Delaware Swearing In Ceremony for New Lawyers

I was asked by the Delaware Supreme Court to deliver a speech to the Swearing In Ceremony for new Delaware attorneys on December 14, 2009. I was extremely honored and surprised to be selected for this speech because only one new lawyer (5 years or less as a Delaware attorney) is selected to give a speech each year.

This was an official court hearing with all five Delaware Supreme Court Justices sitting on the bench. I was incredibly nervous when writing my speech and even more nervous when delivering it. When I saw that several Family Court Judges were also present (they were moving the admission of their law clerks), I became even more nervous (it wasn't my happy day...until after that speech).


Here are a few photos from the event (note that when one appears before the Delaware Supreme Court, one is to dress appropriately, meaning one must wear a white blouse and a black suit).

Don't I look just a bit different when I am dressed for pageant events :-)


Thank you to Judge Coppadge for introducing me to the governor and taking this photo. I had to laugh when Judge Coppadge's introduction was "This is Mrs. Delaware!"

B'nai B'rith House Celebrating Delaware Day

Thank you to the residents of B'nai B'rith House in Claymont, DE for inviting me along with Representative Dennis Williams (Dennis.E.Williams@state.de.us) and Senator Cathy Cloutier (www.cathycloutier.com) to celebrate Delaware Day!

I sang the National Anthem and Representive Williams and Senator Cloutier shared some fun facts about Delaware. Two residents also provided a great show for us - singing and piano playing! And the Delaware Lady Bug visited!

Enjoy the photos!!

 Scrapbook Kit by Summer Driggs

McGuire Veterans' Hospital - Richmond, VA

Susan, Kim, and I had a great time (as always) visiting the McGuire Veterans' Hopsital. It is always wonderful to re-connect with other volunteers and queens!


Please note that all pictures are posted after I ensured that I received express oral permission. If anyone would like a picture removed for privacy concerns, please let me know via email (mrsdeus2009@aol.com).

Scrapbook Pages created using Microferk's Rejoice Kit

Heavenly Angels National Pageant

I love returning to Miss Grace's national pageant - Heavenly Angels!!!!!

It is always wonderful to re-connect with pageant friends!

And I got a Mr. Tim photo!!!!

Created using a scrapbook kit by Rina Kroes

Christmas Parade - Wilmington, DE

I have not done one parade while being Mrs. Delaware US 2009, so being in the Wilmington Christmas Parade was really exciting for me!!!

There were many, many wonderful Delaware state beauty queens on the float with me! I was also honored to have a little friend, Maddie, join me as well on the float!

I snapped some quick photos of Maddie while in the Courthouse at my most frequented spots - the PFA desk and at a bench outside one of the many courtrooms!

I can't find the name of the scrapbook kit that I used to create these pages.  I believe that it was something that I found on the internet for free.

Punkin Chunkin Pageant

Thank yous:
1) To the contestants and parents - for participating and having fun! We loved meeting you and hope that you will return next year.

2) To my FABULOUS Mrs. Delaware US sisterhood - Krista, Angie, and Catherine - your help today was incredible. The pageant would not have happened without you!!! I am proud to be one of your sisters and stand with you all!!!

3) To Susan and Ellie - my dear friends - thank you for your kindness!
Ellie - I hope that I continued the tradition of producing a "FUN" event that supports the Chunk!

4) To Pam and Nicole - thank you both for assisting as judges! God certainly sends Angels at just the right time. I am grateful to both of you!

5) To Frank Shade and the Punkin Chunkin Committee - thank you for allowing us to hold a pageant and for your support. Frank - you are simply the best!!!

6) To Crysta and Hailey - you were terrific titleholders! Thank you for returning and enjoying the day with us!


IF YOU HAVE PHOTOS, please email them to me. I would love to post them!!!!




Here are my scrapbook pages from the event - created with graphics from Microferk All Hallow's Eve

Please also visit the Fotki Album, wherein you can download any photos that you want.
http://public.fotki.com/MarciMcNair/2009-11-07/

Celebrate Pro Bono Legal Services in Delaware - 5K Run/Walk

Delaware's very first Pro-Bono week concluded with a 5K Run/Walk!
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (ie - mostly Thomas McDonough - with support from the DVLS Staff and a lot of support from Joe McDonough (www.livelikeandrew.org)) organized the walk and did a fantastic job!

Created using Microferk's All Hallow's Eve kit

Final Details for Miss Punkin Chunkin Pageant

I have been receiving some calls and emails with some last minute questions, so I am posting information here that will be helpful to everyone.

1) What time should I arrive?
You need to be at the registration (next to the stage) at 10AM. That means that you should probably be parking your car by 9:45AM so that you have time to walk from your car, pay admission, and walk over to the stage to register.

2) Directions - please see the website (http://www.punkinchunkin.com/directions.htm) for directions.

