Pageant Weekend 2010!

Having dinner with the lovely ladies competing for Mrs. New Jersey 2010. All were beautiful, intelligent, inspiring and kind. I felt honored to be in the presence of such amazing women. After dinner we all wnt back to our hotel and enjoyed a night of kareoke fun! It was the ultimate "Girls Night Out"!

Toastmasters International Feature

Read how joining a local chapter of Toastmasters International can help you enhance your communication skills, build your confidence and sharpen your interveiwing skills. I, along with some fellow title holders, spoke about our experience with Toastmasters and the positive impact being a member has had on our lives. Visit http://www.toastmasters.org/ and view the May 2010 Toastmasters Magazine article titled "Beauty, Poise & Speaking Skills!" By Katie De Boer.

Wa$ted

Watch my family and I as we try to change our wasteful ways on Planet Green's "Wa$ted". In the episode titled "Driving Mrs. New Jersey", I learn how to be pageant perfect and eco-friendly at the same time. To see the lessons learned in action ( and me in a gown made entirely of recycled plastic bags) , visit www.planetgreen.com/wasted and check your local listings for program time and dates.

Dinner with friends

On May 2nd I enjoyed a very special evening reflecting on my wonderful year as Mrs. New Jersey 2009 courtesy of my good friend Mrs. New Jersey 2008 Evelyn Mccleod. Evelyn gathered some of my favorite people at one of my favorite restaurants, Villa Barone. It was so much fun catching up with my pageant sisters, family and friends, while we ate great food and swapped stories both funny and enlightening. I would like to thank each and everyone who came out to share that special evening with me. I truly love and appreciate you all!

Dishes-for-Wishes

On Tues. April 27th, I had the privilege of attending one of my favorite charity events of the year, the annual New Jersey Dishes-for-Wishes Top Chef event that benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. The evening was jam packed with the finest foods that South Jersey has to offer! Among the local celebrities in attendance were, Jon Runyan of the Philadelphia Eagles, T.V. News personality Bob Kelly, Gervase Patterson from the first season of Survivor and of course my sister queens Andrea, Susan and Shanna all vying to be the new Mrs. New Jersey United States. I would like to say a very special thank you to Mrs. New Jersey United States 2007, Heather Cunningham for a job well done. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is blessed to have you on their team.

Mrs. MD & PA United States Pageant

On Sat. April 24th, I had the pleasure of attending the Mrs. MD & PA United States Pageant. The pageant, which was held in Harrisburg, PA, featured some of the best and brightest women that both states had to offer. It was so wonderful watching my fellow class of '09 pageant sisters Ginny Meerman, Mrs. Maryland '09 and Kate Cohen, Mrs. Pennsylvania '09 give their beautiful, heartfelt farewell speeches. I really enjoyed sharing the experience with Mrs. Sussex County 2010, Rita-Ann Schmick (pictured above with Me, Mr. Delaware 2009 Chris Saltalamacchio and Andrea Graham). I want to send a special congratulations to the new Mrs. Maryland 2010 & my sister queen Susan Huntley, Mrs. Pennsylvania 2010.Best of luck at nationals ladies!

Jerzey Derby Brigade

On Sat. April 10th, I was in Morristown, NJ witnessing my first Women's Roller Derby! It was an exciting, action packed event that benefited Snap, an organization that enriches the lives of special needs children. I want to thank the Corporal Punishers and the Utica Roller Girls for a fun filled evening! I would like to send a special thank you to Corporal Punisher "Lawless Lizzie" for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful kids involved with Snap. To learn more about Snap, please visit http://www.snapclinics.com/. And if you are looking for fun that the whole family can enjoy, go to brownpapertickets.com (search for Corporal Punishers), you will not be disappointed.

Miss Gateway, Tri-County & Northern Lakes

On March 27th, I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Gateway, Miss Tri-County & Miss Northern Lakes Pageant in Netcong, NJ. I enjoyed watching the wonderfully talented ,intelligent and poised young ladies vie for the crowns that would take them one step closer to achieving their dream. Congratulations to Melissa Ruiz, Michelle Goldberg and Jeannie Revier, I look forward to seeing you all at Miss Jersey this June.

Let's Get Ready To Rumble For A Good Cause!!!

On March 26, the Shore Builders Association hosted their annual Fight Night Golden Gloves Event. The event , which took place in the Boylan Gymnasium at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ , benefited the Associations efforts to promote fair housing. I enjoyed the evening with Shanna Edwards, Mrs. Freehold Township 2010, one of the event's coordinators. Among the many enthused attendees was boxing great Gerry Clooney( pictured above) ! To learn more about the Shore Builders Association, visit http://www.shorebuilders.org/.

Bloomfield Mayoral Event

One of the great things about being Mrs. New Jersey is getting to meet dignitaries from all over the state who are working very hard to make a positive impact in New Jersey. On March 25, I had the great opportunity to meet many of Bloomfield's movers & shakers as I attended a Mayoral event hosted by Mayor Ray McCarty at the wonderful Forest Hill Club in Bloomfield, NJ. Every time I attend an event such as this, I am reminded of how important it is for each and every one of us to vote so that our voices, wants and needs do not go unnoticed. I would like to thank Mayor McCarty, Rosemary Brown and all who helped me feel warmly welcomed. Stay tuned for pictures from that wonderful evening.

