American Idol Try Outs

This weekend should be interesting!  I am trying out for American Idol.  I am excited to see how it all goes...and what it's like.  Will I actually get to try out or is this all just a big joke???? My dad really likes the show, he even DVR's it :) ohh how funny.  He always asks me if I watched the show.  Unfortunately I was very busy during the last four years of college and was studying, good thing though because college is expensive and I needed good grades-sorry dad.  Anyway I am just going for the experience and to see how it is, I have no expectations.  Wish me luck!

To Grandmothers House I Go!

My sister and I are going tomorrow to visit my Nanny, then my Grandma and Grandpa, and then we are going to take my cousin Michael out for Ice Cream.  I can't wait!

Farmers Market

Walk with a smile, look people in the eye when they are talking to you, and don't forget to be positive.  

That's my reflection today from the farmers market :)  I had a lot of fun today observing and learning.  Wende (the farmer from CatNip Acres) taught me all about planting garlic and potatoes today.  

Last week she gave me Scarlet Runner Beans and a yellow pear cherry tomato plant.  I brought them home and my mom planted them for me in a nice pot to bring to my apartment.  The Scarlet Runner Beans are eatable but the main reason I asked for them is because they attract humming birds and butterflies I can't wait!  Also, I just love yellow cherry tomatoes so I can't wait to have them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and mozzarella!!!  MMM soo good!  Thanks for planting them mom!  

Share Our Strength's Taste of The Nation Portsmouth

Don't Miss Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Portsmouth!‏

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Share Our Strengths Taste of the Nation

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Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation


Taste of the Nation Portsmouth
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Strawbery Banke Museum
Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801



Don't miss your opportunity to attend Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Portsmouth at beautiful Strawbery Banke. Guests will enjoy delightful tastes from over 70 participating restaurants, wine and beer. Celebrate the arrival of summer with live music, dancing and a fabulous silent auction under beautiful tented greens while helping us end childhood hunger in America.

Hurry! Online General Admission tickets are already sold out! VIP tickets available online. Or purchase General Admission or VIP tickets at: Portsmouth Brewery, Philbrick's Fresh Market, Blue Mermaid Island Grill, & Black Trumpet Restaurant.

My first day at the farmers market!

Today was interesting to say the least!  I drove to 107 High Road in Epping to find a beautiful 29 acre lot!  Wende is the farmer of Catnip Acres and she has so many different plants.  My Pa-pa Frank Lauriente used to own a family nursery not too long ago and my parents are very much into being out doors and have a huge garden at their house.  Not long ago I had my own little landscaping/lawn mowing/pet sitting business too.   I like being outside!  

Anyway I got to her farm and had no idea what I was getting myself into.  It is hard to set up a little stand at a market!  Wende had the jeep packed and ready to go.  It took me about 40 minutes to set up by the time I got to Exeter Swasy Parkway...my goodness!  

She had so many different herbs, vegetables, and plants!  She even had pineapple mint-pretty neat.  I had a lot of fun talking to people about the plants and her organic farm.  

Thank god my mom was there towards the end, she helped me put everything back in the jeep-what a task.  I swear you have to be good at math and spacing to pack that thing back up!  At the end of the day I was a little tired but it was such a neat experience I said I would do it again. Wende gave me a yellow pear tomato plant to take home and some sort of bean plant that attracts humming birds and butter flys.  I can't wait for them to grow! 

I'll post some pictures soon!  

First Competition - Miss Derry

Start buying your tickets now!  I'm competing for Miss Derry on June 26th!  The show will take place at the Adams Memorial Opera House in downtown Derry.  Miss Derry is always a treat they have a great board that works really hard to raise scholarship money and put on a great show.  I was sad I had to miss it last year, I was in Italy June 26-July 27th 2008.  I have the chance to win over $6,000.00!!!  That would really help lower my loan payments that I will have to start paying off now that I am a graduate YIKES!  Cross your fingers, come to the show, make some signs, and cheer as loud as you can for me :)

~Alicia

Check This Out: Go Support Erika!

