Sunday, April 26, 2009

I'm on the RADIO

Hello Readers,
I'm on the radio!!! Sam Adams from WOKQ's Reporters File is on air right now on WOKQ, WPKQ, and The Shark! Sam did a 30 minute interview which covered a lot of information about the Miss NH program and my experience through the program! He even played two clips of me singing!

The Miss NH Ball was tonight. I had so much fun. I won a pair of ski's in the silent auction too and I can't wait to use them. They also had a motor cycle helmet....but I think I'll buy the bike first and then the helmet just in case I want them to match :) I am planning on getting my motor cycle license after I graduate. I already have the leather jacket.

I'm on my way to bed I have my last class tomorrow at 8:00 and then I will head home to pack for Miss NH and movie in is on Tuesday!

~Alicia

Friday, April 24, 2009

Dawn Haines my freshman English professor Marylands Jr Miss 1980

My freshman year I was blessed to have Dawn Haines as my freshman English professor! I still remember the first day of class we watched the movie CRASH. She sure knew how to break the ice. I think half of the class was crying and it was all bonding and fun freshman times from there on. Ohhhh freshman year, how fun to remember my feelings during that year of my life.

Anyway during Dawn's office hours one day I told her I love to sing and compete for Miss NH and I found out she was Maryland's JR Miss in 1980 and won the talent competition at nationals. Her talent was and still is singing. She sings every chance she gets.

I have kept in contact with Dawn throughout college and had the opportunity to meet with her this week to perform my talent and ask for her advice.

There we were in room 203 in the Mub (memorial union building) at UNH and the second I opened my mouth I could feel the room change and right when I was done she jumped out of her seat cheering and gave me a big hug.

What a great moment. I won the audience over aka Dawn and the 18 chairs sitting in the room :) I was so thankful she was able to meet with me and give me some feedback on my performance.

She will be in the audience Thursday night to see my talent on the Miss NH stage at the Stockbridge Theatre.

McDonough Scholarship Foundation

Last night I was invited to the McDonough Annual Dinner. I was invited as the Scholar Speaker at the event. The McDonough Foundation provides scholarships to over 100 students each year to put towards their education who have worked at a golf course in New Hampshire for at least two years. Last year the foundation awarded over $100,000.

I was honored to be asked to speak at the dinner, I was in a room full of very accomplished sponsors and was able to speak about my experiences as a college student, my future goals, and my many thanks for their support.

After my speech I was able to perform my song for the sponsors to practice for Miss New Hampshire.

After the dinner I was approached by a man named Steve. During my speech I spoke about my platform and my visit to Share Our Strength's National Office. Steve was very interested about my trip he said he watches the Food Network every night and always notices promotional messages for Share Our Strength. One of SOS's partners is the Food Network. It was nice to know that Steve and others in the room knew about my platform and all of the great work that SOS does to end hunger in America.

Thank you to McDonough for my scholarship, my dad and I had a wonderful time at the event!

Embrace, Relax, Strong Three words of the day

Hello There,
It's FRIDAY.....Miss NH is just days away. What a beautiful day to be blessed with. I spent most of the day today reflecting. I had three goals today to live up to. I wanted to embrace the day and all of the people around me who have supported me and helped me through all the struggles of life. I wanted to relax to really veg out and think to myself. And lastly I wanted to be strong all day and love the body I am in.

I started the day off with class at 8:00 a.m. and then I went kayaking with July Tracy in Durham :) We launched off the dock at Old Landing and it was just breath taking. I learned what a PFD was ...personal floating device- just in case I toppled over into the great sea :)

We kayaked for about TWO hours= amazing!! It was a great time to talk about my plans for next year and to really spend time relaxing and reflecting. I am always able to talk with Julie about anything I need to. She is my campus minister at UNH. I felt like I was embracing nature, relaxing in my own skin, and growing stronger through each stroke of my paddle. In my preparations for Miss New Hampshire my arms have become strong, my legs, my core, but most importantly my mind. I have been able to grow as a strong woman full circle through this program - Mind, Body, and Soul. I am ready for anything ...Bring....It....On baby :)

After kayaking Julie dropped me off at yoga, it's only noon time and my day already feels complete I thought to myself.

