank you to Ann and the town of Old Saybrook for including me in this fabulous event. I am proud to represent this wonderful area as Miss Shoreline 2009. What a great way to close Memorial Day weekend! And thank you again to all the men and women that served our country, past and present!

Watching the Presentation of the Wreaths at Saybrook Point

Presentation of the Wreaths to memorialize and honor those who fought for our freedoms

Ceremony at Saybrook Point

Retired Commander Anthony Mammola, Old Saybrook's highest ranking retired naval officer and a veteran of World War II.

(From L to R): Stephen Tagliatela, John Henry Torrence Sr, John Henry Torrence III (the cutest and smartest 4 year old ever), Yours Truly, Viola Tagliatela, Ann Nyberg

Side note: Stephen's family happens to be from my hometown and owns the gym I've been a member of for years!

National Anthem

With First Selectman of Old Saybrook, Michael Pace

Waiting in line with my parents to take a tour of "The Kate"

I present to you, THE KATE!

Pictures of the day...

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Milford Memorial Day Parade

Saturday, May 23, 2009

North Haven Memorial Day Parade

What a BEAUTIFUL day for a parade!

I was so excited to be apart of my hometown's Memorial Day parade. This is my first parade as Miss Shoreline and I had an absolute blast.

I still get a kick out of little girls saying "Ooo, Mommy, look at the princess!" I can recall all the times I saw a titleholder at a public event and thought to myself "I want to be just like her." It makes me smile to think that I might have inspired someone today :o)