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

February Fun

Congratulations to the new “Miss Greater Worcester”, “Miss Shrewsbury”, and “Miss Worcester's Outstanding Teen”! On February 15th, two new local Miss-titleholders were crowned and given the chance to compete for the title of “Miss Massachusetts 2009”! Lauren Mangano, a former Miss MA contestant, put together a wonderful and entertaining pageant. I am so proud of her... I remember the first year that I competed for Miss MA, Lauren was so supportive and encouraging to me. I know that her titleholders are in great hands.

Also on February 15th, my older brother, Eddie turned 26 years old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG BRO! I love you!

Last Tuesday, I had a very busy day... For those of you who didn't know, it was “National Pancake Day” at Ihop. Between the hours of 7am and 10pm, Ihop gave away a short stack of pancakes to customers in hopes of receiving donations on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network! I was fortunate enough to stop into the Ihop in West Springfield and show my support (and eat pancakes!) Ihop and The Children's Miracle Network ended up raising $1,300,000 during National Pancake Day 2009!

After visiting Ihop, I was on my way to a GO RED for Women Fashion Show in New Bedford, MA. I was joined by Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen, Miss New Bedford and Miss Mayflower. During rehearsal, I noticed someone who looked painfully familiar... I just couldn't put my finger on how I knew him! I figured I must've met him at an appearance...maybe he was a Veteran, Police Officer, or Principal in the New Bedford area... I couldn't figure it out. UNTIL someone mentioned that he was a contestant on “THE BIGGEST LOSER” which happens to be one of my very favorite television shows! I was so star struck! My family and I watch the show together every week... When I ran out to tell me dad the news, I found him talking to Jay's brother and “Biggest Loser” partner, Mark. They were both in the Fashion Show! Of course my dad was going into detail about how much we love "The Biggest Loser". The fashion show was a great success... everyone looked smashing in their Red ensembles. Thank you to “The Crowning Touch” in New Bedford, MA for again making sure I looked like a Queen.

Love, Alicia

Happy Valentine's Day!

“Love is patient, Love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast.
It is not proud, it is not rude.
It is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil,
but rejoices in truth.
Love always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endured all things.
Love never ends. Love never fails.”
Corinthians 13:4-8
To me, this quote describes all kinds of love. Love for a significant other, love for family, love for friends, and even love for yourself.

Love, Alicia

Hasty Pudding Parade, Ari Birks, GirlScouts

Brr... It sure has been cold here in Massachusetts. I am definitely missing the warmth of Las Vegas! Since returning from Miss America, I have had the chance to catch up a little with family members and SLEEP. I've also had the opportunity to participate in many amazing events. I thought that after Miss America my schedule would slow down a bit... but boy, was I wrong!

Last Thursday, I was invited to be in Harvard University's “Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade”! The “Hasty Pudding Parade” is an annual event which honors a male and female actor for not only their achievements in the entertainment business, but their personality. Past winners include Halle Barry and Charlize Theron. This year's “Woman of the Year” is RENEE ZELLWEGER! When I found out, I was very excited. Not only is Renee talented, but she seems like a lot of fun, which would make the event even better! Each year, Miss Massachusetts is invited to ride in the car behind the “Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year” ; but this as the first year that Miss Massachusetts was invited to the “celebrity roast” afterward! My chaperone for the day was my Mema. She is a huge Renee Zellweger fan and initiated my interest in the performing arts. Little did we know that the day of the parade would be the coldest day of the year...

I wore so many layers of clothing... it is almost ridiculous. I had on tights, leggings, pants, two pairs of socks, Long sleeved “UnderArmor” (thanks to the reality show!! HAHA), a long sleeved shirt, a sweater, a shawl, and a coat. After I emerged from the warm I was alarmed to see men dressed as ladies. I was not alarmed because men were dressed as ladies, but because these ladies were wearing short skirts and short sleeved tops! This was a “Hasty Pudding Theatricals” tradition, but my oh my... those poor guys were freezing. I did my best to talk with them enough so that they could try to forget that it was below zero outside (almost impossible). Once Renee Zelleweger arrived, we got to meet with her then the parade began. After the parade, there was a celebrity roast. For those of you who do not know what a “roast” is, let me explain. It takes a special type of person to let people “roast” them. This person needs to have a good sense of humor, a fun personality, and not take themselves too seriously. Because Renee Zellweger embodies all of these elements, the roast was hilarious! She dressed in a fat suit in honor of Bridget Jones and danced the Charleston like her character from “Chicago” would have. After the show, I was informed that James Franco would be honored as the “Hasty Pudding Man of the Year” sometime next week... Hopefully I'll be around for that event! ;) haha

After retuning from Eastern Massachusetts, I received an email about an event on the following day. The event was for a young lady named Ari Birks. Ari was born with a mitochondrial disease and a benefit was being held in her honor at a Children's Museum in Holyoke, MA. When I arrived, I met Ari and her family. I instantly clicked with Ari and her sister, Mya, who agreed to be my tour guide for the evening. After mingling a bit and helping with the very successful Silent Auction, I set up an autograph table and signed photos until my hand felt like it was going to fall off. Meeting Ari, her family, and her friends made me remember the power of the spirit. I was astonished at the courage that this little girl possessed and honored that I could put a smile on her face.

