Miss Florida + October = Busy Bee!!!

Greetings!

The month of October has flown by so quickly!  I can't believe that tomorrow is Halloween and that November will begin!  October has been the busiest month of my reign thus far.

The first of the month I traveled to St. Petersburg to attend a playoff soccer game between FC Tampa Bay and the NSC Minnesota Stars.  The FC Tampa Bay fans were loads of fun as they showed their support for the team.  I had a great time taking pictures and speaking with people in the crowd. Thank you to Bill and Kim Doniel for being my chaperones for the evening!

The very first week of the month, I traveled to New York City, to meet with designers, Stephen and Shawn Yearick, as well as Jovani.  My visits with them were very successful as I was able to find exactly what I needed...but you'll have to wait till Miss America to know anything about it ;-)  Hehe.

As soon as I returned from New York I went straight to work. On the 12th, I spoke at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. I visited the preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students. During my visit I taught the students about the importance of protecting the world around us. To teach them about how beautiful our world is, I brought miniature pots for planting. They had so much fun getting their hands dirty in the soil! I also left with each classroom a caterpillar to watch through it's life cycle and become butterflies.

The following day, I had a meeting with MetroPlan Orlando which is the metropolitan planning organization for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties in Central Florida.  The organization was created by federal law, state statutes, and progressive regional thinking to address the communities transportation needs now and in the future.  I arranged to meet with MetroPlan to learn more about the air quality needs for central Florida.  Due to the fact that air quality is directly related to transportation, MetroPlan created the Clean Air Team, that works to educate others about the importance of protecting the air we breathe. 

The next 3 days were devoted to an appearance at the Orlando Southern Women's Convention.  I was there on behalf of Artistry by Amway.  Each day, I had the opportunity to speak on their main stage.  I took the time to share with the audience the benefits of the Miss America Organization, my duties as Miss Florida, and the importance of my platform.  I was also able to perform a few of my favorite songs.   The rest of the time I spent at the Artistry booth signing autographs and promoting Artistry.  I also had the unique opportunity of petting a penguin!  

After making my appearance at the last day of the Convention, on Sunday the 16th, I traveled to Plant City to attend the Homecoming for our new Miss America's Oustanding Teen Elizabeth Fechtel.  Many people were in attendance and it was great to reconnect with everyone!  I was so excited for our new Miss Florida's Oustanding Teen, Rachel Strever, who had her official crowning at this party.  She was beaming!

The next morning, October 17th, I traveled to Gainesville to participate as a judge and special guest at the University of Florida's Mr. and Miss AASU pageant.  AASU stands for Asian American Student Union.  During the pageant I judged the contestants in evening wear, talent, national costume, and onstage question.  It was fun to be on the other side of competition as a judge!  It was much more difficult than I ever imagined!  You want all of the contestants to do well and you wish that you could crown them all.  At the pageant, I was brought on stage to speak about my year as Miss Florida and to perform. 

 The following afternoon I took a tour of Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville.  Shands is a Children's Miracle Network Hospital.  It was great to learn what CMNH has done and continues to do for Shands.  My absolute favorite part of the tour was being able to interact with the children who are patients there. 

I was Orlando bound the next day.  I was there for two days to work on a few Miss America preparations which included talent practice with David Gilbert.  Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, was in town for a Children's Miracle Network appearance, so I was able to take her out to lunch!  She is a such a delightful young woman!  We laughed as we shared stories with each other.

That weeked, October 21-23, I was in Jacksonville to work with Artistry again for Jacksonville's Southern Women's Convention.  My duties were just as they were at the Orlando convention.  I had fun spending time with the ladies of Artistry!

After a great weekend in Jacksonville, I traveled south to Miami.  I made a stop in Port St. Lucie to meet with my vocal coach to practice my talent for Miss America.  Once I was in Miami, I was able to relax for the rest of the evening.

The next morning, a makeup artist came to Mary's house to do my makeup for a photo shoot that I was having with Elizabeth K. Sanchez at Deering Estates.  Deering Estates is a beautiful location in Miami.  My wardrobe for the photoshoot was provided by Ann Marie Griffin.  I had a blast having my pictures taken!  Below are a few photos that were taken from my camera.

The following day, Mary and I visited Ann Marie at her store to choose more apparell for my appearances.  I am so thankful for Ann Marie's kindness and gift of beautiful clothing to ensure that look fabulous everywhere I go! :-)That night I attended a Toastmaster's meeting where they gave me the opportunity to have a mock interview to better my public speaking skills.

I was Orlando bound the next morning to make appearances at my college, the University of Central Florida, and my high School, Bishop Moore Catholic.  It was homecoming weekend for both and the greatest part about it all is that both schools' colors are black and gold! Friday, the 28th, I attended the UCF Spirit Splash which is a tradition in which all the students can jump into the school's famous reflection pond to kick off the weekend.  It was absolute madness as there were thousands of students in attendance filled with school spirit!  They cheered so loud when the found out that Miss Florida was a student at their school and it made me feel so proud be a UCF Knight!

