1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 17 (145-153)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 17?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  1. Although, Guerrero was already on the Cardinals by the time this card came out.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Team cards are always cool. Hall of Famers are cool. There's one of each of those on this page.

My favorite card on the page: I'll go with the Bob Gibson. Even though he killed the Sox in the 1967 Series, it's hard not to enjoy a card of one of the greats.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Francesca D'Alessandro Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Francesca D’Alessandro is passionate about the arts, a talented stage performer, and the current Miss Thousand Islands. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Francesca D’Alessandro visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Thousand Islands crown?

It was so gratifying when I was able to call up my contacts and notify them that my plans as Miss Thousand Islands could begin! My first celebration was going out to dinner with my family, but my favorite celebration was spending a night at Dave and Buster’s to play games and spend quality time with friends! 

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

Currently, I am mostly focused on preparing myself so that I can feel ready and just be present and in the moment during the week of the competition. I am mostly excited to share all my stories and goals for my social impact initiative as well as perform a talent that I love. At the end of the day, if I know that I put my all into preparation and being present on stage, then I have already learned and gained so much experience. That alone is a HUGE win in itself.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Thousand Islands?

Photo by
Eve Taverne

I have been FLOORED by how warm and receptive the community has been in Jefferson and Oswego counties as well as my school in supporting my journey to educate our local communities. What’s been surprising to me, especially, is how excited they were to learn about and explore the topic of Autism. There are many misconceptions about what Autism is and I have been so impressed at how respectful, inquisitive, and accepting everyone is in learning about others who are different than themselves. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Triple-A: Adaptation and Awareness for Autism”?

There are many reasons why Autism has been so close and near to my heart. Overtime, the goals of my initiative have changed and evolved and I’m beyond excited to compete for Miss New York to make my vision a reality. Growing up with a parent who was an aid for special needs adults and having multiple friends on the spectrum, has truly opened my eyes on what their perspective on life is. Currently, I work at a school specialized for children on the spectrum and I get to bring my skills as a speech-language pathologist to help them grow in their relationships and it helps with any disruptive behaviors.

As a talented opera singer, what do you like most about performing on stage?

When I perform, I get to step into someone else’s shoes for a moment and to me, that is the most exhilarating experience to share with others. It’s always a humbling feeling when someone in the audience feels the story I’m singing and shares their personal experiences with me.

You’re also passionate about making sure everyone who wants an education can get one. How did that become important to you?

Education to me is not about knowing the most, but knowing that there’s always something new to learn. It’s important to break glass ceilings for yourself and others. When I became a first-generation college graduate, I got to share my experiences and stories with many different organizations. This helped me understand and appreciate how important scholarship organizations such as the Miss America Organization is to promote not just leadership, but how important funding is for young women leaders locally. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I love anything that makes me sweat and pushes my mental boundaries. To me, a good workout is one where I got to relieve some stress and push myself to do better than the last session. I never strive for an “ideal” figure. Right now, I mostly incorporate a mix of running and weight lifting and I always feel on my game. 

What do you remember from your first baseball game?

At the time, I had lived in a small town for many years and was shocked at not only how massive the crowds were, but how intense the fans are before, during, and after the game. It was amazing to see the pride and dedication that a city has for their team and I see a lot of correlation with competing within the Miss America Organization. It’s a very similar experience of how communities are so proud and excited to see their local titleholders go on to compete for Miss New York and eventually Miss America. 

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

Previously, I have sung for over a dozen basketball games but I would be honored to sing on the baseball field. It would mean everything if my students could attend since they love watching baseball games and we have had outings where we got to watch some games from the box. Their support on the sidelines as I sing the National Anthem would be so meaningful to me since they inspire me everyday. And ESPECIALLY if it was for the New York Yankees!

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That would definitely be an amazing opportunity, even if it was for the Yankees!

As usual, I want to thank Francesca for visiting and for sending along the wonderful pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Francesca continues her time as Miss Thousand Islands, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook Pages. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on. You should also be sure to check out the website for her SII: Triple-A Autism. It has a lot of really great information.

You also won't want to miss her Instagram Live series "Spectrum Sundays" performed with fellow Section 36 visitor Meghan Sinisi.

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss New York title. It would be wonderful to have the another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Francesca, and good luck!

A Strange Sale

OK. Things are still weird. There's still no baseball. You're still staying home as much as humanly possible. You're still doing the right thing. But, now it's even weirder! The Section 36 Store is having a quick three-day sale today through Friday. And then, next week? Doing that again! Then two weeks later? Doing it again! How strange!

No matter how it's scheduled, don't miss this opportunity! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. Remember, the sale only runs through Friday! 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! Not only would it be a great way to show the world your amazing outfit, but if you have a business or cause that needs promotion, it's an easy way to get a mention on Section 36!

Like the amazing singer Sabrina did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Or like the talented photographer Kelsey did!

