Tamara Allard Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Tamara Allard is a higher education advocate, a talented gymnast, and the current Miss Sunfair. 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 Tamara Allard visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Sunfair crown?

In Yakima, there is this famous little drive through called Minor Burger, although the burgers are anything but minor (think so big you can’t fit them in your mouth). Immediately after the pageant I headed there to enjoy a giant batch of onion rings!

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Sunfair competition that will help you at Miss Washington?

I learned how important it is for me to represent my hometown (Yakima) and be competing in my home state. When you have dual eligibility like me (I’m eligible in Maryland and Washington due to graduate school), it can be difficult to decide where you should compete. Especially, when there is such a huge stigma surrounding “state hopping”. However, I knew when I signed up for Miss Sunfair (a title in the Miss Yakima County Organization) that I belong in Yakima. That is where I grew up and spent most of my life, that’s where my entire family is. My belief was only confirmed at the competition! It felt amazing to be surrounded by familiar faces and I am so grateful that I’m the hometown girl once more. My advice to other girls with dual eligibility is to compete in the place that feels most like home with the people who feel most like family! If you follow your heart, the judges at your local and state competition will be able to see your passion for those organizations and that’s worth everything to Miss America!

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Sunfair?

Yes! In the last couple of years, I have educated over 2,300 K-12 students about evidence-based practices that will help them prepare for Higher Education! This year, I want to double that number! So, if you are a teacher and you won’t me to speak in your classroom, please reach out!

How did you select your social impact initiative: “Preparation for Higher Education”?

When I was seven, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and deficits in executive functions. Commonly, these symptoms cause extreme difficulty in the classroom. For me this meant that I was slow to read, slow to learn math, and slow to make friends. Overall, these experiences made my early education a difficult time for me and I dreaded going to school. Who would have guessed that I would graduate, let alone go to college and eventually earn a Ph.D.? It was only because of the teachers and mentors in my life that I was able to overcome these challenges. These experiences inspired me to help other students who are struggling from academic and financial barriers on their way to higher education.

As a talented gymnast, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

In every routine I have ever performed, I always walk on my hands. It’s never quite the same, sometimes I spin in circles or do a flip out of it, but hand walking is always staple of my talent. What make it my favorite part is that, without fail, the audience goes crazy! I mean full on hooping and hollering! I live for that moment! But here’s a little secret between your readers and me, it’s one of the easiest skills in my current routine. In fact, sometimes I choreograph hand walking in so that I can catch my breath after a tumbling pass.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, which would you choose? Why?

Lilo! Who wouldn’t want a vacation to Hawaii?

What is your personal fitness routine?

As you mentioned, I’m a gymnast, so I stay fit by dancing several times a week! While, I also enjoy lifting weights and doing cardio, there is a lot of value in sport specific/functional fitness. If you can’t motivate yourself to workout in a gym, then join a dance class or take karate. Fitness doesn’t need to be one size fits all.

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

Once upon a time, I threw out the first pitch at a Yakima Pippins game. Let me tell you, it was NOT good! Therefore, I feel I must redeem myself! For this reason, it is my dream to throw out the first pitch at a Mariners game, but this time actually make it to the catcher!

You had the chance to attend a game at Camden Yards. What was that experience like?

Amazing! Camden Yards is beautiful, clean, and bursting with

O’s pride. The best part was we sat right over the dugout! Apparently, every time every time the camera took a close up of the batter you could see us in the background. I highly recommend you visit the park if you’re ever in Baltimore.

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I definitely plan to make it there as soon as I can!

As always, I want to thank Tamara for doing this interview, and for sending along the wonderful pictures. They really make the post a lot more fun.

As Tamara continues her time as Miss Sunfair, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. It’s great way to see what she’s up to during her time with the crown.

I also want to wish Tamara luck when she competes for the Miss Washington crown. It would be amazing to have a former Section 36 visitor take home that title!

Thanks again Tamara, and good luck!

List of 36: Things I’m Thankful For in 2019

As I like to do every Thanksgiving, I wanted to run down a list of things I was thankful for during the last year.

1. A(nother) Ring Ceremony

2. Jackie Bradley Jr in centerfield 
3. Xander Bogaerts putting it all together
4. Michael Chavis in Boston
5. JD Martinez picking up his option

6. People wearing Section 36 gear

7. Rafael Devers showing he’s elite

8. Completing my 1975 Topps Set

9. Pictures in Section 36

10. Christian Vázquez figuring out how to hit

11. The emergence of Eduardo “EdRo” Rodriguez 

12. Twitter followers

13. Pictures with Section 36

14. The Astros losing

15. Opening blasters

16. Instagram followers 

17. The Yankees losing

18. People who’d rather be in Section 36

19. The Yankees losing

20. Brandon Workman

21. Facebook likes

22. Sunny bleachers

23. Chris Sale's extension

24. Topps Holiday cards

25. Interviews with titleholders 

26. Mookie Betts

27. Patriots first pitches

28. Fellow bloggers

29. Souvenir sodas

30. The success of Section 36 Pageants

31. Star Wars Night

32. SGA bobbleheads

33. The emergence of Section 36 Music

34. Win wall flags

35. The promise of 2020

36. Readers like you

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 3 (19-27)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. It was a journey that had stalled for a while (as I'm sure many set builds do) after the initial burst and getting most of the cards. But, I was glad to finally put that final card in the binder.