Yoga is a one of the most relaxing activities I have ever been involved with. I have been practicing yoga for 5 years now. My high school biology teacher originally got me hooked, Mrs. Tara Mack. I did yoga with the teachers after school once a week my senior year and now I do yoga 2 times a week, not only to strengthen my body but to just BE. Yoga is a time to be in my body and not have to think about anything. I am able to clear my mind and really focus on my breath and connect with my body. Relax, Embrace, and be Strong.



Advice to you:
Compliment 3 people every day :)
Smile every chance you get
and take time to embrace, relax, and be strong

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Thank you for all your help!

Sarah Leonard: Thank you for helping me prepare for my first year at Miss New Hampshire I only had a month or two to get everything in line because it was one of the last local programs. I was a bit stressed to say the least but I managed to get everything in and I had a fun time at Miss New Hampshire. I was so happy for Emily when she won. She is one of my Miss NH role models! Miss University was a special day because I was crowned by Audra and I was the first Miss University!!! It was the best title to have and people to this day still remember me as Miss University.


Diane Morgera and Kristen Anderson: my second year at Miss New Hampshire I felt even more prepared. Thank you for your dedication to the program and for all your support in helping me prepare. I had so much fun with you! This title meant a lot to me because I had been volunteering at the Stratham Fair since I was in middle school. My best friend Justina Ceurvals and I would walk to the fair every day it was open. As Miss Stratham Fair I was able to go to many events in my home town area. I loved the helicopter ride with the aerial view of the seacoast. Being Miss SF was one of my most special titles and I was able to really have fun with it!





Elaine Tidd: Thank you so much for all of your support last year with my preparations for Miss New Hampshire. I enjoyed going with you to get my hair cut, dress shopping, mock interview sessions as well as, coming over after my voice lessons just to chat. Thank you to Trisha too! Being in the top 10 was an exciting experience. I couldn't have done it with out you!

Wayne Sevin and Debbie too: I am having so much fun this year as Miss Lakes Region! This could be the year :) Thank both for your support ,advice, and expertise. They have great events and appearances planned for Miss Lakes Region to attend and I have had some fabulous opportunities. I was able to ride a snow mobile for the first time, be the musher of a team of dogs at the World Championship Sled Dog Derby; I was the Ambassador for the week end! At the event, I was able to network with many people including Governor Lynch and his wife, Dr. Susan Lynch.








Best Parents Ever






My parents have been a part of my support system over the past four years; I don't know what I would do with out them! They are listening ears when I need them, eyes for editing papers, and always there to give me advice. My mom has helped me bake for every bake sale I have had- she's the best baker in New Hampshire! My dad helps me with current events and loves to talk about politics. They are number 1 in my book!


Saturday, April 18, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS JESS + some info


My sister is done with school! She graduated last year with her undergraduate degree and this year is graduating the weekend of Miss New Hampshire with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy! I'm so proud of her for all her scholastic accomplishments! She was able to travel to Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina for clinical rotations and has really had a great college experience. She is one of my role models and is the best sister ever! I'm sad I have to miss her big day (graduation) and hope she knows I'll be thinking of her for her pinning and all the ceremonies.

She was home for Easter and I was able to do some working out with her. She's a Personal Trainer and kicked my butt twice while she was home. I didn't know I could sweat that much, it was crazy. "TWO MORE LET'S GO!!" (I'm still having flash backs) It was really nice of her to spend some time giving me a work out for Miss NH.

Thanks Jess

~Alicia


Jessica is an ACE certified Personal Trainer and Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist. She is also an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has been a personal trainer since 2006, working at the gym at Northeastern University. She is graduating this May with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She also has her G coaching certificate through Masssachusetts Youth Soccer Association and coaches Cambridge U8 girls and Cambridge U18 girls this spring. This summer, she is planning to work as a Personal Trainer in Walpole, MA at LA Fitness and at CATZ (a strength and conditioning facility) in Hingham, MA as a strength coach. Her plan is to be a traveling Physical Therapist in the fall, once she has passed her board exam.

