Jude Maboné Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Jude Maboné is passionate about heart health, an avid traveler, and the current Miss District of Columbia. 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 Jude Maboné visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss District of Columbia crown?

After being crowned, I headed to Ristorante iRicchi, a woman-owned, Tuscan restaurant, and Miss District of Columbia Organization sponsor for an afterparty with my family and friends. It was a perfect DC night so we mingled outside on the piazza. I didn't have much time to eat so fortunately the staff packed me a large box of pasta to take home! In the first few days after crowing, I continued my celebration by reaching out to people who played a part in my story and thanking them for helping me get to this point. The crown I wear is a reflection of the people who have invested in me and believed in me from the very beginning so it was important to me that I let them all know how much I value their support.

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

I am really excited to perform my talent. It's not every day that I have a captive audience for 90 seconds that I can serenade. I love to perform and am excited to share my talent with a wider audience. Outside of the actual competition, I am looking forward to connecting with the other women in this program. I have met my best friends competing in pageants and I'm hoping I find some other really good friends this year!

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

If I can get even one person to get a preemptive heart screening that's enough for me, but of course I want to get as many people as I can to check their hearts. I work with some really cool organizations that make this easy and accessible and am excited to see how we can scale our work during this year so that we can protect more hearts and save more lives.

How did you select your “heart health” community service initiative?

I had my first heart attack when I was sixteen years old. I was on a standard five mile run during a summer cross country practice when I started having chest pains, profuse sweating, and trouble breathing. Without a cellphone and with nowhere to go I made my way a mile back to my high school and was rushed to the hospital. This would be the first of six heart attacks that occurred within the next two years of my life. I am someone who is living with heart disease but by the grace of God and good medicine I am also thriving with heart disease. 

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans nationwide but receives very little funding. I believe that's due in part to the stigma around it. People are taught to believe that heart disease is a symptom of poor life choices but that's not true. I'm hopeful that by sharing my story and offering tangible ways to protect hearts and save lives more people will get preemptive heart screenings, and become CPR and AED aware. I'm also hoping that my continued lobbying will lead to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act being passed in more states and that more research dollars will be allocated to heart disease. 

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I love connecting with the story of my song and personifying the music. I often forget that I'm doing a pageant while performing my talent because I get so into the music. I don't frequently have an audience to sing opera or classical music to so I love to soak up every second of it. I've always been a very expressive person, especially with my face, so when you're watching my talent watch my face because if I'm doing it right, it will tell the whole story of the song.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I'm an avid runner and weightlifter. I love to feel strong and I love the way I feel after a hard workout. I typically run and lift about five days a week, but if it's too hot or too cold you can find me on the Peloton. 

As an avid traveler, what’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

This is a tough one! I recently spent a few weeks in Japan which was amazing but I also love Germany and Italy a lot. I was an international studies major at American University so I'm a total culture geek. If we're talking about domestic travel then it's got to be Palm Springs, California. That's my happy place and my favorite place outside of the District of Columbia. 

What were you doing when the Washington Nationals won the 2019 World Series?

Screaming my head off with joy! I went to game 4 of the playoffs (we lost) and was really worried that we weren't going to win but they turned it around and it was awesome. I'm pretty sure I lost my voice during that game. Fortunately, all of my neighbors were also screaming so no one called a noise complaint. 

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

I have always wanted to throw the first pitch at a game. I was a division I track and cross country athlete so hand-eye coordination is not exactly my strength, but I've always thought that would be a fun bucket list item to cross off. I would also love to race the presidents at a Nats game. Hey, Nationals, give me a call!

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That would be so much fun!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Jude during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Jude, and good luck!

2023 Topps Heritage Blaster!

I have a love hate relationship with the Heritage brand. On one side, I like the classic designs. I keep saying that some of my favorite insert sets from the last few years are the throwback designs...even the 1987s. I just wish Topps would stop using the Heritage designs in other sets. It’s not so bad with the 74 design. But others have already shown up as inserts or on Archives so much it’s no longer special. How hard would it be to have Heritage plod along in the seventies...Archives can be one set from the 90s, 00s, 10s, and the insert sets from the 50s, 60s, and 80s. Heck, they can all be the threes. So, 74 for Heritage. Archives can have 94, 04, and 14, while you can have inserts sets from 54, 64, and 84. That way each design is only used every ten years. That could work.

