Ginger Ragaishis Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Ginger Ragaishis is passionate about hidden disabilities, and the current Miss Vermont's Teen. I was so thrilled she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Ginger Ragaishis visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Vermont’s Teen crown?

I went out to dinner with my family, and I wore my crown and sash to dinner in the hotel. It was literally the best day of my life and I couldn’t stop smiling.

What part of the upcoming Miss America’s Teen competition are you most nervous about?

I’m very nervous for talent because I really want it to be perfect and I am trying to step out of my comfort zone with a new genre. I want to be interesting and fun and I need it to be very "teen". I also want to be unique and I wanted to capture the judges attention. So I’m going to really do something different and maybe even do something that they’ve never seen before. 

 

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

I would really love to increase the reach of the organization so that there are a lot of girls next year competing. And who knows, maybe Vermont could have a team competition and a miss competition that are separate. That would be very exciting. I’d also like to be able to teach all the delegates how to be great fundraisers, so that the Miss Vermont organization could really raise a lot of money, since I am currently still in the lead as one of the top spot fundraisers nationally for all teens. 

How did you select your “hidden disabilities” CSI?

I knew I always wanted to create a website around my learning disability, and after watching my brother create his website in high school called www.livesmartplaysmart.com I got inspired and wanted to create my website www.defyinglimits.net. The Miss America organization gave me the platform. I actually have a learning disability and that’s where I got my idea from because I have always struggled since I can remember with school and just wanted to share my story about my learning disability and how it can affect others.

 

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

Normally, I would choose Ariel. But she lives in the ocean and I am scared of the ocean. So not Ariel. I would probably want to live as Jasmine, because who wouldn’t want to fly on a magic carpet?

 

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

If I had a ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park. I would take my uncle Jim with me because he is a Twins fan and he’s the only person I know who loves baseball. And, I’m pretty sure that the Red Sox play the Twins at some point. 

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That would definitely work at some point!

As always, I want to thank Ginger 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's Teen! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Ginger during her journey. She already gave you the website for her CSI, and you can follow that on Instagram too. You should also check out her title's Instagram account as well. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Ginger, and good luck!  

2022 Topps Opening Day Blaster!

Yup. I had another blaster of this lying around. I know. Moster hits won't be there. Mediocre hits might not be there. But, a nice average generic hit? Those probably won't be there. But, sometimes I just want to open lots and lots of cards. And, this definitely serves that purpose. 

Let's see how this one went!

OK. So maybe there are autographs or relics in here. Maybe. I don't know if I've ever seen one though.

Just look at all these packs. Every time I see this stack, I wonder what makes these cards so inexpensive. What costs go into the flagship set that aren't needed here. Are the real hits that expensive? Is there something in the production process? Or is it simply the fact that Topps "can" charge more for flagship?

Starting off with a retired player. I'm guessing he wasn't on the Opening Day roster.

I think I've seen this card before. Seems more whitewashed than I remember.

I don't know about Dalbec's status as "future star".

It's always fun to add a Wally card to the growing collection.

And rookie cards are always welcomed as well.

I don't really need this card and its confusing overhead shot of Fenway.

Nor do I need this card of a deserter. 

However, if this guy continues his resurgence, I'll consider keeping it.

And there you have it. Quite a few Sox, but with so many packs that was probably expected. And, also as expected, there was nothing to write home about. Even though I was actively looking for one of those autographs they warned me about. But, it was still plenty of fun.

Did your box do any better?

Aly Faria Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Aly Faria is passionate about genetic disorder awareness, and the current Miss Sacramento County's Teen. I was so glad she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Aly Faria visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Sacramento County’s Teen crown?

I went to In-and-Out with my friends and family. After a thrilling but exhausting night, all I wanted was to spend time with the people I love and eat… it was a win-win!!

What part of the upcoming Miss California’s Teen competition are you most nervous about?

For Miss California's Teen, I am most nervous about onstage conversation. While interview is my favorite part, this feels a million times more nerve wracking as it’s in front of all the people I care about. This is definitely what I’m practicing the most.

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Sacramento County’s Teen?

What I am most surprised about is all the opportunities I’m having through this!! I have made so many connections in just a few months, it’s incredible how much I’ve been able to do. I have participated in so many nonprofit fundraisers and had so many chances to preform- I’m so grateful for all the things I’ve been able to do so far, and looking forward for many to come!

How did you select your CSI, “Spreading Awareness of Genetic Disorders”?

I selected my Social Service initiative “Spreading Awareness of Genetic Disorders” because of my family’s genetic disorder, Huntington’s disease. I grew up in a household where I was lucky enough to know a lot about this disease, my family is part of many studies and understands what HD is. People who are different were never ostracized in my family, but that’s not the case for everyone. Often, people don’t know how to handle others who are different, whether it’s mentally or physically. We cannot hold it against people who don’t understand- all we can do is teach them how to be better, kinder, and more understanding. That is what I’m trying to do; teach the people who don’t know, and help them understand. 