That night I opened my high school's football game with the National Anthem.  I am proud to say that it was a big win for us that night!

Yesterday, was the UCF Homecoming parade and I got to be a part of it!  I have always loved parades!

Right after the parade I was in my car and traveling to Broward County to attend the Miss Broward County Pageant.

I am now in Miami for a few days to work on Miss America preparations!  Tomorrow is Halloween...Mary and I will be dressed up for the trick or treaters that will be ringing the door bell for some candy...hahaha.  Can't wait!

Until next time!

Kristina

Beautiful Martin County

Hi Friends!

On Tuesday September 27th I drove to Martin County.  I have copy and pasted the itinerary below:

ITINERARY

Miss Florida and Everglades Foundation Visit to Martin County

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

APPROXIMATE TIME                EVENT

9:30-9:45 AM                         PROCLAMATION HONORING NORTHERN EVERGLADES AND INDIAN RIVER LAGOON RESTORATION MONTH (APPROX. 9:30 AM – MEETING BEGINS AT 9:00 AM)

Martin County Board of County Commissioners – Commission Chambers

Miss Florida will make some remarks and a photo will be taken with the Martin County Board of County Commissioners and other in attendance (it is anticipated that representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers; South Florida Water Management District; Everglades Coalition; the Rivers Coalition; the Florida Oceanographic Society and others will be in attendance and will be recognized).

10:30-10:45                           TOUR OF FLORIDA OCEANOGRAPHIC COASTAL CENTER DURING RAY FEEDING 

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM          VISIT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CENTER

(Information on the Center is available here: http://www.escmc.org/thecenter.html)

2^nd 3^rd and 6^th graders

The Environmental Studies Center will give the group a tour of the Center.  They will have 2^nd, 3rd, and 6th graders on campus that day.  Miss Florida will be able to see what Martin County students are learning about the fragile nature of our Lagoon and how the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and the St. Lucie are all connected in the survival of our precious resources. The tour will include the lagoon area; tour of the outdoor tanks and aquariums and the lab with the 6^th graders, who are studying plankton.

____________________________________________________________________________________

At the County Commissioners meeting I was honored to receive the Proclamation naming the month of October as Northern Everglades and Indian River Lagoon Restoration Month.

 Martin county citizens have shown unending support for Everglades restoration. They are the only ones to tax themselves to raise funds for Everglades restoration. During an 8-year period, the citizens of Martin county raised $75 million to assist with land acquisition related to the Indian River Lagoon South Plan which is one for the projects involved in Everglades Restoration.

A component of the Indian River Lagoon Project, called the C-44 component, would reduce polluted runoff into the St. Lucie River and the Lagoon while also creating over 800 jobs. The Indian River Lagoon project is the only example where a local government has shared in the project’s funding. This unique partnership demonstrates just how important the Everglades and our waterways are to the people of Martin County.     

After receiving the proclamation a woman from the River Kidz Organization presented a poster that one of the kids had drawn for me. The River Kidz is affiliated with the Rivers Coalition in Martin County.  They work to help stop the Lake Okeechobee discharges that pollute Florida's beautiful rivers and harm the wildlife.  

 

My tour of the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center was very informative and a lot of fun!  I had the opportunity to feed sting rays, hold different sea creatures, and learn about how the coastal center is working to educate people about our waters and its animals. 

My favorite part of the day was visiting the Environmental Studies Center.  All of the children were so excited for my visit!  This center was the first I had ever seen of its kind.  They had the tools to test the salinity of water, they had microscopes to look at various organisms, they had turtle shells, and so much more!  There were various aquariums within the center to teach the kids about different sea creatures.  I had the opportunity to speak with the kids about the importance of water conservation and the Everglades.  

Martin County was one of the most beautiful counties I have ever visited in Florida.  Their beautiful landscapes are a true testament of the amount of care they put into their environment.  

I'll be writing soon!

Kristina

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Check out the Websites of the companies you do business with for details. Paperless billing not only saves trees; it also eliminates the fossil fuel needed to get all those dozens and dozens of billing envelopes from them to you and back again. Plus, you'll save money on stamps, which can really add up over time. That will cut down on inks and adhesives needed by the U.S. Post Office, and every little bit helps.

The last two weeks of summer

Greetings Friends!

The last two weeks of September were a whirlwind!  As soon as I flew back into Orlando from my trip to Washington D.C., I was in a car traveling to St. Petersburg for a weekend full of appearances.

On Saturday, the 17th, I drove from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs to meet with the Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs, the Green Education Foundation, and members of Amway to partake in the kids' "Positive Sprout" project.  

