Lauren Bradford Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Lauren Bradford is passionate about unplugging, a talented violinist, and the current Miss Alabama. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I was also excited that she was the first visitor from the state of Alabama!

So, let's see what happens when Lauren Bradford visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Alabama crown?

I celebrated by thanking Jesus. This has been something that the Father has put on my heart for so long now, and for it to be a reality is 100% and unequivocally from Him. 

As a former Miss Alabama’s Outstanding teem, do you think that national experience will help you at Miss America?

I actually never got a “national experience” as a former teen titleholder. I was 1st Runner-Up to Jessica Baeder, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2017 who went on to win Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. Because of this (go Jess!) I was afforded the opportunity to step into the role of Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen. That time, though less than a year, was incredibly transformative and made me realize that I wanted to be Miss Alabama one day. I do believe that experience gave me a better understanding of what it means to be a titleholder and how to truly make a tangible impact. 

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

The biggest thing I learned during Miss Alabama week isto never doubt God’s plan for your life. As soon as I would begin to doubt, God provided affirmation in amazing and tangible ways. He has a plan. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “UNPLUG - The Digital Diet Plan”?

I began work with my Social Impact Initiative “UNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan” when I was only 15. Growing up, it was a rule in my household that we (I’m 1 of 3 siblings) were not allowed to have a phone until we were going into high school. I spent a lot of time seeing how my peers began to overuse technology and what it was doing to their grades, communication abilities, and mental wellbeing. I wanted to spread the message about how we can use technology as a tool and integrate it into lifestyles in a healthy and balanced way. I believe connection with others is one of the most important qualities we can ever experience in this lifetime, and began to spread this message ultimately in an effort to help all ages seek and find true connection. 

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

I love sharing violin on stage because I love sharing the heart behind music. Growing up, I played violin at nursing homes for residents that had lost their memory — but they remembered every word of songs that meant so much to them in their pasts. Because of so many experiences like this, I am a firm believer that music can connect us when words cannot. 

You’ve been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What is your favorite place you’ve visited?

A very special moment during my travels so far was returning to my hometown of Gulf Shores and being recognized there. I have loved growing up on the beach, and am the very first Miss Alabama from my town and my area. It has been such an honor to represent my hometown and state now on a national stage. It also meant a lot to me to travel to Montgomery and spend time with the Governor of Alabama, and discuss our shared experiences of both of our college education at Auburn University and both of our membership in the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority as sisters. 

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

I would hands down be Princess Jasmine because she has a

pet tiger (goals) and a flying carpet (goals). 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Birmingham Barons play the Rocket City Trash Pandas, who would you take with you? Why?

I was Miss Jefferson County for almost 2 years before becoming Miss Alabama, and I would most definitely take one of my local directors Jarrod Landers because I have never met someone more invested in and obsessed with baseball. 

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

I may not be very good at it, but I’ve always wanted to throw the first pitch for a baseball game. And of course, always the snacks ;) 

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Oh, definitely the snacks! 

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

As Lauren continues her time as Miss Alabama, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Alabama website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! You should also be sure to check out the UNPLUG website to find more resources about the impacts of the overuse of technology.

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Lauren, and good luck!

Sapna Raghavan Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Sapna Raghavan is passionate about embracing diversity, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Connecticut. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 
 

So, let's see what happens when Sapna Raghavan visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Connecticut crown?
With my friends & family! I'm so glad that despite COVID-19, my family was able to gather to celebrate with me after the competition with a whole lot of good food and dance parties. It was so special to be able to spend it with them and share the excitement!

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Connecticut?
Highlighting stories from women leaders across the state is something really important to me. It can be something as small as a social media post, but spending time with these women and hearing their stories of overcoming adversities inspires me and I'd love to share them for others to learn from. 

You were previously Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen. Do you think that experience on a national stage will help you at Miss America?

Photo: CS Marchand

Definitely! My experience with this organization has prepared me for the real world and provided me with transferable skills that directly support my personal and professional development. Public speaking, budgeting, event planning, communications, social media, the list of those skills goes on and on, and I see the impact that my experience has had on my life and I'm so thankful.  

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Embracing Diversity: Overcoming Adversity”?
As an Indian American woman in business, I often found myself apologizing for using my voice, suffering from self-doubt and facing the harsh reality of unconscious bias, like many women do. It is our diversity that is our greatest strength, and it's my passion to raise awareness to the confidence gap that exists today and advocate for all women.