I woke up this morning to an email from Billy Shore: Share Our Strength's Co-Founder

What an exciting email to wake up to! I went to check my email today and was so touched that Billy sent me this note. He is such a busy man and took time out of his day to send me a nice email.


good luck‏
From: Shore, Billy (******@strength.org)
Sent:Sat 4/18/09 10:34 AM
To: Alicia Rossman (a_ross15@hotmail.com)
Alicia,
Saw the article in the Portsmouth Herald. Just wanted to wish you the best of luck. We’re so proud of your commitment to ending hunger.
Billy


http://www.strength.org/about/executive_team/
Check out his bio on the website!
While I was in Washington D.C. I was able to meet with 3 leaders on the executive team: Billy, Debbie, and Chuck

I had such a great time meeting with them and am so impressed with all of work they do!

GOOD LUCK

Good luck to all of the contestants competing at Miss New Hampshire, we are all going to have such a fun week together. Good luck packing and stay relaxed! See you all at the next rehearsal on Saturday.
~Alicia

COUNT DOWN 12 DAYS- get your tickets

12 more days until the first preliminary competition!!!

Interview/speaking/poise= check (too many names to put here for mock interview credits)

Gown= check (Designer AJ Chantilly Place)

Talent= check (voice coach Scott Richardson)

Life style and fitness= check (my personal trainer Jessica Rossman)

Current Events= check (thanks dad)

Opening number= check

Finale= check

I'm READY....everything is done and I am so relaxed. All I need to do is pack! P.S. mom you think you can help me with that? (She's a great packer and very organized which is exactly what I need)

I can't believe there are only 12 more days to go! I just got back from the grocery store and came out with nutritious food to keep myself healthy and strong before the competition. This week it is extra important to stay healthy and make sure I'm as germ free as possible especially because I am a singer. I went to Market Basket and got everything on SALE-that's mainly how I shop.

Check list number 2 for the count down is to:
Gym: Sat, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, Mon
Yoga and out door biking: Wed and Fri
Homework: all the time
Eating: throughout the day
Sleeping: at least 7-8 hours (let's be serious I'm in college)
Speaking engagement: Thursday
Project due: Tuesday
Last voice lesson: Monday
Relax: every chance I get
Watch the news: every chance I get
Practice talent: every day

Get the point???? I have a big week coming up!

I'M SO EXCITED

Get your tickets now to The Miss New Hampshire Competition at Pinkerton Academy's Stockbridge Theatre in Derry, call 437-9027 or go to http://www.missnh.org/

The Citizen News Paper - Lakes faces

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009704129970


Sunday, April 12, 2009

This week's Lakes Face is a familiar one because among her many other duties, she was the official ambassador for the 2009 Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby.



In September 2008, Alicia Rossman of Brentwood was named Miss Lakes Region, an honor that will allow her to vie for the title of Miss New Hampshire later this month and, if she also wins that crown, to represent the Granite State in the 2009 Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.



Rossman, who is the daughter of Robert and Cheryl Rossman, is currently a senior at the University of New Hampshire, where she is pursuing a degree in Nutritional Sciences. She graduated from Exeter High School in 2005 with honors and has been on the UNH Dean's List every semester.



At the Miss New Hampshire competition, Rossman will perform a song, "I was here." Her platform is ending hunger. "



As a nutrition major and advocate, I understand the effects of malnutrition and how food insecurity affects a child's physical, cognitive, emotional and social development," Rossman said. "I look forward to developing my volunteer work on a larger scale and extending my outreach as Miss New Hampshire 2009."



She thanked Wayne Sevin, who is her director, Pacific Beach Tanning and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse for their continued sponsorship.



For more information about the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship program or to buy tickets for this year's competition at Pinkerton Academy's Stockbridge Theatre in Derry, call 437-9027 or go to http://www.missnh.org/



Name: Alicia Rossman

Where do you live? Brentwood, New Hampshire

What have you been doing lately?

