Amherst PTA ~ Holiday Story Time

On Friday, December 5th, 2008, I had the wonderful pleasure of being part of the "2nd Annual Amherst PTA ~ Holiday Storytime" as a Guest Reader. It was held at the Clark Elementary School in Amherst, NH.

There were several local teachers and other special guests that read stories to all the children who attended. The children came in pj's and blankets to feel as if they were right at home reading with their family. There were also many prizes and muchies to to of the evening! The entire event was so warm and family friendly, truly a treat for all who attended!

Reading one of my favorite Holiday stories "Queen of Christmas"

Clark School was turned into a Holiday Storyland filled with entertaining story tellers, pj's, blankets, munchies and tons more fun!

Christmas is almost here ~ Happy Holidays to All!

Brownie Girl Scouts Troop 20910 ~ Making a Sweet Difference

I, along with 2 other amazing Girl Scout Leaders, have the joy of leading this incredible group of girls in their Girl Scout journey.

Brownie Troop 20910 of Amherst, NH wanted to do something that would help others during the holiday time. They decided they wanted to make something sweet so that other's could enjoy a special treat! They made M & M Cookie Mixes in Glass Jars. These cookie mixes along with canned goods were donated to the AJWC to help with the community wide Home Life Project. They worked really hard and Being a Girl Scout is about making a difference, and this was their way of making a small difference in the lives of many.

Our Brownie Troop's contribution to the Home Life Project that helps provide meals to many local families during the holiday season. A Brownie was Here!

"Royal Reader" at Little Einsteins Pre-School

I had the pleasure of being a "ROYAL READER" at my daughter's Pre-School ~ Little Einstein's Learning Center in Amherst, NH. Parent Volunteer's come in to read their favorite stories to the children. It was such a treat to be able to do this as Mrs. New Hampshire and as mommy all at the same time and share it with my baby girl and her classmates in their setting! As much as it was a treat for them, it meant the world to me to be able to have that moment with her! I don't think I embarrassed her too too much, she said she was proud of mama - doesn't get better than that!

The gang at Little Einsteins - they are just too cute - you just want to squeeze them all!
Reading one of my favorite holiday stories!

My 21 with 16 years experience Birthday!

Am I really getting older? Ok, yes, I am, but it's all good! I had one of the busiest days of my life but it ended with being together with my wonderful family. My husband and girls had this AMAZING cake made for me ~ I felt bad cutting into it because it was just sooo pretty! I love you and thanks for making it special!

Isn't this the prettiest cake ever???

A friend of mine says "age is like fine wine, it gets better with time" - I like it!!

March of Dimes ~ Signature Chefs Auction

Manchester Signature Chefs Auction
An Elegant Food Tasting Event
To benefit the March of Dimes

The 11th Annual Manchester Signature Chefs Auction took place on Monday, November 10, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at The Executive Court Banquet & Conference Center in Manchester. Over 150 people attended this exciting food tasting event, featuring food samples from over 10 local restaurants and other food purveyors. The following is a list of some of the organizations that participated: T-Bones & Cactus Jacks, Alphorn Bistro, Harts Turkey Farm, Piccola Italia, 3 C’s Cozy Culinary Café, Smuttynose Brewing Co, Pasquales Ristorante, The Granite Restaurant and Bar, Hannaford Supermarket, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Edible Arrangements, The Yard, Uno’s Chicago Bar and Grill, Van Otis Chocolates and Frederick’s Pastries.

The dollars raised through this event not only help fund March of Dimes research but help support your local communities through the community grants program and the newest initiative, the NICU Family Support Program at Children’s Hospital of Dartmouth.

The evening included menu samplings from many of the area’s most creative chefs and wine tastings provided by Southern NH Wine and Spirits. Music played for everyone’s listening pleasure, while both live and silent auctions helped everyone get a head start on holiday shopping! Attendees were also able to participate in exciting raffles and door prizes including 150 gallons of heating oil or propane courtesy of Rymes Propane and Oil.

In addition to the many March of Dimes volunteers that made this event possible, Miss New Hampshire 2008, Natalie Shaw and Mrs. New Hampshire International 2008, Irene Raissis Alton were also in attendance lending a hand to help raise awareness, support and funds for the March of Dimes. Event raised approx. $23,000.

It's always my pleasure to spend time and help the wonderful Karen Dennis, State Director for the NH March of Dimes

Sharing a moment at the Auction with the lovely, Natalie Shaw, Miss New Hampshire 2008

Amherst Patriots Cheer Competition

Saturday, October 25th, 2008

James Mastricola Upper Elementary School

Merrimack, NH

GREAT JOB GIRLS !!!

I AM SOOO VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU !!!

I had the great priviledge of working with 3 other coaches and being the Head Coach for this team of 13 amazing little girls! They had a long season learning cheers, dances and lots of things about teamwork and good sportsmanship. They became a little family and I am so very proud of them - you girls are the BEST!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Proud Coach Irene (also mama) with my big baby girl cheerleader - love you sweetie!