"The Amway Global Positive Sprouts project invites community volunteers to teach kids how to start and maintain their own edible gardens. An accompanying educational curriculum will educate youngsters about nutrition, organic gardening practices, and cooking from the garden."

I had the best time helping the kids plant their very own garden of tomatoes, onions, and marigolds!

That same night, the Miss Florida Board of Directors, Rachael Todd (Miss Florida 2009), Jaclyn Raulerson (Miss Florida 2010), and some friends went out to dinner.  It was so much fun to just relax and share stories!

The next day was the Miss Florida franchise meeting, all of the local executive directors were in attendance.  Rachel Strever, our new Miss Florida's Outsanding Teen came with her family to have her first official meeting with Mary.  I was so excited for her when she signed her contract and received her official crown and sash.  I couldn't be more proud to call her my sister queen.

Rachel and I received a heartwarming welcome as we were introduced at the Franchise meeting.  I was given the opportunity to speak about my experiences as Miss Florida thus far and about my Miss America preparations.

The following day, Monday the 19th, Mary, Keith who is our Chairman of the Board, and I attended meetings throughout the city.  After our meetings we each set out on our separate ways for home.  

That Thursday, the 22nd, I spoke at the Challenger Learning Center in Osceola County.  As I drove towards the school, I was pleasantly surprised to see a "Welcome Miss Florida" sign posted on their bulletin board!  The teachers had rounded up 175 students to listen to my speech about character building, goal setting, the Miss America Organization, and my platform: America's Wake Up Call - Protect Our Environment.  The students were so attentive and when the floor was opened up to questions they peppered me with many of them!

I was up early the next morning for a photo shoot with Deanna Meredith.  My make up was done by her friend, Carrie, who was an absolute joy to work with!  The photo shoot was a blast as Deanna took me to different outdoor locations.  I can't wait to see how they turned out!

Sunday, the 25th, my sister, Samantha, and I met with Cathy Droke, the Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network for an appearance in Downtown Orlando.  The appearance was for a walk hosted by an organization called B.A.P.S., which stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.  B.A.P.S. is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization.  The people who were in attendance were so hospitable and were so excited to have my sister and I there!  I was given the opportunity to greet the people and to release balloons which signified the kick off of the walk.  

The following day, I spoke at my Alma Mater, Bishop Moore Catholic High School's Ecology Club.  I spoke to them about my platform and also spoke about the benefits for the Miss America Organization and the importance of character building and goal setting.

September 21st marked the first day of Autumn...well for most states...haha...Florida will catch up eventually.  The past two weeks were filled a load of fun and hard work!  I am looking forward to sharing more stories with you as my journeys as Miss Florida 2011 continue :-)

Stay tuned!

Kristina

Green Tip: If you have the option, choose fresh vegetables over canned or frozen ones.  Freezing and canning fresh vegetables in the United States uses about three billion kilowatt-hours of energy per year, which is enough power to light every light bulb in the state of New York for three years!  When in season, fresh vegetables can also cost less than canned or frozen varieties.  

Miss Florida goes to Washington

Hello All!

Time has certainly flown by!  September has been the busiest month of my reign thus far.  The month was filled with changes in weather, changes in atmosphere, and changes in perspectives.

The first week of the month, my family and I flew to Hoopeston, Illinois to watch Miss Florida's Sweetheart, Kalen Dennis, compete for the title of National Sweetheart.  I had the opportunity to compete in the same pageant in 2009.  I had a great time reconnecting with Miss Missouri, Miss Indiana, and Miss Illinois.  Kalen won preliminary talent and placed top 10 at the competition and I couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments!  

The day we arrived in Hoopeston the weather was not too far off from Florida's at 98 degrees but the night we left the temperature dropped to 40!  Us Floridians (my family and I), were not prepared for it!  Somehow, we managed to make it to the airport without freezing.

Two days after my return from Hoopeston, I traveled to Miami to participate in the Aveda Beach Clean-Up.  Unfortunately, a torrential downpour put a damper (pun intended) on the event.  We were not able to get out onto the beach but I was able to meet a lot of influential people from various organizations that are all working towards the same goal: protection of our environment.

 The very next day I drove home to spend time with my family and celebrate my sister's sixteenth birthday. It was wonderful to spend time with my family and catch up.  Of course, they were all interested in my travels and Miss America preparations.  It was so much fun to share my stories with them!  The following Tuesday, September 13th, I flew to Miami.  Before the sun rose the next morning, Mary and I flew to Washington D.C. with Everglades Foundation members: Kirk, Jerry, and Jessica.  My mission for Washington D.C. was to lobby for funding for Everglades restoration.

Washington D.C. was an experience unlike any other.  Upon our arrival, we checked into our hotel and then set out for a quick lunch before setting out for Capitol Hill.  Allison Krieger Walsh, Miss Florida 2006, and her mother, Deborah Kreiger soon joined us to partake in my Washington D.C. adventure.

