Alainna Belanger Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Alainna Belanger is a Registered Nurse, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Exeter. I'm so glad that

she agreed to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm sure you'll love what she has to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Alainna Belanger visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Exeter?

After I was crowned Miss Exeter I wasn’t able to celebrate like I usually do. I put on my scrubs and headed off to work for a night shift at the hospital. My coworkers were so excited when I brought in my crown and sash!

What portion of the upcoming Miss New Hampshire competition are you most nervous about?

Since this is my fourth year at Miss New Hampshire I would say I’m not nervous about much, but more excited to be back again doing what I love.

What is your favorite part about singing on stage?

I love being able to tell a story, and share my emotional connection to the piece of music I am singing. When I sing, I feel like the world stops for a moment, and I feel so at peace knowing I get to share my love and passion for music.

At a recent appearance, you were able to dress up as your favorite Disney Princess, Ariel. What makes her your favorite?

Princess Ariel has been my absolute favorite princess since I first saw the movie The Little Mermaid when I was about 3 years old. I can remember standing in front of the TV at my grandmother’s house singing along during the movie. I’ve always admired her beautiful voice, and I think that’s how I started singing too!

How did you select your platform: “The PULSE: Creating a Healthy Community”? 

When I was nine years old, my grandparents removed my sister and

I from a situation that involved my parents and drug addiction. Throughout my life I’ve faced losing my dad to a drug over dose, and my mom being in and out of rehab as well as prison. Facing so much adversity at such a young age has taught me the importance of having a strong community and has instilled a drive within me to impact others’ lives. Thus, the creation of The PULSE; Creating a Healthy Community. The PULSE stands for Preventing risky behaviors, Understanding community issues, Living healthy, Saving the vulnerable, and Educating the public. With my platform I act as a motivational speaker and tell my story to kids across the state, and also am a Disaster responder with the American Red Cross.

You currently work as a Registered Nurse. Where do you see that career taking you?

Nursing has truly become my passion, I don’t see it as work anymore. I love what I do! After working in a few different hospitals, I have found that within nursing I really enjoy helping those who suffer from addiction. I currently am in school to become a Nurse Practitioner, and hope to one day have my own practice dedicated to those suffering from substance abuse disorder.

Who was your favorite Red Sox player growing up? Why?

My all-time favorite Red Sox player growing up was none other than David Ortiz. I remember him always hitting grand slams and wishing I could have been at the game to see it! Looking back at his time on the Red Sox, I admire his leadership skills and strength he brought to the Boston community.

If you can’t sit in Section 36, where do you like to sit to watch the Red Sox?

When I can’t sit in Section 36, I like to sit on my couch watching the Red Sox with my puppy Brady (yes he’s named after Tom, sorry Ortiz)! I love spending time with my family, cooking together, and sharing our love of sports and snacking!

What are you most looking forward to about the 2018 Red Sox season?
I cannot wait to see what J.D. Martinez brings to the field, and as much as I LOVE the Sox, anything is better than last season homerun wise!

----

I know I can't wait to see what he can do either!

As always, I want to thank Alainna for visiting. She makes the second Miss Exeter in a row to visit with us, and it's alway fun to see a title progress. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They always make for a better post!

As Alainna continues her time as Miss Exeter, I encourage you to follow her on the official Facebook page. 

And, of course, I want to wish Alainna luck this spring when she competes for the Miss New Hampshire crown. It's humbling to realize how many women onstage with her this year will have visited Section 36. How awesome would it be for one of them to come out on top?

Thanks again Alainna, and good luck!

Opening Day Lineup!

Today is Baseball Opening Day! And, you know what that means…

It’s the start of Fantasy Baseball!

I realized that I haven’t shared with you the results of my draft, held on Tuesday. So, for those of you waiting for it, you’ll find it below! Just as a reminder, this is a ten team 5x5 league, with 27 roster spots. You have three keepers, and they take the place of your draft pick in whatever round you originally drafted the player. (I love that detail.) I had the seventh pick in a wraparound draft, so technically I got Mike Trout with that pick. My other keepers ere Bogaerts in the fourteenth round, and Nola in the sixteenth. Got that?