Miss Greater Plaistow Pageant

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

The Performing Arts Center

Sanborn Regional High School

Kingston, NH

1st Annual

Miss Greater Plaistow Scholarship Program

I had the great pleasure of being a judge at the 1st Miss Greater Plaistow Pageant. There were many wonderful girls competing for this title and on that day, the 1st Miss Greater Plaistow was..... Krystal Miller ~ Congratulations!!

Sharing a moment with Krystal Miller, Miss Greater Plaistow

All smiles with Pageant Director Shanna Pinet, Miss Greater Plaistow 2008, me and Pageant Director and sister queen, Jessica Plante, Mrs Massachusetts Intl 2008

Miss New Hampshire 2008, Natalie Shaw and Miss Greater Plaistow, Krystal Miller

Milford Pumpkin Festival

Milford Pumpkin Festival

Milford, NH

October 10 - 12, 2008

I had the wonderful opportunity of being involved with the Milford Pumpkin Festival as Mrs. New Hampshire International! Mother Nature was sure good to everyone because it was during one of the nicest fall weekends in New England!

One of the events I was involved with was the Talent Show. On October 4th, 2008, I was one of 5 judges that judged the "preliminary talent show auditions". On October 11th, 2008 I, along with Mrs. NH ~ America, made an appearance at the Pumpkin Festival to sign autographs and take pictures. We had so much fun and everyone was having a great time! We met some wonderful people that day and some rather friendly ones as well ~ HA HA!! That evening, the Talent Show Finale took place at the Amato Center in Milford, NH at 8pm. It was an amazing night that brought lots of local talent to the theater to compete for the 1st, 2nd, Jr winner and audience favorite winner to the stage! It was a fantastic show that encompassed song, dance, bands and other incredible talent!

Is my "Amazing" photographer, Robert Daniel, incredible or what? Now that's a great Pumpkin shot!!

Signing autographs for some beautiful little girls!

Chatting with my new little princess friends!

This man was entirely TOO happy when we took this picutre ~ he was hilarious!!

Sharing the day with my friend, Mrs NH America, Christine Hunt

Talking and getting to know Mr. Joe Kenney who is running for NH Governor

And the Talent Show WINNER is..........Shawn Ballou. He composed and sang his own song "Better Man", he was fabulous!

With all the winners and judges from the Talent Show.

This is my one of my favorite pictures from the Pumpkin Festival - with my wonderful husband, Scott!

Another favorite picture. The Alton family supporting mama at her appearance!!
With my amazing family! What a beautiful day for a Pumpkin Festival!

Awards Ceremony ~ March of Dimes, NH Chapter

March of Dimes ~ March for Babies

New Hampshire Chapter

Awards Dinner

October 7th, 2008

** Congratulates **

Irene Raissis Alton - Mrs. New Hampshire International

Seacoast Team Captain & Super Walker ~ 2008 Champions for Babies

Patti Allen, Sr. Community Director presenting me with a certificate of recognition from the March of Dimes, NH Chapter
I had the privilege of meeting Karen Dennis, the NH State Director for the March of Dimes and another amazing woman / mother who also raised a large sum for the Seacoast March of Dimes Walk in 2008.

Macy's ~ 3rd Annual ~ Shop For A Cause Event

3rd Annual
Macy's Shop For A Cause Event
On Saturday, September 20th, 2008 Macy's stores nationwide hosted a "Shop For A Cause" charity shopping day. Donations benefited the Go Red For Women and other local nonprofit organizations. Customers who made a $5 donation received an all-day savings pass for select merchandise in-store and on macys.com. Support Go Red For Women and the critical fight to wipe out the No. 1 killer of women ~ Heart Disease! Macy's is a national sponsor of Go Red For Women who is directly affiliated with the Mrs. International Pageant System.

I had the great pleasure of partnering with the staff of Macy's at Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, NH. They were an amazing group of professionals that just love their store and took great pride in this incredible event that supports Go Red For Women among other causes. I had the honor of participating in their Fashion Show with my baby girl, Sophia and then also signed autographs while the Shop For A Cause event was taking place in the store. THANK YOU Macy's for a wonderful day while we supported and promoted Go Red for Women and Shop For A Cause!

Mrs. New Hampshire ~ International 2008 at the Macy's "Shop For A Cause" charity event which supports Go Red For Women and beating the No. 1 killer of women ~ Heart Disease. Do you know how healthy your heart is?

Mrs. New Hampshire International 2008 signing autographs. I met such wonderful and kind hearted people at the signing, everyone was so sweet!

Sharing a quick moment with my baby girl Sophia, as we are were finding our places at the Autograph Signing.

Walking the Macy's Fashion runway for the "first time" with my baby girl, Sophia. She practiced so much at home, but then froze a little in front of all those people! Mama was soooo proud of her and she looked amazing in her beautiful fancy dress! It was a "Mama and Daughter effort" ~ doesn't get any better than that!

Taking a moment to pose for a picture with 2 amazing women who were extremely kind and genuine, Patti Casciano, Sales Manager, Macy's Pheasant Lane Mall and Diane Nolan, Store Manager, Macy's Pheasant Lane Mall.