Training Week #13

I felt like this week needed it's own blog.

This was my first week of three training seasons. Not only that, but the workouts have been getting more and more difficult. After all, this is crunch time. With only two weeks left to "really" train, I'm becoming more anxious by the day.

Monday left me feeling sore and by Wednesday's session, my chest was hurting. We took it easy on the upper body - or what Jacki would consider easy - and moved to the core. On Friday, we combined everything and I have to say, my back is feeling it now.

I know I keep saying it, but I am honestly so proud of how far I've come. When we first began, there was no way I would've been able to do half of the things I am doing now. As I complete my Miss New York shopping, I realize that I've never felt this great. When I get up on the Miss New York stage in only 18 days, I know that can be confident in myself.

Jacki-Lyn

(646) 250-4557 or (718) 667-3722

Great Kills Memorial Day Parade

It was an honor to have been asked to take part in the Great Kills Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 19th. It was a spur of the moment offer and I was happy to accept!

This was my second parade as Miss Staten Island and, once again, it was a lot of fun. When I arrived, I was welcomed by many girl scout troops, schools, and even Santa Claus -- yes, Santa Claus in May! It was great to see many familiar faces. That is why this event was unique. It was right in my hometown, so I was able to share the day with old friends. I took as many pictures as I could before being swept away to my car to begin the parade.

Riding with me was my dad and brother. How lucky is he that he got to be in a parade? My mom walked alongside the car the whole way, taking pictures. Thanks, mom : ]

The attendees were all very kind and excited. Just as in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade, I received waves from little girls, congratulations and well wishes from adults, and some little boys even blew me kisses - too cute!

When the parade ended, I joined the crowd for a real Memorial Day celebration! There was a barbecue and many veterans who partipicated in a closing ceremony. I had the opportunity to meet them, as well as other members of the community. The children, and even their parents, were eager to take pictures!

It was definitely a lot of fun and when the morning was over, I was tired. I guess it's just all in a day's work! Thank you to Tom Gisonda for inviting me to be a part of this special day. Looking forward to the next Memorial Day Parade on May 28th!

PS 50: "Wish For Change"

That's right - another school has completed the "Wish For Change" fundraiser! As part of Kids for Wish Kids, the classes of PS 50 joined together to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York by collecting (& earning) loose change and dollars.

After PS 39, I didn't think I would see another with as much passion to make a difference. However, the students of PS 50 proved me wrong. I challenged them to beat the magic number, $1,165. I am proud to say that they exceeded my expectations and raised...

$1,941.52

Congratulations PS 50! I knew you could do it! The kids are very eager to find out which class raised the most money. This winning class will receive a pizza party from me!

And the winner is...

Ms. Maddaloni's class

with a total of

$226.18

Once again, I am so proud of all the work that you put into this fundraiser. A special thank you to Principal Fine, the assistant principals, and the PTA President, Debbie MacDonald for having me! It was a pleasure meeting you and working with you.

Costco's Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser

Costco is a sponsor of the Miss New York Pageant, which will be held in one month at the Saint George Theater. To show their support of our organization, they invited us in for a real celebration!

On May 12th, I was joined by some of my fellow Miss New York contestants to raise money for the Miss America national platform, Children's Miracle Network. It was an honor to have 11 of the 26 girls from the Miss New York Class of 2012, as well as 2 of the teens, in my borough. Costco was never a more exciting place to be!

We had so much fun raising money for this wonderful cause together. There was a DJ, free cake, and candy! We asked visitors to donate to help the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and a photographer captured every moment.

I stood with the "money bucket" for a while and a man even threw in a $50 bill! In total, we raised $930 for the Children's Miracle Network!

I saw some familiar faces and old friends, which made the day even more special. I even had kids running up to me telling me that I visited their schooll!

Hearing people say, "That's Miss Staten Island!" was so funny to me. I guess I still don't believe that I have anything near a celebrity status, but that's what it feels like! It was even funnier to hear some younger kids telling me "Happy Birthday" because of my crown : ]

It was a long day, but it was totally worthwhile. I wish I could share all of the pictures from this day on my blog, but there were over 100! Want to see them? Click here. Thank you to Costco for having us and for their continued support! And thank you, as well, to those from the Miss New York Organization who helped put together this event.

The Matthew Nierenberg Memorial Foundation

On May 10th I headed to Roller Jam for a special fundraiser. The Matthew Nierenberg Memorial Foundation is a non profit organization that was created to honor a young man from our community who suddenly passed in 2008. "Our primary mission is to provide an annual scholarship to a deserving youth." The Matthew Nierenberg “Heart of Gold” Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior each year to continue his/her education. The scholarship is awarded to the student that exemplifies Matt’s persona best - a warm-hearted, caring person.

                                                                                             Matthew's mother and I

The event on May 10th was a carnival, created to raise money for this scholarship. I was happy to be a part of this and when I arrived, it was more than I could've ever imagined! Roller Jam, which is typically a roller-skating rink for teenagers and families, was transformed. There were stands with carnival games, food of all kinds, and raffle baskets totaling over $18,000 in prizes!

There were so many people, too. The support was unbelievable! I was even joined by Joe Causi, who spent time at the event and judged the pizza pie eating contest.

An added plus to the night, I won a Christian Louboutin clutch! Needless to say, I was SUPER excited.

Check out the foundation's website. I am so impressed with everything this family has done to honor the memory of their loved one. Next time I do a fundraiser, I'm going to be asking them for advice! Congratulations on another successful event, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

Training Weeks 10, 11 & 12

As I continue to train and prepare for the Miss New York Pageant, I become more proud of myself. Workouts are increasing and we are now meeting three times a week. It is difficult, but definitely worth it!

I went shopping this weekend and I have never been more excited to try on new clothes! I've seen such a change, not only in my appearance, but in my confidence. My clothing size even went down! I'm amazed at the difference these 3 months have made. It's been a long journey, but it will all pay off in the end. I will be showing off what I've worked so hard for in just 4 short weeks. Jacki and I will be meeting 9 more times.

Here we go! Thanks, again, Jacki-Lyn.

Miss Staten Island Organization Fundraiser

After the Pink Party on May 4th, I headed to the Looney Bin (once again) to support the Miss Staten Island Organization in raising funds for next year's scholarships! I was ready to laugh : ]

I was joined by Miss Richmond County (Stephanie Accardo), other contestants from the past Miss Staten Island Scholarship Pageant, as well as those who work tirelessly for the organization. We enjoyed an hysterical comedy show featuring Maddog Mattern and Pete Michaels.

It was great to be able to take part in the future of this organization. After all, I won't be Miss Staten Island forever : [ It is part of my job to make sure that the next girl has an amazing experience, just like I am having!