C Vazquez – Red Sox

1B Santana – Phillies

2B Baez – Cubs

3B Bregman – Astros

SS Bogaerts – Red Sox

CI Devers – Red Sox

MI Villar – Brewers

OF Trout – Angels

OF Pham – Cardinals

OF Inciarte – Braves

OF Eaton – Nationals

U Carpenter – Cardinals

U Anderson – White Sox

U Arcia – Brewers

Bench Bradley, Jr – Red Sox

SP Ray – Diamondbacks

SP Castillo – Reds

SP Arrieta – Phillies

RP Kimbrel – Red Sox

RP Rivero – Pirates

P Hand – Padres

P Iglesias – Reds

P Miller – Indians

Bench Nola – Phillies

Bench Parker – Angels

Bench Pomeranz – Red Sox

Bench Kuhl – Pirates

I didn't get as many Red Sox players as I usually do. But, I think lots of that is because most of the Sox were good enough to be kept by other teams. Betts, Benintendi, Sale, and Price never saw the light of day. I was able to add Kimbrel after deciding not to "keep" him. I also picked up Devers, probably too early. Bradley, Vazquez, and Pomeranz were three of my last four picks. So, I showed a lot more restraint than I often do.

According to projections from the league, I should finish second thanks to an elite pitching staff. (Another oddity. I sometimes don't even draft a closer. This year, not only did I draft Kimbrel in the second round, but I drafter so many closers that I can't even play them all at once.)

Can't see how the season plays out!

36 Pack Wax Match: Pack 13

The Stage has been set. The Match is underway. Who will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out.

Keep going, and open that thirteenth pack!

As we dive into this pack, 1990 has extended the lead in the match thanks to its victory in pack twelve! Can it keep extending its lead? Let's see!

We'll start with the scoring cards from the 1988 set...

Yup. That's it. A big fat zero for 1988.

Of course, that might be enough if 1990 can't break into positive values. Let's see!

Hall of Famer +1

1990 jumps right out of the gate with a Hall of Famer in Ryne Sandberg. The "dual" logos is a bit distracting, but the color scheme really works.

Red Sox +2

1990 keeps it moving wit this great Red Sox card of Joe Price. 

Hall of Famer +1

 Now it's just getting silly. Honestly not sure if I've counted Trammell before, since he's not actually inducted yet. But, it's probably a moot point.

Hall of Famer +1

Yup. Another point for 1990. Again, Fleer did a great job with the brown border surrounding a brown themed uniform. Perfect.

Mercifully that's where the scoring ends for this pack. 1990 Clams an easy 5-0 shutout of 1988.

Luckily for 1990, that's where the scoring ends! 1990 claims the slim victory to extend its lead!

Box Bottom: 1988 +1 (1-0)

Pack 1:  1990 +6 (1-1)
Pack 2:  1990 +4 (2-1)
Pack 3:  1988 +3 (2-2)
Pack 4:  1990 +1 (3-2)
Pack 5:  1990 +1 (4-2)
Pack 6:  1988 +2 (3-4)
Pack 7:  1988 +3 (4-4)
Pack 8:  TIE   +0 (4-4)
Pack 9:  1990 +2 (5-4)
Pack 10: 1990 +4 (6-4)
Pack 11: 1990 +4 (7-4)
Pack 12: 1990 +1 (8-4)
Pack 13: 1990 +5 (9-4)

What will happen next time?

From Deep in the Night (Owl)

As you're (hopefully) aware, this year Santa brought me two wax boxes. One was 1988 Fleer, one was 1990. I've enjoyed blogging about their pack battles as each pack was opened. But I was unsure what to do with the cards once I was done. I honestly did have much use for those Fleer sets, and didn't expect anyone else to either. Much to my surprise, however, Night Owl let me know that he had a wantlist for 1988 Fleer. Huh. So, once the packs were opened (spoiler alert: the wax battles aren't done in real time) I sent him a stack of cards he needed. 

He was nice enough to repay that effort by sending me a package of cards that I was eager to dive into. 

Let's see what came over.

Here's a collection of heroes from the last Red Sox world championship. When I saw the Ellsbury, my first thought was "huh. Pretty random to have one 2013 Opening Day included in the pile." That's when it hit me. My wantlist! Greg, of course, found cards I needed. So it wasn't a random Opening Day. It was one I needed! Perfect. 

A couple cards of legendary Red Sox teammates. 

I went to a Portland Sea Dogs game several years ago. I was very disappointed that Swihart had caught Owens the night before, and so neither would be in the game that day. I saw Brian Johnson instead. Of course, since then Owens's star faded, while Johnson looks like he may have a future. 

