Christmas Show at Delorenzo Towers

I have now completed my first semester of my sophomore year at Wagner College, and I am happily home for winter break! Today I attended the Christmas show at Delorenzo Towers, put on by Brittany and Sarah Decker. They sang a beautiful duet of Silver Bells, followed by a performance by a Bristol children's choir. They were so adorable and did a great job! I sang "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow", Brianna did a dance to "Perfect Day", Trinette sang "Suzie Snowflake", and Meredith led everyone in singing "Jingle Bells". The senior citizens really enjoyed themselves; it was great to see the smiles on their faces! I really enjoyed meeting so many new people; I even put my French speaking skills to the test when I talked with one of the senior citizens who told me that she grew up in Normandy, France.

At the end we sang Happy Birthday to Brian, who is now 20! Linda also handed out our Christmas gifts...I got a really warm black zip-up with "Miss Bristol 2010" and the crown (of course :]) embroidered on it! I absolutely love it...thanks Linda!!!

Miss Bristol Holiday Party, Breakfast with Santa

This weekend started with the Miss Bristol Holiday Party on Friday night. It was so nice to spend time with the Miss Bristol Board Members and their families! I was very thankful that my mother, father, and sister were able to attend. The food was great...plenty of vegetarian options. It was great to catch up with the people who I don't get to see very often, and I hope that their holiday season is a very happy one. At the party, Brian and Trinette gave me a massive amount of tabs...I can't wait to hand them in to the Ronald McDonald House later this month. When we did the gift card exchange, I picked out a giftcard to a tea shop, which I can't wait to use!

On Saturday morning, we went to Breakfast with Santa at the Giamatti Little League Center. It was a lot of fun singing popular Christmas songs with the kids! We also sang Happy Birthday to several little girls who were celebrating their birthday that day. Everyone got to visit with Santa, who handed out candy canes and licorice. After all the guests had finished breakfast, Linda and I helped clean up by sweeping and wiping down tables. It was a pleasure to help out, and definitly got everyone into the holiday spirit!

Miss Twirl/Carousel Museum

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Twirl pageant. I loved watching the Little Miss and Miss contestants perform their routines! Thank you for having me sing at the begining of the pageant. Little did I know that "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" would be a theme song during the pageant. It was a lot of fun handing out the awards with Miss Mum, Miss CT Outstanding Pre-Teen, Meredith, Trinette, and our new little friend, Emma. Congrats to the new Little Miss Twirl and Miss Twirl...I look forward to spending time with you both this year!

On Sunday I went to the Carousel Museum for Santa Sunday. After helping out with the drawing contest, Santa came to visit with the kids. It was so much fun to see them visit with him and tell him what they want for Christmas. I helped out by taking down e-mail addresses of the parents who were going to get pictures with Santa e-mailed to them. Unfortunately, I had to leave early to go back to school. BUT it turns out that I was appointed the new Philanthropy Chair of my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I'm so excited because this is going to be a big step in furthering my involvement with the Ronald McDonald House.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I came home from school Tuesday night and dropped off the collection non-perishable goods at the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven. Thank you to the many many people who brought the goods at the Preteen/Little Miss Bristol Pageant! The pantry at the house is stocked, and I'm so glad we could help out families in need during the holiday season.

Bright and early Wednesday morning I went to the Breakfast of Champions at the Bristol Clarion Hotel. It was a wonderful celebration breakfast for the Bristol athelets, acknowledging the coaches, team captains, and senior athletes at St. Paul's High School, Bristol Central High School, and Bristol Eastern High School. After singing the National Anthem, Linda and I enjoyed a nice breakfast. Congratulations to Joann Galati who recieved the 2009 Ralph Papazian Leadership Award! Andy Baylock, the UCONN coach for football and baseball, was the Key Note Speaker, inspiring the crowd with his knowledge and experience in the world of sports. Thank you to Michael Nicastro and Linda DiMatteo for having me!

Thanksgiving morning Sarah, Brianna, Meredith, and I went to the Bristol Central vs. Bristol Eastern Thanksgiving football game. We were in the parade with the marching bands from both schools, and all the titleholders in Bristol. It was great to see the community gather at such an event to celebrate family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Imagine Nation Museum, Miss Hartford County/Rocky Hill, Miss Mum's Turkey Drive

Saturday started off bright and early (8:30!!!) at Imagine Nation Museum. The Miss Bristol titleholders helped make placemats which are going to be sent to local places which help those in need. We had fun coloring scarecrows, glueing feathers, and being creative. Thank you to the families who came and helped with this project...after two hours we made over 150! I'm sure that those who recieve our placemats will be very appreciative and filled with the spirit of Thanksgiving.

