Janine Hatcher Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Janine Hatcher is passionate about the potential in our youth, a talented cellist, and the current Miss Southeastern Louisiana University. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! 

So, let's see what happens when Janine Hatcher visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Southeastern Louisiana University crown?

I spent the remainder of the evening with my family and friends who came to watch me compete. My parents treated everyone to dinner , and the next day I just enjoyed the town to kind of take everything in and begin thinking about what I wanted my year of service to look like . 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Southeastern competition that will help you whenever you compete for Miss Louisiana?

I always knew I was a great performer under pressure . During

this experience that was definitely exemplified . The talent portion of the competition I performed an excerpt of the piece John Legend performed at Former President Obama’s inauguration; that phase of competition was the first time out of all the moments I performed during our dress rehearsals , that I completed my piece without stopping. I was so ecstatic and really just learned that my biggest competition in my life is only me...my nervousness , my reluctance, and at times my own doubt are the only things that will ever hinder me from what I want to accomplish . 

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

Yes , I want to leave the crown in a better position than when I found it . I want to secure more sponsors and support for the next young woman that has this job and I am on the road to doing that . 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “R.I.P. – Respect Individual Potential”?

This campaign and cry for our youth originated in Irvington , New Jersey when my father, Dr. John. W. Hatcher III along with  city officials , administrators, teachers , students , and the late Ms. Rita Owens, decided to put a stop to the trajectory that the youth was on in that city. There are many unfortunate roads that led to adolescent youth dropping out of high school, engaging in violence , and commuting child suicide and these were at an all time high.  The community as an entity came together and  decided it was time to alter that trajectory by showing the youth in the community that if we respect one another’s individual potential while we are all here , then we won't have to keep saying “Rest In Peace” prematurely to our children who have such great potential . I chose this initiative because I see the need for this same campaign here in my home in Louisiana, where I want to call out and support the potential I see in our youth , who are the future of our state while they're still yet here and change that notion of Rest In Peace to Respect individual potential . 

As a talented cellist, what do you enjoy most about performing?

I've been performing on classical instruments since the age of

10 and the thing I've always enjoyed most is actually feeling the music and getting to perform with other instrumentalists. You really are in the moment when you get to hear the different pieces of their story coming to life in the selection of music along with the part you're playing , and the feeling is hard to describe but so tangible when I'm performing . My siblings all play classical instruments and I enjoy it most when I'm performing alongside them given how talented and gifted they are. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

My personal fitness routine has been a little more sporadic this summer with the heat and weather . I tend to monitor the weather and alter my workout session to either the morning or evening depending on the weather and what I have on my agenda that day . One thing that stays consistent is the fact that I avoid getting exercise too close to high noon or midday when it tends to be the hottest out. (Haha)

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be a Disney Character for a week , I think I would probably be Kim Possible. I’ve loved KP since I was a little girl with her fearlessness, strength, all around persona, and just “can do” attitude . I had an entire spy themed birthday party when I was 8 years old and still have her camera and night vision goggles I believe in storage somewhere (lol) . I would be Kim all the way , and spend my time getting my education, kicking bad guy’s butt everyday, and of course  hanging with my girl Monique and Ron! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Astros-Rays baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

My best friend Wallace most likely. None of the immediate

members of my family are huge baseballs fans, and I know Wallace and I would have a great time shouting the chants , predicting the outcome of the game, groaning over “bad calls” , and grabbing some grub from concessions between innings ! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? Experiencing the roar of the stadium when all the fans are singing the fight song . I think it's a special moment in which people regardless of background , religion , socioeconomic status , ethnicity , etc. are all unified and in great spirits rooting for their favorite team ! It's what I enjoy most about attending baseball games and other sporting events. 

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That’s definitely one of the best parts!!

As always, I want to thank Janine for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Janine continues her time as Miss Southeastern Louisiana University, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It’s a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Louisiana title. It would be wonderful to have Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Janine, and good luck!

2020 Topps Opening Day Blaster!

You may remember that the Easter Bunny was good to me this year, bringing plenty of card packs for me to open. I'm still working my way through the boxes. I thought I'd continue to share them with you because, well, some of you might like it.

We'll continue with the next box, a second box of 2020 Opening Day!

I'm sure you've all seen plenty of this set by now. But, you can always skip over this. Right?

So...here are the highlights...

Yup. I have the right box.

A nice foiled version of Andrew Benintendi. The red sure looks great on a Red Sox card, don't you think?

Certainly better than this dull grey does. When you see them side by side, that really stands out.

Of course, there would be no 2020 Opening Day for EdRo. One of the 36 million things that are weird when you talk about 2020. 

You can never expect to get much from a product like Opening Day. And, this box really proved that since those were the best of the bunch.

Hope your boxes went better.

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 27 (235-243)

 I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

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 27?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. Not only does this page lack Red Sox cards, but it has a Yankees card. Yuck.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Team cards are cool. Especially when they include Dick Williams as the manager.

