Lauren Molella Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Lauren Molella is a dancer, a superhero fan, and the recently crowned Miss New York. She’s also

a huge..well...Yankees fan. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! Especially considering the Red Sox and Yankees face off this weekend in London! I enjoyed everything she had to say, and I’m sure you will too. 

So let’s see what happens when Lauren Molella visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New York crown?

My celebration was jumping right into fulfilling the job of Miss New York 2019. After my crowning I went straight to a dinner celebration to meet with sponsors, donors, and community officials that support women empowerment and the Miss New York Organization.  

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss New York competition that will help you at Miss America?

During every competition I have learned more about what I can handle and have gained more confidence in myself and in my strengths. During the week of Miss New York however, my sister titleholders taught me some important lessons about true friendships, what it means to inspire others, and most importantly how important it is for women to stand side by side and embrace our differences to build a better future. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss New York?

I have many goals for the year to come and hope to accomplish all

of them. Some of the overarching themes that I hope to see in my legacy next summer is growth in the organization and its mission, along with forward progress on behalf of our military members through legislation. 

How did you select your social impact initiative “Voices of Honor - Salute and Support our Military”?

Selecting my initiative for change began as a young girl but was

solidified during my time working with wounded soldiers in undergraduate schooling. Our collective Voices of Honor are so important and make a difference in the lives of our brave women and men as we Salute and Support all of our military heroes. I intend to spend the year working to implement suicide prevention statewide, address communities where risk factors such as PTSD are rampant, highlight our military women, and utilize social media and appearances to bring the people of New York to the forefront of helping our heroes. 

As an amazing dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

My favorite part of performing on stage is embracing my passion for the art and watching the faces of my audience be transported in the emotions and experience conveyed through both ballet, the music, and me. 

If you could be any superhero for a week, which one would you choose?

I am very into superheroes and choosing just one is challenging. As

a scuba diver and a big Aquaman fan I would have to pick Mera. Having the ability to explore the sea floor at will and rock her incredibly cool water powers would be a dream come true! 

As a big Yankees fan, which Red Sox player scares you the most (Yes, you have to pick one)? Why?

Currently I am most afraid of Mookie Betts for no other reason that he is a great player and could lead the Red Sox to presenting a challenge for the Yankees this year!

What is your favorite Aaron Judge memory?

Aaron Judge stands out in my memory for many fabulous game plays but one on my favorite memories of him at a Yankees player is off the field. I witnessed a moment where he stopped his day and task to sign an autograph and talk to a young fan, its moments like this that show character and truly make baseball an American staple. 

Will the Yankees be able to hold off the Sox (and Rays) and win the division this season?

Absolutely, and you can bet that Miss New York will be yelling the loudest for them all season!

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I guess we'll just have to see about that!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Lauren for doing this interview, and for providing the pictures to go along with it. They're all fantastic.

As Lauren continues her time as Miss New York, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss New York social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. 

I also absolutely want to wish Lauren luck this fall as she competes for the Miss America crown! Once again there will be several Section 36 visitors gracing the stage. It would be incredible to have her take home the title! 

Thanks again Lauren, and good luck!

Jillian Fisher Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jillian Fisher is a singer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Vermont. (She is also the sister of former

Jillian and Gretchen

visitor Carly Fisher.) I’m excited that she took the time out of her busy schedule to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Jillian Fisher visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Vermont crown?

After I was crowned Miss Vermont 2019, I spent the night with my family and friends. There were about 30 people who came out on June 1st to cheer me on. I was surrounded by love and never ending support and that meant the world to me!

What part of the Miss America experience are you most excited about?

Photo by Jon Adams Photography

I'm looking forward to meeting all of my accomplished and power house sisters at Miss America! After seeing the bond that the class of 2019 had, I'm so excited for those friendships myself!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Vermont?

There is a club amongst former Miss Vermont's known as the "251 Club" and in order to join Miss Vermont must attend an event in every city and town in the state during her year of service! I would love to join the ranks!

How did you select your social impact initiative “Fighting Addiction”?

Since I have two uncles who have battled addiction, this is something that is very close to my heart. Not only did I watch the pain they went through, but also the devastating effects it had our entire family. As Miss Vermont, I plan to travel around the state and reduce the stigma that surrounds addiction. The language we use, the perceptions we hold and the biases we have all contribute to the stigma and it can be damaging to those who are searching for recovery. I also plan to help on the ground and find ways to get Narcan, the overdose reversal medication, in the hands of more Vermonters and help find and fund more resources and recovery programs.