Capitol Hill was unbelievable!  I had the opportunity to meet with 5 Congressmen my first day and 8 my second day.  I also met with Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio. My schedule was pretty tight as it was as follows:

Day 1:

1:30 PM : Mario Diaz-Balart
2:00 PM : Steve Southerland II
2:30 PM : Ted Deutch
3:00 : Bill Nelson
3:30 PM : Corrine Brown
4:00 PM : Tom Rooney

Day 2:
10:15 : Daniel Webster
10:45 : Alcee L. Hastings
11: 45 Rich Nugent
12:30 : Marco Rubio
1:00 : Kathy Castor
1:30 : CW Bill Young
2:00 : David Rivera
2:30 : Debbie Wasserman Schultz
3:00 : John L. Mica

Each meeting was different from the other.  All of the congressmen and senators were very receptive as I spoke about the needs of funding for Everglades restoration.  I shared with them that 1/3 of Florida's population gets their drinking water from the Everglades.  That is 7 million Floridans.  Everglades Restoration has a 4 to 1 return on investment, creating over 400,000 jobs in real estate, tourism, and fishing.  Many of them were already knowledgeable about the Everglades and its importance to Florida's economy but with the current debt crisis, it is always important to remind others about the needs that may be in the back of their minds.

After my first day of meetings I hosted a reception at the Florida House which is the first and only state embassy in Washington D.C.  Invitations had been sent out weeks in advance.    

I gave a speech to all the attendees and it will be in the Congressional Records!

Here it is in it's entirety:

It is a great honor and pleasure to speak to you today in this beautiful Florida House, the first and only state embassy in Washington DC.  I would like to thank Bart and Julianne for extending the Sunshine State hospitality to all of us.  

In January I will be competing for the job of Miss America 2012.  Last July in St. Petersburg, I became the 76^th Miss Florida to represent our state.  I worked for five years to achieve my goal and I love every minute of this job.  In 1989 the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our county.  If chosen as Miss America I will embark on a year-long national speaking tour, and will have the opportunity to increase awareness and promote my chosen platform, America’s Wake-up Call: Protect Our Environment.  

Decades of tinkering with the natural plumbing of the Everglades ecosystem has been a disaster. Only now are we beginning to understand just how much damage we have done and the ultimate cost – a severe and potentially permanent reduction in our supply of fresh, drinking water.

This year, Florida has suffered one of the worst droughts in our state’s recorded history.  It is our third drought in just 10 years.  Water shortages are affecting homeowners, businesses, tourism, and agriculture.  Our water supply is imperiled by rapid growth, ruinous agricultural practices, and an unwillingness to spend the money necessary to protect and enhance our water supply.

Water is a basic, necessary substance for life. It is part of everything we drink and eat.  We cannot find an alternative to water. 

That is one of the reasons that as Miss Florida 2011 I have chosen to promote the need to develop water friendly policies, and oppose any effort to diminish our fragile Everglades ecosystem. Having grown up at the ecosystem’s headwaters in Kissimmee, the Everglades are part of my life just as it is for one-in-three Floridians who depend on it every day for the fresh water.

Of course, the Everglades is about more than drinking water. It is home to one of the world’s most unique natural ecosystems. The Everglades is a lynchpin to Florida’s economy, creating thousands of jobs in a wide variety of businesses.  

What is clear is that our source of water is in danger.  Our population cannot continue to grow until we are certain that we can provide Floridians and visitors with adequate, safe, clean water.  Our ability to continue to do that is being sorely tested.

Each time I turn on the faucet, I wonder: how much longer will the water last? What will happen when there is no longer enough to sustain Florida’s growing population? How safe will our water be as we search for ever decreasing supplies? Will the day come when the cost of water frightens us more than the cost of a gallon of gas?

I would like to thank you all for your past support and your continued leadership on the issues that are vital to protecting America’s Everglades and Florida’s water supply. Over the course of the next year, I will be focused on visiting schools throughout Florida to talk to students about the importance of clean water, water conservation and Everglades restoration. I would love to come to your district to discuss these issues. If you are aware of any upcoming opportunities, please let me know! 

I leave you tonight with a quote from Michael Grunwald’s book titled The Swamp, which I feel summarizes the importance of Everglades restoration: 

“The Everglades is a test. If we pass we may get to keep the planet.” 

The first half of September has truly brought me to different places and has exposed me to so many different ways of life, from the quiet, small town ways of Hoopeston Illinois, to the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital.  I cannot wait to share the rest of September's adventures with you!


All my best,
Kristina

Green Tip:  Clean your dryer lint screen, and don't overload the dryer.  You'll save up to 5 percent on your electricity bill.  If everyone did it, we'd save the energy equivalent of 350 million gallons of gasoline per year.