Marissa Johnson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Marissa Johnson is passionate about the Pink Ribbon Initiative, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Northeast. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Marissa Johnson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Northeast crown?

With a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I didn't have time to eat much during the day and with a long ride home, my celebratory dinner was a sandwich my mom had packed me. And in that moment, it was the best pb and j I had ever had. When we got home, I took a traditional "sleeping with the crown" picture, thanked both of my parents one last time and went to bed.

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

The true love and support from every one of the other local titleholders. It may sound cheesy, but people call it a sisterhood for a reason. I have never been surrounded by so many intelligent, strong and ambitious young women. But what's more than that is the unconditional love and support they showed me even before I was officially named Miss Northeast. It's easy for women to feel threatened or intimidated by each other, but these sisters of mine surprised me with their genuine and immediate affection toward me, and I hope they realize how appreciative I am and how loved they are too.

What is something Callie Cox has done as Miss Missouri that you would want to emulate?

Where to begin with Miss Callie? She truly is a light. We met once briefly at another local a month before Miss Northeast, and when she saw me again, she remembered my name, my university and asked me how my family and classes were. That's the kind of person you want to root for. I think it is so important for any titleholder, especially on a state level, to be as personable and down to earth as she is. She has such character and integrity, and I want to represent my community in that way. Not everyone may agree with you, but it is titleholder's job to treat everyone with dignity, love and respect.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Pink Ribbon Initiative”?

I have a strong connection to breast cancer; my grandmother passed away when I was 11 to the disease and my mom is a survivor. To me, breast cancer is so much more than just wearing pink in October. It's not just about awareness anymore. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and although it's rare, men can get it too. I want The Pink Ribbon Initiative to be a resource for education, encouragement, and opportunity for people affected by breast cancer and empower people to take control of their health, regardless of background, age, gender or class. 

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

I have been dancing since age two, so it may be hard for some to believe that after twenty years the ethereal feeling of being on stage has not gone away, but I would not do it if I did not love it. But the best part of dancing, I think with any art, is that I am entertaining people. Dance makes people feel things and gives them a temporary escape. To know that my performance made an audience just as happy it made me is so fulfilling. 

You’re a dance major at Oklahoma City University. Where do you see that field taking you?

I like to call my dreams for post-grad "the Big Three"; move to New York and work toward Broadway, work for the Disney Company in Orlando, and/or perform on cruise lines. One, three or none of these goals may come to fruition, but with excellent training and big passion, I cannot help feeling like a job in entertainment is waiting for me. My ultimate goal, however, is to one day open my own dance studio. I have always adored children and teaching, and sharing my love of dance with people of all ages and abilities would be full-circle for me. 

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

I would definitely choose Cinderella. Not only is she my mom's favorite princess, she is the epitome of grace and kindness. Cinderella was loving to everyone no matter how she was treated; she worked hard and with a little faith and magic, made all of her dreams come true. Besides, I would love to dance at a ball in a beautiful blue gown and glass slippers, and I think being friends with talking mice would be fun! Luckily, my job with Enchanted Events allows me to tap into dozens of Disney and Marvel characters, all while bringing smiles to children’s faces.

If you had an extra ticket to a Royals-Cardinals game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my big brother Alexander to a Royals-Cardinals game because he is the one who really taught me a love and appreciation for baseball. Plus, he's my best friend! I always love spending time with him, especially now that we're grown up and don't get to see each other as often. I know it would be a great day at Busch Stadium!  

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

Honestly, I think it would be really fun to be really cool to be a member of Team Fredbird, the entertainment and promotional team for the Cardinals. I have lots of experience in cheer and dance for sports, so I think I would do a great job pumping up the crowd on the field as well as connecting with fans in the community. 

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That would be so much fun!

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

As Marissa continues her time as Miss Northeast, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

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

Thanks again Marissa, and good luck!

2021 Topps Stadium Club Blaster!

It's time for another blaster! Another 2021 Stadium Club one. I know we just did one of these, but I apparently was able to grab a few at once, making more for me to open!

Let's see how this one went!

Another box.

More packs, with the exact same picture as the box.

At this point in my last box, I talked about the weird Master Photo card Topps slipped into the box. This time? I honestly forgot about it, and didn't remember the white card carefully snuck into the white box before it made it to recycling. Hope it wasn't a valuable one. Are there valuable ones?

Not a Red Sox card. But...a couple Red Sox cameos. I wonder what the end result of this picture is. Everyone seems to be looking intently...even if Vazquez seems a bit more laid back. 

Here's a Red Sox card. A nice shot of Chris Sale about to make a batter look foolish.

Another non Red Sox card with a Red Sox cameo. This one has a nice old shot featuring two future Hall of Famers. I'm going to guess Ripken is safe. Any ideas?

