My voter registration drive has been very successful! The most rewarding part is I get the feeling that some of the voters I am registering were not going to vote on November 4th. After the conversations we have had...they will!
My most memorable story from the last two weeks however did not come from one of the high school or college campuses I visited. It came from a nursing home I visited last week. I was asked to go to Morrisville and perform for the residents. I sang some of my favorites and some of theirs. After singing, we had a question and answer time. The residents asked me many questions and one asked me about my platform. When I spoke about "Your Vote is Your Voice" and shared with them my travels registering voters I could not help but notice one woman's eyes swell up with tears. After the Q and A session, while I was signing autographs, that very elderly woman with tears in her eyes wheeled her wheelchair over to me, hugged me, and said "I remember when women could not vote. I have cast a ballot every time I could and plan on doing it again November 4th. Thank you for doing what you are doing." I have thought about that woman a lot during my travels this week. Her name was Ruth and I won't forget her.
As great as my travels have been since returning from LA, I am looking forward to having some time to prepare for Miss America. Sometimes I get so caught up in having a presence in the state I forget that in only 95 days I will be on stage at Miss America. As I move forward I pray for patience and guidance to be able to balance being the best Miss Vermont I can be while striving to walk off that Planet Hollywood stage as Miss America 2009.
With Love,
Ashley
Friday, October 24, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Your Vote is Your Voice
It is hard to believe 5 1/2 months have passed since I was crowned Miss Vermont 2008! What an incredible experience. The people, opportunities, memories, personal, and professional development of these experiences will be with me for a lifetime.
The last three weeks were spent in Los Angeles for the filming of TLC's Countdown to the Crown. There is not much I can say about the show but I can tell you that it will air on TLC in January and that I am grateful for having three weeks to form incredible bonds and friendships with some of this nation's most articulate, talented, and decorated young women.
Now I am back in VT and and it is time to hit the ground not just running but full out sprinting. Tomorrow starts my voter registration drive. There are 21 days until the election and I plan to register as many voters as I can between now and then. Young voters make up 21% of the eligible voting population. That is a political force to recon with! No candidate can ignore the issues young people face today.
Check the "appearance" page of www.missvermont.org to track my steps. I will visit two high schools and six colleges in ten days registering voters. But my quest towards a more politically active state does not end with voter registration or with 18-29 year olds. I will also be visiting elementary schools to teach younger students about the importance of political action. The Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee of the 1960's started with 4 young people hungry for change. The SNCC subsequently coordinated sit-ins, freedom rides, and non-violent marches that shaped a political era. I am excited about bringing this message to younger students because it is important for us all to remember that political involvement does not begin or end by casting a ballot. Voting is one very important tool for participating in this democracy but there are many ways to get your voice heard.
The vision of a few determined women started the movement in Seneca Falls, New york, 1848, that resulted in my right to cast a ballot. When I cast my ballot in November I will cast it remembering the fight of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her sisters in justice.
I hope you will all join me in voting!
All My Best,
Your Miss Vermont
The last three weeks were spent in Los Angeles for the filming of TLC's Countdown to the Crown. There is not much I can say about the show but I can tell you that it will air on TLC in January and that I am grateful for having three weeks to form incredible bonds and friendships with some of this nation's most articulate, talented, and decorated young women.
Now I am back in VT and and it is time to hit the ground not just running but full out sprinting. Tomorrow starts my voter registration drive. There are 21 days until the election and I plan to register as many voters as I can between now and then. Young voters make up 21% of the eligible voting population. That is a political force to recon with! No candidate can ignore the issues young people face today.
Check the "appearance" page of www.missvermont.org to track my steps. I will visit two high schools and six colleges in ten days registering voters. But my quest towards a more politically active state does not end with voter registration or with 18-29 year olds. I will also be visiting elementary schools to teach younger students about the importance of political action. The Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee of the 1960's started with 4 young people hungry for change. The SNCC subsequently coordinated sit-ins, freedom rides, and non-violent marches that shaped a political era. I am excited about bringing this message to younger students because it is important for us all to remember that political involvement does not begin or end by casting a ballot. Voting is one very important tool for participating in this democracy but there are many ways to get your voice heard.
