Workshop Weekend!

PHOTOS (From top to bottom)

1. Kim Thomas (Miss Brooklyn Executive Director), Melanie Gowrie (Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen 2009), Leigh Taylor Smith (Miss Brooklyn 2008/ Miss New York 2008) and myself!

2. BROOKLYN, REPRESENT! Miss Brooklyn '08 (and Miss NY '08) with Miss Brooklyn '09!

3.Myself with the lovely Kim Cantoni (Miss Staten Island), my roommate for Miss NY 2009!

4.Being divalicious with my sisters (Courtney- Miss Fulton County, and Kieren-former Miss Mohawk Valley)

5.With my lovely OT Melanie and a MNY board member!

6.With Albany's Mayor Jennings

7.The Miss NY Class of '09 (Minus Inga!)

This blog will be short (school ends this week and I have A LOT of writing to do!), but I wanted to update everyone on our fantastic weekend in Albany.

I rose at 4:30a on Saturday to shower and finish packing, before leaving at 6:30a to meet Kim Thomas (my ED) and Melanie Gowrie (Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen) at Atlantic Terminal at 7:30a. Things got off to a SLOW start (Thanks, BQE) but after a side trip to Queens, we were finally through Jersey and on the thruway, heading up to Albany. We chatted the whole way up, some pageant talk, some not, and listened to Cosmo radio (surprisingly informative!).

We arrived at the Crown Plaza Hotel just in time to check into our rooms, check in with the Miss NY board, and then begin filming our individual video sessions. This was followed by a series of meetings, and then rehearsal with Kent (YAY!), a swimsuit preview (sigh) and then a choreography session. We had just under an hour to return to our rooms and prepare for a reception that evening with Albany's own Mayor Jennings. (Photos above).

The next day, after breakfast and check out, we returned to the Egg for a talent show of sorts, which was a lot of fun! Talent is definitely one of my favorite phases of competition, and it always makes me wish I was out in the audience so I could watch rather than be stuck backstage. We received lots of helpful critiques (special thanks to the reality panel, plus Claire and Stacie!), and our friends and family got to watch too! We learned a little about a new fundraiser for Miss NY (more info coming soon), spoke with Miss America 1998 (Kate Shindle) about interview, rehearsed a bit more before Kent had to leave, and then sat down with Leigh Taylor for a chat.

We also drew our competition order somewhere in that mix. I'm #19, and my sister, Courtney, is #20! What are the odds of us drawing numbers right next to each other? This puts us in Group B, which means we'll be competing in Swimsuit and Evening Gown on Thursday night and Talent and Onstage question Friday night.

Tickets are available for purchase NOW! Go to www.theegg.org/events to purchase tickets!

I promise to write more as soon as this week is over! For now, I'm off to hit the books!

Best,

Keelie

The Headshot

Once again, many thanks to everyone who donated their time and services to make our headshot shoot a success!

David Gardiner Garcia- Photographer- http://www.davidgardinerphoto.com/

Karolina Almanzar- Makeup Artist- http://www.ikandymakeup.com/

Bond Street Studios- Location- http://www.bondstreetstudio.com/

The end (of the semester) is in sight!

PHOTOS (From Top to Bottom)

1) The Headshot Dream Team! L to R: Melanie Gowrie (Miss Brooklyn's OT), Karolina Almanzar (Makeup Artist), David Gardiner Garcia (Photographer) and Me!

2)My girl Melanie (Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen) working it during her photo shoot. David's behind the camera, Kim Thomas (Miss Brooklyn ED) looks focused, and I think Karolina is trying to warn Kim about the photo!

3)Myself and the lovely Karolina in the makeup room

4)Maria (my airbrush tan guru from Pacific Tanning) and I

What an amazing/ hectic month April has been! In addition to my duties as Miss Brooklyn, I also go to school full time, Irish Step Dance, work at a Pilates studio, and work as an actor. Everything seemed to happen at once this month, and luckily, I was/ will soon be wrapping up a few of my more time consuming activities! School finishes up this week, and I'm thrilled to have extra time to dedicate to my Miss Brooklyn 2009 duties and Miss NY prep!

I've been continuing my personal training with the fabulous Ellen Stein, who is determined to give me a "bell-butt" (as in kettlebell) for Miss NY. I thought I was in decent shape before I started working with her, but most anyone would feel wimpy next to a Powerlifting Champion! Though I continue to stay in shape on my own when I'm not working out with Ellen, my sessions with her are always more fun and productive. You can always tell I've had a training session the previous day when I'm super smiley (working out makes you happy) and walking funny (working out also makes you sore)! Check out Ellen's blog for videos and photos of her lifting INSANELY heavy stuff! http://kettlebellen.blogspot.com/

I've also continued using the graciously donated airbrush tanning services of Pacific Tanning on 9th St. and 6th Ave in Brooklyn. Maria keeps my pasties away (as in pale-ness...not the other kind of pasties) with her expert airbrush-gun wielding. http://pacifictanningsalon.com/

This afternoon, I had my photo shoot with the amazing David Gardiner Garcia. He was quick, efficient and such a pleasure to work with! I only got to see a few shots while we scrolled through his camera, and I am absolutely thrilled to see the final photos! David's also a skilled fashion, wedding and event photographer. Check him out at : http://www.davidgardinerphoto.com/ . Makeup was provided by the lovely Karolina Almanzar (http://www.ikandymakeup.com/). Karolina made me look gorgeous but not overdone, and was a true delight to work with. Check out her website for samples of her work and her contact information. We were lucky enough to come into contact with Robert from Bond Street Studios, who graciously allowed us to use his beautiful space on literally a day's notice. Check out their studio at: http://www.bondstreetstudio.com/.

All in all, a great day! This weekend, I head up to Albany for the Miss New York workshop weekend. I'm excited to get to see all of the contestants again(I think there's only one or two that I haven't met!) and learn more about this year's production. Expect the proofs from my headshot session, along with photos from the workshop in my next blog!

Best,

Keelie

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.