Hello Vermont!
The Go Green Movement has always been of importance in our state, and this past August while I was in Orlando, I had the opportunity to share different ways that I go green on the "Green With Tamara" show. All of the Miss America contestants shared how they go green, and now America gets to vote for their favorite contestants. I would greatly appreciate your vote! The Green Mountain State has really been a pioneer in the Go Green Movement in the US, so I definitely think our state deserves to win this contest!
Vote at the link below:
http://www.greentwithtamara.com/pg_contest.php
Thanks everyone! Have a happy Monday!
~Laura
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Vermont is filled with sweetness!
Part 2 of my catch-up blog!
On October 2nd, I drove the 4-hour commute to Vermont from Assumption College, with only minutes to get ready before my appearance for the night. Throwing some hot-rollers in my hair, (thanks to my step-dad who plugged them in for me so they were hot when I walked into my house) I scrambled to get ready for the 5hour event. With only 5 minutes to get ready for 5 hours, I think I did ok. But hey, time is money, and as I volunteered my time at the Casino Night benefiting the Epilepsy Association, I witnessed a great deal of money being raised for this wonderful organization! From 7pm until Midnight, My step-dad Mike and I volunteered at the Elks Club where the Casino Night took place. Mike and I were asked to be Black Jack dealers, but because I've never been a gambler, I figured that I would be of much better use spinning the big wheel, rather than trying to learn how to be a Black Jack dealer in a short amount of time. Mike has a great deal experience with Black Jack (I hope he wins big while in Vegas for Miss America) and he alone was able to raise over $500. There were about 12 Black Jack dealers, along with a Roulette Table and Texas Hold'em tables, so although I don't know what the final tally was for the evening, I'm certain that the Epilepsy Association made a great deal of money for their cause! It was such a fun evening, and the time really flew by! I really enjoyed my task, it reminded me of the Price Is Right--one of my favorite shows!--and each time I spun the big wheel, I pretended I was playing in the Showcase Showdown! Lame? Ok...I'll give you that, but I had a blast! The people were so fun to mingle with, and there was a great turn out! Since the closest casino is in Montreal, a lot of people attended the Casino Night, and I think because this event raised money for charity, it gave us Vermonters all the more reasons to come out and gamble! Win or Lose it was a win/win situation. A few members of the Middlebury College Rugby Team came out to volunteer and before they left we took a picture together! What nice guys! Overall, the entire event was a great success! Before I left, the Epilepsy Association asked if I could participate in their next big event in April. The Penguin Plunge! I agreed. I will be jumping into Lake Champlain in April where there is still always snow on the ground! I'm excited, and I already get goosebumps at the thought of my feet jumping into that ice cold water.
On October 5th, I participated in the Miss America Lottery. I had to go back to Assumption College, so I was in Massachusetts while I was picking my lottery number, but I had a slew of supporters watching the lottery and helping me figure out which competition group I should be in. I was on the phone with either my mom or Nonni almost every 4 minutes. Each time a new contestant's name popped on the screen I'd get a phone call telling me "I'm sure you'll be next. I'm sure you'll be next." Well, I received at least 35 of those phone calls haha! Miss Vermont popped onto the computer screen towards the end of the lottery, and I'm really excited to say that I am VERY happy with my placement! Harry Benoit, a huge supporter of the MVSO, and I kept e-mailing throughout the process, and I'm glad that he too is happy with my group. I am in the MU group, and we joke that this group is very appropriate for our state, since MU sounds like MOO! Gregory Ellenburg gave much support during lottery with his phone calls and texts, along with many of my friends and family who were watching the lottery from their homes. My Uncle Pat and Aunt Jen did the lottery dance in Seattle, Washington. My Aunt Lisa in Cincinnati, OH was cheering for me, along with my family members in Atlanta, GA. Vermont had so much support during this process and I'm so happy with the outcome! Thank you all for your positive vibes! A special thank you to my boyfriend Mike who drove to Assumption College to sit and watch the lottery for 2 hours and then took me out for a celebratory dinner! Miss Vermont is contestant number 4 in the MU group! I feel very good about this placement...I keep seeing the number 4 everywhere! Seems like a good sign to me!