The vision of a few determined women started the movement in Seneca Falls, New york, 1848, that resulted in my right to cast a ballot. When I cast my ballot in November I will cast it remembering the fight of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her sisters in justice.
I hope you will all join me in voting!
All My Best,
Your Miss Vermont
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Before I Go...
This week I have been getting odds and ends together for LA. I am grateful for many altruistic Vermonters for helping me prepare. Foremost, my trainer David Chess. Without David pushing me I would not feel as healthy ad happy as I do. I owe him so much! You're the best David. I also am grateful to C at Fiori Bridal for altering some cocktail and competition attire for me. These sponsorships are an asset to my preparedness.
Speaking of LA...I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a Vermonter. If the opportunity to share with the Nation what Vermont is all about arises in LA I want to be prepared. Being born, raised, and educated in the 802 gives me great anecdotal evidence of why I believe this state to be so great. A few words come to mind when describing the essence of our state...community, service, mentors, simplicity, & nature top the list, among many others. I leave for LA in two weeks. It anyone wishes to share why they love Vermont and what they believe the essence of Vermont to be please write a response. I welcome your input.
I hope this gorgeous week has treated you well. Don't forget to vote in your Primary Election on Tuesday!
Love & Blessings,
Ashley
Speaking of LA...I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a Vermonter. If the opportunity to share with the Nation what Vermont is all about arises in LA I want to be prepared. Being born, raised, and educated in the 802 gives me great anecdotal evidence of why I believe this state to be so great. A few words come to mind when describing the essence of our state...community, service, mentors, simplicity, & nature top the list, among many others. I leave for LA in two weeks. It anyone wishes to share why they love Vermont and what they believe the essence of Vermont to be please write a response. I welcome your input.
I hope this gorgeous week has treated you well. Don't forget to vote in your Primary Election on Tuesday!
Love & Blessings,
Ashley
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A Lifetime in 12 Months
One year ago today I was anxious and teary eyed as I kissed my Mom and Dad goodbye in the Boston airport. I was headed for a four month internship in Sydney, Australia. One year, two theses, one diploma, one crown, and a lifetime of life experience later I sit. As the last three weeks blur together in my mind I am finding it more and more important to take little moments to reflect on my expereinces and count my blessings. If the rest of my reign is anything like the last 12 months of my life, the moment I place my crown on my predecessor's head will be here in the bat of an eye.
That being said, I will take a few moments now to reflect on the month of August. The first week proved to be quite a thrill. I performed at South Burlington's National Night Out as well as the Family Motor Coach Association's Northeast Rally. The highlight of the week came at the Travis Roy Foundation's Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. The Travis Roy foundation raises money for spinal cord research and victim support services. I was honored to play on the Celebrity team in the opening game. To my surprise I was the only woman on the team and had to hold my own for my title and gender playing with former Red Sox players and an NHL player. Luckily for me, I played softball when I was young and spent many summer evenings in the back yard with my cousins crushing the wiffle ball. I was the lead-off batter in the bottom of the first, swung hard at the first pitch and hit a homerun! That moment was magnified because no one was expected Miss Vermont to be any good. HAH!
The next week I spent in Orlando, Florida with some of my Miss America sisters. We flew to Orlando to support our Outstanding Teen titleholders as they competed for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009. The week was packed for us Miss contestants with PR and good times. We spent one morning on The Daily Buzz morning news program, one day at Disney, one day at Seaworld, three nights watching our teen's compete, and one night at a grand fundraising soiree at a gorgeous Orlando estate. Although we did exciting things, the best part of the week was becoming friends with the rest of the women. It is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by such intelligent, accomplished, and down-to-earth ladies.
Today I sang the National Anthem at my high school's first home football game of the season. I love going back to Lyndon Institute. This will not be the last time I return this year. I am currently in the process of setting up my state-wide voter registration drive. One of those stops in October will be to Lyndon Institute.