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 3?

Red Sox Cards on the Page: 0. Another shutout. But, as I've mentioned, there are only so many pages that can have a Red Sox card, right?

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: That top row is straight fire. Koosman, who I only really knew as "the other guy on Ryan's rookie card". The Munson is just a great card. And, i can't say enough about the Fingers card, but I'll try...

My favorite card on the page: Rollie Fingers. One of the things I love about the set as a whole is the younger cards of Hall of Famers. Once again, Fingers to me is that old guy with the funny moustache. But, here is is in that great golden uniform in the prime of his career. It's like traveling back in time, and I love it,

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 2 (10-18)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. It was a journey that had stalled for a while (as I'm sure many set builds do) after the initial burst and getting most of the cards. But, I was glad to finally put that final card in the binder.

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 2?

Red Sox Cards on the Page: 0. Not shocking. There are only so many pages that can have a Red Sox card, right?

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: There are a few that stick out. The Dave Concepcion is a guy I know from 1975 World Series highlights, so it's just to have one of his cards. Love the uniform on the Bill Melton too.

My favorite card on the page: The Frank Tanana is one that reaches the top for me. I don't remember Tanana other than his years as a grizzled vet. To see him as a youngster, sporting the fantastic rookie cup just make this card fantastic.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

A Holiday Sale!

No, not a 2019 Topps Holiday Chris Sale, although that would be fun. Nope. The Section 36 store is having a sale! Just in time for the Holidays!

That's even better, isn't it?

So, whether you have been thinking about getting some gear for yourself, or want to have some to put under the tree...it's all on sale!

That's right! Today through Sunday, the Section 36 store will be on sale! Don't miss this opportunity! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. Remember, the sale only runs through Sunday! 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 Sabrina did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Or like Lauren did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

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!

Or, like Sierra 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?

2019 Topps Series 2 Blaster!

OK, so it's not quite a Topps Update box. But, it's a little bit newer than some others. Been meaning to post this one for a bit, so glad I'm finally getting the chance.

And hoping you still care...if you ever did.

Yup. It's actually a Series 2 box. Couple decent ballplayers on the cover.

Seven pacs, plus the one special patch card pack. Let's start with that one.

OK. So, decent player. But, is there anyone out there with an Honus Wagner player collection that this sort of card would appeal to? Especially since, as you may have noticed, this isn't a regular old patch card. This is a special foil numbered version. So, an Honus Wagner super-collector? Let's check out the back of this one.

 Yeah. Ok. 36/150. Maybe I can think of someone who might like that numbering.

Starting with the real packs, we get another middle infielder without much range these days. I wonder what kind of offer the Sox could make him so that he would retire. Some sort of personal services contract in order to get him out of the luxury tax calculation? Nice picture though. I wonder when they could have gotten that shot.

High fives. Low fives. Number five. I sense a theme in this pack.

Bregman must be looking for his sign before he takes his cuts.

This card is much better than the annoying Aaron Judge versions. Almost makes it worth going to Wal-Mart. I said "almost".

I like the "Franchise Feats" idea for a card set celebrating 150 years of baseball. Gives a decent excuse to add more star players into the set. I, of course, live the Benintendi card. That picture belongs in ever sports room in New England.

Not sure I need another Bob Feller reprint card. Let me rephrase that. I know I don't.

Nor do I particularly need a Rickey Henderson reprint/throwback. It's one thing to see new players on old designs. It's another to see them on designs we've already seen them on. Not sure I see the purpose. 

But, overall, a couple decent Red Sox cards in the box...including an insert. Not exactly something to write home about. But, it's not like it's a premium box. 

How did your boxes go?

Amelia Herring Visits Section 36

Section 36 has a new visitor! Amelia Herring is a mentoring advocate, a talented singer, and the current Miss Souhegan

Valley. 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 Amelia Herring visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Souhegan Valley crown? 

My best friend, who is currently Miss Strafford County 2020, and I have a tradition that after every pageant, we go out to eat at a popular diner here in New Hampshire called The Red Arrow. It just so happened that the venue for Miss Souhegan Valley was located right next door to a Red Arrow location, so myself, my best friend, and two of our other close friends all went out to eat a late night breakfast to celebrate. It was exactly the way I wanted to celebrate too--surrounded by the amazing young women that are made up of this program, and who I am fortunate enough to call not just friends, but sisters.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Souhegan Valley competition that will help you at Miss New Hampshire? 