So, I believe I have caught you up from what has happened over the last couple of weeks. Other exciting news, my talent song has been approved! I just need to get the song re-recorded and we are in the process of figuring that all out. I will be dancing to "I want to go to Hollywood" from the musical, The Grand Hotel. 
With Jasmine--a kindergartener from Chamberlin
After the Harvest Festival, my mom and I had about an hour to spare before visiting with my Interim Director (hopefully soon to be my official Executive Director!), Sue Lackey. We went to Mimmo's in Essex, VT for some delicious pizza! It was at Mimmo's that I decided I would start collecting these super cute sugar packets. I have set a maximum limit of 3 sugar packets from each restaurant that carries them...I don't want seem like a crazy, sugar-stealing lady, so three seems like a good amount without crossing the line. Right? Well--why do I want to collect these I LOVERMONT sugar packets? Easy--because Vermont is filled with sweetness and I want to spread that sweetness around! Maybe this is weird, but I think it's cool--every time I travel somewhere out of Vermont, I want to randomly leave a ILOVERMONT sugar packet. I will be traveling to more states this year than I have in my entire life, so why not leave a little piece of our sweet state everywhere I go? haha! So be on the look-out when you travel away from Vermont--you may come across one of my sugar packets.
On October 2nd, I drove the 4-hour commute to Vermont from Assumption College, with only minutes to get ready before my appearance for the night. Throwing some hot-rollers in my hair, (thanks to my step-dad who plugged them in for me so they were hot when I walked into my house) I scrambled to get ready for the 5hour event. With only 5 minutes to get ready for 5 hours, I think I did ok. But hey, time is money, and as I volunteered my time at the Casino Night benefiting the Epilepsy Association, I witnessed a great deal of money being raised for this wonderful organization! From 7pm until Midnight, My step-dad Mike and I volunteered at the Elks Club where the Casino Night took place. Mike and I were asked to be Black Jack dealers, but because I've never been a gambler, I figured that I would be of much better use spinning the big wheel, rather than trying to learn how to be a Black Jack dealer in a short amount of time. Mike has a great deal experience with Black Jack (I hope he wins big while in Vegas for Miss America) and he alone was able to raise over $500. There were about 12 Black Jack dealers, along with a Roulette Table and Texas Hold'em tables, so although I don't know what the final tally was for the evening, I'm certain that the Epilepsy Association made a great deal of money for their cause! It was such a fun evening, and the time really flew by! I really enjoyed my task, it reminded me of the Price Is Right--one of my favorite shows!--and each time I spun the big wheel, I pretended I was playing in the Showcase Showdown! Lame? Ok...I'll give you that, but I had a blast! The people were so fun to mingle with, and there was a great turn out! Since the closest casino is in Montreal, a lot of people attended the Casino Night, and I think because this event raised money for charity, it gave us Vermonters all the more reasons to come out and gamble! Win or Lose it was a win/win situation. A few members of the Middlebury College Rugby Team came out to volunteer and before they left we took a picture together! What nice guys! Overall, the entire event was a great success! Before I left, the Epilepsy Association asked if I could participate in their next big event in April. The Penguin Plunge! I agreed. I will be jumping into Lake Champlain in April where there is still always snow on the ground! I'm excited, and I already get goosebumps at the thought of my feet jumping into that ice cold water.