Photo by
Jon Adams Photography

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

Thank you for the compliment!! It may come as a surprise but I haven't been singing publicly for long at all. That being said, I enjoy finding new confidence in myself and my ability every time I step on stage!

You’re currently working on a degree in Animal Science. What drew you to that field?

Jillian and Jupiter

I can't remember a time that I didn't want to be a veterinarian. As I grew older my love for animals also developed into a love for science and medicine so I knew I wanted a course load that was as hands on as possible. The University of Vermont had just that! The Animal Science program at UVM is highly ranked, has many courses where students get to interact directly with animals, and is amazing preparation for vet school! My favorite course so far has been CREAM, where I ran the dairy herd with 15 other students. We learned how to milk cows, birth calves, make business decisions and so much more!

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Carly and Jillian

My favorite player is Mookie Betts! His energy is incredible and fans can always count on him at bat.

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway Park that you’d especially like to experience?

I would LOVE to be able to sing the National Anthem at Fenway! Singing in one of my favorite spots in New England and in front of so many people would be absolutely unreal.

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?

This is so dorky but I was sitting in my apartment with the game on

Carly, Wally, and Jillian

as I was studying for a biochemistry exam. I may have had a test but I had to watch my Sox take home the trophy!

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Sounds like the perfect reason to multi-task to me! Glad she was able to do both.

As usual, I want to give huge thanks to Jillian for doing this interview. I also want to thank her for providing the pictures to accompany the interview. They definitely make the interview a lot more fun.

As Julia continues her time as Miss Vermont, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss Vermont social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. 

I also absolutely want to wish Jillian luck this fall as she competes for the Miss America crown! Once again there will be several Section 36 visitors gracing the stage in Atlantic City. It would be incredible to have her take home the title! 

Thanks again Jillian, and good luck!

It's Sale Day!

OK. It's actually "sale several days", but you get the point.

It's finally summer out there! The last time I went to a game, I didn't have to wear my winter clothes. I was actually...what's that word...hot! I think this is how it's going to be from now on. So, be prepared! And, that means having the proper wardrobe! It's time to go shopping!

Thankfully, Section 36 is here to help!

Today through Sunday, the Section 36 store will be on sale! Don't miss this opportunity to show your support for the blog all season long! 

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 few 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! Not only would it be a great way to show the world your amazing outfit, but if you have a business or cause that needs promotion, it's an easy way to get a mention on Section 36!

Like Bridget did! (With some help from K. Garcia Productions)

This sweatshirt is on sale!

Or, like Bernadette did to show off how amazing this tank top looks on her.

This tank is on sale!

Or Phil did.

This tank is also on sale!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is on sale!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or like Allison did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

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

What will you get?

A Sweep is a Sweep

The Red Sox are on a roll. Their sweep of Baltimore this weekend extended their winning streak to five games. It feels different already. You expected them to come back yesterday, and didn't expect them to blow it.

Christian Vazquez even commented to reporters, “We're back,”

How great is that to hear? A big part of winning is believing you can win. Not always looking over your shoulder for the loss that's “sure” to come. Play loose. Play fun. Play well. It was great to hear. The Red Sox had their swagger back, and were ready to start acting like champions.

Of course, that’s not good enough for some people. A majority of the replies to the tweet reporting the Vazquez sentiment went something like, “sure, against Baltimore. Let's see how you do against Minnesota!”

Seriously? We're doing this again?

We're still doing this?

Because we had to spend all last season hearing people discount every win, saying they couldn't beat real teams, certainly not in the playoffs. Pretty much right up until they hoisted the trophy, people were convinced they couldn't win. Same thing with the Patriots. Sure they were winning games. But they’d be in trouble when they face a supposed “good” team. I saw a comment that only in Boston could beating the Chiefs not be evidence that you can beat the Chiefs. Again, right up until they held the Lombardi people were saying they couldn't do it.

I don't know why people haven't learned yet.

Because you know what good teams do? They beat bad teams. That's how it works. The 100 win teams don't win 100 games by sweeping all the other playoff teams. No, they do it by beating the bad teams. A lot. Sweeping the Orioles isn't some sign that they can only beat bad teams. It's a sign that they're doing what they need to do. Do people think the Yankees haven't been beating the Orioles? Sure they have. Lots. Do people think the Yankees have been sweeping the Red Sox? I hope not. We know they haven't. So, why this insistence that the Sox have to beat every team every time every place?