"I'm a full-time student at the University of New Hampshire graduating in May 2009 with a degree in Nutritional Sciences. I have been a UNH Transit Driver for the past four years and recently started working for the Whole Grains Council. I have had a wonderful four years in college and it has been a time I will never forget. The friendships I have made are amazing and I hope we all end up staying in the same area after graduation!" Rossman is also the reigning Miss Lakes Region, which means that she'll be competing later this month for the title of Miss New Hampshire 2009 and if she wins it, she will go on to the Miss America pageant.



How long have you been part of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship program?

"This is my fourth year competing in the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program. I have had many wonderful opportunities because of the program and my volunteer efforts."



What do you find interesting about it?

"The program is interesting because it gives young women the opportunity to be out in the community and voice their opinions. We are able to volunteer in classrooms and events all over the state of New Hampshire to share our platform and promote the program. Another great aspect is being a part of the final show! Miss New Hampshire is truly an amazing production that I am so proud to be a part of."

What is your most memorable experience doing what you do?

"Traveling to Washington D.C. for my platform is the most memorable experience. I had a wonderful time at the national Share Our Strength office learning even more about my platform: 'Share Our Strength: It Takes More than Food to Fight Hunger.' I was able to converse with professionals and sit in on meetings that gave me the big picture of what SOS accomplishes. My involvement with Share Our Strength in New Hampshire has been locally fulfilling but traveling to D.C. to meet with such ground breaking professionals was amazing."

If you could choose another career in another place, what and where would it be?

"I think I would have chosen to invent something ground-breaking before college. I would go anywhere my family would want to go. I could never see myself living too far away from family. So wherever they are I will stay near."

What is your favorite quote?

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead"

Exeter New's Letter Front Page article next to Janine Mitchell

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090417-NEWS-904170342

EHS grad Alicia Rossman competes for Miss New Hampshire title
Today's most viewed articles


By Jennifer Feals
jfeals@seacoastonline.com
April 17, 2009 6:00 AM

More than 13 million children in America go hungry each year. While the exact number of children in New Hampshire is not known, statistics show that 29,000 children live in poverty in the state.

Alicia Rossman of Brentwood, current Miss Lakes Region, is tackling this devastating issue of hungry children and hopes to continue doing so as Miss New Hampshire. Rossman is an Exeter High School graduate and currently a nutrition major at the University of New Hampshire.

"It's disheartening to know that people in America, one of the wealthiest countries, are going to bed hungry. Food is something that's a basic need for everybody," Rossman said. "It's been an issue since the Great Depression, and if it's been happening for that many years, why hasn't it been fixed?"

This is Rossman's fourth time competing for the Miss New Hampshire title. Rossman, who placed in the top 10 last year, said she is competing this year with past experience under her belt and is using that knowledge to compete stress-free, hoping it will take her to the top.

By competing in the pageant, along with 25 other contestants, Rossman has the potential to win over $15,000 in scholarships and the chance to compete in Las Vegas for the title of Miss America. Candidates are judged based on a 10-minute interview, stage presence, and lifestyle, fitness and talent competitions.

"It really is such a great opportunity and can set you up for so many things," Rossman said. "It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

To prepare for the competition, which takes place April 30 through May 2, Rossman has been eating healthy, hitting the gym and gearing up her vocal chords for the talent competition. Rossman will sing, "I Was Here," by country band Lady Antebellum, a song she feels was written for this competition.

The song was Team America's Olympic theme song and has been used in commercials for the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer walk.

"It's almost like I went to Nashville and sat down with a song writer; like we sat down to chat over lunch about my life story and a week later the writer sent me the song he wrote for me," Rossman said. "Everything about the song is perfect. I'm hoping to nail it on the Miss New Hampshire stage."

For her Miss New Hampshire platform "Share Our Strength: It Takes More than Food to Fight Hunger," but also for the love of nutrition and spreading the importance of healthy eating, Rossman is very involved in initiatives in her community. She works on the UNH campus as a transit driver, as well as for the Whole Grains Council, and has completed over 2,000 hours of community service in the past four years.

