Deolinda Mendes Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Deolinda Mendes is passionate about helping youth find their confidence, future nurse, and the current Miss Worcester County. 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 Deolinda Mendes visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Worcester County crown?

Leading up to pageants I always try to be very focused on my health. Eating healthy and fueling my body the best way I can so I am the best version of myself on pageant day. After packing up all my things after crowing, my best friend Miss Lakeville’s Outstanding Teen and I celebrated by getting McDonald’s happy meals and Mcflurry’s. This was just icing on the cake after winning, I was so excited that all my hard work and effort paid off and I just couldn’t wait to start doing volunteer work and getting to wear my new shiny hat! 

What portion of the Miss Massachusetts competition are you most nervous about?

Personally, when it comes to every pageant, I get very nervous about my onstage question, because it is in front of not only the judges but in front of the audience. During this phase of the competition, you can get asked basically anything, and being up on stage just makes it a little bit more nerve-racking than normal questions during an interview. This being my first ever states competition I really don’t know what to expect so I am nervous about everything but my onstage question in particular.  

What is something that Elizabeth Pierre is doing as Miss Massachusetts that you would want to emulate?

When I was about 16 years old, I decided to compete in my first local title, at the time I was only a teen, and walking into my first ever pageant I was already a bit shy and felt like the underdog because I have no experience. Being the only woman of color competing that day made me feel as though there wasn’t a space for me in this community. A few weeks after that pageant was Miss Boston/Cambridge 2020 pageant, I watched Liz become Miss Cambridge and it instantly changed me. I did not know her at the time, and I became a complete fan of hers. She changed my confidence, my view on pageants, and my stage presence, and she never even knew that. Due to the pandemic, Liz competed for Miss Massachusetts in 2021 instead of 2020, and later that night she became Miss Massachusetts 2021. Liz changed not only me but so many other women of color in this system. Through her acts of service, acts of kindness, promotion of her social impact incitive, and her words of encouragement for the black community she has become such a positive role model for not only me but for the younger generation. She has changed who I am today, and she is whom I strive to be like. Liz is a role model to all; I strive to become not only a better version of myself but a positive role model to young women of color who once felt as though there was not a space in the Miss America Organization. Just like Liz did for me. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Be You”?

When I was younger, I was bullied a lot because I was smaller than the other kids in my grades. These actions truly stuck with me throughout elementary, middle, and even high school. I remember the feelings I would get when I felt like I was not enough at such a young age, this truly made me ashamed in my body and in the way I always looked. When I started competing in pageants this is when I watched my self-confidence flourish into something I never knew was possible. I developed a social impact that I can connect with and encouraging, reminding, and helping people believe that they are beautiful is a passion of mine. I know how it feels to not love the way you look, and love who you are, and I developed this social impact because I want to help the youth to find their confidence and learn to embrace their imperfections because imperfections live in everyone, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. 

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

I have been a dancer for 15 years and I have always loved entertaining people. Being able to showcase my talent and continue to entertain the audience and the judges is the best part.

You’re studying nursing at Rhode Island College. What got you interested in that field?  

I have always loved the hard work and dedication that anyone in the medical field had, but the level that nurses have for their patients is heart-warming. I attended a vocational high school where I was in the Nursing Assistant technical field. Having this four-year opportunity gave me a glimpse into this field that I have always had a dream of working in, and I am so excited to one day become a nurse. I love that nurses are the workers giving the patient’s bedside care, and I love helping people, and being there for someone during their worst, and best times in life is heart-warming. Although I am only in my first year of school, I know that my hard work and dedication will pay off and I cannot wait to work my dream job!! 

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

I would want to be princess Moana because chosen by the sea, and she has an ocean connection. Although I do have this fear of being in the ocean when I can’t see anything below me, I love being on the beach and being in the sun! 

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

My uncle Artie and I have always been extremely close growing up, and he was the person to teach me how to play T-ball. I think going to a baseball game would be so much fun with him because we have always had a very strong bond, so being able to hang out and eat some hotdogs and popcorn would be such a great experience together. 

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

I have never been one of the lucky people who catch the t-

shirts being thrown. So, I think I would have a lot of fun throwing t-shirts into the crowd and hopefully making someone’s day!! 

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What a fun time that would be!

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Deolinda during her journey as Miss Worcester County. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on.

Thanks again Deolinda, and good luck!

