GO YANKEES!!!

In my last post I mentioned how I auditioned singers to perform the National Anthem or God Bless America for the Staten Island Yankees. I was excited when I was able to audition the singers. It was something that I had never done before and it was fun to be on the opposite side of the table for once. The audition process was straight up America Idol style!! I think my two bosses and I took up some of the roles of judges from the show (I was definitely Paula.) There were people ranging from 5 years old to 65 years old trying out. Most of the people sang, some played instruments such as the piano and trumpet. It was really cool to hear the National Anthem done on instruments.

I am not a singer by any means, so who is to say that I would be a good judge for this. Turns out I am a better judge than I thought. After 4 hours, we auditioned about 50 people. We heard great singers and not so great singers, but I give everyone a lot of credit for getting up in front of a table of three people staring at you from 4 feet away!! To be quite honest, I think I was more nervous than the performers. Being a dancer, I have done some auditions before and it is completely frightening having a bunch of people stare at you while you are performing.  But, I also compete in dance competitions and it’s kind of the same thing. In dance competition you have to bring it to the floor or it’s all over. I tried to put it in perspective, you have to bring it ALWAYS; whether it is an audition, competition or practice or no one will believe and enjoy your piece. I tried to tell the performers to smile, look up, or stand straighter (hence why I felt like Paula). The better you feel the better you will perform, the better we will enjoy your performance.

Overall, it was a great experience for me, I feel like I learned from it. I’m excited to hear and see the performers this season! GO YANKEES!!

~~STEPHANIE

What I have been up to!

I thought because school was over I would be less stressed, have more free time and can relax just a pinch. HA HA HA did I think wrong!!!! I decided to take a summer class (with my scholarship money, Thank You MAO) to lessen my work load for next semester. I know next semester I will be so thankful, but now I am kicking myself for it. This class is my psych rotation, totally not thrilled to be in this class. I am quite scared to do my clinicals for this one. It’s much different than last semester where I was taking care of new-born babies and watching women give birth (the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed.) I had my first class last night; we were taught how to stay clear of punches and other objects, the code word to call for help and oh yeah how to properly ask the patient who is talking to him or her and what they are saying. Does this sound like it’s going to be fun?????? Not to me…. I will admit, I am interested in learning about the different psychological disorders but I don’t think I want to observe.

So besides school I am a busy bee. I am currently working two jobs. But they are the most fun jobs anyone could ever work. For most of the year I am a dance teacher at Rhythm Central Dance Center. During baseball season, I am part of the Pin Stripe Patrol for the Staten Island Yankees. Basically I am the entertainment crew. I dance on the dugouts, pick people to play games on the field, watch fireworks on some game days and I get to watch HOT athletes play baseball! Who has better jobs than me??? I hate to say these are “jobs” because they are so much fun, I get to do what I love and I make other people smile while doing it.

Fire work show ( I love Fireworks!)

Dance season is almost done and then it will be full force into baseball season. So if you are a baseball fan, like cheap food and fun entertainment come on over to the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George to watch the Staten Island Yankees!! (Ironic that the place I work has my title in it?) You can go to http://www.milb.com/ to get tickets, hope to see you there!!

I never though planning charity events would take so much work. I give people who do this all the time a lot of credit. I do have to say I could not be doing this without the help of Bebe Bardot photography. Anke Michaelson and Kristine Persson have been more than life savers through-out this whole process. Please take the time to check out their Facebook Page, Bebe Bardot Photography and their Website http://www.bebebardotphoto.com/ to see what amazing work they do.

Artisan Food Valley of Bay Ridge has helped so much by donating ALL the food for “Every Body is Beautiful” cocktail event. Thanks Dan!!! Artisan is Royal Crown’s newest stores, check out their site www.artisanfoodvalley.com.

Yiaya Couture will be performing at this event. She is FIERCE, can’t think of any word to describe her better. I had the opportunity of performing with her last summer at the Van Duzer Street Festival. If you are interested in hearing what is in store for everyone at the event check out her YouTube at youtube.com/yiayacouture.