My favorite card on the page: Probably the Garry Maddox. After all, 2/3 of the earth is covered by water, the other 1/3 by Garry Maddox. The card also pictures him as still a member of the Giants, which is neat.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Jessica Thonn Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jessica Thonn is passionate about helping those

Photo by Little Fish Photography

with mental illness, a talented musician, and the current Miss Dixie Stockshow. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! I’m just as excited that she is the first visitor to Section 36 from the state of Louisiana!

So, let's see what happens when Jessica Thonn visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Dixie Stockshow crown?

If you know me, you know that I work extremely hard in the months prior to competition, which means I am working hard in the gym and eating extra healthy. After competing at my local pageant, my first stop was a local pizza shop in Rayville, La. I devoured some well deserved carbs that night (haha). 10/10 would recommend.  

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Dixie Stockshow competition that will help you whenever you compete for Miss Louisiana?

Funny enough, I believe I learned more through my many losses than my first win. Over several years, it took me about 7 local pageants to finally obtain a “Miss” title. When I was an outstanding teen titleholder, I thought I’d never compete in Miss due to my insecurities with my body. I was also dealing with a lot of internal and mental hardships after going through so much at such an early age. After becoming brave enough to share my story regarding my struggles with mental health and sexual assault, I’ve finally gotten the courage to stand confidently and unapologetically on stage. While I do work hard to keep my body healthy and strong, I’m proud to be the girl with a thicker body and a loud voice to share my message. 

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

If I help just one person, it would be more than enough. I don’t have a monetary measurement of success. I want to leave people with a little more peace and show them unconditional acceptance and kindness. I would love to work with Mayor Cromer and our St. Tammany Parish school board in an effort to require teachers to obtain a mental health certification to better meet the needs of our adolescents, but I know with the attention being drawn to COVID-19, that may not be the priority of our local officials at this time. Personally, I think it’s perfect timing. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Why Add the Pain”?

I initially started it about 10 years ago as a platform to raise awareness and provide

Photo by Steven Palowsky

support to those who were suffering with mental illnesses. In my case, I went undiagnosed with anxiety and depression for many years, which led me to vent that negative emotion through self-harm. Once I finally got the help I needed, I wanted to use my time of darkness to spread a bit of light on others who may have been going through similar circumstances. In December 2019, I decided to open up about my experiences regarding sexual assault and rape. Since then, I have expanded my initiative to include sexual assault and rape awareness/prevention to give a voice to the voiceless and advocate for survivors. 

As a talented singer/guitarist, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I have always experienced some serious anxiety getting on stage to sing. I love public speaking, but I think the vulnerability of singing my own music in front of a large crowd gets to me. The best part is walking off stage knowing I did it- I faced yet another fear of mine. It’s small victories like these that make me feel capable of anything. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I wake up at 4am each day to go to my 5am CrossFit class. CrossFit is known to be a bootcamp style workout class, but I truly believe it is what keeps me sane during this pandemic. I also like to keep active by playing and running around with my 9 nieces and nephews - 30 minutes with them is all the cardio you need. 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Easy. Anna. She’s brave, kind, and witty. She sees the best in people that others deem as the villain. She loves her family to pieces, and she refuses to let someone hold her back from what she feels is right. Not to mention, she loves chocolate and sandwiches. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Astros-Rays baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

My boyfriend, Dustin. He is definitely one of the best baseball players I’ve ever met, but I may be a little biased. 

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

Photo by Danielle Ice Photography

As a singer, you’d expect me to say I would sing the national anthem, but my anxiety says otherwise. I am far from the best pitcher, but I would love to throw the ceremonial first pitch. I’ve always thought it would be an honor, despite my poor pitching skills. 

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I’ve always thought that would be a lot of fun!

As always, I want to thank Jessica for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Jessica continues her time as Miss Dixie Stockshow, I encourage you to check out her official and personal Instagram account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

You should also subscribe to her YouTube channel. Her videos cover a range of topics, and you should be sure to watch them all.

Also, be sure to visit the website for her SII Why Add the Pain. There's lots of great information there that you'll want to check out.

Lastly, I definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Louisiana title. It would be wonderful to have Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Jessica, and good luck!

2019 Bowman Blaster!

You may remember that the Easter Bunny was good to me this year, bringing plenty of card packs for me to open. I thought I'd continue to share them with you because, well, I just can't seem to collect enough energy to write about this season.

We'll continue with the next box, the 2019 Bowman!

Once again, excited the Easter Bunny was able to find older wax to open. I'm sure you've all seen plenty of this set by now. But, you can always skip over this. Right?

So...

See? I was telling the truth. It's 2019 Bowman.

First pack, and a big ouchie. One advantage of the shortened fake season is that it hurts a little less not having Mookie out there.

This would have been a good pull last year. And, it's still a pretty great pull this year. I just traded for Alonso in my fantasy team, so hopefully he gets himself back on track soon.