Rossman recently conducted research that the council will present in Washington, D.C., The research involved visiting local Hannaford supermarkets and conducted an analysis of the amount of whole grains - as opposed to refined grains - offered in products.

During a recent visit to the nation's capitol, Rossman visited the national Share Our Strength office where she met cofounders Bill and Debbie Shore. Rossman said she came back to New Hampshire with new ideas and an increased appreciation for the organization's work.
Among the local organizations Rossman volunteers at are the New Hampshire Food Bank, the Cross Roads House in Portsmouth and the Great American Bake Sale for which she has raised $4,000.

If she wins Miss New Hampshire, Rossman said she would continue spreading the message of nutrition and hunger awareness. She would be a visible Miss New Hampshire who will be active in her community and keep her community aware of what she is doing, for example, through the blog she already maintains.

"It would be a great opportunity to talk to children and others, and to make more people aware of my platform," she said. "I would take advantage of that time as much as I could."
For more information on Rossman and her Miss New Hampshire journey, visit her blog at www.misslakesregion2008.blogspot.com. Anyone interested in hosting a bake sale or food drive can contact Rossman at a_ross15@hotmail.com.

To purchase tickets to the Miss New Hampshire competition, visit www.missnh.com or call 437-9027.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Granite Ledges Fashion Show
















Helen Costello from the New Hampshire Food Bank Recipe For Success March 11, 2009


Reporters File on air with Sam Adams ad WOKQ! April 7, 2009




Sam Adams is the BEST! I had so much fun with him at WOKQ and am excited to hear how the show came out. I spent 30 minutes on air with him talking about my platform and preparations for Miss New Hampshire. It will be aired in the morning and at night on The Shark and WOKQ the week before Miss NH (stay tuned to the dates and times). He is a big supporter of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program as is WOKQ Mark and Danielle's morning waking crew. They have such a fun radio station and have been following my endevors for the past 4 years! I listen to them all the time in the car. Check them out 97.5 http://www.wokq.com/

UNH Guest Speaker Mark Winne April 1st and 2nd


I was able to see guest speaker Mark Winne speak twice at UNH! The first time I heard him speak was open to the entire campus about his book Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty.
The next day I was able to visit with him with 9 other students to have a more intimate conversation about his book and all of his efforts and hunger advocacy.
~Alicia


Monday, April 6, 2009

Day 4 at the Farm






















Day 3 at the Farm
























































Day 2 at the farm!












Waking up to such a beautiful day!










My group was on Home Crew! Our task was to cook breakfast while the others were doing chores around the farm. We made delicious oatmeal pancakes and home fries mmm!





The garden and the living space!







my photo shoot during my break!









Making foccacia bread from scratch!










The first day at the farm!


Hike:

After lunch we went for a hike and tour of the property. We learned about how the farm works and what we would be doing that week. Eric, one of the care takers took us on the tour and to the top of one of the hills. At the top of the hill we spent some time praying and some time in silence to listen to the rain. Eric sang us a song to end the hike and we walked back to the farm.

Lunch:
Grilled cheese on home made whole wheat bread, local cheese, and home made tomato soup! It was the best grilled cheese and tomato soup I've ever had in my entire life!


After training we all went to work outside in different locations around the farm. I was in Julie's Group and in charge of getting the isles in the garden tidy. It was important to lay card board down and then wood chips on top to make a good clear walking path and keep the weeds out.




Workin hard!



There is Father Bill and Dave getting their breakfast!






After breakfast we all met outside for training with Colleen. She taught us all the safety advice we needed to know for the week like how to use a saw, hammer, nail, etc. The key was how to use the tools safely and efficiently.






My breakfast was so good! Home made granola in yogurt, half a banana, scrambled eggs from the farm, and cast iron fluff cakes. So good!




The soothing music started to play softly through out the entire farm house...I guess it was time to wake up at start the day. We all joined for morning prayer and then enjoyed a delicious breakfast together.



~Alicia