Letter Writing for May's Military Appreciation Month

BJ's is challenging the communities in which it has clubs, including residents in Portsmouth, to help write 50,000 letters for our troops overseas throughout May. The letters will be included in care packages distributed to individual U.S. service members through the nonprofit Operation Gratitude. In turn, BJ's Charitable Foundation will donate $1 to Operation Gratitude for each letter received, up to $50,000, which will help defray the cost of shipping care packages. This wonderful letter writing campaign took place on May 8th at BJ's Wholesale in Portsmouth and continues until Memorial Day. It's not too late to drop off your letter. Here with Valerie Bergeron, BJ's community relations specialist, writing letters with Tiffany, and dropping letters into the BJ's mailbox with BJ's member, Gary. Visit opgratitude.com for more information.

23rd Annual Lonni Stern 5k-Road Race

Lonni Stern graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1981 after being an active member of the Alpha Tau chapter of Alpha Chi Omega for 4 years. She died from breast cancer in 1987 and in her memory the sorority hosts one of her favorite activities, running. All proceeds from this event were donated to the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition in her honor. It was a pleasure to be a part of the event. Here with the sisters of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Visit http://www.axounh.com to follow the acts of service the sisters are involved in. Great job ladies!

Thank you Miss New Hampshire Program

Just two weeks ago was the 2010 Miss New Hampshire competition. . . I have finished final exams at Manchester Community College and just five days ago received my letter of acceptance into the University of New Hampshire’s Exercise Science program with junior status. I am so excited to start in the fall!

The Miss New Hampshire 2010 competition was such a special time . . . I am continually blown away by the constant dedication, love, and pure hard work that comes from all of the Miss New Hampshire volunteers. I send out my most sincere thanks to all the Miss New Hampshire staff, directors, and committed volunteers who make this program the success that it is year after year. I was absolutely honored to be called into the Top 10 for my second year running now, especially with such an incredible group of smart, talented, and genuine ladies. I cannot wait for next year!

I would not have been so confident, so well prepared, and so blessed to have unique opportunities to serve my Strafford County had it not been for Sarahjayne Howland. Thank you so much for investing in me with early mornings and late nights meetings, making sure I had everything I needed to get ready for Miss New Hampshire, and all the encouraging messages and texts along the way. I will never forget your thoughtfulness.

To Trisha and Elaine, thank you for making me look and feel so beautiful on stage in talent, finale, and gown, and for all your helpful tips along the way . . . especially the miraculous zipper wax!

To all my beloved family and friends . . . Thank you for the constant support and love all year long. Mom, Dad, Zach, Tiff, Phil, and Mimi, you guys are my secret weapons.

Looking forward to the Miss New Hampshire 2011 season where I will continue to further my ‘Passionately Pink’ Platform and cheer on Krystal Muccioli as she gets ready for Miss America!