St. Patrick's Day

March 22nd was my Dad's Birthday! I was scheduled to ride in a parade on that morning, so I decided to have my Dad ride in the car with me. For my Dad, that would be like a Birthday gift. Seriously. My Dad loves the fact that I am Miss Massachusetts. It is really funny how much he enjoys it....

For example, one day, while driving his car, I looked on the passenger seat and there was a print out of a photo of us in a parade. I was sitting on the top of the car and my Dad was in the passenger seat. In the pic, we were both waving to the camera. On the side of the car, was a magnetic sign that was supposed to read “Miss Massachusetts”... On the picture of us, instead of the sign reading “Miss Massachusetts”, he added a “-ter” to make it read “Mister Massachusetts”! I am sure that he showed everyone at work and they all got a kick out of it, like I did! Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY! I love you very much! <3

The parade that I was involved with on the 22nd is the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the nation... The Holyoke St. Partick's Day Parade! The city of Holyoke, MA is next to my hometown, West Springfield, MA and I was looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces. The parade begins in a huge parking lot, where everyone has food/drink stations set up to stimulate mingling. When I arrived, I was greeted by Mayor Gibson of West Springfield, the 2009 West Springfield Colleen and her court and other residents including my old dance teacher, Miss Beth! Miss Beth has had such an impact on my life. She taught dance classes but also taught me about hard work, how to set goals, and how to stay committed to achieving them. It was great to see her and her children!

While waiting for the parade to begin, I got to walk around and view the different floats and talk to members of different Organizations. The wind began to pick up and everyone kept commenting on how my hair would get stuck in my crown. It was a nice convo starter :)

Anyway, the parade itself was almost 3 miles long and moved at a slow pace. While riding, I couldn't believe how many people were calling my name. “Alicia! Alicia! Alicia!” So many people in fact, that I thought that my name was on the side of the car. I was overjoyed by how well received I was! It warms my heart to know that people recognize me, my title, the work that I am doing, and the wonderful Organization that I am representing.

Later in the week, I was invited to a Children's Miracle Network Luncheon. I really enjoyed this event because I was able to inform others about the partnership between the Miss America Organization and the Children's Miracle Network. I am honored to take part in these programs that enhance the lives of so many.

Love, Alicia

Radiothon and "The Volunteers"

Last weekend I had the opportunity to once again, visit Baystate Children's Hospital. This time it was to volunteer for the annual “Radiothon”. I have participated in the “Radiothon” for the past few years and enjoy it every single time. 94.7 WMAS makes the event even more meaningful by broadcasting the stories of children who have benefited from The Children's Miracle Network during the event. At times I was almost moved to tears by these stories... Ely Dunn, the Fundraising Coordinator for CMN, allowed me to leave my phone station for a while and visit the children on the Playdeck of Baystate Hospital.

Visiting with these children always makes me realize how much I love what I do. I am in a position to make a difference in my community, state, and the lives of children. It is incredibly rewarding when I see the smiles that spread across the faces of these courageous children, who have been through so much in their young lives.


After feeling invigorated by the Baystate visit, I made my way to a concert put together by my friend Jim Berelli and the “West Springfield Veterans Council”. The concert featured a band called “The Volunteers”, who were a US Army Field Band. Their concert set featured pop, country, and rock hits, along with a Patriotic tribute to all of the Veterans in the audience. Being in attendance at this event, in the presence of so many men and women who are committed to our nation, was very humbling. After the concert, I ran into some old friends (Lida Powell and her beautiful daughters, Jim Berelli and his family, and West Springfield's Mayor Gibson) and made some new ones...including "The Volunteers" themselves and I can say that not only are they talented, but also GENUINE and SWEET!

Above, I have included an original song that "The Volunteers" performed at the concert. The song is entitled "Defenders of the Stars". For more information about the band, click here - http://www.army.mil/fieldband/pages/ensembles/vols.html







Love, Alicia

Tango!

One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned from being Miss Massachusetts, is to go with the flow. Before this experience, I needed to have everything planned and felt most comfortable knowing exactly what to expect. I've learned that if you have immerse yourself in the moment and not take yourself too seriously, you will have the most fun and connect with the most people...

A few months ago, I received an email about being a special guest at a “Dancing With the Stars” event to benefit the Jackson Mann Community Center in Boston, MA. I gladly agreed because 1.) I am a dancer. 2.) I love the television show "Dancing With the Stars". 3.) Anything that I can do to help anyone, I will do. As the event got closer, I wasn't receiving much information other than the location and time.Well, the night before I was told that I was scheduled to perform the Tango! Now, when I say I am a dancer, I mean that I am a ballet, modern, jazz, tap dancer... not Tango. I was going to be auctioned off and the highest bidder would win a dance with me. I kept thinking “that poor person who is going to be paying to dance the Tango with Miss Massachusetts doesn't know what they are getting themselves into...” When I arrived at the event, I was greeted by the other “local celebrities” including Joyce Kulhawik, Sr. Rena Foley, and Ayla Brown. In the end, my Tango was auctioned off for $275... I had a blast and met some amazing people! Thank you to the Jackson Mann Community Center for arranging this event and allowing me to take part!

The next morning was the “Miss Western MA / Greater Holyoke” Pageant. This is something that is very dear to my heart. My journey to Miss America began on that small stage at Holyoke High School when I won the title of “Miss Western Massachusetts”. This year, I really enjoyed getting to know the girls backstage and helping our Host, Eric Fisher from News40.
Congratulations to our new “Miss Western MA”, “Miss Greater Holyoke”, and “Miss Pioneer Valley” and best of luck at the Miss MA pageant!

Love, Alicia