A few cards of recent Red Sox rookies. Of course, Benintendi looks like a star in the making, and Devers isn't far behind. The rookie cup on s rookie card is interesting to me. So Devers was good enough last year to make the all-rookie team, but not good enough to get a card? 

A few cards of probable 2018 rotation members. Getting a new Chris Sale is always welcomed!

And now members of the 2018 bullpen. Kelly is an interesting guy. He could be key if Alex Cora knows how to use him. 

Finally, we have some Red Sox outfielders past and present. Lots of talent from the players on these cards. Rice-Bradley-Betts would be a fun outfield. 

I can't thank Night Owl enough for this great package of cards. He really hit on the variety that makes a package special. And it's always fun to cross off lines on a wantlist!

Thanks Night Owl!

Grace Orfao Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Grace Orfao is a talented dancer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Auburn. I'm so glad that she

agreed to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm sure you'll love what she has to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Grace Orfao visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Auburn?

After being fortunate enough to be crowned as Miss Auburn, I got to go out to eat with my loving friends and family. We celebrated with great Chinese food and a toast to the new year.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Auburn?

What has surprised me most about my time as Miss Auburn (all of two months) is all of the help and support I have received from many people helping me get ready for the Miss New Hampshire pageant. With the State pageant next month there is a big time crunch with things like paperwork, wardrobe and being prepared for those tough judges interviews and on stage question!

You were able to finish in the top five at the last Miss New Hampshire competition. What did you learn from that experience that will help you this year?

With a lot of perseverance and hard work I was able to place in the top five and win overall talent at Miss New Hampshire last year. Being so young, and also a rookie, I had very little experience and or expectations. I would have been extremely appreciative and proud of myself no matter what the outcome. I learned many things not just from the program but also from the amazing women who are involved. The love and support for one another and the program is unreal and I only hope that it keeps spreading . I am honored to stand with these women again and to be able to compete for the amazing role as Miss New Hampshire.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My personal fitness routine consists of dancing almost every single

day! I have been dancing since the age of four and I chose to continue my career as a dance major at Dean College in Franklin, MA. Dancing everyday is not only fun and great workout, but it is also what I love most. Whether I am on the ground, in the air or at home in the kitchen, nine out of ten times you will catch me dancing. 

Why did you select your platform: Autism Awareness – Solving the Puzzle One Piece at a Time?

I have had an interest in Autism Awareness since I have been in the fourth grade. My mother worked as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom. This provided me the opportunity to interact with many students on the autism spectrum.  Spending time with these children, I quickly learned that they had personalities and interests like mine. My mom always showed such empathy and understanding towards her students and she inspired me. This all sparked my desire to educate my community on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

As a talented dancer, what’s your favorite part about performing on stage?

Being a dancer, my favorite part about being stage is sharing my

passion with everyone. There has always been something about being under the bright lights and having everyone in the audience put their focus on you. It gives me the opportunity to share a story and entertain people. To me, there is no better feeling in the world.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

My favorite Red Sox player has to be David Ortiz, even though he is no longer on the team, fans like my Dad and I will never forget about him. Ever since I was a little girl my Dad and I have bonded over this sport and it is something I am very grateful to have with him. Fortunate enough my family and I were at the game where Ortiz had three doubles and drove in two runs, giving him 1,119 extra-base hits to tie Hall of Famer George Brett.

Other than Section 36, where would you most like to sit to watch the Red Sox?

Other than section 36, my dream spot to sit and watch the Red Sox

play would be section 20, right near first base and where the players come out. I believe it has the most action and you really get to feel apart of the game.

What’s your prediction for the 2018 Red Sox season?

The Red Sox recently hired Alex Cora as a Manager, as well as few new players like JD Martinez. So I am confident that the Red Sox will have a very strong season just like the last. 

-------

I hope she's right! I'm looking forward to see how it all comes together.

As always, I want to thank Grace for visiting. It's always fun to learn more about a titleholder. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. There were so many, and they made the post a lot more interesting.

As Grace continues her time as Miss Auburn, I encourage you to follow her on the official Facebook page. 

And, of course, I want to wish Grace luck this spring when she competes for the Miss New Hampshire crown. I'm flattered that there will be so many women onstage with her this year who have visited Section 36. How awesome would it be for one of them to come out on top?

Thanks again Grace, and good luck!

A Sale before Sale

The Red Sox recently officially named Chris Sale their Opening Day starting pitcher. I mean, it was an easy call...but it was a call that needed to be made. So, that means the season is really closing in on us. Are you prepared?