Monday is Labor Day and I will be in Northfield in the morning to sing the National Anthem at the start of their grand Labor Day Parade. After singing, I will jump in my car and drive to Essex where I will spend the afternoon and evening meeting and greeting at the Essex Roatry Corn Booth at the Champlain Valley Fair. I look forward to eating corn on the cob, meeting with Vermonters, and getting to know some rotarians. Wednesday I will be singing the National Anthem and God Bless America during the 7th Inning Stretch of the home Lake Monsters Game. We will be selling 50/50 tickets for a fundraiser so if anyone is available and in the Burlington area come out for the game and buy lots and lots of 50/50 tickets! ;)
I have 21 days until flying to LA to film the Miss America Reality Show. After Orlando, I really look forward to spending more time with my Miss America sisters. I feel blessed that the new face of the Miss America Organization allows us ladies to spend so much time together.
In this post I would like to acknowledge the community members who came to my car wash on August 2nd. The day was a big success and I was humbled by the generosity of Northeast Kingdom-ers. THANK YOU!
Much Love,
Ashley
That being said, I will take a few moments now to reflect on the month of August. The first week proved to be quite a thrill. I performed at South Burlington's National Night Out as well as the Family Motor Coach Association's Northeast Rally. The highlight of the week came at the Travis Roy Foundation's Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. The Travis Roy foundation raises money for spinal cord research and victim support services. I was honored to play on the Celebrity team in the opening game. To my surprise I was the only woman on the team and had to hold my own for my title and gender playing with former Red Sox players and an NHL player. Luckily for me, I played softball when I was young and spent many summer evenings in the back yard with my cousins crushing the wiffle ball. I was the lead-off batter in the bottom of the first, swung hard at the first pitch and hit a homerun! That moment was magnified because no one was expected Miss Vermont to be any good. HAH!
The next week I spent in Orlando, Florida with some of my Miss America sisters. We flew to Orlando to support our Outstanding Teen titleholders as they competed for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009. The week was packed for us Miss contestants with PR and good times. We spent one morning on The Daily Buzz morning news program, one day at Disney, one day at Seaworld, three nights watching our teen's compete, and one night at a grand fundraising soiree at a gorgeous Orlando estate. Although we did exciting things, the best part of the week was becoming friends with the rest of the women. It is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by such intelligent, accomplished, and down-to-earth ladies.
Today I sang the National Anthem at my high school's first home football game of the season. I love going back to Lyndon Institute. This will not be the last time I return this year. I am currently in the process of setting up my state-wide voter registration drive. One of those stops in October will be to Lyndon Institute.
Monday is Labor Day and I will be in Northfield in the morning to sing the National Anthem at the start of their grand Labor Day Parade. After singing, I will jump in my car and drive to Essex where I will spend the afternoon and evening meeting and greeting at the Essex Roatry Corn Booth at the Champlain Valley Fair. I look forward to eating corn on the cob, meeting with Vermonters, and getting to know some rotarians. Wednesday I will be singing the National Anthem and God Bless America during the 7th Inning Stretch of the home Lake Monsters Game. We will be selling 50/50 tickets for a fundraiser so if anyone is available and in the Burlington area come out for the game and buy lots and lots of 50/50 tickets! ;)
I have 21 days until flying to LA to film the Miss America Reality Show. After Orlando, I really look forward to spending more time with my Miss America sisters. I feel blessed that the new face of the Miss America Organization allows us ladies to spend so much time together.
In this post I would like to acknowledge the community members who came to my car wash on August 2nd. The day was a big success and I was humbled by the generosity of Northeast Kingdom-ers. THANK YOU!
Much Love,
Ashley
Friday, August 1, 2008
Long Time...No Write.
I have just realized it has been half a month since I last wrote. Sorry for that. When I don't see any new comments posted I assume no one is reading the blog. Then I run into someone or hear from someone on the phone (Shauneen...ahem) who looks forward to my new posts...so here I go.
Since the great Fenway extravaganza it seems I have been here, there, and everywhere... Vermont Mountaineers Game, Rotary Speeches, Stars and Stripes Parade in Lyndonville, sang at my Church, Registered voters at the University Mall in Burlington, Sang Anthem at another Lake Monsters Game, Toured the Vermont Children's Hospital, was presented with a fundraising quilt from Lyndon State College Quilt Camp, and still managed to nanny, have voice lessons, train, do my Miss America paperwork (kinda...not done yet :0), re-do my bedroom at my folk's house, and spend two quality days at the lake house with Grammy, Dad, Mom, and cousins. woah. I think that was the longest, most incorrect sentence I have ever written. ha. Oh well, you get the point.