That night, we all attended the Miss Hartford County/Rocky Hill pageant. Alex Puglisi, Ashley Reid, Allison Boilard, and Marisa Barnard gave beautiful farewells and definitly represented their titles with grace! The pageant was Micheal Jackson themed, and emceed by Nakiya Troth, Ashley Abate, and Stacy Potter. The competition was great...I was impressed with the talents of all the contestants. I especially enjoyed cheering on the girls who competed in Miss Bristol with me. They all did a great job and i wholeheartedly encourage them to keep competing. At the end of the night, everyone deserved a crown for a job well done! Congratulations to Kate Ottavio, Miss Rocky Hill 2010, and Brittany Decker, Miss Hartford County 2010! I'm so excited that we'll be going to Miss Connecticut together...I can't wait to get to know you both better during the year! Also, congratulations to Andreanna Buccheri, Rocky Hill's Outstanding Teen 2010, and Haylee Rochler, Miss Hartford County's Oustanding Teen 2010!

Sunday morning, I joined Miss Mum at Stop and Shop on Pine Street to help with her Turkey Drive. People were so generous and readily offered their support to this activity. After two hours, there were two shopping carts full of turkeys, and serveral more carts filled with other Thanksgiving foods! These donations will certainly brighten the Thanksgiving of Bristol citizens in need...a job well done, Jessica! Thank you to all the Bristol titleholders for coming out and helping our community!

Rising Star Pageant

On this rainy day, four new titleholders were crowned! Congratulations to CT's Princess Aubrey Szostek, CT's Outstanding Petit Sophia Modica, CT's Outstanding Junior Ariana Puglisi, and CT's Outstanding Pre-teen Haleigh Costello!!! All the contestants were great...I was so impressed with the grace and talent displayed by all. I especially enjoyed cheering on my diamond, Trinette. It was great to see her smiling and performing onstage...keep competing, girl!!

I wasn't able to attend the Miss Southington pageant, but congratulations to Miss Southington 2010 Ashley Hayden, Miss Southington's Outstanding Teen 2010 Logan West, and Miss Plantsville's Outstanding Teen Caitlyn Flynn. I can't wait to get to know you all during the year!

Wild About Animals, Pre-Teen/Little Miss Bristol, Miss Wolcott

This weekend kicked off with an appearance at Imagine Nation Museum, where they had all kinds of animals, including goats, bunnies, birds, horses, and reptiles! Trinette I visited with all the animals and learned a lot about them. One of the rooms had an adult boa constricter...which I was conviced to take a picture with around my shoulders! It was so creepy! We spend the remaining time handing out pizza and drinks to the attendees. This was definitly a fun event to help out with and be a part of!

The next day was the Little Miss and Pre-Teen Miss Bristol pageant! Sarah and I emceed for the afternoon, which was definitly a fun experience (eventhough we were nervous!). Not to mention, Sarah and I coordinated our dresses perfectly by accident. The pageant was fantastic. All the girls did great and looked beautiful. I had so much fun asking the Little Miss Contestants their on-stage fishbowl questions, and it was great getting to know the Pre-Teen contestants back stage. At the end of the afternoon, Meredith Valley was crowned Little Miss Bristol 2010 and Brianna Beyers was crowned Pre-Teen Miss Bristol 2010. I can't wait to spend the year with them!

After a quick bite for dinner, we all went to the Miss Wolcott 2010 pageant. What a show--the contestants were very impressive and the performances by Studio 1 were great. Congratulations to Becky Albini, Miss Wolcott 2010, and Erin Ward, Miss Wolcott's Outstanding Teen 2010!

Halloween Appearances: Ingraham Manor and New England Carousel Museum

The first appearance on Halloween was at Ingraham Manor for a costume parade organized by Sarah Decker, Miss Bristol's Outstanding Teen. There was a great turnout, and everyone's costumes looked great! We walked door to door, visiting the residents. Each senior citizen recieved either a pin or a bookmark from one of the children. It was great to see their faces light up with delight when we visited them. Sarah did an impressive job of putting this event together...she definitly brightened up this Halloween for the residents that we visited.

Next we went to the New England Carousel Museum's annual Halloween Party. I stood by the front enterance, greeting the guests and handing out bags for their prizes, as well as their contestant numbers for the costume contest. Inside, there were tons of games, activities, and of course food for the kids. I got to be one of the three judges for the costume contest...it was extremely difficult! I was very impressed with the creativity of all the costumes. Though we gave out awards for the top costumes, every child went home with a prize. I had a lot of fun spending time with the kids. I'd like to extend a special thanks to Brittany Decker for letting me borrow her pink gown for my costume, everyone loved it!

On Sunday, we had the rehersal for the Little Miss/Preteen Miss Bristol Pageant (which is going to be next Saturday at 1 pm and Bristol Central High School). All of the girls were charming and adorable. So many of them gave me baggies with pop tabs in them...one girl even gave me a container with over 3,500 tabs in it! I'm so thankful to the people who are helping me out with this project...I can't wait to deliver the collection in December. One tab may be small, but they definitly add up!

