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! 

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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!

Who’s Most Valuable?

The Red Sox have finally done it. It took until midway through August, but the Sox have finally succeeded to the level where the EEIdiots aren’t waiting for them to collapse. Sure, there’s the occasional “you never know” fool out there. But, by and large the EEIdiots are treating the rest of the Red Sox season like they do Patritos seasons. We know they’re winning the division, so fill our time with other things until the playoffs start.

What have they decided to fill their time with?

The debate for MVP of the American League. 

It’s actually an interesting discussion since the Red Sox really have two horses in the race. In a given year, the numbers that Mookie Betts and JD Martinez are putting up would definitely get them in the conversation. What’s interesting to me are the arguments being presented, on both sides, that are sometimes direct opposites of each other. Weird.

One of the arguments talk radio likes (because there’s no way to prove it) is the “value” part of MVP. Who is the most valuable? I heard one suggestion the other day that JD Martinez has been more valuable because of the off field things he’s done. Admittedly, he’s apparently done a lot for the team. He’s helping other players find flaws in their hitting. He’s assumed a leadership role. He’s definitely been the model player as far as the way he carries himself. And, I can’t argue that’s not valuable. But, if that’s the argument you want to make…that off-field things count…wouldn’t that put a lot more people into play for the award? What about someone like Brock Holt? He’s a pretty good teammate. He plays hard. Does that make him valuable? Would he be the most valuable on the team perhaps? Where do you stop pulling that thread? The people in JD’s camp also point out that the team is much better than last year, and he’s really the only new addition. So he must be valuable. Although, the team also won the division last year, just like they will this year. So, how valuable is he? 

Most people, even those who would vote for JD, agree that Mookie is the best all-around player on the team. That has to make him pretty valuable. Right? Mookie plays a spectacular right field, while JD is (mostly) a DH. Does that work in Mookie’s favor? Probably. I never really believe the notion that a DH can’t be an MVP. After all, am I going to punish a guy because his team has a better fielder? If JD was in the National league, he’d play in the outfield. Every game. But, because the Sox happen to have a way to play both him and Jackie Bradley Jr every game, he should be punished? After all, JD’s an adequate outfielder. It’s not like putting him out there takes away all the value he brings at the plate.

So, who is it?

I’m with Mookie. I think he just does too much too well. If you strictly look at offensive numbers, Mookie does things that JD can’t, but JD doesn’t really do anything Mookie can’t. The gap between Mookie and JD on the bases, for instance, is bigger than the gap between JD and Mookie in home run power. In the field, Mookie isn’t just an adequate fielder, he’s a phenomenal fielder. Maybe the best right fielder in the league. There’s just too much talent everywhere for me to ignore. The best fielder is leading the league in batting and slugging? What more, exactly, do you want from a guy?

I say, “Nothing!” that’s why Mookie’s my MVP.

Who’s yours?

Another Sale Start!

Summer is winding down. You're tired of wearing the same old thing when your working out, or going to the beach, or running to the store. You need a new wardrobe!

Lucky for you, the Section 36 store can help you! As it happens, the store is in the midst of a sale! You can take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on wonderful gear you can wear all summer long!

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. The sale only runs through Sunday! That's right only a few days before prices go back to their regular levels.

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, and even Instagram!

Like Kylee did to show off her amazing new tank top.

This tank is 27% off!

Or Phil did.

This tank is still 27% off!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is 21% off!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is 30% off!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from.

What will you get?

Eliminating Baltimore

Another weekend, another example of just how dominant the Red Sox are this year. Last Monday we could talk about the Red Sox sweeping away the Yankees. Laying waste to the team that was closest to them in the division. Today, we have the opposite example. This weekend the Red Sox swept the Orioles, officially eliminating them for the competition for the division title. Second place. Last place. They all seem to fall to the Red Sox buzz saw.

I’m guessing it’s not a record or anything. But, being eliminated in mid-August is pretty crazy. It speaks to not only how amazing the Red Sox season has been thus far, but also how poorly the Orioles have played. (Although, they seem to play well against the Yankees.)

Once again, the Red Sox needed all their talents to win the four games. They got good pitching when they needed it. They got key hits when they needed it. They just bludgeoned the other team when they needed it. It’s just so much fun to watch.

Next up for the Sox is a struggling Phillies team that just fell into a tie for first place in the division. It’s the start of a stretch where for three series they face winning ball clubs, including two teams currently in first place. This has, of course, been the newest “test’ placed before the Red Sox. Sure, they’ve passed every other test with flying colors. But two games in Philly and then four games hosting Cleveland is the new measuring stick. After all, Cleveland is the only team with a larger division lead than the Sox…even though the Red Sox are what, 17.5 games ahead of them at the moment? (It’s just silly) I can only assume that once the Sox show they can beat those two team, the games against Houston will become the measuring stick for the Sox. Which brings up a question.