Northeast Cover Miss Girl & Boy Pageant

The weekend of March 21 was a very busy one for me. Not only did I have the great honor to crown the new Miss Middlesex County ( an official Miss America preliminary), I also had the great pleasure to host the Northeast Cover Miss Girl & Boy pageant. The spectacular competition was a two day event which was held at the magnificent Parsippany Sheraton. I had so much fun interacting with the super-cute contestants who ranged from 0-21 years of age. Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in the pageant! I was very impressed with each and every one of you. Thank you to the pageant's director Amy Flatley for doing an excellent job and allowing me to be a part of your vision.

Carissa Palumbo, Miss Middlesex County Area!!!!

I am very excited to announce the newly crowned Carissa Palumbo as Miss Middesex County Area for the Miss America Organization. Carissa wowed the judges at the pageant which was held at the Upper Room Full Gospel Church in Plainfield, NJ. Congratulations to first runner-up Jean Revier and second runner-up Jessica Markovich. To Lauren, Quanisha, Anna & Diana, you were all fabulous! Words cannot describe how proud we were to have you in our pageant. I want to thank our judges, sound people ,sponsors and all who volunteered their time to make the event a success. A special thank you goes to the beautiful Michelle Mooney, who served as host, and photographer Richard Krauss for the lovely photos. To Miss New Jersey, Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen, all the visiting royalty, directors, family and friends, thank you all for your support! Love, Ceylone, Tiffany & Elise

Kicking Cancer Overboard!

On Fri. March 19th, I, along with many movers and shakers from my community, toured the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas in anticipation for a future cruise to help raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer. Please stay tuned for details about this very special event!

Lights out!

A hurricane like storm and subsequent black out could not stop the many generous hearted volunteers and guests from attending the Ladacin Networks 29th Annual Rosebud Gala. The black tie event was held on March 13th at the Sheraton in Eatontown, NJ. Because of the storm that weekend,the hotel had lost power. The ballroom and a few other spaces in the hotel had dim light provided by the hotels generator, but that could not dampen the spirits of the many people who were there to raise money for the agency that provides education and other much needed services for special needs children and adults. There was something very special about that evening, it showed me how much people are willing to help others, even in the eye of a storm.

Here Comes the Judge!!!

On March 12th I was in Newark, NJ with my dear friend Elise Counts attending the Swearing In Ceremony of our good friend Judge Tiffany Williams! In attendance were many of Tiffany's esteemed colleagues, (which included Governor Jon Corzine), family and friends. It was a wonderful evening filled with great stories and well wishes for the Honorable Miss Williams. I met Tiffany many years ago when we competed together in the Miss New Jersey locals for the Miss America Organization. We are now co-directing, along with Elise, the Miss Middlesex County Area Pageant, an official Miss America local. I am so proud to be working along side such a dynamic women as we continue to mentor young ladies to be all that God intended them to be!

Spin for a Child Event

On March 7th, I celebrated my birthday with some amazing people who all came together to take a spin class for a great cause. Spin for a Child was an event held , in Montclair N.J.,to raise money for the foster children of Essex County. Essex County alone accounts for 1% of the nation's children in foster care. These children are in desperate need of caretakers,volunteers and advocates to ensure their well being and progressive development. I am proud to say that the class I participated in raised over $11 thousand for the cause. I would love to send a special shout out to Karin, Bonnie, Rosemary, & Romona for their hard word and dedication to the children of Essex County.

Queen's Corner Pageant Expo

On Sunday Feb. 28, I was in Newark New Jersey attending the Queen's Corner expo held at the beautiful Hilton hotel. During the event I had the chance to catch up with many of my pageant sisters including former Mrs. New Jerseys Heather Cunningham (07) and Susan Huntley (06), Marci McNair Mrs. Delaware, My good friend Patricia Sullivan who was there representing the All American and Global pageant systems and a blast from my past, pageant coach Tiffany Delmonico and her wonderful mom Larraine whom I had not seen since I was a title holder in their pageant 10 years ago! Also in attendance, Mrs. Sussex County Rita-Ann Shmick and Mrs. North East Philadelphia Andrea Graham.

Ladies Wearing Red

Did you know that the #1 killer of women is heart disease? It is so important for women to know their bodies and be aware of the risk factors. Education and awareness is key. On Feb. 23rd, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the American Heart Association as they conducted a "Go Red for Women" casting call at the Bridge Water Commons Mall. It was a pleasure to share this experience with Brielle La Costa, 2010 Miss New Jersey International and Samatha Rizzuto, Miss Preteen National Sweetheart. It was a great day filled with stories of inspiration. I want to say a special thank you to Robin Vitale, Peter Cary and Stella Eget for all of your hard work to educate all women on the warning signs of heart disease. To learn more about your personal risk assessment for the next 10 years, visit goredforwomen.org and take the Go Red Heart CheckUp.

Selve "Designer of the Year" Red Carpet Event

On Feb. 18th I got the chance to rock the runway in Red Bank New Jersey at the Selve Shoe Boutique's first annual "Designer of the Year" Red Carpet Event. It was a great evening filled with great food, music( provided by the super-talented Michael Ghegan) and fashion forward fun! I want to send a very special thanks to Mrs. Red Bank, DonnaLyn Giegerich for the welcome on her side of town. Thanks also goes to Karin Lund, owner of Selve, PR & Systems manager Debi Kapec, and the lovely Angela Courtney, owner of Sweetest Sin lingerie. If you are ever in Red Bank, make sure to visit Selve and Sweetest Sin for great fashion finds!