2021 Topps Series Two Blaster Break!

It's time to open another one of these! I've been opening a few of the "big blasters" lately, but now we'll go back to the standard size. Does fewer cards mean less to talk about? Guess we'll have to see. You know what the cards look like, but not what I got this time!

Let's see how it went!

Yup. Remember the box? It sure screams excitement to me.

Same thing with the packs...in a creepy sort of way.

Red Sox all-star closer Matt Barnes. Here's hoping he finds that firm from the first half of last year. The Sox sure could use it. Nice use of the horizontal format with this shot.

This one too, naturally. I can just feel the joy oozing out from the sides of this card. Wonder which moment this one is capturing.

Xander in the throwback design. I'm on record as enjoying the throwback design, even if Topps does overuse them a bit. I'd just prefer variety...which I think the 2004 design provides, and that Topps not put a player in a design they've appears in before. Especially in that year's base set. So this works for Xander here. But, Topps shouldn't put Pujols in this style.

We got an all-star, and now the opening day starter. While this year didn't start the way we'd all prefer for Nate, I think we can all expect big things from him this year.

So, there's how it went. Nothing super exciting, but some fun Red Sox cards.

What did you like?

Miranda Moore Visits Section 36!

Photo: Matt Boyd

Section 36 had another visitor! Miranda Moore is passionate about sustainability, an environmental engineer, and the current Miss Lancaster County. 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 Miranda Moore visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Lancaster County crown?

After sleeping in, I celebrated winning the Miss Lancaster County crown by going to the Red Rabbit with my family! The Red Rabbit is an old-fashioned 1950's style drive-in restaurant, and they have the best food in the world, but they’re only open on weekends. It was their first weekend back open for the 2022 season, so it seemed only fitting that lunch there was my first official celebration as Miss Lancaster County! 

What portion of the Miss Pennsylvania competition are you most nervous about?

The portion of the Miss Pennsylvania competition that I am most nervous about, but also most excited about, is talent. As a clarinetist and pianist, I selected a piece that is extremely technically challenging but also that embraces the tones and musicality of both instruments. Practicing this piece, while balancing my professional life and overall Miss Pennsylvania preparation, is definitely a challenge. However, I know it will be more than worth it when I hit the Miss Pennsylvania stage with a piece I absolutely love and feel confident in performing!

What is something that Meghan Sinisi is doing as Miss Pennsylvania that you would want to emulate?

Meghan Sinisi is a phenomenal Miss Pennsylvania, and she is doing so many things that I would like to emulate. Something that stands out to me, however, is that she often brings her local crown and her sash from the 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition to appearances. In doing this, she is able to wear her own Miss Pennsylvania crown and sash, but also have one for others to wear. It is so thoughtful and everyone absolutely loves it, especially children in schools! This may seem like a small thing, but it speaks to the overall genuine, kind-hearted, and intentional woman she is. And that is something I would love to emulate. 

How did you select your social impact initiative?

Photo: Cathy Marszalik

When I was studying Environmental Engineering, I took quite a few sustainability courses and even interned for my university’s Office of Sustainability. Through these experiences, I learned about the huge influence the fashion industry has on our planet and our people. Because of this, I made a shift in the way I bought, wore, and even thought about clothing, and have since continued to make strides in my sustainable fashion journey. This is how I selected my social impact initiative, #ClothesMinded, in which I bring awareness to these impacts and promote sustainable fashion. To do so, I highlight sustainable fashion resources, partner with sustainable brands, and wear an entirely sustainable competition wardrobe to stand for what I stand on. Working with an initiative that allows me to live my values, while empowering others to do the same, is incredibly rewarding and is truly one of my favorite parts of being in the Miss America Organization. 

What do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

What I most enjoy about performing on stage is being able to let down the walls of preparation and just be present. There is so much practice that goes into performing, and that practice builds a foundation of confidence which allows me to really enjoy being on stage and interacting with the audience. While I find this to be especially true during talent, it applies to all onstage phases of competition. These performances give the audience just a small glimpse into all of the hard work we put in as candidates, and allow us to showcase how passionate we are about what we do!

You’re currently employed as an environmental engineer. What drew you to that field?

I am currently employed as an environmental engineer and there are countless reasons I was drawn to this field. When I think of engineering, I think of a combination of problem solving and serving communities, and a field in which the work we do has lasting impacts. And when it came to choosing a particular field of engineering, environmental was almost a no-brainer, as I am so passionate about environmental advocacy. Being able to do something I love and work with incredible clients and organizations, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), reaffirms my love for this field every day!