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?
There's a feeling you get when the music starts and you're no longer thinking about what step comes next, but you're just doing it and enjoying every second of it. It kind of feels like you're floating! That's my favorite part. It's a moment where I get to be me and just have fun!! 

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

Photo: CS Marchand

I can spend some device-less relaxation time with my family! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
I think I'd go with Moana!! Not only is it 1 of my favorite Disney movies (tied with Aladdin), but I love her adventurous spirit. I also would love to hangout with the pig and the chicken!  

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox - Yankees game, who would you take with you? Why?
My brother for sure. He makes everything fun! I'm sure we'd have a blast enjoying the game and of course, the food!!

Is there a feature or activity of a game at Fenway Park that you’d especially like to experience?
The cheering! There's a certain camaraderie that comes with watching a game when it feels like everybody is together and rooting for the same result. I love that!

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Yup. There's nothing like being part of that crowd! 

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

As Sapna continues her time as Miss Connecticut, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Connecticut website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Sapna, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 69 (613-621)

 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 69?

Red Sox Cards on the Page  

1. All those players to choose from, and only one Red Sox? At least it's a good one. 

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool 

Multi-player rookies are cool. Which is good, since that's almost all there is on this page. Cards of young Hall of Famers are cool. Can't get much younger than rookie cards of two Hall of Famers on one page with Rice and Carter. Definitely a cool page.

My favorite card on the page 

This is the easiest one yet. If you had told ten year old me that he would own a Rice rookie, I'm not sure the laughing would have stopped yet. Other than that, I'm intrigued by all the rookies. What are there, 32 rookie on this page. Of those 32, two ended up in the Hall of Fame. The rest were...nobodies? Am I missing someone? So no borderline guys. just two stars and 30 scrubs? That's one heck of a non-bell curve.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Jessica Criss Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jessica Criss is passionate about self defense, a talented singer, and the current Miss Montana. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I was also excited that she was the first visitor from the state of Montana!
 
So, let's see what happens when Jessica Criss visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Montana crown?

I had wanted to be Miss Montana since I first competed as a freshman in college, so I celebrated by video calling my mom and crying with her and the people who had come to the competition to support me!

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Montana?

I have loved how often students love learning about martial arts and how to use it to defend themselves!

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

Montana is a rough state: from the altitude, to the weather, to the wide expanse of wilderness between towns... Every single contestant at Miss Montana showed that resiliency that only can be brought about in a place like this. I hope to capture that aspect of Montana and bring it with me to Miss America, and every difficult job I have in the future. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “A Sense of Defense”?

Photo: Danielle Wineman

I grew up in a dojo (or training gym) because both my parents are third degree black belts in Japanese Jiu jitsu. For as long as I can remember, I have been discussing ways to keep myself safe, and training those skills to allow me to protect myself.  It wasn't until I attended college that I realized how few people have the ability to say they can defend themselves. As Miss Montana, I travel the state teaching basic self-defense movements with hopes that every student will continue to learn new ways to keep themselves safe. 

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

In my experience, music has impacted every single person on this earth.  From a method of self expression, to passing along tribal or generational music to connect a culture, or even teaching songs to memorize information in school!  Music seems to have a different impact on each listener.  When I sing, I love being able to connect with people.. maybe even in ways I don't yet understand!

You have a degree in equine science. Where would you like to see that degree take you?

Some day, I would love to open my own therapeutic riding facility! Every single person who would want to experience healing or transformation through the eyes of a horse will be welcome. From running after school programs, to youth camps, regular therapy, or veterans programs... I would love to show my community the same growth that I discovered through working with these beautiful creatures.

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

I love Disney! So asking which Disney Character I would want to be is difficult... Right now, I think my answer would be Jane!  I love traveling and adventure, so it would be a dream to be able to be in Africa, surrounded by animals, and swinging through the trees!  

If you had an extra ticket to a Pioneer League baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I have had the absolute pleasure of making friends with lots of baseball fans... So I think it would be a hard choice between my high school best friend, Mykah, or another Miss Montana contestant, Alissa!  Because of their love of the sport, and hilarious sense of humor, I can imagine that any baseball game with either of them would be fantastic!

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

It has been said that there is nothing more American than a home baseball game!  So to have a truly American experience, I would love to sing the National Anthem to a packed baseball stadium, standing out on the pitcher's mound!  To top it off, maybe even throw the ceremonial first pitch!?

---

Yup. That sounds perfect to me! 

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

As Jessica continues her time as Miss Montana, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Montana website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Jessica, and good luck!