But, I digress. How about this box of Heritage showing the 1974 design? Let's see how it went.

Here’s the box!

And the packs with the retro design. 

Maybe not the best start to a box ever. Not sure what happed with Kluber. He was a .500 pitcher in Tampa last season. Why was he a hot mess in Boston?

At least this is a rookie card. 

A very underrated member of the Sox, for sure. 

This card is just mean. If I want Devers, I’m forced to have Machado?

Speaking of Devers, I wonder what he’s thinking here. 

And there you have it. A couple stars, a rookie, and some meh. 

How did your box go?

Sydney Helgeson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Sydney Helgeson is passionate about strong communities, a talented performer, and the current Miss North Dakota. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Sydney Helgeson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss North Dakota crown?

After participating in the Miss North Dakota Organization for 11 years, it was an absolute honor to be crowned on our 75th Diamond Anniversary. After a week-long competition, I was excited to celebrate with my family and friends who came to Williston to cheer me on as I pursued this dream of mine. The Miss North Dakota sisterhood is strong and it was incredibly special to celebrate with the more than 30 forever Miss North Dakota's who came back for this year's competition.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss North Dakota Competition that will help you at Miss America?

I learned to trust in my preparation and the Lord's plan for me. Serving as Miss North Dakota is a goal that I have spent years working towards and I had to believe that I was ready and let my passion shine through to the judges. At Miss America, I plan to trust in my purpose and take in every moment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't wait to walk away with 50 new lifelong friends!

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

As Miss North Dakota my biggest goal is to unite people to build stronger communities across our state. I want to inspire people to lead with compassion and get involved in their communities no matter their age. No one individual is too young to make a change. I plan to maximize my impact by partnering with all eight United Way affiliates in our state as I believe they do the best job uniting people and resources to build stronger communities. In addition to advocating for the United Way, I want to be an ambassador for the Miss North Dakota Organization and grow this program by recruiting contestants and sponsors.

How did you select your community Service Initiative, “Live United: Building Strong Communities Together”?

In 2021, I began interning at the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way in Bismarck, ND and by serving in that capacity, I saw first-hand the significant, life changing impact being made in our local community. United Way wasn’t just looking to provide a temporary fix, but rather striving to create lasting change to our community’s most critical issues. From sheltering 50 individuals a night through their Emergency Homeless Shelter, combating food insecurity by feeding more than 1,600 children a week through their Backpack Program, providing 3,600 books to children, supporting dozens of partner agencies, and so much more, the United Way builds stronger communities. This is a mission I am passionate about, believe in, and want to work toward elevating. Now more than ever, we need to work together to activate communities, empower volunteers, and live united. 

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

The talent portion of competition is what initially drew me to the Miss America Organization. At 11 years old, I actually started competing as a piano player. Then, at the teen level, I sang while accompanying myself on the piano. The most special talent I've performed was at the Miss America's Teen Competition when I wore my grandmother's dress from 1961 (the one she wore when she placed 1st runner up at Miss North Dakota) and sang Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" (released in 1961). It was so special to share that connection with my grandmother and have her there to support me on the national stage. As a Miss candidate, I have enjoyed performing Broadway pieces for the talent competition. These pieces have allowed me to play a character and tell a story through my performance.

What is your personal fitness routine?

Health and fitness are a constant priority in my life and I’m excited to promote wellness through #MissAmericaFit. The partnership with the American Heart Association will raise awareness of women’s heart health and help women! I believe it is critical to be comfortable and confident in your own skin. I stay healthy by getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water, and being active. I go to the gym, play tennis, hike, or simply go for a walk around my neighborhood.

You recently graduated with a degree in commerce and business administration. Where do you see those studies taking you?

I plan to use my passion and experience to pursue a fulfilling career in the nonprofit industry, eventually working my way up to the CEO. I think nonprofit organizations need to be run like a business to make the biggest impact, so I am confident my management degree will help me in this career path. Additionally, through my music minor, I had the opportunity to take classes tailored towards managing nonprofit arts organizations such as Music Management, Marketing the Arts, and Raising Money Dev Arts, which provided an insightful look into the industry and confirmation of my career goals.

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

I would bring my cousin Bryce, because he's a high school baseball player in West Fargo, ND and loves baseball more than anyone I know! The past two summers, his team has made it to the World Series in their division. I am excited to be singing the National Anthem at the Bismarck Larks game on August 1st.

