I was very excited to receive an invite from Joan Bonsignore, the Executive Director of the Westchester NCADD (National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency), to attend their Spring Luncheon and sing the National Anthem. I was fortunate to meet Senator Jeffrey Klein, Joe Pantoliano (Actor “Sopranos”, National Organization, www.NKM2.org), Dennis Andrews (Coordinator Substance Abuse Servies), Frank Williams, Jr. (Executive Director, White Plains Youth Bureau), and Carmine Pisacreta (Executive Director of Miss Westchester Pageant from 1981-1983) and many other wonderful people. For more information on the Honorees visit www.NCADD.com.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Peter Gelb, the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, as he discussed the 2009-2010 season. The Metropolitan Opera is my favorite place to go and to get a chance to learn more about it was a highly enjoyable and educational experience.

In excited preperation for the Miss New York Pageant Workshop on April 25th-26th I went to my stylist, David Evangelista, at the Cornelia Day Spa to have my hair styled. He is one of the nation’s leading hair, make up, and fashion experts and a respected television personality.

David is not only an exciting person to be around, but he has an amazing gift for making one’s hair look fantastic. For more information on David Evangelista check out his website: www.davidevangelista.com.

As a patron of the Met, I attended the Metropolitan’s Young Associates viewing of “The Audition” at Chelsea Cinema NYC. This behind-the-scenes documentary features the finalists of the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions. The film will be screened nationwide as a special addition to the Met’s Live in HD series. The film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke, is a revealing backstage look at what it takes to make it as an opera singer.

Pursuing an Opera career myself “The Audition” gave me good insight on how to prepare myself vocally and mentally for an audition. For the young artists in the documentary this was the audition of a lifetime. To perform on the Met stage where hundreds of famous singers have performed is aq life altering opportunity.

Each year at the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions, thousands of hopefuls compete for a cash prize, the chance to sing on the Met stage, and the opportunity to launch a major operatic career. The auditions begin in many cities across the country, then progresses to regional auditoins, semi-final auditions in New York, and ultimately the finals, which are held on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in front of a live audience and broadcast internationally on radio. The film covers the dramatic week leading up to the finals of the 2007 auditions.

On April 18, 2009 hundreds of New Yorkers, including myself, did “One Thing That’s Green.”  By participating in a community tree planting day to support the MillionTreesNYC movement, 300 trees were planted around the New York City Housing Authority Pomonok Houses in Queens, NY. ”One Thing That’s Green” by JetBlue Airways is part of an effort to help Mayor Michale R. Bloomberg and NYRP Founder Better Midler reach their shared goal of planning and caring for one million new trees across the city’s five boroughs by 2017.

I had an opportunity to plant three trees at this event. I never realized how tough and fulfilling it is to plant a tree. All of my fellow New Yorkers were so giving. The event lasted from 9:00am-3:00pm and everyone had a great time. I proudly wore my crown even while I was planting trees. After our team was finished a sweet older gentleman said to me, “You are the toughest queen I have ever seen! You planted trees and wore your crown the entire time.” I can’t wait to be a part of it again.

At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting the CEO of JetBlue, Dave Barger, New York City Council Member James F. Gennaro, Z100 New York Radio staff and several members of the New York Restoration Project. I enjoyed being interviewed by the NY Restoration Organization.

Ricardo Andrews, my Artistic Director (Metropolitan, Manhattan and Greater Gotham Pageant), and I attended the Young Associates Patron Reception. We had a chance to network with some of the most talented people, who all love Opera. After the Reception we saw the French production of L’Elisir d’Amore, a very colorful and beautiful Opera by Donizetti.

Thanks Ricardo! I had a great time.

Lindemann Young Artist Development Program

The goal of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, founded in 1980, is to nurture the most talented young artists through training and performance opportunities.

The Lindemann Young Artist Development Program uses the Met’s unique resources to identify and educate young singers and coach/pianists for major careers in opera. To meet the individual needs of each young artist, the Program provides specialized training in music, language, dramatic coaching, and movement from the Met’s own artistic staff and invited master teachers. Along with an annual stipend for living expenses, the Program also funds private lessons with approved teachers from outside the Met staff. In addition, Program participants have access to rehearsals for all Metropolitan Opera productions. Participants are offered a position with the Program for a period of one year with annual renewal for up to three years for singers and two years for pianists. During this period, the young artists’ engagements in and outside of the Met are at the consent of the Artistic and Executive Directors.

(Information from www.metoperafamily.org)

If you haven’t attended the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival you are missing out. The Festival is an historic annual event in NYC and has taken place since 1900. The festival was spectacular with people filling every inch of Fifth Avenue from 49nd to 57th Street. With all of the beautiful bonnets and costumes, one can see why this parade has lasted for 109 years. I went with my good friend who was so sweet to take these bonnet pictures for me. I met the most interesting people and made some great new friends. It’s certainly an event I will remember.

To all my new friends, can’t wait to see your Bonnets next year!

Lino Viola, Owner of The Italian Restaruant La Viola

Nirvanna Lildharrie (Miss Jubilee Outstanding Teen 2009, Arnie Berkins (Jubilee Pageant Director, and Claire Buffie (Miss Jubilee 2009)

The Luncheon took place at a beautiful Italian restaurant, La Viola in Chedarhurst, NY. Nirvanna was crowned Miss Jubliee OT 2009 and there were vocal performances from both Nirvanna and myself. It was an enjoyable event and the food was delicious.