Alyssa Sachs Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Alyssa Sachs is an Ellen fan, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Shoreline. I was thrilled that she was

Photo by Betsy Sachs

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

So let's see what happens when Alyssa Sachs visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Shoreline crown?

I had talked about competing in the Miss America Organization for forever. For the past few years, I would tell my family and friends, “I’m gonna do it, just wait!”. So when I finally, decided to compete, everyone couldn’t believe that I was finally doing it. Miss Shoreline was the first title I ever won. I had the biggest cheering section filled with my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends! It was only fitting to celebrate with them. After the competition we all went back to my house and reflected on what had happened! The night was filled with FaceTime calls to my friends at school, watching videos, and lots of laughter. Everyone was so excited. It was perfect!

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

Photo by
Shawn Paquette

I decided to compete in the Miss America Organization for the opportunity to have a platform that allows me to share my passions, learn from others, and to inspire individuals to find their passions and share them loudly. My platform is called “Kids are Kids: Fostering Social Engagement and Play for all Children”. I am so excited to spend this year promoting this platform and share it’s importance. “Kids are Kids” is a mission to ensure that all children, despite the many adversities they may face, have the opportunity to experience childhood. As someone working to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, this platform allows me to begin to advocate for a field I am so passionate about.

What part of the upcoming Miss Connecticut competition makes you the most nervous?

This will be my first time competing at Miss Connecticut! Last year,

Photo by
Sassy Mouth Photography

I was watching the competition in the audience so to be a candidate this year is so crazy! More than nervous, I am feeling so excited for the entire experience. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to be with other titleholders, share my passions with the judges and the audience, and ultimately do something I have been dreaming about for so long!!

How did you select your social impact statement?

Photo by Betsy Sachs

The social impact statement is quick but important. It gives you a chance to share one message with the audience. I decided to highlight the fact that every child is not living the “perfect” childhood they should be living. I then go on to explain to the audience that it is our job to ensure that despite those many obstacles, kids are kids and they deserve to be!

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

At Miss Connecticut, I will be performing an original monologue.

Photo By
Steve Smith Photography

As someone who is working to become a Certified Child Life Specialist and plans to work with children in a healthcare setting, incorporating play into the everyday lives of children with illness, is a main focus of mine. By using my talent of communication and my ability to bring magic to the lives of children, I am able to connect with the audience and share my passions. I believe in the power of play and the difference it can make in a child’s life. Providing play as distraction and as a form of coping to children in medical settings is a talent that I am very proud of. It is my goal to share with audiences the role that play can have on a child’s life. Play is powerful, and I can’t wait to show the audience why.

You once had a video appear on the Ellen show. What’s the story behind that?

Yes! Life Goal!! I am a huge Ellen Degeneres fan! Ellen had sent out a request looking for a girlfriend for her production assistant, Ari. Ari, seemed like a perfect bachelor. I told Ellen she should send him to my grandparents house because between my MANY sisters and cousins he was sure to find a perfect match. We sent the video in, and a few weeks later she aired it on the show!! Ellen saying, “Alyssa Sachs” is one of my favorite memories, and that voice recording became my ringtone for months! Although she aired the video Ellen never sent him over for the date….he really missed out!

Who’s your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

Brock Holt! He has the cutest son EVER and I love looking at the pictures he posts of him!

Is there a feature/aspect of a Red Sox game at Fenway you would most like to experience?

Although I am a Connecticut titleholder and live in Connecticut, I

am so lucky that I go to school in Boston and live in the Fenway area! My friends and I get to go Red Sox games all the time. Student Discounts are our favorite! Despite the many games we have been to, we are still trying to make it on the big screen! I’m just going to have to keep dancing through the game in order to get closer to that goal!

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

I am SO lucky to live in the Fenway area. When the Red Sox won, my friends and I were at a restaurant outside of Fenway Park. As soon as the last out was called, the streets flooded with excitement. People were cheering up and down the streets all night. It was so exciting. We then got to celebrate the win a few days later with a championship parade. Championship parades are my favorite!! My friends and I dressed up and cheered as the Red Sox held the World Series Trophies and passed us on duck boats. The entire 2018 World Series was truly one of my favorite memories, and I am so excited I was right there to experience it all!