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

As Miss North Dakota, I'd love the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! (I'd just love a heads up so I can practice first :))

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Practicing is a good idea. Crazy how far 60' really is!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Sydney during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Sydney, and good luck!

2023 Bowman Blaster!

It's time to open another blaster of this I'd say. Like I've said before, it's is always a little less fun to open than some of the other sets since with all the pre-rookies. There's a lot of, "I think I've heard of that guy" when you open the packs. But, it's still fun opening them...right? And who knows. Maybe I'll look back at this post in a year or two and marvel at the key card I pulled.

Let's see how it went!

The box proudly displaying guys I'm supposed to have heard of.

They're all over the packs too!

I've heard of this guy. He's tearing up the lower levels of the Red Sox farm system. Blazing through it, you might say.

I don'r know this guy, but it's his first Bowman card. So, that's fun.

Oh yeah. Here's a guy I know. A fun picture of Devers too. I wonder where the ball ended up.

Another guy I've heard of as he climbs the rungs of the minor leagues. Won't be long now before he's in Boston.

See? He's a prospect and will soon be the new Mayer in town!

I don't know this guy, but look how shiny the card is!

And, there you have it. A smattering of goodness. Unknown potential, young future stars, and established vets. Nothing wrong with that.

How did your box go?

Lianna Hartshorn Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lianna Hartshorn is passionate about a healthy heart, a future doctor, and the current Miss New Mexico. I was so honored that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Lianna Hartshorn visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New Mexico crown?

After winning Miss New Mexico, I celebrated with my family and friends. They were the ones who supported me along the way, so the fact I could celebrate them on achieving my dream job was so surreal. I plan on continuing to celebrate my success every day by dedicating my time to my dream job, and savoring every moment I spend with my community and representing my state. 

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

During Miss New Mexico week, I got to meet so many beautiful, successful, and smart women around the state. What I learned during my experience is to be confident in the work I put in. I learned to trust in God’s wisdom, timing, and plan for me. I became so close with the girls I competed with, and I was happy to celebrate their successes, as they celebrated mine. I can’t wait to experience the sisterhood and make new friends at Miss America. 

What is something Kaitlin Kerl did as Miss New Mexico that you would like to emulate?

Kaitlin Kerl, my former Miss New Mexico, brought so much attention to STEM. As a fellow woman in STEM, I would like to continue her legacy to inspire fellow women and minorities to pursue STEM as well. I was also inspired by her use of social media to grow the Miss New Mexico Organization, and I hope to continue to use modern technology to grow the platform as well. Finally, even though she passed her title to me, Kaitlin and I still keep in contact. She is a beautiful woman inside and out and her love for the New Mexico community has made such an impact on my life and others. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “How to Start a Healthy Heart”?

I chose “How To Start A Healthy Heart” as my social impact initiative for many reasons. Initially, I chose it because my family has a history of heart health disease. Seeing what my family has had to go through because of their heart health, I started my journey to ensure I did not fall into the same fate. Through research, I learned that heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. I was also surprised to learn that most heart disease is preventable. Through dedication and research, I have become the healthiest version of myself, physically and mentally, and decided to share my knowledge and passion with New Mexico. Using my love for science and human health, I have been able to make appearances that teach students about the anatomy of the heart, how their habits affect it, basic CPR, and more. I hope to change the statistics, change America’s health habits for the better, and equip people with life-saving knowledge. 

You’re currently PreMed at NMSU. Where do you see those studies taking you?

I am entering my senior year at NMSU where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Being a woman and minority in STEM has not been easy, but I am blessed to have the opportunity to chase my dreams and put my intelligence to use. I aspire to become a medical doctor and specialize as a pediatric surgeon. Because of my involvement within the Miss America Organization, that dream becomes a lot more attainable through the scholarship money I have been awarded. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

In alignment with my social impact initiative and #missamericafit, I take my health very seriously. I go to the gym several times a week and ensure I am eating a balanced diet. I also take care of my mental health by ensuring I have enough time for myself and maintaining my relationships with my family, friends, and God. 