It's not a Red Sox card, or a guy on my fantasy team. But, I like this design. I think the '89 Bowman retro look works well as an insert set. As an entire set, looking through all the cards without identification on the front was really annoying. But, as a small chromed set, it looks really clean and sharp. I think.

Overall, nothing too exciting. But, a Betts and Alonso are a good start.

Bre Valdez Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Bre Valdez is passionate about the power

of music, a talented singer, and Miss Grand Isle 2021. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Bre Valdez Visits Section 36! 

What made you want to participate in the Miss VT preliminary program as Miss Grand Isle?

I have always felt passionate about movements that seek to empower women and give back to local communities, and that’s exactly what attracted me to the Miss America Organization. In the past I was a Girl Scout, and I am also a current alumni member of the Sigma Alpha Iota international music fraternity for women. "SAI" contributes to numerous charitable causes, furthering the development of music in America and throughout the world. So, naturally, when I heard about the preliminary candidate program, I was ecstatic. 

 

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

Absolutely! Being both a music major in undergrad and a recording artist, I have always been a fierce advocate for the importance of music education. Unfortunately, it is often sorely overlooked, especially in rural public schools when it comes to budgeting time. Music has changed my life, and I have seen firsthand the good that it does in the lives of others. One of my favorite quotes from the artist Jewel is, “Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it is essential to being human.” I couldn’t agree with her more. It is my hope as Miss Grand Isle to bring greater awareness to the need for well-funded and easily accessible music programs, as well as raise money for the cause through the non-profit I founded: Take Note.

 

What can you tell me about your social impact initiative, “Take Note”?

The goals of the Take Note Scholarship Fund are three fold:

1. To create a scholarship fund in which any Vermont youth aged 12-18 can apply for to go towards private music instruction. 

2. To create a fund that will be used to bring various musicians to Vermont schools to give free performances, seminars and masterclasses. 

3. Encourage an open dialogue between students, their families, and school administrations about the importance of maintaining well funded music programs and their positive impact in the lives of students. 

It is necessary, now more than ever in today’s climate, to preach the healing powers that music possesses. It brings people together regardless of age, race, gender, social, political, and economic status. It has been used both in celebration and in protest, and is a driving force for change, carrying countless voices and important movements throughout the country and the world. So, it is imperative that the younger generations have access to it. 

 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

First of all, thank you for the generous compliment! I think what I enjoy most about

performing is leaving a lasting impact on an audience. If the energy that I’m projecting on stage can be seen when I’m looking out at faces in a crowd, then I’ve done my job as an artist. I believe we all take “a little something” with us when we leave a concert. I know I did when I saw my first opera live. It impacted me on a deep, emotional level, and inspired me to pursue that level of artistry. 

 

I really enjoyed your recent single “Let Me Fall”, released as Lupyn. What can you tell me about it?

I wrote “Let Me Fall” at about 3:00am one evening when I was having trouble sleeping. I usually take a lot of time when I write music, being really thoughtful about every line and every note, but this one came to me like I had known it my whole life. It talks about my personal feelings about relationships, and how it feels to truly allow yourself to fall in love with someone. It is near and dear to my heart, and shares intimate details about my own personal monologue. 

 

Do you see more releases coming in the future?

Yes! My management and I have some very exciting projects underway. Currently I have been working with two members of the multi-platinum selling rock band Hinder (Cody Hanson and Marshal Dutton) on developing an all-new album. On September 1st I will be releasing a single from said album called “Toxic Love.” That single will be my most emotionally charged yet. It tackles the very personal topic of the toxic relationship I had with my own mother growing up, who struggled with untreated Bipolar Disorder and who was an addict. It will also include my second music video to be released ever, following my debut single “Fantasy.”

 

What are your immediate career goals?

After I finish my undergraduate degree at The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, it is my goal to attend graduate school to further my study of opera. I also plan on continuing to expand my mainstream music career, co-existing alongside my classical education. The ultimate goal is to become an established opera performer, a well-known recording artist, and to continue to be an outspoken advocate for the performing arts. 

 

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would 100% take my great-uncle Fred! He is a Red Sox fan to the grave, and my family that lives in Massachusetts never misses a game, and I mean never. It’s like a religion. I know that he would get such a kick from seeing them play up close and personal. It would likely make his year, and that is why he would absolutely be my first choice. 

 

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

Oh my goodness, I have heard so much about the stadium food they have at Fenway! I’ve seen so many of my friends post pictures of blooming onions that I’m just about ready to walk to Boston if I have to, as soon as everything with Covid-19 settles!

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The food is definitely amazing!

As always, I want to thank Bre for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As you attempt to keep up with everything Bre has going on, especially her music, I encourage you to check out her official website, Facebook, and Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track! 

You should also be sure to check out the website and Facebook account for her social impact, Take Note.

I also want to wish Bre luck when she competes for the title of Miss Vermont. It would be wonderful to have another visitor wear that crown.

Thanks again Bre, and good luck!