I used to compete with Erika Lehman who is now the new Miss NH ANTSO.  I wish I could go to her fundraising event but I will be Fishing all day in Cape Cod with the New England Saltwater Fly Rodders.  I wanted to promote her event.  I hope you can go support her!  She is a good friend of mine that I met through the Miss NH Program.  I actually crowned her Miss University two years ago and then she went on to win the title of Miss Lakes Region where she then crowned me as the new Miss Lakes Region.  I know it sounds confusing but it was pretty neat!  We both went to UNH and she has a lot of accomplishments through both programs.  I wish her the best of luck!

A Dinner with Miss NH ANTSO Miss

Eat, drink, be merry....and help me fundraise for nationals :)

Host:	Erika Lehman
Type:	Party - Dinner Party
Network:	Global

Date:	Saturday, June 6, 2009
Time:	6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Brothers North Restaurant
Street:	845 Lafayette Rd.
City/Town:	Hampton, NH
	View Map

Phone:	6037676063
Email:	erikaslehman@gmail.com

Description

Please join me for dinner in support of my fundraising efforts for nationals! 

Enjoy a fabulous Greek and Italian Buffet-style dinner and participate in some wonderful raffles, silent auctions, and socializing. Raffle/auction items include spa items, gift certificates, cash prizes, and original artwork/paintings by Erika. 

Feel free to move to the lounge after 8 forcocktails and live entertainment.

Tickets are $18 per person

Dress is nice casual/business casual (no holey jeans and muddy t shirts please)

If you would like to attend (I would love you to!) please let me know as soon as possible and I can bring tickets to you or put them aside to pick up at the door.

Hope to see you there!!!

You can also purchase a ticket online via paypal through the "donate" button on my blog! Just donate the amount you owe for the tickets and I will receive an email notification and have your tickets ready for you at the door :) 

http://www.erikalehman.blogspot.com/

Kayaking with Julie May 15, 2009

Julie and I went kayaking to celebrate being done with school!  I plan on buying a kayak once my funds are replenished from the dent that was made by a little thing called VEGAS.  I spent a lot of money.  I will be working hard this summer to save up some money to buy a kayak and all of the bells and whistles that go along with it!

First Fishing meeting with the New England Saltwater Fly Rodders at Jappa Flats - Plum Island June 2nd

My Dad and I went Fishing at Jappa Flats - Plum Island for our first fly fishing club meeting.  We had a lot of fun and there were about 40 fishers from the club.  I had a lot of fun but no one even got a bite!  I am looking forward to fishing this weekend my dad and I are going to Cape Cod with some members from the club and we hope we catch a few fish then!   

Graduation Lobster Bake at UNH hosted by the Alumni Center

The UNH Lobster Bake was our only event to celebrate graduation.  I was looking forward to a senior week but this was the extent of senior week.  It was a ton of fun!  It was a great event to bring all of the seniors together to enjoy a lobster meal or eggplant parm for the vegetarians.  Down below is a picture of me with all of my friends at the lobster bake.  If you were wondering I'm 22.

Miss America

I can't wait to go to Vegas for Miss America! My sister, my friend Justina, and I all went to Las Vegas last week to celebrate my sister graduating with as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and myself graduating with a Bachelor of Science for Nutritional Sciences! We had a lot of fun, we stopped by Planet Hollywood and knew I needed to go see the Miss America show this year. The show is January 30, 2010 at Planet Hollywood. This year there will be 53 contestants because they just added Puerto Rico...this will bring in even more viewers for a very exciting show. I can't wait!

I GOT A JOB thank the lord!

I will be working for the Whole Grains Council on a few projects. Last semester I completed a huge research project which analyzed whole grains. My boss, Cindy presented all of the information I gathered in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago. After working with them for the semester they hired me to work on some new projects and I am delighted to be on board with them! To learn more about whole grains visit:
http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/
make half your grains whole grains! Try a box of cherrios for breakfast...my favorite (besides grapefruit)!

I will also be working at 3 different farmers markets: Exeter, Durham, and Kingston
I will be selling crops for catnip acres of Epping. This will be a great opportunity to meet people who are growing locally. It will also be a great opportunity for me to encourage people to buy fresh local produce to help nourish their bodies. After all....I am a nutrition major! I will do anything involving food, friendship, nutrition, and community! http://catnipacresherbfarm.wordpress.com/photos/

The first fish of the season!