During the last couple week's travels there have been some stand-out moments I would like to highlight. Foremost, it was a joy to sing the National Anthem during the parade at the Stars and Stripes Festival in Lyndonville. This was my first "fly-over" experience. Mr. Axelrod of Lyndon executed a grand "fly-over" coordinated in perfect time during the last part of my singing in memory of Caledonia County state Representative Cola Hudson and Lyndon's own late Dr. Elliot. It was an honor to be part of a moment so much bigger than myself. Both of these men had such a profound impact on our community. They made contributions so great, I only hope to some day be as well respected. The second moment I would like to highlight is my experience at the Vermont Children's Hospital (VCH). Yesterday morning I toured the Hosptial at Flethcher Allen Medical Center by the Hospital's Director of Development and Children's Miracle Network Coordinator, Laura Simmers. I also met Dr. Lewis First, well-known around the state for his television spots. The VCH is quite amazing. I was not expecting to see such a cheerful and child-friendly atmosphere. The Children's Miracle Network (CMN) has focused their resources on making the children's surroundings colorful and even fun. Because of the Children's Miracle Network there are toys, games, and activities for the children to use while in the hospital. They have even provided child friendly modes of wheeled transportation for the children to use in lieu of wheelchairs, such as red wagons. I am glad to see what an impact CMN has on VCH. It makes CMN a tangible charity in my mind and one I am proud to be an ambassador for. If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network I am in need of raising an additional $250 for them. To do so please visit www.missamerica4kids.org and search my name, Ashley Wheeler. My page will appear and you can make your donation there....every little bit helps. Let's raise more than the $750 total required to compete at Miss America!
The next ten days are quite a marathon until I depart for Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and Miss workshop in Orlando, Florida. I hope to see some of you at my car wash tomorrow in Lyndonville at Guyer and Morill Real Estate, Sunday's Vermont Mozart Festival in Stowe, National Night Out in South Burlington on Tuesday, Family Motor Coach of America's Regional Rally in Essex on Thursday, the Travis Roy Foundation Celebrity Wiffle Ball Tournament in Jericho on Friday, and the Lake Monsters game on next Sunday. As of the 12th I am off to Orlando to meet my Miss America sisters and support Blaize Hall as she competes for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Oh, and in the midst of it all I turn 22 on Wednesday. My goodness did 22 years fly by...I still feel like the little girl enjoying these summer days at the power's park pool and begging Dad for 75 cents to buy an ice cream cone at Carmen's. I don't think 75 cents cuts it these days.
In today's post my voice coach Shyla Nelson gets a grand shout out. Shyla will be performing at the Vermont Mozart Festival on Sunday night in Stowe. GOOD LUCK! She also deserves great praise and gratitude for taking time to work with this un-trained vocalist week after week. THANKS SHYLA!
Love and Blessings,
Ashley
Since the great Fenway extravaganza it seems I have been here, there, and everywhere... Vermont Mountaineers Game, Rotary Speeches, Stars and Stripes Parade in Lyndonville, sang at my Church, Registered voters at the University Mall in Burlington, Sang Anthem at another Lake Monsters Game, Toured the Vermont Children's Hospital, was presented with a fundraising quilt from Lyndon State College Quilt Camp, and still managed to nanny, have voice lessons, train, do my Miss America paperwork (kinda...not done yet :0), re-do my bedroom at my folk's house, and spend two quality days at the lake house with Grammy, Dad, Mom, and cousins. woah. I think that was the longest, most incorrect sentence I have ever written. ha. Oh well, you get the point.