As we all know, the best way to prepare is to get ready for some fun with Section 36! And, I can't think of a better way to do that than to show off some Section 36 gear! Do you still need some?

Lucky for you, the Section 36 store can help you! As it happens, the store is in the midst of a sale! You can take advantage of the opportunity to show your excitement level for Section 36 and the upcoming baseball season. Sounds perfect, right?

So, get something now, during this limited time sale!

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. Remember, the sale only runs through Sunday! That's right only a couple days before prices go back to their regular levels.

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, and even Instagram!

Like Kylee did to show off her amazing new tank top.

This tank is 27% off!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is 21% off!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is 30% off!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from.

What will you get?

36 Pack Wax Match: Pack 12

The Stage has been set. The Match is underway. Who will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out.

Keep going, and open that twelth pack!

As we dive into this pack, 1990 has extended the lead in the match thanks to its victory in pack eleven! Can it keep extending its lead? Let's see!

Hall of Famer +1

This it how it's done! This card of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan gives the 1990 box a point. I'm intrigued by the shoes under Ryan's arm. Is this a posed picture where the photographer added the shoes and had Ryan give that far-away look, but then didn't want to see much of the prop he added? Or was this a candid shot Fleer used as symbolism of some sort?

Whatever the meaning behind the picture, unfortunately for 1988 this was the only scoring card in the pack.

On to 1990!

Red Sox +2

 That was fast! This card of Red Sox pitcher Wes Gardner gives 1990 a quick two points, and the lead. I know I say it a lot, but the red banner just once again goes so well with the red and white home uniform.

Luckily for 1990, that's where the scoring ends! 1990 claims the slim victory to extend its lead!

Box Bottom: 1988 +1 (1-0)

Pack 1:  1990 +6 (1-1)
Pack 2:  1990 +4 (2-1)
Pack 3:  1988 +3 (2-2)
Pack 4:  1990 +1 (3-2)
Pack 5:  1990 +1 (4-2)
Pack 6:  1988 +2 (3-4)
Pack 7:  1988 +3 (4-4)
Pack 8:  TIE   +0 (4-4)
Pack 9:  1990 +2 (5-4)
Pack 10: 1990 +4 (6-4)
Pack 11: 1990 +4 (7-4)
Pack 12: 1990 +1 (8-4)

What will happen next time?

What I Collect

The unparalleled Night Owl has suggested the topic for the next (current?) Blog Bat Around. He came up with what seemed like an easy topic, but one that became more difficult as I tried to tackle it.

What I Collect.

Oh sure, that should be easy. Just rattle off all the stuff in my collection. But it's a little bit deeper than that. As I've been writing about or discussing different topics lately, I've started to wonder what it is, exactly, that I'm collecting. 

Recently, Topps released plans for a living set...or whatever they're calling it. From their Topps Now platform, they're going to just keep adding to the set. Player after player. Year after year. My first though was, "Is that still a baseball card set?" After all, if the set never ends, is it a set? Is it just constantly released photographs? I don't collect those. I collect cards. But, what makes a "card"? Because it's in a set? Why do I limit myself to cards anyway? I'm so confused.

But, I'm going to plug on ahead. This is supposed to be, I assume, a post about what kinds of baseball cards I collect. So, here we go.

1. Topps family of Red Sox cards.
This is my first topic, and I'm already wondering what it means to "collect". I would like to complete the Topps/Bowman family of Red Sox team sets for every year. I have wantlists and everything. But, I don't exactly hunt down these cards. I sort of just hope to accumulate them accidentally. Or, though trades. I can't remember the last time I bought a card just because it filled a team set need.

2. Pedro Martinez Red Sox cards from the Topps family.
This is my only current "player collection". Again, I'm not exactly knocking down doors to find new Pedro cards. But, they're definitely the most welcomed trade additions. The best player I've ever seen is always welcomed. In this case, i don't even have a wantlist, since there are so many cards and versions of cards out there. I'll just be happy with any Pedro card I can acquire. If I happen to already have it, I'll figure something out.

3. Red Sox Hall of Fame member cards.
This is a collection that rose from asking myself why I collected these things called "cards." I felt a bit...what's the word...superficial? That's not really it. But, it's not like I'm collecting civil war memorabilia or political buttons. It's was cardboard celebrating a game. But, the vintage stuff had a real appeal. In my head, it was more an artifact of a time gone by than a silly baseball card. These were time capsules that let be travel back to the 40's or farther. That was pretty cool. The idea of collecting Red Sox Hall of Fame members was a way to structure the collection, allowing me to hit different years, and brands. It's going to be a lot of fun. 