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

If I could be a Disney character for a week, I would be Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Fun fact, I have already dressed up as Belle many times to do readings for students. To encourage and instill the importance of education. I love Belle because she pursues her education, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

If you had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my cousin if I had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game! Zacchaeus loves baseball and frequently goes to Albuquerque to play. Though he is in middle school, he aspires to pursue college baseball. He works hard every day for it. 

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

I would love to open a baseball game by singing the National Anthem and throwing the first pitch! Showing my pride as an American by singing to such an audience would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

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Definitely an amazing experience!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Lianna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Lianna, and good luck!

2022 Topps Heritage Blaster!

I know what you're thinking. How does he still have more of this stuff to open? To be honest, I have no idea. Apparently buying the product whenever you happen to see it, and then having that product be readily available, leads to mass quantities stocked up. Who knew? 

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Here's the box. I will give Topps some credit since there's not a Judge or Ohtani to be found on the cover. 

Oh. But not the packs.

Is Sale going to pitch again? For the Sox? Ever? This picture sure does make him look tall and lanky. 

Another one of the Sox's many aces.

This is a great "catcher" shot. The gear. The grump. He looks just like someone well versed at protecting the plate at all costs. 

And there it is. Just the three Red Sox this time, assume you count all three as Red Sox. 

How about you? How did you do?

Britney Lane Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Britney Lane is passionate about advocating for sexual assault victims, a big Red Sox fan, and the current Miss New Hampshire USA. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Britney Lane visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate the Miss New Hampshire USA crown?

I actually hopped on a plane and headed to Florida for a vacation the day after I was crowned! After all the months of preparation, I knew I needed a break to recharge no matter if I won or lost.

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss NH USA?

So many people have come up to me since I won and remembered me from a pageant I had done 5 or 6 years ago. They explain that they followed my journey over the last few years and loved to see my growth. After hearing so many no’s, it was so amazing to hear from people who believed in me for such a long time.

What part of the upcoming Miss USA pageant are you most nervous about?

I have never been on such a large national stage before! I definitely feel the nerves when I think about walking where so many other amazing women have walked before. I think it’s more of excited nerves though. I am so excited to represent New Hampshire and show everyone how our state can bring it!

You currently work as a child and family therapist. What drew you to that field?

I have been in therapy since I was a teenager. I live with anxiety and depression, and I saw how therapy empowered me to reclaim who want to be. I wanted to give that back to others who are living with mental illness. The kiddos I work with are resilient and so positive, it makes me feel like I am making a real impact. I also get to play games and hang with some awesome kiddos.

What can you tell me about your journey advocating for sexual assault victims?

Following my own sexual assault, I found justice in the form of advocating. I saw the injustices I faced following my experience and wanted to change the policies to give more rights to survivors. I had the opportunity to testify in front of state senate and help pass The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights into law. Through my advocacy, I learned that sharing my story has made other survivors feel comfortable sharing their own. Being open about my experience as a survivor has empowered me to regain my voice.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I really love yoga and pilates/ barre. I was a competitive dancer for 16 years so barre and pilates brings me back to my dancing roots. I hold a lot of tension in my body throughout the day, so yoga has helped ground me and remind me to release the tension. I am a morning workout person, so I like to get up at 5 or 6am to start my day with a workout.

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

Oh, Belle easy! I love to read and learn new things from each book I finish like she does. Belle sees the beauty in the things that may look scary or different on the outside. I work to bring that into my personal mindset every day.

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

I feel like many people in my life would fight over this extra ticket. I went to college in Boston less than a mile from Fenway Park. During my four years, I went to probably about 30 Red Sox games. Fenway is truly my favorite place in the world. If I had to choose just one person, I would take my dad. He introduced me to baseball and inspired my love of the Red Sox. I still remember our first game at Fenway when I was a kid. It was in August and probably about 95 degrees. My mom and sister kept going to the bathroom to get out of the heat. My dad and I stayed in the sun watching the whole game.

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

Photo: Harris Davey

One of my favorite parts about going to Fenway was seeing who would throw out the first pitch. It was usually a politician, a celebrity, or a retired player. One game it was Miss Massachusetts USA. I remember thinking “when I win a crown like that one day, I’m going to do that.” I’m still working on trying to get out on the pitcher’s mound or be part of a pre-game ceremony. If anyone out there has some connections let me know!

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Can anyone out there help her out?

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss USA! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Britney during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account, as well as her personal account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Britney, and good luck!