My dad and I went fishing yesterday (Sunday) right after I spent the entire day judging the idol competition. We caught our first fish of the season. My dad and I went with our neighbor Rich so technically he should get some credit too! It was Rich's first time fly fishing so we all had a blast. My dad caught a 23 inch BEAUTIFUL striper. I remember I used to watch a fishing show when I was little on TV and the fisherman always kissed the fish before he released it....I might make my dad do that with his next fish! Pictures to come.....

Karaoke Idol

I had a lot of fun on May 31st judging the 3rd annual Exeter Karaoke Idol competition. I have been a celebrity judge for 3 years and have seen a lot of talent. This year I was lucky enough to judge alongside Mark Ericson from WOKQ's morning waking crew. It's my favorite radio station....country of course! Sandy Martin has organized the Idol competition for 3 years and it truly gets better every year. I can't wait to judge again next year.

I DID IT

Yay!!! Congratulations to all the UNH graduates. I am so excited to say I finished 4 extremely hard years at the University of New Hampshire and I finished CUM LAUDE. I am proud of my accomplishment!

Miss Derry Fundraiser at Sharky's Go Play!!

I stopped by Sharky's and Dover Bowl today to support the fundraiser for the Miss Derry Scholarship Program. I will be competing for Miss Derry on June 26th and I wanted to thank the employees of Sharky's for supporting such a wonderful program that has really changed my life.

I encourage everyone to stop by and play a game or two to support the Miss Derry Scholarship Program!

Rock Star

I graduate in a few days and can't wait. A lot of my friends are sad but I have had a great four years at college and will carry all of my experiences for the rest of my life. I'm excited for whatever comes next in life. I am looking for a part time job for the summer so if anyone has any ideas contact me! My main focus is to volunteer every chance I get and to fish with my dad this summer.

Triathlon

My sister Jess was in a triathlon last weekend. I had a lot of fun watching her compete and was really excited she came in 4th place for her division! Congratulations Jess! It looked like she had a lot of fun. She bought a really nice bike for graduation and she said it improved her time. I plan on doing at least one this summer...it really was an inspiration. I was a runner in high school and loved track. My sister is a great swimmer, I didn't get that gene but I'm not bad! I love to bike so we will see.

All of the triathaloners had numbers all over their bodies....ages went on the calf. I saw people who were over 60 doing the triathalon and having so much fun! If they can do it so can I!

My Professor Dr. Joanne Burke

http://unh.edu/news/campusjournal/2009/May/13burke.cfm

Profile in Sustainability: Joanne Burke

May 13, 2009

Joanne Burke, clinical assistant professor, department of molecular, cellular and biomedical sciences

Why is nutrition an important part of sustainability?

Nutrition and sustainability are inextricably linked. Healthy soils and waterways and environmentally respectful food production give rise to wholesome foods, supporting our health and nutritional well-being. Social, economic, cultural and political factors impact food production, access, and health outcomes. As a profession, nutritionists are trained to view the health role that nutrients in food play in health promotion but have not historically considered the food system used to produce these foods. As we become more aware of how food production and dietary practices impact our environment, it becomes apparent that sustainability must be integrated into nutrition practices.

What role can all of us play in addressing the issue of food security?

There are a variety of interconnected ways to take action. Becoming involved in food and agriculture policy decisions has far reaching impacts. Joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program supports local farmers, builds capacity, and provides you with healthy foods. State, regional, and national policies and practices also are needed. Most of the US Farm Bill supports large agribusiness with few resources for small and mid-size producers. One out of eight Americans do not have access to healthy diets. Food banks provide short term food access, but were never intended to be a long term solution to failed economic and social policy. Long term system-wide strategies that promote healthy, accessible food systems and livable wages are needed.

What motivates you personally to be involved in sustainability?

I find it unacceptable that we live in a country that advertises itself as the world’s breadbasket yet far too many of our citizens go hungry. Growing up, I watched as my parents tried to make a difference. My dad worked on civil rights issues while my mom assisted Cuban refugees in our North Miami parish. Armed with the belief that individuals can and should make a difference, I find it ethically rewarding to be playing a role in advancing food security and sustainability. My husband and I hope our children, grandchildren and future generations benefit from the sustainability work we are collectively engaged in.