I think that the most important thing that I learned about myself at this particular competition is to not overthink things. Miss Souhegan Valley was my 39th competition in seven years, so I was constantly used to thinking through every single detail about the day and worrying about different parts of competition that could possibly be hindering my success. On the day of Miss Souhegan Valley though, I just tried my best to let things happen and go with the flow of the day, and I overall think that made me have a better competition, a better attitude and outlook on the day, and it is definitely the type of attitude I want to take to Miss New Hampshire--not stressing about every little detail, but just remembering how fortunate I am to be there and taking everything as it comes.

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

I'd have to say that I am most nervous about is the talent

competition--the young women who compete in this organization are truly incredibly talented, so competing against that many of them at once is quite nerve-wracking! However, that is where I plan to most utilize my strategy of just doing my best and not stressing, but just letting things happen as they do.

How did you select your social impact initiative: Building Up Tomorrow's Leaders Through Mentoring? 

I selected my social impact initiative because I have been so positively affected by the many mentors that I have been fortunate to have in my life. My mentors have encouraged me, uplifted me, prayed for me, cheered with me, cried with me, and have been there every step of the way through the highs and the lows. During my year, I hope to highlight the many incredible organizations both in New Hampshire and around the country that offer these experiences to our young people, as well as to just talk to people about what it means to be a mentor and how that can overall improve the leadership skills of our young people.

As a talented singer, what is your favorite type of song to sing? 

Oh, this is a tough one! I'd have to say that my favorite type of song to sing is probably musical theatre. However, I do consider myself a pretty strong Disney karaoke contender as well--and I have recently been gaining an appreciation for jazz music and music that has been influenced by jazz.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, which would you choose? Why? 

This is another tough one, because I LOVE Disney. I would probably say Rapunzel--she is one of my absolute favorite characters; she's creative, adventurous, caring, kind, and eventually finds the courage to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means risking everything she's ever known. I think she would be a good person to channel.

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why? 

Though he no longer plays for the Red Sox, I've got to say

Jarrod Saltalamacchia. When I was younger, I used to always hear his name on TV and thought it was just the coolest thing. Now he plays for the Detroit Tigers, which interestingly enough, used to have their spring training right down the road from where I went to college!

Is there a feature or activity at a Red Sox game you would especially like to experience? 

Though it's actually a complete travesty, I've never been to a Red Sox game in person! I just went to my first MLB game this past year at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida and it was very cool, but I think that the whole experience of going to a stadium as iconic as Fenway and seeing my home team play would just overall be an amazing experience to take in--plus, I'd love to see The Green Monster in person, of course!

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

I'm actually fairly positive I was working that night--I used to be a manager at a clothing store and often times worked the night shift, but I definitely remember checking the score throughout the night so that I could stay posted!

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Hope she was able to catch as much as possible!

As always, I want to thank Amelia for doing this interview, and for sending along so many great pictures. They really make the post a lot more interesting to read.

As Amelia continues her time as Miss Souhegan Valley, I encourage you to follow her on her official Instagram account. It’s an easy to see what she’s up to during her time with the crown.

I also want to wish Amelia luck when she competes for the Miss New Hampshire crown. We've been on quite a run of former visitors winning that crown, and it would be amazing to have another former visitor take home that title!

Thanks again Amelia, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 1 (1-9)

I'm sure that you all remember that about six months ago, I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. It was a journey that had stalled for a while (as I'm sure many set builds do) after the initial burst and getting most of the cards. But, I was glad to finally put that final card in the binder.

Like many of you, I love the 1975 Topps set. There are so many cool things about it that I knew it would be the first (and probably only) vintage set I'd try and complete. The design is one of the most fun ever. There were Hall of Famers galore. There were early cards of players I only remember from later in their careers. There were recent managers from their playing days. The fact that it was short on key/expensive rookies...and I already had one of them...was just the clincher.

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. I could never dream of doing a card by card rundown...and if I could, it would never be as good as what Night Owl already put out there. But, I wanted to spend some more time with the cards. Going page by page seemed like a good compromise. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we start with page 1?

Red Sox Cards on the Page: 1. Although, I have to admit I have never heard of Rogelio Moret. But, another one of the fun things about the 1975 Topps set is that the Red Sox had a pretty memorable World Series appearance in 1975. So, it's fun to see those players in cardboard form.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: The Highlights are all wonderful. Look at that great collection of Hall of Famers to lead off the set. Those are some pretty significant Highlights too. None of those "hit two homers against the Angels in May" highlights here. A 3000 hit guy, a 3000 K guy. The steals record. A 300 K guy, and three no-hitters. Oh, and some Aaron guy did something awesome.

My favorite card on the page: The Hank Aaron record breaker. First, it's a card celebrating possibly the biggest record in sports. Second, it's a friggin Hank Aaron card. Who would have thought I'd ever have one of those? The actual card is just great too, showing Aaron in his Braves uniform and adding the fantastic "all-star" star in the corner. What a perfect way to lead off the set.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?