On October 5th, I participated in the Miss America Lottery. I had to go back to Assumption College, so I was in Massachusetts while I was picking my lottery number, but I had a slew of supporters watching the lottery and helping me figure out which competition group I should be in. I was on the phone with either my mom or Nonni almost every 4 minutes. Each time a new contestant's name popped on the screen I'd get a phone call telling me "I'm sure you'll be next. I'm sure you'll be next." Well, I received at least 35 of those phone calls haha! Miss Vermont popped onto the computer screen towards the end of the lottery, and I'm really excited to say that I am VERY happy with my placement! Harry Benoit, a huge supporter of the MVSO, and I kept e-mailing throughout the process, and I'm glad that he too is happy with my group. I am in the MU group, and we joke that this group is very appropriate for our state, since MU sounds like MOO! Gregory Ellenburg gave much support during lottery with his phone calls and texts, along with many of my friends and family who were watching the lottery from their homes. My Uncle Pat and Aunt Jen did the lottery dance in Seattle, Washington. My Aunt Lisa in Cincinnati, OH was cheering for me, along with my family members in Atlanta, GA. Vermont had so much support during this process and I'm so happy with the outcome! Thank you all for your positive vibes! A special thank you to my boyfriend Mike who drove to Assumption College to sit and watch the lottery for 2 hours and then took me out for a celebratory dinner! Miss Vermont is contestant number 4 in the MU group! I feel very good about this placement...I keep seeing the number 4 everywhere! Seems like a good sign to me!
What does this mean? This is my competition order:
Monday AM--Interview
Tuesday--On-stage Question
Wednesday--Swimsuit and Evening Gown
Thursday--Talent
So, I believe I have caught you up from what has happened over the last couple of weeks. Other exciting news, my talent song has been approved! I just need to get the song re-recorded and we are in the process of figuring that all out. I will be dancing to "I want to go to Hollywood" from the musical, The Grand Hotel.
My Miss America Wardrobe is well-underway! I am in LOVE with my evening gown (or at least the sketches!) I will be flying down to South Carolina with my mom and Nonni in the beginning of November to try on my Evening Gown and Talent Costume on and I cannot wait. I am soo blessed to be working with Gregory Ellenburg. His work is breathtaking and he has done a fabulous job at capturing my personality into each piece of my wardrobe! I don't want to give too much information away because I want you all to be surprised!
I am currently typing my blog in my living room as I watch Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, compete on The Amazing Race! The heat from the wood stove is gently kissing my cheek as my feet are freezing underneath a blanket...I know fall has officially fallen. I love Vermont in the fall! The scenery is simply beautiful as all the leaves change color. We have a beautiful view of the mountains from the backyard of our house in Vergennes, and the crispness of the air outside is so refreshing! Ahh I'm so proud to call Vermont my home!
Yesterday, Saturday the 10th (Happy 11th Anniversary Dad and Katie)--I had an appearance at my old stomping grounds--Chamberlin School! When I first moved to Vermont in the 1st grade, this is the school I attended for 5 years. So many wonderful memories and it's always fun to have a reunion with all of my teachers from back in the day! I had the privilege of participating in their Harvest Festival. I remember attending this festival when I was a student at Chamberlin, so it was so great to return as Miss Vermont. I look forward to doing several appearances at Chamberlin School throughout the year. I cannot speak highly enough about this school. I think the first few words of the school song say enough: "Chamberlin School, Chamberlin School--We think you're cool! Chamberlin School, Chamberlin School--we all love you!" Aww memories!
With Jasmine--a kindergartener from Chamberlin
After the Harvest Festival, my mom and I had about an hour to spare before visiting with my Interim Director (hopefully soon to be my official Executive Director!), Sue Lackey. We went to Mimmo's in Essex, VT for some delicious pizza! It was at Mimmo's that I decided I would start collecting these super cute sugar packets. I have set a maximum limit of 3 sugar packets from each restaurant that carries them...I don't want seem like a crazy, sugar-stealing lady, so three seems like a good amount without crossing the line. Right? Well--why do I want to collect these I LOVERMONT sugar packets? Easy--because Vermont is filled with sweetness and I want to spread that sweetness around! Maybe this is weird, but I think it's cool--every time I travel somewhere out of Vermont, I want to randomly leave a ILOVERMONT sugar packet. I will be traveling to more states this year than I have in my entire life, so why not leave a little piece of our sweet state everywhere I go? haha! So be on the look-out when you travel away from Vermont--you may come across one of my sugar packets.