During the last couple week's travels there have been some stand-out moments I would like to highlight. Foremost, it was a joy to sing the National Anthem during the parade at the Stars and Stripes Festival in Lyndonville. This was my first "fly-over" experience. Mr. Axelrod of Lyndon executed a grand "fly-over" coordinated in perfect time during the last part of my singing in memory of Caledonia County state Representative Cola Hudson and Lyndon's own late Dr. Elliot. It was an honor to be part of a moment so much bigger than myself. Both of these men had such a profound impact on our community. They made contributions so great, I only hope to some day be as well respected. The second moment I would like to highlight is my experience at the Vermont Children's Hospital (VCH). Yesterday morning I toured the Hosptial at Flethcher Allen Medical Center by the Hospital's Director of Development and Children's Miracle Network Coordinator, Laura Simmers. I also met Dr. Lewis First, well-known around the state for his television spots. The VCH is quite amazing. I was not expecting to see such a cheerful and child-friendly atmosphere. The Children's Miracle Network (CMN) has focused their resources on making the children's surroundings colorful and even fun. Because of the Children's Miracle Network there are toys, games, and activities for the children to use while in the hospital. They have even provided child friendly modes of wheeled transportation for the children to use in lieu of wheelchairs, such as red wagons. I am glad to see what an impact CMN has on VCH. It makes CMN a tangible charity in my mind and one I am proud to be an ambassador for. If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network I am in need of raising an additional $250 for them. To do so please visit www.missamerica4kids.org and search my name, Ashley Wheeler. My page will appear and you can make your donation there....every little bit helps. Let's raise more than the $750 total required to compete at Miss America!
The next ten days are quite a marathon until I depart for Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and Miss workshop in Orlando, Florida. I hope to see some of you at my car wash tomorrow in Lyndonville at Guyer and Morill Real Estate, Sunday's Vermont Mozart Festival in Stowe, National Night Out in South Burlington on Tuesday, Family Motor Coach of America's Regional Rally in Essex on Thursday, the Travis Roy Foundation Celebrity Wiffle Ball Tournament in Jericho on Friday, and the Lake Monsters game on next Sunday. As of the 12th I am off to Orlando to meet my Miss America sisters and support Blaize Hall as she competes for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Oh, and in the midst of it all I turn 22 on Wednesday. My goodness did 22 years fly by...I still feel like the little girl enjoying these summer days at the power's park pool and begging Dad for 75 cents to buy an ice cream cone at Carmen's. I don't think 75 cents cuts it these days.
In today's post my voice coach Shyla Nelson gets a grand shout out. Shyla will be performing at the Vermont Mozart Festival on Sunday night in Stowe. GOOD LUCK! She also deserves great praise and gratitude for taking time to work with this un-trained vocalist week after week. THANKS SHYLA!
Love and Blessings,
Ashley
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
FENWAY PARK...OMG!
I would be remiss if I let one more day go by without pausing to reflect on my time spent at Fenway Park on Sunday. It was a true diva day.
My day began with a 5:45am wake-up. I gathered my bags and slumbered, tired-eyed, and in PJ's out to the driveway where my parent's motorhome was waiting to roll out. My first diva moment of the day came when it dawned on me that I could simply retreat to bedroom at the rear of the motorhome (dubbed "tour bus" for the day/rest of my life) and go back to bed!
At 8:00am Mom woke me, as the tour bus was half way to Boston, to start getting dressed and made-up. I stepped out of the tour bus bedroom to find my mom, dad (tour bus driver extraordinaire), grandmother, two uncles, one aunt, and two cousins smiling back at me from their seats on the couch of the tour bus.
Now, getting ready in a tour bus is not as glamorous as one might think. In fact, voluntarily placing a 450 degree flat iron one centimeter from one's skull quickly became the stupidest thing I have done in a long time. Hence, the reason you will see my hair pulled back in Fenway photos.
My second diva moment of the day came when I pulled my perfectly pressed and printed MISS VERMONT 08 Red Sox Jersey from the tour bus closet where my amazing parents had so brilliantly hung it as to not forget it or get it wrinkled. (spoiled? maybe a little?)
10am brought sound check. My mom, dad, and I were escorted into an empty Fenway Park. The only people in the park were grounds crew, Mr. Remy, and players. In fact, Dustin Pedroia stepped out of the dugout as I did my sound check and let me tell you, that was hard to look at ;). Sound check was a breeze. I am glad I practiced however because there is intense echo in Fenway and hearing my own voice after I finished a note could have thrown me off live. There is a great feeling entering the historic Fenway Park, and to enter it nearly empty and walk on the field was truly special.