Why do the Sox have to sweep Minnesoto in order for you to believe they can win? Because, I have news for you. They probably won't. My guess would be they lose tonight. They went extra innings in their third road game, then traveled to Minnesota to play a game today against a first place team. That doesn't scream “easy victory” to me.

Of course, they could win. If “they're back” they could just keep on rolling. But, if they don't, it doesn't define the team and more than it defined the Yankees when they lost to Baltimore.

Right now, the Red Sox are rolling, and sit just 5.5 games back in the division. Their magic number to clinch the division has fallen to 97. Things are looking up.

It's good to have them back.

Alicia Capone Visits Section 36!

Photo by Rob Hare

Section 36 has another visitor! Alicia Capone cofounded a girls empowerment workshop, is a Red Sox fan, and a current member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders! I'm thrilled that she was willing to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about those topics, and a few more. I know you'll love reading what she had to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Alicia Capone visits Section 36!

You recently started StrongHER, a girl empowerment workshop, with your sister. How did that come about?

Daria and I wanted to make a positive impact in the community and realized there was no better way than to empower young girls. We noted there were many women empowerment workshops, but not many geared towards the youth and we wanted to change that! We did our research, started brainstorming and strongHER was born!

What are the goals and target audiences of StrongHER?

Our goal is to empower girls ages 11-18 years old to have the self confidence and mental toughness to achieve their goals and tackle any obstacle that comes their way!

If someone hosts one of your StrongHER workshops, what sorts if presentations/activities/etc can they expect?

Photo by Dwight Darian

In the 2 hour workshop we have, girls practice positive mindset, words of affirmation, visualization and goal setting. We like to make this fun so it’s taught through interactive lectures and activities!

You were recently selected to your second season as a New England Patriots Cheerleader. What do you think will be different about your experience this year?

I’m so grateful for another season cheering on the best team in the NFL! This year being a veteran I hope I can lead and guide the rookies through the season and help make their first year one they will never forget.

How did you celebrate making the squad?

This year I was lucky enough to be with some of the men and

Photo by Dwight Darian

women who participated in bootcamp. We got lunch and shortly after the team was announced. I was celebrating in Patriot Place with my new teammates. It was awesome!

What was the experience of cheering at Super Bowl LIII like?

I don’t even think I can put it into words as it still doesn't feel like real life! It was simple amazing and the whole experience in Atlanta is one I will never forget!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I played softball for many years and I was a catcher so of course one of my favorite players on the current roster is Christian Vazquez.

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway park that you'd especially like to experience?

I really want to catch a ball at Fenway Park. Catching a homerun ball in the Green Monster or even in section 36 would be so cool!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?

Well this is embarrassing... I was sleeping, BUT I can explain. I was watching the game Sunday night and the Sox were winning so I said to myself, "I have to be at work tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM. I should probably go to bed soon". So my plan was to set my alarm for midnight to watch the 9th inning and the celebration (since every game in the series has ended past midnight). Well of course the game got over before midnight so when my alarm woke me up I missed the 9th inning, but I was able to watch the team celebrate.

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I guess we can forgive her for sleeping through the ending. I hope she catches that ball someday!

As always, I want to thank Alicia for visiting with us. It was great hearing everything she had to say! I love the ability to combine two New England sports teams in one interview like this too.

As a way to follow along with Alicia, I suggest you visit her New England Patriots Cheerleaders bio page. It's full of great information and pictures. You should also follow her on Instagram. It's a great way to follow her journey through the season, and hopefully another Super Bowl!

You should also be sure to check out the StrongHER website and Instagram account to see more of what the program is all about!

Thanks again for the visit Alicia, and Go Pats!

Was Dustin Pedroia Any Good?

With the recent news that Dustin Pedroia is taking a break from his rehabbing, and questioning whether he'd ever play again, I thought it would be a good time to look through my scorebooks and see how Pedroia performed while I was keeping score. Was he the little spark plug superstar people seem to get no he is? Only one way to find out.

Here are his stats!

They may be hard to read, but they're a pretty solid “meh”.

It looks like I saw Pedroia come to the plate almost 200 times while I was keeping score. He reached base in 32% of those appearances.