---

I'd definitely say she was in the right place to celebrate!

Photo by Betsy Sachs

As always, I want to thank to Alyssa for doing this interview. I always love learning more about amazing titleholders. I also want to thank her for sending along so many amazing pictures. They are all so much fun.

As Alyssa continues her time as Miss Shoreline, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Shoreline Facebook page and Instagram account. You should also check out her personal Instagram account as well, to make sure you don't miss a thing!

Of course, I also want to wish Alyssa luck this spring as she competes for the Miss Connecticut crown! Would love to have another former Section 36 visitor hold that title!

Thanks again Alyssa, and good luck!

Brooke Mills Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Brooke Mills is a concussion awareness advocate, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss

Winnipesaukee. I’m so excited she was generous enough to take some time out of her schedule to visit with us 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 Brooke Mills visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Winnipesaukee crown?

I can answer that simply, a celebratory gluten free chocolate cupcake, partnered with saying “wow” a thousand times over adjusting to the fact that I am now Miss Winnipesaukee and have just been given $10,000 in scholarship. I am so thrilled to have been given this job and the excitement still hasn’t worn off! 

As a former Miss Weirs Beach, how does it feel to be back representing that region? 

Simply wonderful! It is a great place to be and an honor to represent! I was actually the last Miss Weirs Beach, and to my surprise, many people remembered me with that title two years ago! This past month it has been great to reintroduce myself to the area with my service projects and scheduled appearances!  

You finished in the top five of the last two Miss NH competitions. What did you learn from those experiences that can help you this time?

I have continued to learn many things throughout my time in this organization but I find the most important part is to leave your most authentic self out on that stage, and to give it your all. I am so proud to have placed both years in competing which has helped me greatly pay for my college education thus far! 

What is your favorite part about singing on stage?

My favorite part is sharing the love I have for that particular song with the audience. For every song I sing, I find numerous reasons why I love the particular tune, and try to share that with the audience so that they fall in love with the song as well! 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I love lifting! I am so honored to be working with an amazing sponsor and trainer at Raw Fitness in Laconia NH.  These great workouts incorporate and target joint movements, cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and form. If you’re looking for a well-rounded workout routine, classes or a respected personal trainer, I highly recommend Raw Fitness, follow the link below! 

https://www.rawfitnessnh.com/

What led you to start “Lessen the Impact”, which now serves as your platform?

After suffering my personal concussion I was opened to the world of concussion and how greatly important concussion awareness was. Since the founding of Lessen the Impact Organization, I have also founded National Concussion Awareness Day to promote this message around the country. Join this year’s movement and share your brain injury story on social media with the hashtag #nationalconcussionawarenessday and find our page on

Facebook! 

Most people associate concussions with sports like football. But, the Red Sox have had several players and a sideline reporter miss time with concussions the last couple years. So, what types of athletes need to be aware of concussions?

I find it important for everyone to be aware of concussions, even non-athletes. I did not participate in any sport before my concussion and therefore lacked a lot of information about them. I was playing team hand ball in my required freshman gym class when I was kicked in the head, resulting in a brain injury that left me unconscious on the gym floor. 

By having a knowledgeable society on concussions including the signs and symptoms, healing processes, importance of rest, returning to play and learn guidelines, and taking the concussion seriously, we would be able to greatly help those suffering and prevent future injuries. For more information visit the www.cdc.gov/headsup

Brock Holt comes to mind as a player who struggled with his concussion for a long time. Is there something we as fans, or as people who may know others who have had concussions, need to keep in mind during the recovery process?