After a quick lunch break with the family, at 11:45am I returned to Gate D on Yawkee Way to tape the NESN lineup. THAT WAS FUN! Dad and I were again escorted into the park, this time to find it filled with batting practice, fans, and a lot of press. We were escorted past barricades, onto the field, and into the Red Sox dugout (OMG!). I set on the bench and practiced the lineup. After a run through I was ready to get in front of the camera.
From that point until the 7th Inning Stretch (when I was set to sing God Bless America) I signed autographs and took photos with fellow Red Sox fans and many fellow Vermonters as it was VT DAY at Fenway. I was able to watch several innings of the game until two Red Sox officials came to my seats at the top of the 6th Inning to take me to the field. I sat just off 1st base waiting for the 3rd out of the top of the 7th. It is hard to believe but I was not nervous at all. I knew there were 38,000 people watching and the prospect of more watching on NESN but I was ready to sing! Soon enough the 3rd out came and I was directed onto the field. A camera was placed right in my face and I quickly decided to look past it. I faced home plate and looked up to the American flag waving in the breeze atop the green edifice with the placard which reads "FENWAY PARK". I was lost in the moment at never thought of the eyes watching and ears listening. I thought of America and Vermont and the what the words of the song meant to me.
What a thrill! Baseball...the great American pastime. The Boston Red Sox...the greatest baseball team in the world. Vermont Day...the greatest state in the nation being honored. What a day!
This post's shout out goes to the friends and family that made it to Fenway Park on Sunday (Amanda...all the way from Block Island! xo). It made the day all the more special to share it with you. Wheeler fam & FBQB2... you're the best!
This week I am traveling the state again. Monday I was in Montpelier to meet with the Secretary of States office. The meeting was a great success and I now have permission to use Secretary Markowitz slogan "Your Vote is Your Voice" as my platform name. While in the state capital I threw out the first pitch and did a meet and greet at the Vermont Mountaineers baseball game.
Yesterday I was in St. Albans for my first Rotary speech. Who knew Rotary meetings were so light hearted and fun? The St. Alban's Rotary starts out with jokes and something called happy/sad dollars (their comical version of announcements). I incorporated my experience at Fenway into my speech and my platform. As I arrived at the "one vote truly makes a difference" pitch, I got the overwhelming feeling I was preaching to the choir. As I continued, Rotary members began to point and chuckle. One of their members won a town selectman seat by one vote! Case and point!
I hope this week finds everyone healthy and happy. Please visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=RbUa34uggxw to watch the posting of my God Bless America at Fenway. If anyone is in Lyndonville on Saturday I will be riding and singing in the Stars and Stripes Parade and registering voters in the Bandstand Park immediately following.
Love and Blessings,
A
My day began with a 5:45am wake-up. I gathered my bags and slumbered, tired-eyed, and in PJ's out to the driveway where my parent's motorhome was waiting to roll out. My first diva moment of the day came when it dawned on me that I could simply retreat to bedroom at the rear of the motorhome (dubbed "tour bus" for the day/rest of my life) and go back to bed!
At 8:00am Mom woke me, as the tour bus was half way to Boston, to start getting dressed and made-up. I stepped out of the tour bus bedroom to find my mom, dad (tour bus driver extraordinaire), grandmother, two uncles, one aunt, and two cousins smiling back at me from their seats on the couch of the tour bus.
Now, getting ready in a tour bus is not as glamorous as one might think. In fact, voluntarily placing a 450 degree flat iron one centimeter from one's skull quickly became the stupidest thing I have done in a long time. Hence, the reason you will see my hair pulled back in Fenway photos.
My second diva moment of the day came when I pulled my perfectly pressed and printed MISS VERMONT 08 Red Sox Jersey from the tour bus closet where my amazing parents had so brilliantly hung it as to not forget it or get it wrinkled. (spoiled? maybe a little?)