Projected over an entire season, he would have ended with a .260-7-51 stat line while slashing .320/.365/.685. Not exactly the stuff of legends.

It's also a significant step down from his career averages. So, it's safe to say that I didn't see Pedroia at his best. It's interesting, though, because I saw him for a good chunk of time, throughout his career. You would think that I'd get a good cross section. But, alas, I got a weak hitting middle infielder.

That's too bad.

How was Pedroia while you were in the park?

Molly Andrade Visits Section 36

Section 36 has a new visitor! Molly Andrade is a dancer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Rhode Island. I was thrilled that she

was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Molly Andrade visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Rhode Island crown?

I was fortunate to have 25 family and friends attend the competition and celebrate with me at the after party! To be honest, I’m still celebrating! I am still trying to take it all in and embrace the experience.

What’s something you learned about yourself at the Miss Rhode Island competition that will help you at Miss America?

After competing for three years for Miss Rhode Island, I am grateful for the many lessons I have learned from the Miss America Organization. I have gained confidence, developed leadership skills, and frankly, sometimes learned the power and lessons of failure. These lessons will help me not only at Miss America but throughout my life. No matter how what obstacles I face, I will always get up and be ready to overcome them.

What part of going to Miss America are you most excited about?

Photo by Daniel Gagnon

I have watched Miss America since as far back as I can remember. At first, it was the beautiful dresses and the talent that amazed me. As I grew, I began to appreciate the role models these young women were and the difference they were making, and I aspired to follow in their footsteps. Now, being Miss Rhode Island, competing for Miss America and being a positive influence on others is not a role I take lightly.

How did you select your social impact statement “self-defense for women”?

One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was taking a self-defense class. The course was so empowering and encompassed so much more than just basic self-defense. After someone close to me was sexually assaulted, the reality hit that no one is invincible. To see what may be for her, a lifelong trauma, I felt compelled to do something. I chose for my school capstone’ to get the self-defense program implemented into my high school curriculum so that every female would be required to take it. My goal is to continue to work towards implementing self-defense programs and educate people about sexual assault.

As a talented Irish step dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

Perhaps being half Irish helped, but ever since I was a young girl, I

Photo by Daniel Gagnon

was mesmerized watching Irish Step Dancing. It did not take long for me to realize that Irish Step requires hours of training, stamina, and dedication, and I have loved every second of it. Dancing on stage is second nature to me as I have competed in Irish Step Dancing for the past 10 years. One of the highlights of my career was competing at two World Championships and being able to dance on a world stage doing what I love! I am so excited to showcase my talent on the Miss America stage!

You were recently able to walk in a fashion show at Rosecliff Mansion. What was that experience like?

I had the pleasure of walking in the, A Night to Remember fashion show this year for the third time! I love modeling and being able to step outside my comfort zone and try new fashion styles. This event supports students at Rogers High School in Newport and their Career and Technical Center. Being in the beautiful Rosecliff Mansion while wearing designer clothing and helping students makes this event such a fun and fulfilling evening.

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Photo by Daniel Gagnon

My favorite player is J.D. Martinez because of his offensive power. He was a key free agent pick up for the Red Sox in the pre-season before capturing the world series the following year. I love how dedicated he is to his craft and his passion for the game!

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway Park that you’d especially like to experience?

I have been fortunate enough to attend many Red Sox games in the past few years. There is nothing like the Boston Fenway Park experience! One day I hope to be able to watch a game from the Green monster! Additionally, I have always been fascinated by the manual scoreboard and I would love to be able to see and learn how it operates!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?
I am a sophomore at Endicott college in Beverly, MA and on October 28th, 2018 my friends and I were in our dorm eager to watch the Red Sox take home the title for the 9th time! There is nothing better than having our home team win the championship! There was so much excitement and pride, we were blaring Sweet Caroline!

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That sounds like a fun time to me!
As always, I want to thank to Molly for doing this interview. I think it's so much fun learning more about amazing titleholders. I also want to thank her for sending along so many fantastic pictures. They really show what the words can't.
As Molly continues her time as Miss Rhode Island, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Rhode Island social media outlets, including her official Facebook page and Instagram account. 
Of course, I also want to wish Molly luck this fall as she competes for the Miss America crown! I'm sure we'll all be watching her up on that stage!
Thanks again Molly, and good luck!