Of course I have been working on pageant stuff, duhhh!!!!! Pageant week is 1 MONTH away, AHHHHHHHH!! That’s crazy; it’s exciting and scary at the same time. This whole pageant thing is new for me, so I have no clue what to expect. All I can do is prepare myself the best I can and leave it all out there on the floor. With receiving my first title I have been given so many opportunities to meet and train with so many amazing people. I am taking full advantage of it. The way I feel is, you can learn all the tricks of the trade and nail them, but when it comes down to it are you right for the job? I know that if I give it my all, there is nothing I could be disappointed about or feel bad about. After all this training and prep, the best advice I have gotten is “to have fun” (Thanks Miss. Steph.) When else am I getting an opportunity or experience like this in my life…..NEVER. I am taking full advantage of it, but I am always remembering to have fun in the process. Like my two other jobs, they are simply fun and that’s what I have done for this one and will continue to do! 

With my two charity events weeks away (go get your tickets) and the pageant a short month away, I have many appearances coming up that I am excited about! There shall be pictures and a blog update to follow.

That will be it for now, look for my next blog where I will tell you about my experience auditioning performers to sing the National Anthem!

Ciao,

Stephanie

"EVERY BODY IS BEAUTIFUL FUNDRAISER"

In order to get my message out and spread awareness I am co- hosting an event with extremely great friends of mine. They are Bebe Bardot Photography; you can check them out on http://www.bebebardotphoto.com. The charity event is called “Every Body Is Beautiful”.  The Fundraiser will be held on Thursday May 31^st from 8-12 at The Little Shop Studios on Post Avenue. Bebe Bardot Photography has been transforming everyday women into pin-up and glamour inspired “models.” I use the term “models” very lightly because the women who have been photographed are of all shapes and sizes and are a representation that every BODY is beautiful. On the night of the event, the photographs will be displayed for everyone to see. It will be a night to celebrate total body satisfaction and a positive body image!

I am inviting all of those 18 years or older to this event, as it will be a cocktail party! The night will be filled with food, cocktails, raffles and performances! Tickets in advance are $25(includes admission and 1 free drink), at the door $30. To get tickets you can go to http://missrichmodncounty2012.ticketbud.com/everybodyisbeautiful or email me @ missrichmondcounty2012@gmail.com or email Bebe Bardot @ bebebardotphoto@gmail.com .

ZUMBA FUNDRAISER

JOIN ME!!!!
FOR A ZUMBA® FUNDRAISER.
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GOING TO THE
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS;
THE OFFICIAL PLATFORM OF THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE LIBBY McPIKE AS OUR ZUMBA® INSTRUCTOR! 

When: FRIDAY MAY 18^TH, 2012

(DOOR WILL OPEN AT 7:00PM CLASS IS FROM 7:30-8:30PM)

LOCATION: 347 DAVIS AVENUE, S.I., N.Y. 10310, ST. MARY’S CHURCH

TEASE YOUR HAIR, BRING OUT THE SPANDEX AND GET PHYSICAL

 BECAUSE THIS IS AN 80’S THEMED EVENT!

(50/50 and best dressed contest)

Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.

 

TO PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE PLEASE CONTACT LIBBY @ LMCPIKE@GMAIL.COM,(631)921-7402 or ME @ MISSRICHMONDCOUNTY2012@GMAIL.COM ,(917)400-7941

 

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, BRING YOUR SNEAKERS AND BEST 80’S ATTIRE. GET READY TO DO SOMETHING THAT’S NOT ONLY GREAT FOR YOU BUT IS ALSO GOING TO A GREAT CAUSE!

My past travels....

I have many jobs and responsibilities as Miss Richmond County. First I must promote my personal platform which is “Everybody Knows Somebody- Bringing Awareness to Eating Disorders.” Next I am a local ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals which is the national platform of the Miss America Organization. Finally, I have to let everyone know who I am and what this title represents!!!!