10am brought sound check. My mom, dad, and I were escorted into an empty Fenway Park. The only people in the park were grounds crew, Mr. Remy, and players. In fact, Dustin Pedroia stepped out of the dugout as I did my sound check and let me tell you, that was hard to look at ;). Sound check was a breeze. I am glad I practiced however because there is intense echo in Fenway and hearing my own voice after I finished a note could have thrown me off live. There is a great feeling entering the historic Fenway Park, and to enter it nearly empty and walk on the field was truly special.
After a quick lunch break with the family, at 11:45am I returned to Gate D on Yawkee Way to tape the NESN lineup. THAT WAS FUN! Dad and I were again escorted into the park, this time to find it filled with batting practice, fans, and a lot of press. We were escorted past barricades, onto the field, and into the Red Sox dugout (OMG!). I set on the bench and practiced the lineup. After a run through I was ready to get in front of the camera.
From that point until the 7th Inning Stretch (when I was set to sing God Bless America) I signed autographs and took photos with fellow Red Sox fans and many fellow Vermonters as it was VT DAY at Fenway. I was able to watch several innings of the game until two Red Sox officials came to my seats at the top of the 6th Inning to take me to the field. I sat just off 1st base waiting for the 3rd out of the top of the 7th. It is hard to believe but I was not nervous at all. I knew there were 38,000 people watching and the prospect of more watching on NESN but I was ready to sing! Soon enough the 3rd out came and I was directed onto the field. A camera was placed right in my face and I quickly decided to look past it. I faced home plate and looked up to the American flag waving in the breeze atop the green edifice with the placard which reads "FENWAY PARK". I was lost in the moment at never thought of the eyes watching and ears listening. I thought of America and Vermont and the what the words of the song meant to me.
What a thrill! Baseball...the great American pastime. The Boston Red Sox...the greatest baseball team in the world. Vermont Day...the greatest state in the nation being honored. What a day!
This post's shout out goes to the friends and family that made it to Fenway Park on Sunday (Amanda...all the way from Block Island! xo). It made the day all the more special to share it with you. Wheeler fam & FBQB2... you're the best!
This week I am traveling the state again. Monday I was in Montpelier to meet with the Secretary of States office. The meeting was a great success and I now have permission to use Secretary Markowitz slogan "Your Vote is Your Voice" as my platform name. While in the state capital I threw out the first pitch and did a meet and greet at the Vermont Mountaineers baseball game.
Yesterday I was in St. Albans for my first Rotary speech. Who knew Rotary meetings were so light hearted and fun? The St. Alban's Rotary starts out with jokes and something called happy/sad dollars (their comical version of announcements). I incorporated my experience at Fenway into my speech and my platform. As I arrived at the "one vote truly makes a difference" pitch, I got the overwhelming feeling I was preaching to the choir. As I continued, Rotary members began to point and chuckle. One of their members won a town selectman seat by one vote! Case and point!
I hope this week finds everyone healthy and happy. Please visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=RbUa34uggxw to watch the posting of my God Bless America at Fenway. If anyone is in Lyndonville on Saturday I will be riding and singing in the Stars and Stripes Parade and registering voters in the Bandstand Park immediately following.
Love and Blessings,
A
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
RED (SOX) WHITE AND BLUE
Every year I put my Martina McBride CD in the player (if its not in already) to listen to "Independence Day" on the 4th of July. I just realized I did not do that this year. I am not sure why because I had plenty of time in the car on July 4th...and 3rd...and 5th...but oh well, next year I will pick up the tradition again.
This past weekend was fun fun! July 3rd I kicked off Independence weekend by registering voters and speaking on the importance of voting to a group of a few hundred young engineers at a youth engineering conference at UVM. Now, you might be asking yourself how and why I spoke to engineers about politics. The right and privledge to vote can be fused together with literally anything! Pick a hobby. Say for instance (in honor of my best friend who is currently out west working with grasshoppers) your hobby or life's work has to do with grasshoppers. Well, some of the money used to fund grasshopper research comes from the government. Case and point. Back to engineering...these young engineers will soon hold the key to our roads, power, and just about every other facet of public infastructure in the palm of their hands. So why not encourage them to go into public service? Why not encourage them to use their specialized knowledge to better the world for the rest of us?
Later on the 3rd I rode in the Independence Day Parade in downtown Montpelier with Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen, Blaize Hall. The parade was good. I am just thankful that the man in the santa suit saw governor Douglas before he saw me. I am not sure I could have taken a pie to the face with so much composure.
