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