So, not the greatest box in the world. One Red Sox card, and two cards of people doing well against the Red Sox. That's no fun. 

How did you box do?

Rose McKeen Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Rose McKeen is passionate about breaking eating disorder stigmas, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Manchester. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Rose McKeen visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Manchester crown?

I celebrated winning by going out to dinner with me teen and directors! it was so much fun I had an amazing time. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Manchester competition that will help you when you compete for Miss New Hampshire?

At the Miss Manchester competition I learned I can do anything i put my mind to if i try hard enough. 

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

In my time as Miss Manchester I plan to continue working on my platform Break That Stigma and help people get over there eating disorders

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Breaking the stigma around eating disorders”?

I struggled with an eating disorder since I was 8 years old. It got worst and worst until i was 16 and finally accepted recovery and got better. 

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

The best part about my talent is letting all my emotions out on the dance floor and being able to express myself. 

You’ve had the opportunity to do some modeling. What do you enjoy about being in front of the camera?

My favorite part about being in front of the camera is letting lose and being myself. modeling and photography is such an amazing art. 

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

If i could be any Disney princess i would definitely be belle! she is such an amazing powerful women. 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

If I could bring anyone with me to see the red sox I would bring my best friend Kayla, She’s a huge red sox fan and would love to go with me. 

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

I would love to watch the home opener at Fenway!

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That's so much fun!

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

As Rose continues her time as Miss Manchester, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

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

Thanks again Rose, and good luck!

Kennady Tooke Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kennady Tooke is passionate about helping disabled veterans, a talented singer, and the current Miss Mount Pleasant. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kennady Tooke visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Mount Pleasant crown?

Following the crowning of Miss Mount Pleasant with my family and friends at Nardellos!! This was the cutest little Pizza joint in Mount Pleasant, Texas. They had live music and even recognized me with congratulations! 

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

A specific goal that I personally want to focus on and continue to build my Social Impact on, is continuing to connect Disabled Veterans, in East Texas & Mount Pleasant, with the lacking resources! I strive to build on Set Out. Salute. Support. by working alongside veteran support groups to find all of the best places for our nations disabled veterans. 

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

I am most nervous about my private interview. I feelcomfortable getting on stage and showing the crowd my personality. I don’t feel as comfortable leading up to my interview because of how personal I get to be with the judges. 

How did you select your social impact initiative?

I come from a HUGE military family. My appreciation for veterans come from growing up watching and learning from my dad, grandpa and various uncles. I saw how difficult it was for both my Dad and Grandpa to receive proper benefits following their service. I couldn’t be more grateful for all they’ve done and so if I can do anything, it would be giving back to veterans for as long as I can! 

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

I personally love being able to sing a song and feel everything the songs says. I love bringing to life the emotions that come from the lyrics. Singing out to a crowd and seeing their eyes full with emotion brings be greater joy.

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

I get great satisfaction when I can impact the lives of others by raising a voice for them. Knowing I can speak out for those who also can make a difference in the world brings me peace.

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

If I could be any Disney character, I would be Mulan. I have always admired Mulan for her dedication to her father’s legacy and her family. As a woman, she was born into a traditional life and chose she wanted more for herself. She didn’t want others to decide her future so she made it for herself. She used her grit and determination and proved a woman is more than capable of anything she puts her mind to. 

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

I would take my dad to the game! One of my fondest memories of my childhood is of my Dad coaching me in T-ball and G-ball! Even though we’re rooting for different teams, I appreciate the bond we share with sports.

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

I always have dreamed about singing the National Anthem or throwing the first pitch of the game! 

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Either of those would be a ton of fun!

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

As Kennady continues her time as Miss Mount Pleasant, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

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

Thanks again Kennady, and good luck!

2021 Topps Gypsy Queen Blaster!

It looks like this is the first time I'll be talking about this set! Always fun to include a new product. Gypsy Queen strikes me as an unnecessary product. I guess it's for people who like the old timey look, but don't like the odd card subjects you find in Allen & Ginter. So, maybe it has a role for some people.

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

Let's have a look!

Here's the box. Even that has an old feel to it.

And, the packs. Same theme.

And a Red Sox card! Not sure how I feel about an action shot in this set. I guess as the departure from A&G it makes sense. This is more of the fake old set.

Another Sox! Well, former Sox at this point. That's the risk you take with cards this late.

One of those fancy bordered parallels. Nobody I'm all that excited about. Or have even heard of. The pink is a nice color combo though.

So is the blue! Of course, I've heard of this guy. Always fun to get a Hall of Famer in your pack.

Especially when it's numbered!

All in all, a decent box. A couple Sox, a hit with the Puckett. Not sure I can expect much more.

How did your blasters go?