Come Support the Arts!

‘Mind the Art’ Entertainment Party

Join us for an amazing evening of LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS NETWORKING and PARTY!!!

What it takes.-

$15 for FREE BEER & over 10 different performances varying from SLAM POETRY, to live MUSIC and COMEDY!!!

PLUS! Don't drink beer???

RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP RECESSION SPECIAL CASH BAR!!!

$3 mixed drinks!
$3 glasses of wine!
And CHEAP CHEAP SHOTS!!!

PLUS! Don't like to drink at all???

Then look at what talent you will see that night!!!

*A performance of the Outrageous Farce Comedy ‘DIE’- written by Joe Kurtz, directed by Christian De Gre'

*Michael Berberich- Spoken Word, Rap and Music Extravaganza

*Julia Weldon- Original Singer/Songwriter

*Ashley C. Williams- Performing Highlights from "Spellbound the Musical Adventure"

*Alyssa Robbins- Original Singer/Songwriter

*David Williams- Will showcase never before seen pieces from his new Spoken Word Play

*Chuk Obasi- Rap and Dance Machine

*Ariana Paganetti- Straight from her Miami Tour with Dance House Music!

*Keelie Sheridan- Miss Brooklyn Winner and Irish Step Dancing Fiend!

AND a few other suprise guest artists!

The proceeds of this function will go to 'Mind The Art' to help fund our upcoming events and future endeavors!

Directions:
YEAH ITS BROOKLYN, BUT ITS ONLY 20 MINUTES FROM MANHATTAN!
SO RELAX ITS FREE BEER AND GREAT ENTERTAINMENT ON A FRIDAY NIGHT!

Take 4 or the 3 train to Utica Ave - Crown Heights Station. #227 Utica Ave. Stratosphere Studios
*You can take any train that goes to Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn and transfer to the 4 or 3 train, get off at Utica Ave.
Its about a 3 minute walk to the Studios from the train station.

DON'T MISS OUT! THIS WILL BE A MASSIVE GATHERING OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!!!PLEASE RSVP TO: Mindtheart@gmail.com

For More Information on Mind The Art Entertainment, Please Visit: http://www.mindtheartentertainment.com/

Welcome Home, Miss Brooklyn!

I live in an amazing neighborhood, located in an amazing borough full of involved, compassionate, generous and kind individuals.

I'm humbled to have been the guest of honor at this past Thursday's "Miss Brooklyn 2009 Homecoming Party" sponsored by my neighborhood, the NY Steakhouse, and the Be Proud Foundation. I was amazed at the fantastic turnout- guests included local politicians, media and press, local entertainers and my neighbors! Special thanks to the NY Steakhouse for kindly hosting this event, Galit Couture for providing a beautiful gown for me to wear as well as doing my makeup, Raisa Chernina for her tireless effort planning this party, and all of the amazing sponsors of the Miss Brooklyn Organization!

I've begun working out with the official fitness sponsor of Miss Brooklyn 2009- Ellen Stein (see my earlier post for all of her contact info and certifications)! The training we're doing together is primarily focused around Russian Kettlebells. We've only had two sessions, but I'm feeling the burn already, and Ellen promises to "toughen me up", so I can't wait to see what she throws at me next! (See the above photo of me doing a "windmill"- awesome for the obliques!)

I also had my first airbrush tanning session with the official tanning sponsor of Miss Brooklyn 2009- Pacific Tanning in Park Slope! Thank you to Maria for helping me achieve a healthy glow the healthy way! Pacific Tanning ( http://www.pacifictanningsalon.com/ ) is located on the 2nd floor of 376 9th St. in Park Slope, and offers traditional tanning beds in addition to custom airbrush tanning and Mystic tanning. Pacific Tanning will be generously donating their services weekly from now until the Miss NY pageant. Their number is: (718)499-5274. Summer is just around the corner, Brooklyn- stop by and get glowing!

Congratulations to this weekend's new titleholders- Miss Sullivan County 2009- Felicia Ramos, Miss Southeast NY 2009- Melanie Hildebrant, and Miss Mohawk Valley 2009- Lynn Adele Tryon. I'm so excited for the opportunity to get to know each of you at Miss NY this year; and a special note to Lynn- you've got big shoes to fill (my amazing sister Kieren was Miss Mohawk Valley 2008), but I'm confident you're up for the challenge!