Miss NH 2009

I had so much fun this year with all of the contestants. Everyone was nice and we all had a great time together. I am graduating from college and I'm still not sure what my plans are but I know Miss New Hampshire is in the plan. I am competing for Miss Derry this year. It is one of the first local competitions. I missed it last year because I studied abroad in Italy but this year I would love to be a part of it. Danielle always puts on a fun show and works really hard to rally up the biggest local scholarship program in New Hampshire. I can't wait to see all of the girls again at Miss Derry.
~Alicia

Looking for....

Looking for a friend to get a motor cycle license with me!!! Any takers?

My agenda for next week

Monday- hand in my last college paper ever
Tuesday- fly fishing club meeting with my dad
Wednesday- breakfast with Abby and BBQ with Italy Abroad friends
Thursday- Lunch with my study buddies and Third Eye Blind concert at Hampton Beach Casino
Friday- mayyyybe surfing

My best friend Thais and I want to go fishing, hiking, surfing, and lay out on the beach during our last two weeks of school...I can't wait for the fun out doorsy things we are planning on doing.

What's Next?

I'll start to look for jobs next Tuesday. Does anyone know of any openings? I'm looking for Pharmaceutical Sales or a job at a hospital.

Sisters Celebrating Success in Las Vegas!

My sister and I are treating ourselves to a vacation in Las Vegas right after graduation. She graduated last weekend during Miss NH weekend and I have a few more weeks but right after I am done we head out on a plane to Vegas! I can't wait to have a fun vacation with my sister. My best friend Justina from high school is coming too. We are going to have a blast.

I'm done with college on MONDAY!

Monday is the big day! My final paper is due on on Monday and I will be done with college! I graduate with honors on the 22nd and my real graduation is the 23rd. I cannot wait for graduation. I am so excited that I made it through college!!

Everything happens for a reason :) Put out that fire!

I was third runner up at Miss New Hampshire and am proud of myself for making the top 5. Thank you to everyone who helped make the show happen. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I had so much fun this year at the hotel, at the rehearsals, and back stage with the other contestants. The judges had a rough job picking the next Miss New Hampshire. All 26 contestants were talented, beautiful, smart, and poised.

So...everything happens for a reason I always tell myself. We came home from the after party fairly early. If I had won Miss New Hampshire we wouldn't have been home in time for a very scary event that happened around mid-night.

My neighbors have been building a farmers porch on the front of their house for about a week now and they have a big dumpster in their drive way right next to ours. With all of the construction going on and rags laying outside a brush fire started about 5 minutes after we got home.

We were all very tired and forgot to close the garage door, my dad about 5 minutes after being home went down stairs to close the garage door and came storming upstairs saying "THERE'S A FIRE NEXT DOOR!" My Dad in a scuffle opened the fridge hoping to find the fire extinguisher thinking it was the closet. I could see the fire from the first floor of our house and immediately called 911 while my sister called the neighbors to wake them up to tell them there was a fire in between our houses. My dad ran over with the extinguisher and put the fire out. Next thing I know the volunteer fire department comes over to make sure everything was ok.

So after all the craziness I said thank god I didn't win (that was really hard for me to say but it was true) because we would have lost our entire house and so would the neighbors. The dumpster in between our houses was full of wood and we also live in the middle of the woods. I am of course sad I was not crowned Miss New Hampshire, but I have realized everything happens for a reason and I always have next year.

Thank you to the Brentwood Fire Department and to my dad who went down stairs to close the garage to find the fire.

Over and out,
Alicia Rossman

Congratulations Lindsey Graham- Miss NH 2009

Lindsey,
Congratulations and good luck with your year of service. I wish you the best of luck at Miss America and am so happy for you. You will represent the state of New Hampshire with class and will fill the Miss America stage with your elegance in Las Vegas. I can't wait to watch the reality show! I wish you the best of luck in doing everything you possibly can to promote the Miss NH program and to get our name out there!
~Alicia Rossman

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

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!