The Miss Staten Island Scholarship Pageant has been around since 1967. Then who or what is Miss Richmond County you ask? It’s funny when I go out into the community many people have never heard of Richmond County and they ask me where it is. Staten Island was originally named The Borough of Richmond and is still referred to as Richmond County. So basically they are one in the same! Once I explain this to people they don’t understand why there is a need for two girls to represent the Island. S of course I tell them, the reason is so that two girls can have more opportunities such as receiving scholarship money, representing the Island in the New York State Pageant and promoting their personal platform!

I am the 3^rd Miss Richmond County and I could not be more proud to represent this title and this Island. I have lived here for all 21 years of my existence and I plan on staying!

Now I would like to share with you photos from past events that I have attended, so you can see what I have been up to!

Jamie and I's first appearance, March of Dime Premie Fashion Show

Alexa and I at the Forest Avenue Holiday Stroll

Statford House Christmas Party

Staten Island Children's Campaign, Breakfast With Santa

We are such hams!!! @ the Borough Hall Tree Lighting!

My visit to the VA Hospital in Brooklyn

talking with P.S.19 for the Literacy Night

Julia and Max, my dance students!!

At the Miss America Pageant cheering on Kaitlin.

Jamie and I @ Rainbow's Hope Christmas Event.

Jim Smith( our ED) with Alexa and I @ the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

KISSES!!!

@ P.S. 65, with one of my princesses Ella, Here I spoke the the kids about healthy eating and we did a little exercise class.

Staten Island Heart Association Dinner

All the Ladies from SJVA.. I was Honored to have presented you with the AED!!

@ the sweepers, congrats ladies!!

@ the 5th Annual Mark and Diane Statile Fight against Cancer Fundraiser!!

Kaitlin and I at The United Staten Island Veterans Organizations Night of Honor

Part of the board

Current and Future!!!!! <3

FINALLY!

HELLO!!!!!!!! FINALLY!!! I want to say sorry for taking so long for getting this blog going. School was crazy these past two semesters. I don’t do things unless they are 100% and I knew that if I started this blog earlier it wouldn’t have been 100%, so ENJOY!

I will start off with a little intro of myself for those who don’t know me. I received my title on November 12, 2011 at the Miss Staten Island/ Miss Richmond County Scholarship Pageant. This was the first pageant I competed in and it was a great honor to have won! Congratulations to the other title holders. Alexa Moley, Miss Richmond County's Outstanding Teen, Jamie-Lynn Macchia, Miss Staten Island and Hannah Perri, Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen

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I am 21 years old, my birthday is July 17^th, and I am a cancer! (Some may say that it’s a good thing, some say it bad- I love astrology!) Dance is my one and only true love, we are a match made in heaven. It will be a very long time before we part. Anyone who is a dancer surely feels the same way, whether you are the best dancer or not it takes hold of you and becomes a part of you. Besides being a dancer for most of my life, I have been a soccer player for just as long. I’m sad that I don’t play anymore; it kept me in the greatest shape! I am a Disney fanatic, and my favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast.  Belle is the greatest Princess (when I was a kid I was Belle 3 years in a row for Halloween.)  I know that this is all over the place but that’s just how I do ha-ha.. I am an animal lover and have had many pets my whole life, but only 2 dogs at the moment. I have a large extended family and its great!!! That’s just some fun facts about me, hope you enjoyed.

My platform is “Everybody knows Somebody- Bringing Awareness to Eating Disorders.” When preparing for my local pageant bringing awareness to eating disorders instantly came to my mind. As a dancer I have seen many girls struggle with body image issues and the face the pressures of fitting the mold of what a dancer should look like. Starring at yourself daily in a full length mirror, having audiences and teachers critique you can take a toll on some people and set or a trigger to an eating disorder.  After becoming involved with this cause one of my dance teachers came to me and told me about her struggle with an ED and how it all started because of dance and a teacher who told her that she needed to “slim down.”  She said how she struggled for many years until she finally found peace with herself. My teacher expressed to me how she was touched that I had chosen this issue because ED can be easily masked and that people need to recognize this as a serious illness.

Now that you know a little about me and why I involved in this cause, I hope you continue reading to keep up with my journey to Miss New York! You can also follow me on Facebook @ Stephanie Accardo, Miss Richmond County 2012!

~~ STEPHANIE <3