Special Olympics Bowling, Family Bake-Off, Exchange Club Collection for Parent and Children’s Services

What a busy and exciting weekend! The first appearance of the day was at Spare Time Bowling Alley for the Special Olympics Bowling. After doing the opening ceremonies, Sarah and I spent time with the athletes, making sure everything went smoothly while they bowled. Once the two rounds were over, we got to hand out the awards. It was great to be able to congratulate the athletes for their hard work! What a great group of people I got to know--everyone was so kindhearted and friendly. Volunteering at the Special Olympics Bowling was very special for me because my older sister, Monica, is severely disabled. It meant a lot to me to see so many volunteers spending their Saturday with the athletes, cheering them on and making sure everyone had fun.

Next, we attended the Family Bake-Off at the Bristol Library. I loved tasting all the delicious desserts--especially the winning recipie of the day: Body Part Brownies! At the library, Trinette and her girl scout troope presented me with two bags full of soda tabs that she had saved up over the past couple of years. I'm so thankful...now I'm off to a great start collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven.

After the Bake-Off, Sarah and I met up at Stop and Shop with members of the Exchange Club to help solicit the donations of baby products for the Parent and Children's Services of Bristol. This organization helps provide young and single parents with the necessary items to take care of their child. This is a truely worthy cause and I'm so happy that I could give some of my time to help out. I learned a lot from Mr. Bailey and the other volunteers. It is very inspirational how giving they are. I look forward to working with them again!

We returned to the bowling alley just in time to give out the awards to the second session of bowlers. I enjoyed making many new special friends --it was a great way to spend my Saturday!

Upcoming Event...

Ronald McDonald House Charity Food Drive
Hello! I am hosting a food drive to benefit the Ronald McDonald House located in New Haven, CT. This keeps the pantry at the house stocked, so guests never have to worry about meals. One of the great things about the Ronald McDonald House is that volunteers cook meals for the families who stay there. This service would not be possible without the donations of non-perishable goods. The holiday season is approaching, and it is important to help the families at the Ronald McDonald House as they face the financial and emotional difficulties of having an ill child, as well as the struggle of being away from home.
I will have a box out in the lobby at the Little Miss and Pre-Teen Miss Bristol Pageant for donations. If each attendee could bring at least one non-perishable food item to donate, it would really help! Thank you for helping support this worthy cause.

Bristol Pumpkin Festival

This weekend, I got to enjoy the Bristol Pumkin Festival. Despite the cold, there were lots of people there! There were so many beautifully carved pumpkins done by the local schools, businesses, and individuals. I got to judge the category of pumkins carved by individuals. I gave the Miss Bristol America award to a pumpkin painted in camoflague. It had peace signed carved for eyes, and the work "peace" as a mouth...it was so creative! That pumpkin also won the Best Theme award. It was so hard to choose which pumpkin I liked the most--they were all great.

All the crowned titleholders got to lead the Costume Parade from the Manross Library down to the Pumpkin Festival. Soon after was a pet parade. Of course, the pets were dressed up in their Halloween costumes--it was adorable. The Best in Show award went to a dog who was dressed up as a lion. As the day ended, we got to see all the pumpkins lit up. Here are some pictures taken during the day:

With the Wicked Witch from Snow White

Me, Melissa, and Sarah

We got a picture with Micheal Jackson!

Mum Festival

Saturday October 4, 2009 I made my first appearance! I attended the Mum Festival and got the opportunity to meet so many wonderful citizens of Bristol. There was a small petting zoo, many booths, a play area/obstacle course for kids, and even a car show! It was great to see everyone coming together--it truely represented what a close and supportive community Bristol is. I had a wonderful time getting to know everyone; I felt so welcomed! I'm extremely proud to be representing Bristol this year, and I couldn't have asked for a better first appearance than the Mum Festival! Here are some pictures from the day:

Watching out for the kids at the play area

With some if the ladies of the Mum Committee

With Mayor Art Ward

Miss Bristol 2010 Pageant

October 3, 2009 I was crowned Miss Bristol 2010!

I'd like to start by congratulating Courtney S., Kristi, Brooke, Sabrae, Courtney O., and Alyscia for an amazing performance on Saturday. You were all amazing!

Thank you to the entire Miss Bristol Scholarship Organization for putting everything together. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication...you made me and the other contestants feel so welcomed at rehersals. I can't wait to spend a year working with you, it's going to be a blast!

Sarah-- we are going to have an amazing year! I'm so excited to be spending the year with you as my sister queen.

This year is going to be incredible, and I'm honored to be representing such a supportive community. In the short time since I was crowned, I have felt so welcomed and embraced by not only the town of Bristol, but by the Connecticut pageant family as well. Thank you for this opportunity!

Yours Truely,
Martha Price

Miss Bristol 2010