Meeting with Sue was great! We are on the same page for my vision of my reign and I'm so glad to have her support and guidance. She has great vision for this organization, and together, I hope we can build it up to be stronger than ever! With everything I do, I try to leave something better than when I began--and with this transitional year in terms of the leadership of our program, I believe that I can help build relationships and connections that strengthen this program for years to come. I am already 100% dedicated to this organization for the rest of my life. Miss America does amazing things for the amazing girls who participate in it. It keeps me real. I am so proud to be a Miss America girl!
It's easy for me to get off topic. Thanks for hanging in there. I visited the Red Clover after meeting with Sue and got a super-cute haircut from Mary! I loved the way my hair looked when I left the salon, however, I have yet to find a way to repeat how my hair looked yesterday. I'm trying though! Maybe tomorrow I will master the look! We'll see...
Well, I've been running around Burlington today with my mom and Nonni. We had a great shopping excursion and finished the afternoon with some interview practice. Speaking of interview, I have found out who one of my judges will be at Miss America! Rush Limbaugh, will be one of the seven judges who have the important task of choosing Miss America 2010. I am looking forward to finding out who else will be on the judging panel! I feel like January will be here before I know it.
But until then, I'm enjoying every moment and each step of the way.
Your Miss Vermont,
~Laura
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Where did the weeks go?
Oh my goodness, Vermont! I cannot believe that two weeks have gone by since I've last blogged. I have so much to catch you all up on and right now, the only words that come to mind are "I'm sorry!" I'm sorry for the delay in my communication, so to make up for it, I'm going to make this blog a 2-part series and overflow it with photos! This will be part one, look for part two soon! A picture is worth a thousand words, right?
Please enjoy the photos from two of my appearances that occurred on September 26th, 2009
STOWE OKTOBERFEST! Location: Stowe, Vermont
Cheers with Root Beers!
Sarah and I tried to get the crowd moving!
Sarah and I tried to get the crowd moving!
This little lady was so sweet! She came right up to me with a big smile and asked "Where did you buy your crown?"
My older brother Steven came to support us!
The Stowe Rotary has been a generous sponsor for the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization for years. Sarah Cramton and I were thrilled to be invited to take part in their annual Oktoberfest event where we got to ride in the parade, take part in the tapping of the keg (we only drank birch beer (root beer!)--no worries!), dance with children while a live band played on stage, and enjoy the moment with some wonderful Vermonters!
Thank you Stowe for a fun morning!
GREEN MOUNTAIN IRON DOG! Colchester, Vermont
After enjoying a few hours in Stowe, my family drove down to Colchester, Vermont for the Green Mountain Iron Dog Charity Event. This event will definitely be one of the most memorable of my year, not only because it raised money for charity in a unique fashion, but because my dog Tucker was more of the guest of honor than Miss Vermont was! Tucker's first appearance was a blast! We got to mingle with dozens of dogs who all competed in the rigorous Iron Dog competition. Tucker and I were asked to compete, but after taking into consideration that my dog has a hard enough time walking in a straight line, let alone running, we figured we would be much better at cheering on other dogs and their owners as they crossed the finish line! It was great to see so many animal-lovers, and I know Tucker enjoyed meeting new friends. Over 70 dogs competed, and all of the proceeds from the event went towards paying for the medical bills for retired police dogs.
My mom, Tucker and I!
What I love about being Miss Vermont is the fact that I can go from being in a parade in the morning and then switch into workout clothes to do an appearance with my dog in the afternoon! How cool is our state? I love that each day is uniquely different and exciting...and in Vermont, you never know what kind of appearance you'll be asked to attend next!
My mom, Tucker and I!
What I love about being Miss Vermont is the fact that I can go from being in a parade in the morning and then switch into workout clothes to do an appearance with my dog in the afternoon! How cool is our state? I love that each day is uniquely different and exciting...and in Vermont, you never know what kind of appearance you'll be asked to attend next!
Stay tuned for part 2! And most likely part 3, within the next couple of days!
~Laura
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