At what point is a team what it is? After 120 games, can't we just decide that the team is good? Really good? Even if they lose the series against Cleveland? Or get swept by the Phillies? Aren't they still a really good team? The Red Sox are in first place, but other teams don't pack it in when the Red Sox beat them, right? 

So how about we enjoy the best regular season in memory without worrying about what might happen sometime later?

Just have some fun!

Katie Carlson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Katie Carlson is a twirler, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Exeter. Just after winning her crown, she

agreed to discuss those topics with us, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll be glad she did!

So, let’s see what happens when Katie Carlson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Exeter crown?

It's funny, I really enjoy being busy, so I agreed to perform in my baton team's summer show the next day. So I went to a little get together after I was crowned and then went home to sleep so that I could perform to the best of my ability the next morning at the Red Star Show! I had a lot of fun being able to perform my talent routine again! 

You recently competed for the Miss Pennsylvania crown. How do you think your multi-state experience will help you at Miss New Hampshire?

I actually started competing in the Miss America Organization in New Hampshire. I competed for Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen and placed top 5, I then competed in Miss New Hampshire twice as Miss Seacoast and Miss Greater Plaistow before taking a year off and then competing in Pennsylvania. I have enjoyed being a part of both organizations tremendously! I think that seeing how other state organizations work is always beneficial because there is always room to grow. I am so excited to be back in New Hampshire, competing to represent the state that I call home! 

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

I have many goals I’d like to accomplish as Miss Exeter. My

biggest goal is to know that I have helped change someone else's life. Whether that is through community service or working with my platform, I am here to be a role model and to help others live positive lives so they can be role models as well. (one of my biggest life goals is to see the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases eliminated. I plan to work toward that goal as Miss Exeter!).

What is your personal fitness routine?

I have always loved working out! I never really took to eating healthy until college, but since then I have learned a tremendous

amount about my health and the goals I strive to reach. I work at Orangetheory Fitness, so being healthy and working out is a part of my life every day. I take Orangetheory Fitness classes almost daily, but outside of that just getting in around 30 minutes of exercise a day is very important to me. What I have found to be extremely important for me is how I fuel my body. I have a meal plan that I follow pretty much every day (everyone needs a cheat day every once in a while!). The journey I have been on with my health and fitness has not been easy, but I'm so happy to be at a place where I feel healthy and confident in my own skin! I just recently started a lifestyle blog to document my best pieces of advice, favorite workouts, and daily motivations! I hope you will all joking my journey by following @katieelizabethcarlson on Instagram and visiting www.katiefueledbycoffee.wordpress.com! 

How did you select your platform, “Child Sexual Abuse – Protecting the Innocent”?

At the age of 11, I walked down the stairs of my family's vacation

cottage and told my family that my brother had been sexually abusing me for years. It was those three long and painful years that shaped me into the woman I am today. I have dealt with setbacks and struggles for a majority of my life because of the sexual abuse, but I never let that stop me. I used it as my motivation to prove that I could and would be better, I would not let what happened to me define my future. The Miss America Organization helped me to find my voice, it helped me to use my pain and suffering to stand up and help others. I now stand confidently and share my personal experiences with the world. Knowing that I shouldn't statistically be where I am today makes me want to help people even more. I want victims to know that no matter the circumstances, we can live positive and happy lives. I want children to know it's okay to come forward if this has happened to them. I want parents, teachers, and anyone that is around children to know the signs of a sexually abused child and to be able to talk to kids about child sexual abuse so that we can prevent it from ever happening. I want to end child sexual abuse. Through my platform, I fight for the most innocent...our children.

As a former Penn State University majorette, does the experience of performing in front of such large crowds help you during the talent portion of the competition?

Absolutely! I LOVED performing in front of 110,000 screaming fans in Beaver Stadium, so I pretend that when I'm on stage I'm twirling in Beaver Stadium again! 

You recently attended a Luke Bryan concert at Fenway. How did you like Fenway Park as a concert venue?

I thought it was one of the best concerts I had been to! They were able to have fireworks during the show and it was a perfect summer night, not to mention Luke Bryan in a Red Sox shirt, singing "Sweet Caroline"...was AMAZING!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I so wish Big Papi was still playing because it would always be him! However, since he is retired, I would have to say Mookie Betts. I went to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game a couple of years ago and he was still a relatively new name to baseball. I fell in love with him as a player, his attitude and his dedication won me over!

How will the Red Sox finish the 2018 season?

As the World Series Champions of course! The Red Sox have a

great record and are playing really well this season...I know they will go all the way!

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I can't disagree with that!

As always, I want to give lots of thanks to Katie for doing this interview, especially so soon after winning her crown. I also want to thank her for providing so many pictures to accompany the interview. They made it a lot more fun!

As Katie continues her time as Miss Exeter I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page! In addition to Katie's lifestyle blog she mentioned above, you should also follow her regular blog to make sure you don't miss a thing!

I also want to wish Katie luck as she competes for Miss New Hampshire competition next spring. It would be so exciting for a second consecutive Section 36 visitor to take home that crown!

Thanks again Katie, and good luck!