My weekend did not slow down on Saturday. For lunch, my family and I went to “Red Robin”, an official sponsor for “Miss Western MA”, who generously provided us with gift cards for free burgers! After lunch, I made my way to meet with my friends, the GirlScouts of Western Massachusetts. The girls invited me to their Mardi Gras party and I couldn't wait to see them and share my experience at Miss America. These girls really are amazing. I can't even begin to tell you how many encouraging notes, emails, and gifts I receive from them. They are why I enjoy what I do and they have no idea how much they inspire me. At the party, we got to catch up with each other, frost cupcakes (YUM), play Bingo, and decorate Mardi Gras masks! Each time I visit with them, I ask them about their goals and what they can do to stay positive and achieve whatever they set their hearts on. I love being a role model, it is my favorite part of this job... that long with attending events where delicious food is available. I kid, I kid.

Love, Alicia

Miss America!

I've just returned home from Las Vegas where I competed in the 2009 Miss America Pageant. The entire experience felt like a surreal vacation with 51 of my best pals. Not only did we get to compete for the title of Miss America 2009, but we had a ton of fun experiencing Las Vegas!

On Wednesday, January 14th, I boarded a plane at Logan Airport with my Executive Director, Buffy. We decided to leave a day earlier than I as expected to arrive, so that we had time to get settled in and rest before the welcoming ceremony. Eight or so long hours later, we arrived at Planet Hollywood. After checking in to our rooms, we met up with Miss New Jersey and her traveling companion, Miss Oklahoma and her traveling companion, Miss North Dakota, Miss Oregon, and Miss South Carolina, and went to “Paris” for dinner. After we ate, we all went back to our hotel rooms and fell asleep... traveling is tiring and we had a busy day ahead!

The next day, I woke up very early (thanks to the time change) and unpacked my things while I waited for my roommate, Miss Georgia. I was very excited when she arrived! We didn't have much time to gab because our arrival ceremony was scheduled for later that afternoon. I was thrilled to see the other contestants as I lined up to be introduced! Following the ceremony, an informative meeting was held where we learned what the next couple of weeks held in store for us and where we also got to watch the last two episodes of the reality show!
Over the next few days, we rehearsed... and rehearsed... and rehearsed...and made some fabulous public appearances! We had the chance to race go-karts, see the “Phantom of the Opera”, flip pancakes for Ihop, and meet Joaquin Phoenix (who looked nothing like we were expecting)! The days were long, but I enjoyed every minute of it. We learned an opening number choreographed by Barry Lather. It was VERY different than anything Miss America has ever done. Our days began at 6am and lasted until roughly midnight. In between rehearsals and appearances, we all tried so squeeze in last minute competition prep. During rehearsal, it is hysterical to see a group of ladies reading the newspaper like the are studying for a final exam on one side of the room, then a group on the opposite side working out like they're training for a marathon! I think that all of us have learned that in order to compete for Miss America, you definitely need to have a balanced life, healthy lifestyle, and knowledge of self.

Before I knew it it was Saturday, January 24th 2009 and the beginning of the Miss America 2009 Pageant! Even though I did not make the Top15, I know in my heart that I did my absolute best that I could in every aspect of competition. I feel wonderfully about how the competition went and know that the Miss America Organization chose an outstanding representative in our MISS AMERICA 2009, KATIE STAM! Congratulations, Katie... You are an amazing young lady and I am proud to have you as our Miss America!

I feel incredibly blessed to have even walked on to the Miss America stage. Everything is put into perspective when you think of the big picture... THOUSANDS of young women compete throughout the United States to represent their state at Miss America. I was one of the lucky 52 who had the opportunity to do so this year. That is something that I will never forget. I cherish every moment that I have had with 51 of my new sisters. The women that I have bonded with as the Miss America Class of '09 are the most dedicated, ambitious, intelligent, and selfless young women in the nation.