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 would choose Anna from Frozen!! Specifically, Frozen II, because I think being Queen of Arendelle would be awesome. I absolutely loved the Frozen movies (fun fact- back in the day, I was ranked #1 in the world for Frozen trivia on QuizUp!) and love how Anna is always so optimistic and cares so deeply for her town and her family. 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Braves - Phillies game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to a Braves - Phillies game, I would take my sister, Megan, with me! She is my best friend and we are guaranteed to have a great time together. Plus, she actually went to school in Atlanta, so I know we would have quite the rivalry. I am already imagining all of the baseball food and snacks!!

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

I know this is a bit of a stretch… but this weekend, I auditioned and was selected to perform the National Anthem at a Lancaster Barnstormers game! And while that will be absolutely awesome, this experience also opened my eyes to a new dream- to hang out and watch the game with their mascot, Cylo! I love our local celebrity’s hilarious personality and retro sneakers. Cylo, I’ll see you at a game!

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Now, THAT would be amazing!

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Miranda during her journey as Miss Lancaster County. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on.

Thanks again Miranda, and good luck!

2021 Topps Gypsy Queen Blaster!

Another box of Gypsy Queen! I'll say it again that this strikes me as an unnecessary product. Allen & Ginter already covers the old fashioned style card. But, I guess having options is never a bad thing.

How did I do in this box? There's only one way to find out.

Let's have a look!

As always, the box. Just in case you were confused.

And, the packs. Five of them this time.

Still not thrilled with the combo of the action shot and the old-time feel. If you're going to go all ornate and elegant with the borders, I think you need a portrait. Maybe it's just me.

Some sort of insert featuring Xander. I have no idea what's going on here.

I do enjoy how Devers has his elbow sticking beyond the border. I'm a sucker for that. 

Another Bogaerts. A fancy purple one this time. How fancy?

"Numbered to 250" fancy.

And we'll finish with this green Verdugo sticking his bat over the border. The green isn't as fancy as the purple, apparently.

And there you have it. Numbered Sox are always fun, even if this set doesn't exactly wow me.

How did your box go?

Kirsten Fernow Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kirsten Fernow is passionate about sustainability, a realtor, event planner, and the current Miss Las Vegas USA. 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 Kirsten Fernow visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Las Vegas USA crown? 

I went to go eat with some friends at a new, local business called SPLASH! I was super hungry after forgetting to eat lunch before the pageant. Oops! 

As a former titleholder in other organizations, what made you decide to compete for a Miss USA crown? 

I love what the new President Crystle Stewart has done to revamp the organization. I love to see how the women have more opportunities to speak! Also, I am half Filipino, and I have always thought it would be amazing to compete for Miss Universe, and this is the first step ! 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Las Vegas USA?

How excited others get about this title! My family was freaking
out! 

You’re the owner of K Access. What can you tell me about that venture?  

I have been in the events & entertainment industry for most of life. So naturally, lots of people come to me for help with connections & booking things ect. I started this business to give people ACCESS to all things Vegas! I focus mostly on events and real estate, but we can get people access to a lot more.  

You’ve been able to do some modeling. What do you enjoy about being in front of a camera? 

When I am modeling, I am only thinking about THAT particular moment. My mind gets to take a little break, which is actually super relaxing for me. 

What is your personal fitness routine? 

I try to follow the 5am club outline, 20 mins of physical activity, 20 min. of journaling, 20 min. of learning something new). So I will try to do a min. of 20 min of exercise a day and more when we are closer to a pageant. I enjoy doing yoga, lifting weights, zumba/ dancing and roller skating! 

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

(I used to work at Walt Disney World) I would love to be Moana for a week. When I look at her, I see bits and pieces of myself, which is super cool! And her home and friends are amazing, I'd love to live in Paradise! 

If you had an extra ticket to see a LA Dodgers game, who would you take with you? Why? 

My friend Yvette. We grew up in LA together and played softball together for most of our childhood. Then we moved to San Francisco together for college. Whenever we went to a Giants game, it just felt so wrong! We were born and bred to be Dodger fans! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? I would either like to throw a first pitch at a Dodger game, but softball/ underhand style or experience what it feels like to hit a home run over the fence! 

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Hitting a home run would be a pretty cool feeling!

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

I also want to wish Kirsten luck when she competes for Miss Nevada 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 Kirsten during her journey as Miss Las Vegas USA. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on.

Thanks again Kirsten, and good luck!