The 4th of July brought me to Morristown. I rode with Mr. Manosh in the parade and then wandered the festival at People's Academy, singing the anthem at the Fiddle Contest and youth concert. Morristown was a wonderful Vermont town to spend Independence Day in. The people were very kind and enthusiastic to have me there.
July 5th was spent in Lyndonville with a stop at the Burklyn Arts Council craft fair where I performed God Bless America, Anyway, and The Prayer. And just when I thought I was free and clear for an evening of peace I was called to Burlington to sing the Anthem at the Lake Monsters baseball game. I am a lucky girl having my mother on my side pushing me to do everything and anything I can to be the best Miss Vermont I can be. She was willing and enthusistic to drive me to Burlington and back that night. I kept thinking, gosh, this is only one year. I only get one 4th of July to be Miss Vermont, so I want to do everything and be everywhere I can.
And now...2 pieces of exciting news!
1. Sunday I will be singing God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch at Fenway Park as the Red Sox host the Orioles. Sunday is Vermont Day at Fenway. I am beside myself with excitement about this event. There is a special feeling inside the historic Fenway Park. To be part of the day's festivities is an honor for me.
2. I learned this week that the TLC reality show "Miss America Reality Check: Becoming Miss America" will be 8 and possibly 9 episodes this year. I will be in LA for a whole month to shoot it! It will be quite an adventure!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend. Tune into NESN and/or TBS at 1:05pm on Sunday as the Red Sox beat the Orioles and I sing to 36,000 fans and national television!
Love and Blessings,
A
This past weekend was fun fun! July 3rd I kicked off Independence weekend by registering voters and speaking on the importance of voting to a group of a few hundred young engineers at a youth engineering conference at UVM. Now, you might be asking yourself how and why I spoke to engineers about politics. The right and privledge to vote can be fused together with literally anything! Pick a hobby. Say for instance (in honor of my best friend who is currently out west working with grasshoppers) your hobby or life's work has to do with grasshoppers. Well, some of the money used to fund grasshopper research comes from the government. Case and point. Back to engineering...these young engineers will soon hold the key to our roads, power, and just about every other facet of public infastructure in the palm of their hands. So why not encourage them to go into public service? Why not encourage them to use their specialized knowledge to better the world for the rest of us?
Later on the 3rd I rode in the Independence Day Parade in downtown Montpelier with Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen, Blaize Hall. The parade was good. I am just thankful that the man in the santa suit saw governor Douglas before he saw me. I am not sure I could have taken a pie to the face with so much composure.
The 4th of July brought me to Morristown. I rode with Mr. Manosh in the parade and then wandered the festival at People's Academy, singing the anthem at the Fiddle Contest and youth concert. Morristown was a wonderful Vermont town to spend Independence Day in. The people were very kind and enthusiastic to have me there.
July 5th was spent in Lyndonville with a stop at the Burklyn Arts Council craft fair where I performed God Bless America, Anyway, and The Prayer. And just when I thought I was free and clear for an evening of peace I was called to Burlington to sing the Anthem at the Lake Monsters baseball game. I am a lucky girl having my mother on my side pushing me to do everything and anything I can to be the best Miss Vermont I can be. She was willing and enthusistic to drive me to Burlington and back that night. I kept thinking, gosh, this is only one year. I only get one 4th of July to be Miss Vermont, so I want to do everything and be everywhere I can.
And now...2 pieces of exciting news!
1. Sunday I will be singing God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch at Fenway Park as the Red Sox host the Orioles. Sunday is Vermont Day at Fenway. I am beside myself with excitement about this event. There is a special feeling inside the historic Fenway Park. To be part of the day's festivities is an honor for me.
2. I learned this week that the TLC reality show "Miss America Reality Check: Becoming Miss America" will be 8 and possibly 9 episodes this year. I will be in LA for a whole month to shoot it! It will be quite an adventure!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend. Tune into NESN and/or TBS at 1:05pm on Sunday as the Red Sox beat the Orioles and I sing to 36,000 fans and national television!
Love and Blessings,
A
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