I need to thank so many people who have helped to make my Miss America Experience what it was. First, I'd like to thank my beautiful family, friends and all of the Massachusetts Supporters who traveled to Las Vegas and experienced first hand the amazement of the Miss America Pageant with me! To everyone at home who could not make it out to Vegas, I carried a piece of each of you in my heart with me on stage! Thank you to the Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors for all of their guidance!
Special Thanks to Maria, Michelle, Raquel, and the staff of The Crowning Touch in New Bedford, MA for providing my Miss America wardrobe, to my Personal Trainer - Katie Boyd who always made sure that I was confident and prepared for anything, to Jack and Doug of Studio2000 and to everyone else who dedicated their time and talents! God Bless each and every one of you!!

Love, Alicia

Cheers to 2009!

I would like to begin this post by saying : HAPPY 2009! It is crazy how quickly time goes by... I can remember when it was the year 2000, like it was yesterday... Here I am, in the year 2009, preparing to compete for Miss America. Nuts! Isn't it? Who would have thought?!

Over the past few weeks, people have been asking me “Alicia, are you READY for Miss America?!” I tell them that I will never feel like I am completely prepared for this opportunity. How can you be? Competing at Miss America is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It feels as though there is always something else that you can do to better yourself in preparation for the experience. Personally, I think that is where the beauty of this opportunity lies. It is necessary to always push and set new standards of excellence for yourself so that when the time rolls around, you are the best YOU that you can possibly be. On that note, I have finalized and picked up my wardrobe. Participated in numerous mock interviews and current event cram sessions, Tried my best to follow a “high protein” diet and lift weights (HAHA!).

In preparation for the talent competition, I have been spending a lot of time in the dance studio. We had to rework my original dance because of the new 90 second time restraint, but I the final product is a piece that is moving and that I feel very passionate about.

Thank you to Valerie Amaral, Miss Massachusetts 2007, for providing the vocals, PD Studio for recording the track, and my brother, Eddie Zitka, for choreographing the dance. ]

When I perform my talent I know that I won't be dancing alone... Those who have contributed to my dancing career and who have helped shape me into the performer that I am will be dancing with me. Thank you all!

On Saturday night I had the special opportunity to perform my Miss America talent for the first time on stage, in front of an audience. I, along with “Miss Teen Western MA”, Amanda Morton, was invited to be a guest performer at the “Artistic Dance Conservatory Annual Charity Gala”!

There I ran into some old friends that I used to dance with and made some new ones! It was so much fun to be able to perform, watch the dancers, and speak with the audience about the Miss America Organization. I really think that this appearance was valuable preparation for the Miss America Pageant. I leave in less than two weeks and I am beginning to feel that it is crunch time!

All that is left for me to do is... PACK. Oh my. I have been dreading this... I can honestly say that I have over 14 ongoing lists of things that I cannot forget to bring to Miss America. Of course, I am bound to forget something, but I am trying my best not to. I found out that my roommate in Las Vegas will be “Miss Georgia”... Hi Chasity! I look forward to getting to know her better. Besides finishing up my Miss America Prep, I have had the opportunity to visit relatives and spend some time with my friends, which is nice.

Last Sunday, my local committee, “Miss Western Massachusetts/Greater Holyoke”, held a self-off party in my honor! It was a nice way for me to catch up with individuals who I have encountered on my “Road to Miss America”. The party was held at the Holyoke Carousel, which was a blast! I had never been, but it ended up being the perfect place for a party. During the event, I was able to mingle with family and friends, eat delicious food (Thank you Pajers, in Agawam, MA.!), and ride the carousel. Those couple of hours definitely shot my spirits to the sky and made me super excited to head to Vegas!

Thank you to the Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors, The Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors, my Parents, Friends, the Massachusetts Local Titleholders, and all of the Sponsors for their endless support!

Love, Alicia

Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone! I had such an amazing time, spent with my family. My brother, Eddie was able to come home from New York and spent a few days at home. As cliche as it may sound, the best gift that I received this year was to have my entire family together for the Holidays.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrate at my Mema and Papa's (Grandparents') house, along with my Father's side of the family. We eat Polish food and open gifts. Later in the evening, we go to my Aunt Josie's house and have Italian desserts until we are stuffed to the brim.

Christmas Day is always spent at my house. We have Christmas dinner and people come and go through the day. This year, I was asked to say the toast at Christmas dinner. It was a very emotional for me because not only was I feeling overwhelmingly blessed, but I was asking for God to watch over my family and especially my cousin who will be deployed in a couple of weeks.

My cousin Jeff joined the Army and will be stationed in Baghdad for 16 months. Having him at Christmas dinner this year was very meaningful to me. I am so proud of him for the sacrifice that he is making in effort to protect our country. He will be in the thoughts of my family... and you can bet he will be receiving a lot of letters! ;)

Merry Christmas, Everyone... Go enjoy some desserts and quality time with family and friends!