So, there you go. There's what I collect...or don't collect.

How about you?

Jana El-Sayed Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jana El-Sayed is a singer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Goffstown. I am so excited she agreed to

visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I hope you enjoy what she had to say as much as I did!

So, let’s see what happens when Jana El-Sayed visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Goffstown crown?

To celebrate winning the title of Miss Goffstown, I went out to eat with my family and close friends! I don't know how I would be competing without their support and I can't wait to have them all cheering for me at Pinkerton in less than two months as I compete for the title of Miss New Hampshire. 

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Goffstown?

Every year I gain so much from this program from interview skills to networking to building relationships with the other contestants.This year, I was blessed with my Outstanding Teen, Skyler! This program is all about being a strong role model for women of all ages and as a Miss contestant we have the special opportunity to mentor and help our teens prepare for their state pageant. Working with Skye this year has been so much fun! It was a blast watching her grow as a competitor and cheering her on as she competed for the title of Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding teen. Skye has become a little sister to me. We have a very special bond, I am so glad the Miss New Hampshire program brought us together. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

To prepare for Miss NH, I love to do high intensity interval training, it keeps me on my toes and stops me from getting bored. The Miss NH program is lucky to have a great sponsor, Integrity Health, getting us to our personal bests for competition. It's all about making your workouts fun and as enjoyable as they can be so you will want to go instead of viewing it as a chore.

As a Miss New Hampshire competition veteran, what have you learned from past competitions that will help you at Miss New Hampshire this April?

As a Miss New Hampshire veteran, I have learned it is most important to be authentic. It's all about owning your truth and who you are as a person. This program creates a lot of growth, but in order to to be successful in this program you have to be comfortable in your own skin and just be yourself. Your biggest asset is that you are you and no one else can be you, so own it! (A little Dr. Seuss wisdom).

As a talented singer, which types of songs do you most like to sing?

I started taking classical vocal lessons in the fifth grade which lead me to my passion for classical music, broadway and emotional ballads. I love to perform a ballad that I can connect with as I sing and produce beautiful tones with beautiful vowels. Classical music will always have a special place in my heart, but it is not the only genre I am interested in... I competed for the New Hampshire Country Music Association vocal competition and was honored to win New Hampshire Female Vocalist of the Year in traditional country and gospel, which would win me my ticket to nationals in Tennessee. To my surprise, I won the national competition singing Patsy Cline songs! 

How did you choose your platform, “Jana’s P.E.D.I. Hope Foundation”?

21 years ago Boston Children's Hospital saved my life and I was given my chance at life. As I got older and realized how fortunate I was to be alive, I realized my true passion was working with hospitalized children. Using my personal experience and education of child life programs and my relationships’ with child life specialists’ I created, Jana’s P.E.D.I. Hope Foundation.  My platform consists of the five pillars of child life through power of play, education, dreams, inspiration and hope.  I have traveled from coast to coast with my platform and volunteered in many different hospitals. You can often find me as Elsa performing for the kiddos!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

My favorite Red Sox player is Andrew Benintendi because of his personality! He always has so much fun and passion when he is playing baseball and his dancing never fails to make me smile. He just seems like the type of guy you want to be best friends with!

If you cant sit in Section 36, where would you like to sit to watch the Red Sox?

I would love to sit atop of the Green Monster because it's one of the most recognized places in Major League Baseball and I would love to be able to catch a grand slam from Andrew Benintendi! 

What is your favorite memory of the 2017 Red Sox season?

My favorite memory would have to be when David Ortiz had his ceremony to retire his number. It was such a big moment in history. I was lucky to be able to watch one of the greatest left handed sluggers play and retire such an icon for Red Sox fans and the Boston community. 

------

I think we all feel lucky to have been Red Sox fans during the career of David Ortiz!

As always, I want to thank Jana for visiting. It's always fun to learn a little bit more about a titleholder. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They always make an interview so much better.

As Jana continues her time as Miss Goffstown, I encourage you to follow her on the official Facebook page. You should also be sure to check out her website to learn more about her and her platform.

And, of course, I want to wish Jana luck this April when she competes for the Miss New Hampshire crown. The Section 36 family will be well represented this year. How awesome would it be for one of them to come out on top?

Thanks again Jana, and good luck!