It is unfortunate that many sports have reoccurring concussions that happen during any game to the players, even baseball. I find the most important part is to be optimistic. Time is the best healer as well as any cognitive rehabilitation therapies and rest, but it is important to be optimistic that the body and brain will recover. This past March I had my 4 year anniversary from my brain injury and continue to see improvements in my cognitive abilities. When recovering, simply be patient.    

How will the Red Sox finish the 2018 season?

They are killing it so far, and I’m looking forward to watching them finish the season strong! I will be attending a game this August! 

----

I hope she has a great time at the game! With this team, it should be a blast.

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Brooke for doing this interview, especially with the hectic schedule she keeps. She actually answered questions while on the road, which was incredibly nice of her. I also want to thank her for providing so many wonderful pictures to accompany the interview. They definitely make it a lot more fun to read.

As Brooke continues her time as Miss Winnipesaukee, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Winnipesaukee Facebook page. I also recommend you check out all the websites and Facebook pages she mentioned in the interview. You should also be sure to check the link for her platform: Lessen the Impact. They’re all great resources.

I also want to wish Brooke luck this spring as she competes for the Miss New Hampshire crown! It would be incredible to have another Section 36 visitor take home that title! 

Thanks again Brooke, and good luck!

Brock Holt Should Get His Number Back

Sometimes it’s hard to be the better person. Sometimes it just drains on you.

I get the feeling it drained on Robert Kraft. He tried to be the better person. He tried to play nice. He tried to take the high road. Then he got pushed off the bridge. The lesser person just kept taking shot after shot at him until finally he had to push back at least a little bit. That’s why he filed the brief yesterday. It was his way of making a point but still keeping the high road. Even though I bet it’s tough for him.

Just like I hope it’s tough for John Henry. Putting on the planned ceremony tonight should be really hard for him.

Because, let me see if I’ve got this straight.

Wade Boggs wanted his number retired. He whined about it every chance he got. He didn’t care that there were team rules about retiring numbers, and he didn’t meet the qualifications. Sure, he played the years. And, the Hall of Fame forced him to wear a Red Sox cap on his plaque when he didn’t want to. But, he didn’t retire with the Sox, so he didn’t meet the requirements. Wade Boggs felt the rules didn’t apply to Wade Boggs. So he threw a hissy fit. Oh, sure the Sox have broken their own rules. A lot. But, it’s one thing for the Sox to decide that Pedro is so special the rules don’t apply to him. It’s another for Wade Boggs himself to kick and scream and insist the rules shouldn’t apply to him. 

For whatever reason, it worked. Like a three year old throwing a tantrum, Boggs kept at it until he got his way. The Sox decided it wasn’t worth it to fight. Or, more likely, they decided that they could use an excuse to sell a few more tickets to a Thursday game in May. They gave in. They were the better person.

To prove it, they went an extra step. Why not make it a two day thing and celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Boggs’s AL Champion Red Sox team. Have a little ceremony. It’ll be fun.

So, what does Boggs do at the ceremony celebrating a Red Sox team that lost the World Series? He wears his World Championship ring he won with another team. A ring he won with the Yankees. 

What a slap in the face.

He finally gets his way, and he goes and rubs their noses in it.

So, I hope John Henry wants to cancel the ceremony tonight. I hope he wants to rip #26 off the wall in put it back on Brock Holt’s back. I hope he wants to remove Boggs from the Red Sox Hall of Fame. He won’t, of course. But, I hope he wants to.

I also hope that to make up for it, everyone in the park boos him mercilessly when he’s introduced. It’s what should happen. He’s getting an honor he didn’t deserve, but wanted. Then he acts like a dink about it. So boo him. Boo him all night.

I’m sure it won’t happen.

But I hope at least everyone wants to.

Joshua Berube Visits Section 36!

Section 36 is fortunate enough to have another visitor! With the baseball season almost upon us, I thought is would be a good time to discuss the season. I asked Joshua Berube of The All Out Sports Network (AOSN) to help me out. Since he just finished writing a series of articles previewing each team in the AL East and NL East, I felt he could offer some great insight for us. Thankfully, he was nice enough to answer some questions about the 2016 Red Sox. With that, let's see what happens when Joshua Berube visits Section 36!