Love, Alicia

More Holiday Visits

The holiday festivities have continued! Last Wednesday, Lorraine Gorham invited me to a “Holiday Party” at Dean Vocational High School in Holyoke, MA. I did not receive much information about what this event was about, but being the “up-for-anything-type” gal that I am, I wanted to attend anyway. When I arrived at Dean Vocational, I was very excited to walk into a cafeteria filled with over 400 people who had just got back from “Bright Nights” in Springfield, MA! What a turn out! There were people of all ages present along with a live band. I was quickly whisked away to the front of the room where the band introduced me and I spoke about my job as “Miss Massachusetts”, my platform, and my preparations for “Miss America.” Then I posed for pictures and signed autographs until the event was over. My hand felt like it was going to fall off and my face felt like it was frozen in a smile, but I had so much fun that those things didn't even matter!

The next day, I was fortunate enough to visit Baystate Hospital in Springfield, MA to help “William B. Meyer, Inc.” distribute teddy bears to the patients. I met Ely Dunn and the Representatives from “William B. Meyer” on the Playdeck at Baystate Hospital. Baystate is a “Children's Miracle Network” Hospital and what makes these hospitals so great is that they really make an effort to not only improve the health of the patients, but also the quality of life of the patients. The playdeck at Baystate is like an indoor plaground for children including toys, games, and colorful paintings. It is a place for them to go where they can forget that they are in a hospital and remember that they are children. While delivering teddy bears, I met with man children and families in the hospital. I hope that I brightened their day because they indeed enriched my own.

Thank you to William B. Meyer, Inc, Ely Dunn, and Baystate Hospital. God Bless!

Love, Alicia

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

Happy Holidays to all! This is the first year that my Christmas shopping is not done by now. I guess that I have good reason to be slacking considering that I am preparing to compete for Miss America, but I still feel a tad stressed. I am a person who takes great pride in finding the “right” gift for someone and unfortunately this year, it has been slightly difficult for me to do so because I have been on the go so much.

I have had a very busy December so far. Last Thursday, I attended the lighting of my hometown's “Christmas Scene on Town Common”! The event was held in the center of West Springfield and featured the Middle School Chorus, singing Christmas Carols. I was very excited to meet up with the GirlScouts of Western MA at the event, as well! It is a wonderful feeling to build a relationship with these young girls. I am honored to be a person that can consider a role model... truly believe that with positive role models present in the lives of children, encourage a healthy level of self-esteem. I sang along with the girls and handed out candy canes to the crowd. I was impressed with how many townspeople came out for the event! When the time came for the lights to go on, I was called on stage along with West Springfield's Mayor, Edward Gibson. We counted down from 10 and at 1, the town common lit up and the crowd erupted with cheers!

From there, I continued to spread holiday cheer throughout Massachusetts! On Saturday I marched in the Christmas Parade in Fall River, MA. First off, THANK YOU Bob of Executive Mitsubishi in New Bedford, MA. for donating your time and transportation for the event! The parade included giant balloons, Santa, and even the Grinch.
After the parade, I headed to the official Salon of Miss Massachusetts, STUDIO2000. I was in dire need of a haircut... and a chat session with Jack. Right now, I need to say - Thank you, STUDIO2000! Not only does the staff provide flawless haircuts, but they are the most amazingly talented and spunky beautifiers that you will ever meet. Leaving the salon, I felt refreshed, physically and mentally, and headed off to my next appearance.

Later that evening, I was invited by the “Easton Lions Club” to help light the “Rockery” in North Easton, MA. I was very excited to find out that I would be joined by North Easton native, Katie Vatalaro – “Miss Massachusetts Teen USA”! We chatted a little bit then were led to the microphone to sing Christmas carols... I am NOT a singer and I don't know if she was either, but we made it work and hopefully entertained the large crowd that had gathered. We then counted down the the lighting of the “Rockery”, signed autographs, and took pictures. I want to wish Katie Vatalaro the very best as she continues her year as “Miss Massachusetts Teen USA” and at the “Miss Teen USA” pageant later this year!

The next day, I headed to yet another Holiday Parade... this time in the small town of Maynard, MA. It was FREEZING outside, but you never would have guessed it by the crowd that lined the streets! THANK YOU to Acton Ford for providing transportation for the event! On the way back to Western MA from Maynard, we stopped at the “Natick Collection” for dinner. I was very surprised to see large ads publicizing the reality show “Countdown to the Crown” along with video blurbs featured throughout the mall! Part of me can't believe that I will be on a reality show and part of me doesn't want to believe it! Haha All in a day's work as a state titleholder! :)

Love, Alicia