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

If I could be any Disney character, it would have to be Rupunzel. My favorite Disney princess lives an amazing life- she has a kind family, an amazing husband, and some very interesting pets. Dancing, painting, and reading all day in a beautiful island kingdom sounds like an amazing life.

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the A’s, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox, I would have to take my dad. I play soccer, and that is the only sport that I really understand. Not only is it a stadium he very much wants to visit, I can’t think of another person who would take the time to explain everything that happens to me throughout the game, and still enjoy themselves. We would have a great time!

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That does sound like the perfect combination!

As always, I want to thank Aly 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 California's Teen! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Aly 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 Aly, and good luck!  

2022 Topps Heritage Blaster!

More Cards! Today, let's try some more 2022 Topps Heritage. I've opened a bit of this already, but I think it's always fun to open more. Even if the abandoned the Red Sox hedge.

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

I mean, I'll keep looking for those "Real One" autographs and relics!

Seriously, when am I going to just save one of those Devers/Bogaerts packs?

Conner Wong manages to smile despite the fact that there is no hedge behind him. Or, he's looking forward to what's to come?

The same for Xander? He's also clearly missing the hedge. But, his face also says, "I'm about to make a huge career mistake". I wonder what he's thinking about.

Duran here says, "If I can't pose in front of a hedge, I'm not posing at all. You'll just have to follow me around with a camera and hope for the best."

And there you have it. Three Sox cards in this box. But, a couple rookies with futures ahead of them, and one washed up vet. Not a bad mix.

How did your box go?

Haley Passione Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Haley Passione is passionate about mental health, an event planner, and the current Miss Iron City. I was so flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Haley Passione visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Iron City crown?

I immediately called my mom! I didn’t have a typical crowning because I competed in a digital sweeps. After my interview in the morning, I had to wait all day for a phone call from Miss Pennsylvania, Alysa Bainbridge, so there was a lot of excitement and relief when it finally came! I’m super excited to be coming out of pageant retirement to compete this summer.

 

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

I’d like to work with local organizations, such as Prevention Point and the Allegheny County Health Department, to provide naxolone (Narcan) and training on identifying the signs of an overdose to as many bars and restaurants as possible in the Pittsburgh area. Not only is substance use (and abuse) prevalent in the food and beverage industry but servers and bartenders constantly encounter customers who are mixing substances without our knowledge. Having the skillset to identify that someone is overdosing and access to Narcan can be lifesaving.

 

What did you learn about yourself at the Iron City competition that will help you at Miss Pennsylvania?

Competing in a “digital sweeps” was a brand new experience forme. I competed for the title of Miss Nevada several times in college, so on-stage competition is comfortable for me at this point. I’m also a former theatre kid and I love being in front of a crowd. Having to compete digitally was way more nerve-wracking than I expected! But it really showed me how adaptable I can be to new situations, which makes me feel at ease going into Miss Pennsylvania because I’m new to this state organization.

 

How did you select your “mental health and harm reduction” community service initiative?

I chose mental health as part of my CSI because I’ve had my own struggles with depression and anxiety in recent years, and I know I’m far from alone. It can be hard to take the first step toward seeking help and I know how easy it is to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. I’m lucky that I have a really wonderful support system and access to mental health care. But millions of Americans are struggling with these conditions, and others, every single day and most of them aren’t receiving any meaningful care. I want to use my platform to share my story and encourage people to seek help when they’re struggling. The reason I decided to focus on harm reduction in addition to mental health is because they often go hand in hand. I worked full-time in the service industry for nearly 5 years, and I’ve seen the intersection of mental health and substance abuse many times. Harm reduction seriously can be as simple as taking car keys away from someone who’s had too much to drink and it makes a world of difference.

You’re working on a master’s degree in higher education. Where do you see that journey taking you?

College was such a transformative experience for me, and a lot of that was thanks to the Student Affairs staff at my school. They really played a role in teaching me how to be a real, functional adult once I graduated and inspired me to pursue this degree. The program I’m in at the University of Pittsburgh is heavily focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, so I hope to always be an advocate for students. My dream role is to be a director or vice president of Title IX/Compliance.

 

You currently work as an event planner. What do you enjoy about that experience?

I find that I’m naturally drawn to jobs where I get to work with people, which is probably why I was a bartender for so long. As an event coordinator, I love helping people turn their vision for their event into a reality! It’s really rewarding to see your work pay off as a successful event.

 

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

I have to go with Mary Poppins. The bottomless bag would be so helpful in my daily life. Especially on the days that I'm going straight from the gym to work to class!

 

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

I would absolutely take my best friend, Macie Tuell (some of you might know her as Miss Nevada 2021!) Sadly, I don’t get to see her often while she’s jet-setting around the world as a personal assistant. But we truly never have a bad time together and PNC Park is a stadium everyone should get to experience in their lifetime. Plus, the Pierogi Race is a can’t miss event.

 

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

My talent is singing, so I would love to perform the National Anthem at a Buccos game!

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I bet that would be wonderful.

As always, I want to thank Haley 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 Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Haley 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 Haley, and good luck!