In Section 36 we love our centerfielders. Who will I be seeing in that position most, and what can I expect from him?

In CF, I think this will be Jackie Bradley, Jr’s breakout season. Obviously I believe Section 36 fans will be seeing #25. However, I think we might at times see Mookie Betts patrolling center as well.

What will happen with Hanley Ramirez at first base?

Joshua Berube

As much as I have lamented the unknown of Hanley Ramirez at first and his offensive decline, I like what I have seen thus far and believe he is actually enjoying it. I believe he will be adequate and can definitely post offensive numbers somewhere between the likes of Mo Vaughn and Mike Napoli we enjoyed in the past.

Will Dustin Pedroia do more than give reporters good quotes?

I am not worried about Pedroia. I think he will continue his gold glove and reckless abandon ways both in the field as well as at the plate.

Who will have the better year, Mookie Betts or Xander Bogaerts?

Betts and Bogaerts (who won a silver slugger award) both had excellent years last year, and what a bargain for the Sox at a combined salary of just over $1 million. I think Mookie Betts has the better year. I expect Betts to top all of his numbers from last year and be a 25/25 guy while hitting .310. I am not sure Bogaerts’s average will be as high as last year but will be a double play machine up the middle with Pedroia. The Sox sure found a couple gems.

Does Rick Porcello show his potential this season?

I do not know if Porcello shows his potential. I mean, I would think he has to be better than last year’s 9-15, 4.92 ERA. I am actually more intrigued with Joe Kelly who is having a fantastic spring and see if he can start 2016 where he left off 2015. Also, I am a huge Buchholz fan. I expect a huge year out of him being a contract year.. When he is on, his stuff is unhittable.

Joshua's Red Sox article

Where does Brock Holt find at-bats?

When I see Brock Holt, I can only think of the Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny cartoon Baseball Bugs. (You can find it here: http://dai.ly/x23xecl) He played seven positions last year save for pitcher and catcher. He is the ultimate utility player. I think he will get at bats due to his versatility, giving guys days off here and there in the outfield and infield. Although, barring injuries, I see him playing substantially less than the 100-plus games he saw the last two seasons.

Will David Ortiz go out with a bang?

I have the Sox winning the East. In order for that to happen, Ortiz will have to be his usual productive self, hitting 30HR and driving 100 RBI's. I am interested to see his reception in Yankee stadium as part of the farewell tour. I can see him hitting a walk off home run in the playoffs but not sure the World Series is in the cards.

How will Rusney Castillo react with the job handed to him?

I am not sure Castillo has been handed the job, as it were.  I think his leash will be short. Young and Murphy are serviceable outfielders. Although, I think there is tremendous upside.

How will David Price perform with his monster deal behind him?

Price is saying all the right things. He is coming off a fantastic year (18-5 2.45 ERA) where he split it between two teams in Detroit and Toronto. We know he can pitch in the AL East. I think he will be a steadying and calming influence to the rest of the rotation. Yes, he signed a huge contract but he has not won the ultimate prize yet and knows what it is like to lose in the World Series. I think he's hungry and the ultimate competitor, two things that will endear him to the Red Sox faithful.

Will Craig Kimbrel adjust to the AL?

I address my concerns with Kimbrel coming to the AL in my article. He is going to pitch half his games in a bandbox known as Fenway, which concerns me a bit, as he pitched in a lot of pitcher friendly ballparks. In addition, the market in Boston is like nowhere else as far as expectations and pressure fans and media place on the team. We will see soon enough if he thrives in the baseball-crazy town. However, Koji is there for safety.

***

Well, I certainly hope he thrives!

As always, a huge thank you to Joshua for visiting. It's always nice to hear what others have to say, and he did a great job giving his views.

If you want to see more of Joshua, especially his baseball previews, check out his articles at AOSN and follow him on twitter! I can't wait to see what he'll have to say as the season goes on.

Thanks again Joshua!