This Tee is on sale!

Or like another wonderful singer, Lyssa, did!

This tank top is on sale!

Or like Lauren did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Like Bridget did! (With some help from K. Garcia Productions)

This sweatshirt is on sale!

Or, like travel agent Bernadette did to show off how amazing this tank top looks on her in Fiji.

This tank top is on sale!

Or Phil did

This tank is also on sale!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is on sale!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or like Allison did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or, like Sierra did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from. There are even a couple new designs to choose from!

What will you get?

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 16 (136-144)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 16?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. Can't have one on every page.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: While none of the cards on the set match the coolness categories that got me interested in the 1975 Topps set in the first place, it's always fun seeing older uniforms that aren't in use anymore. In that case, the card of Terry Forster is certainly cool. How can you not love those White Sox uniforms?

My favorite card on the page: Have to go with the Steve Garvey right in the middle. It has the glorious All-Star star in the corner, and he is by far the best player on the page.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Dana Harrison Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Dana Harrison is passionate about the arts, a talented stage performer, and the current Miss San Fernando Valley. I was thrilled she visited us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Dana Harrison visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss San Fernando Valley crown?

Well first, like any pageant girl, I cried tears of joy! Prior to last year when I won my first local title, I had competed persistently for over half a decade, never winning a title, and sometimes not even placing. So I knew when my name was called, I was so fortunate! I was also so surprised and excited because this will now be my second time being a titleholder, and being exposed to so many incredible opportunities! I was also blessed to celebrate this with some of my best friends!

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

To be honest, I don't think I am nervous about the Miss California competition, I am just so excited to have the opportunity that not many women get to have-a chance to compete for my dream job of being Miss California! On the other hand, with everything regarding the COVID-19, and even seeing some of the final competitions be postponed, it does make me a bit apprehensive-will our state competition get pushed back now? As of now, I am unsure, but I believe that what ever happens will happen for a reason with the ultimate best interest for all of us candidates.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss San Fernando Valley?

I think what's surprised me most of all is the support I have already received from the community of San Fernando Valley! While I am not a resident, nor am I from the area (although I do have family in the San Fernando Valley), I have been welcomed with open arms to this community! I plan to spend my spring break and various weekends without my reign doing as much as I can for this community. When I competed for this title, I told my judges that while I currently live in Sacramento, my heard would be with San Fernando Valley this year because it would mean so much to me push myself out of my comfort zone, and expand to new horizons! San Fernando Valley, I am ready to make an impact!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Enriching People’s Lives Through the Performing Arts”?

Photo by Image Society

I have been involved in the performing arts since I was five years old, and I have also volunteered and taught musical theatre to kids of all ages. With that being said, I know for a fact that my confidence would not be as strong, and I can say the same for my students, if we hadn't been exposed to the performing arts. The performing arts provides opportunities for anyone to grow, challenge themselves, and most importantly, express themselves in a way that is truly beautiful, and is free of ridicule and judgement. Also, in the long run, the performing arts increases and improves academic attendance, discipline, and motivation!

What do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

There is so much I love about performing on stage! I don't even get nervous anymore, because any stage I perform on is my comfort zone! Above all, I think the opportunities performing can bring you are endless, and for an optimistic person like myself, that is so much fun! I get to be creative, entertaining, but most importantly, I get to make people smile, and feel a special type of way, and that is initially one of my favorite aspects of social impact, as well as just performing in general. 

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

Ooohh, I love this! Well although I am known for performing Ursula's solo, "Poor Unfortunate Souls", and she is a favorite, but if I could be a Disney character for a week, I would pick Rapunzel! She has also been a favorite of mine because of her determination, her creativity, her hair, and her love for wanting to meet new people, and explore new opportunities!

As a Giants fan, who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Well, when I think of the Red Sox, I think of an ultimate baseball legend who happened to play for the Red Sox-Babe Ruth! I think a team to have an icon like that in their history is incredible! While many admired The Babe for his skill, I think I truly admired how respectful he was of others!

If you had an extra ticket to a Giants-A’s game, who would you bring with you? Why?

I think I would bring my long-time MAO mentor and friend, Tony Moises! Like myself, Tony is a huge Giants fan, and being able to share an experience like this would be a way to treat him, and thank him for all he's done for me in the nearly eight years he's known and helped me!

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

I have been to many Giants games in my past, and they are so much fun! But, I would love to one day either sing the national anthem, or throw out the first pitch! Being able to share my passion of singing while honoring America for my favorite team would be a memory so near and dear to my heart! 

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Those would be wonderful things to be able to do!

As usual, I want to thank Dana for visiting and for sending along the fantastic pictures that accompany the interview. They make the whole thing so much better.

As Dana continues her time as Miss San Fernando Valley, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss California title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor to wear that crown!

Thanks again Dana, and good luck!