On a related note, congratulations to Kira Hirschfeld- Miss Sante Fe 2009! Kira's my best friend from acting school who moved back home to New Mexico but came all the way to NY to see me compete in last year's state pageant! After some convincing, I finally was able to talk Kira into competing in Miss NM prelims this year. This girl embodies the values of the Miss America Organization and truly LIVES her platform. She was obviously a perfect match for the program!

I can't believe the Miss New York Workshop weekend is only a few short weeks away! Although prep for the state competition is always on my mind these days, I'm sure attending the workshop will only amplify my excitement!

Each week as Miss Brooklyn 2009 brings a new surprise or opportunity, and I am constantly humbled by the amazing responsibility and honor I've been given as a representative for our illustrious borough. I promise to keep up the hard work!

Best,

Keelie

"To be prepared is half the victory."- Miguel De Cervantes

Preparations for the state pageant are beginning- this week marks the "3 months until Miss NY" point, and while it seems like an eternity, I'm sure it'll fly by!

I've been so amazed at the incredible outpouring of support from my fellow Brooklynites in my quest for the title of Miss New York. We've been able to secure multiple hair sponsors, a photography sponsor, and fitness sponsor, and are in talks with potential tanning and gown sponsors- more about that later. As the Miss Brooklyn Organization grows, it's exciting to see all of the new connections and partnerships being built between our community and the scholarship program.

The past two weeks have been relatively quiet on the appearance front- convenient for me, because it's crunch time for the spring semester. With just over a month of classes left, I can use all of the study time I can get!

I was scheduled for an appearance on St. Patrick's Day (this Irish Step Dancer's favorite holiday!), but was unable to attend due to aggravation of an old injury- how disappointing! After some rest, I was back on my feet, and a few days later I went gown shopping in Bayridge. Understand that, unlike most girls involved in pageants, I truly dislike gown shopping- I love having an amazing gown, but the shopping part itself KILLS me! After two or three dresses, they all look the same to me, and I find the process exhausting! I did find some very promising prospects, though!

This week will be a bit busier. Kim and I are going gown shopping tomorrow AM. On Thursday, my mom's coming to NYC for the "Welcome Home Miss Brooklyn 2009" party my neighborhood is throwing! I'll be wearing a gown from Galit Couture, who will also be providing hair and makeup services! Many thanks to the wonderful Raisa Chernina- who knows everyone in Brooklyn, for her planning expertise, and the wonderful New York Steakhouse in Sheepshead Bay for hosting this event! My mom and I will probably do some more gown shopping on Friday, and then I'm competing in the Big Apple Feis (Irish Dance Competition) in Manhattan on Sunday!

Also, at some point this week, I'll have my first session with Miss Brooklyn 2009's Fitness Sponsor, Ellen Stein. We'll be focusing our training on Russian Kettlebells, which I've heard a lot of wonderful things about, and am extremely excited to start! She's certified with ACE, NASM, NSCA-CPT, RKC and IKFF. Visit her on the web at www.livingroomgym.net or www.kettlebellen.blogspot.com. She can be reached by phone at (917)846-1146 or by e-mail at w8lifter222@aol.com.

As a final note, I send my condolences to the family of Joyce Shelby, and her friends at the NY Daily News. Joyce was a Brooklyn reporter for the NY Daily News who passed away this weekend. I was interviewed by Joyce twice- once before the Miss Brooklyn Pageant, and once after winning, and I, along with the Miss Brooklyn Organization, are extremely grateful for the publicity she provided us, and the interest she showed in our program.

Kind Regards,

Keelie

Calling All In-Kind Sponsors!

As a resident of Manhattan Beach, I am proud to have been selected the new Miss Brooklyn 2009 and look forward to representing our beautiful and diverse borough during the 2009 Miss New York State Scholarship Program this summer. Last year’s Miss Brooklyn, Leigh-Taylor Smith, won not only the Miss New York State title but also made her way into the Top 5 at the Miss America Pageant bringing her total scholarship winnings to $24,000!

The Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization provides young women the opportunity to achieve their educational aspirations by issuing scholarship awards. Along with winning the title, a $1000 cash scholarship will help me continue my studies in Theater & English at Empire State College.

Here’s where I need your help. I am looking for the following in-kind sponsors to help me in my quest for the state title of Miss New York 2009:

Gown Sponsor

A gown to be donated to wear during the Evening Gown segment that I can keep or borrow from your boutique. (Teen & Miss)

Fitness Sponsor

A personal trainer to donate his or her service to help me achieve the winning spot in the Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit segment. (Miss only)

Hair Stylist

A stylist to make me look my best during the state pageant. A new hairstyle, trim, color, or whatever it takes to give me the winning look. (Teen & Miss)

Spray Tan

A tanning salon that specializes in spray tans to help me achieve that glowing look. (Miss only)

In exchange for your kindness and generosity, The Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Program will name you as the official Gown, Fitness or Tanning Sponsor or Stylist of Miss Brooklyn 2009; list your business name and website link on its website during my entire reign; place your business name on an advertisement to be placed in the 2009 Miss New York State Scholarship Program; and provide free mention in all press releases and on air interviews.

The Miss America Scholarship Fund is based on a rich scholastic tradition, which has been the cornerstone of the Miss America Organization since 1945. Today, educational advancement, achievement, and public service continue to be the primary objectives for the Miss America Organization, Miss New York Organization, and the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Program in the face of changing roles for women in American society.

If you are interested in supporting me, please contact Kimberly Thomas, Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Program Executive Director, at MissBrooklynMAO@aol.com or at (313) 492-0946.

Local Season is in Full Swing!

First and foremost, congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Westchester County 2009- Alyse Zwick, Miss Hudson Valley 2009- Katie Martin and Miss Suffolk County 2009- Marina Montes! I'm so sorry I wasn't able to attend the pageant, but I'm thrilled that you'll all be returning to Miss NY 2009!

On Tuesday, I received a surprise phone call from our Borough President himself, Mr. Marty Markowitz! After congratulating me on winning the title of Miss Brooklyn, Marty invited me to entertain at Brooklyn Borough Hall's St. Patrick's Day Breakfast! What an honor- I can't wait.

On Wednesday, I took a trip to Borough Hall to pose for a photo with Mr. Markowitz. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to see me and introduce me around Borough Hall!

Thursday morning, I met with Kim (Miss Brooklyn ED) to do our first round of gown shopping! We got some great ideas, but the search for the perfect gown is far from over!

Friday morning, I was a special guest at the Block Institute for Read Across America Day! The theme of the day was "Diversity in Our Community", and after the morning assembly, I had the opportunity to visit a few classrooms, meet with the kids and read to them! Thank you to everyone at Block Institute for being so welcoming! I had a great time! Also, an extra special thank you to Block Institute for your assistance in raising funds for the Children's Miracle Network!

I took a bus upstate Friday evening to attend Saturday's Miss Empire Rose Pageant, where I was joined by the lovely Miss Lewis County 2009- Angela Glasso, Miss Fulton County 2009- Courtney Sheridan and Miss Northern New York 2008 Jessica Cagwin. It was great to see Miss Empire Rose 2008- Stacie Duda! Congratulations to Miss Empire Rose 2009-Katie Birchenough, 1st Runner Up Kieren Sheridan, 2nd Runner Up Colleen Gagne and 3rd Runner Up Brittany Dunham!

Sunday it was back to NYC for an afternoon dance rehearsal and then on the the NYC sweeper pageant! I had the pleasure of taking in the show with Miss Westchester County 2009- Alyse Zwick, Miss Suffolk County 2009- Marina Montes, Miss Hudson Valley 2009- Katie Martin, the very newly crowned Miss Jubilee 2009- Claire Buffie, Miss Staten Island 2009- Kimberly Cantoni and Miss Finger Lakes 2009- Lorna Rose. Miss NY 2008- Leigh Taylor Smith did a fantastic job emceeing! Congratulations to the new Miss Manhattan 2009- Inga Schlingerman, Miss Metropolitan 2009- Amanda Mason, and Miss Greater Gotham 2009- Danielle Roundtree.