2021 Topps Series 1 Blaster!

Yet another box I can't remember where it came from. Not sure if it's from the card vendor story, or not? But, where it came from isn't nearly as important as the fact that it's open and ready to be talked about.

Let's get to it!

You probably don't need to see the box, but it helps me stay organized. I guess you'll have to deal with it,

What am I going to do with yet another card of this guy? Will it ever stop?

Former Red Sox Jon Lester. Lots of pinstripes in the first two cards. With the cropping of this picture, the pinstripes sure do make things a jumbled mess.

Another former Sox pitcher. At least there's no pinstripes here. 

A chrome version of a guy having a pretty good year.

What the....another one??

A nice short print variation of the newest member of the 500 HR club.

I don't like World Series cards as much when they don't feature the Red Sox.

He's off to a bit of a rocky start to his career. But, I think he could still make this card valuable some day.

Nothing super spectacular in the box, but a couple Sox and inserts of other stars. That's about all I usually hope for.

How did your box go?

Jaelyn Wratchford Visits Section 36!

Photo: Jenny DiCola

Section 36 has another visitor! Jaelyn Wratchford is passionate about ending youth empowerment, a talented orator, and the current Miss West Virginia. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
 
So, let's see what happens when Jaelyn Wratchford visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss West Virginia crown?

After earning the job of Miss West Virginia, I celebrated with my extensive support system. None of my accomplishments would be possible without them, and it was incredibly rewarding to celebrate our hard work with them. Together we attended the Miss West Virginia Gala and recognized each candidate. It was so special to share the excitement and joy with everyone.

What did you learn about yourself during the Miss West Virginia competition that will help you at Miss America?

Competing in the Miss West Virginia Organization has taught me many things. Most importantly, it’s taught me trust-- to trust in the timing of my life, in my capabilities, and in those around me. I’ll be competing alongside 50 strong, compassionate women at the 100th anniversary of Miss America with a newfound confidence and trust in my capability to impact the world.

What part of the Miss America competition are you most nervous about?

Nerves are completely normal when beginning newadventures. I tend to get nervous about the events leading up to competition rather than the phases of competition. I worry about traveling to Connecticut, packing everything I need, checking into the Mohegan Sun, things like that. I know I will perform to the best of my ability, and I know the outcome isn’t in my hands, so I don’t worry about those things.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Investing in our Future: The Impact of Youth Empowerment”?

My social impact initiative was born from my love of West Virginia and its children. I fully believe the future of West Virginia and our nation is in the hands of our future generations, and it’s our responsibility to equip them with the tools needed for success. Our future leaders need equal access to opportunities and the confidence to utilize those opportunities.

How do you come up with the monologue to perform on stage for your talent?

The talent phase of competition is my opportunity to share anything I want with the judges, candidates, and audience. For my talent, I chose to use my passion for writing to share a message of empowerment and love. I wrote it when I was only 16 years old, and it’s grown with me during my journey in the Miss America Organization.

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

If I could be a Disney character, I’d be Belle. As a child, Belle was my favorite princess. I share her love of reading and compassion for people. When I was young, I carried a little green dictionary around with me, and I often stayed up past my bedtime reading. Belle’s library is certainly something out of a fairytale.

You’re currently double majoring in business administration and psychology. Where are you hoping those fields take you?

I’m currently earning bachelors degrees in psychology and business administration, and I’m in the process of applying to the master’s program at Shepherd University to earn my MBA. With these degrees, I plan on entering the field of strategic communications. I will use my skills to help non-profits develop in the business world, teaching them tools they need to be successful.

If you had an extra ticket to see a West Virginia Power baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra baseball ticket, I’d invite my younger brother. He’s 11 years old, and he plays baseball in a local league. He loves playing catcher and learning everything about the game. I don’t know much about baseball, but I know he’d teach me everything I’d need to know.

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

I’d love to kickoff a baseball game with the first pitch! I’m not sure the pitch would be any good as I never played softball, but the experience would be so much fun!

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I'd love to do that too! 

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

As Jaelyn continues her time as Miss West Virginia, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook account. You can also check out the Miss West Virginia website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Jaelyn, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 68 (604-612)

 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 68?

Red Sox Cards on the Page  

1. Terry Hughes making two pages in a row. 

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool 

Team cards are cool. The Yankees? They're not.

My favorite card on the page 

Boy. There's is really not a lot going on with this page. Hunt and Zamora definitely bot have a look about them. Michael and Miller don't exactly seem to be taking their acting seriously. I guess I'll go with Hendricks. Of the two catching poses, he's definitely making the most of his.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?