3) Entry fee to Punkin Chunkin:
Per the website FAQs, there is a cost of $9 per person and children under 10 enter for free.
The FAQs are found here: http://www.punkinchunkin.com/faq.htm

Any other questions, please email or call me :-)


TO ALL PAGEANT QUEENS - I want to be like my director (Siouxzan Moore) and in that regard, ALL PAGEANT QUEENS are welcome to attend the pageant. By all means, wear your crown and sash when you attend!!! We would love to have you and hope that you will stay for pictures after the crowning!

Marci

Celebrate Pro Bono Week

It is National Pro Bono Week and we have incredible events planned here in Delaware!

Come out and join us for any of the events below:

Punkin Chunkin Pageant

The Little Miss Division is now closed.

We have eight contestants.

The other divisions are still open for entry.

Eleganza for the Ministry of Caring

Thank you to Helen McHugh, Tara Quinn, Megan Greenberg, and all of the organizers of Eleganza for inviting me and the Mrs. Delaware US contestants as well as our great director to model for this year's incredible fashion show. We all had a great time and the clothing was just fabulous (I should know - I bought a few of the pieces that I modeled for myself!).


Thank you also to our male models - Mr. DE 2009 and 2008!!

As always, it was a pleasure to see Miss Delaware, Heather Lehman again!

I wish I had more of a chance to socialize with the other models, as they were BEAUTIFUL!!!

It was especially a wonderful night because I had family members in the audience. My husband, his counsin (Bob), Bob's wife (Mary), and Mary's family members were there. It was Mary's mother, Helen McHugh that suggested the Mrs contestants as candidates to be models!

Most important, money was raised to support the Ministry of Caring - a very worthy cause!!!

Enjoy the photos!

Scrapbook pages created using Microferk's Imagica

Milton Harvest Festival Pageant

I had a wonderful time returning to Milton, PA to emcee the Milton Harvest Festival Pageant.

 

Punkin Chunkin Pageant Details Confirmed!!!!!

Time: Pageant - 10:30AM
Registration - 10:00AM

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009

Location: Punkin Chunkin Stage
Bridgeville, DE
See www.punkinchunkin.com for directions

Competition: Speech (Name, Age, Something about yourself, Favorite Activity at Punkin Chunkin; 30 second speech) and Beauty Walk (please wear weather appropriate stylish clothing for Punkin Chunkin; jeans and a cute warm jacket are perfectly acceptable)

Cost: $20

Prizes - Everyone wins a Pumpkin Tiara and Flashing Lights Pumpkin Pin; Runners-up will receive larger pumpkin tiaras and contestant sashes; Winners receive a Large Tiara, Sash, and Pumpkin Pin
Miss Punkin Chunkin will receive $100 scholarship to be paid to the accredited school of her choice!!!
If there is a profit after producing the pageant, the scholarship will be increased!
Age Divisions: Little Miss (5-9), Junior Miss (10-14), Teen (15-18), Miss (19-24)

Maximum of 8 contestants per age group will be accepted.

For Entry Information Visit: www.punkinchunkin.com (will be posted shortly) or email mrsdeus2009@aol.com

Inquiries: mrsdeus2009@aol.com or 302-753-1115


Competition Rules:
1) All judging decisions are final.

2) Age: Age is determined as of the date of the pageant.
3) Residency: There is no residency requirement. If you are willing to travel and enjoy Punkin Chunkin, we are happy to have you join in the fun of the pageant!
4) Deadline: The deadline to enter the pageant is at the pageant registration (10:00AM on November 7, 2009), however, contestants are encouraged to sign up early because if your age division is filled (8 contestants) before pageant registration, you will not be permitted to enter the pageant.
5) Contestant should be of good moral character and shall not have been convicted of any crime (misdemeanor or felony).
6) Contestant should not have any children or bore any children.
7) Contestant must be single and never married.
8) A maximum of 8 contestants for each age division will be accepted.
9) Line-Up: The first contestant to enter will go last in her age division, the second contestant to enter will go second to last in her age division and so on.
10) Clothing: Please wear weather appropriate clothing that is stylish and cute. You should not
have to change clothes after the pageant to enjoy Punkin Chunkin. Jeans and a cute jacket with a scarf would make a great competition outfit.
11) Clothing will not be judged.
12) Little Miss Contestants may not wear makeup, except clear lip gloss.
13) Junior Miss Contestants may wear minimal makeup (mascara, lip gloss, and a little bit of blush would be fine).
14) Teen and Miss Contestants may wear age appropriate every day makeup.
15) Judging:
a. 1-10 points for poise during speech
b. 1-10 points for personality during speech
c. 1-10 points for facial beauty on stage
d. 1-10 points for grace on stage
16) Speech: Each contestant may use up to 30 seconds to tell the audience their name, age, school, something about themselves, and their favorite part of Punkin Chunkin.
17) Prizes: Each contestant will be awarded a pumpkin tiara. Winners will receive a large tiara, sash, and pumpkin flashing lights pin. Other prizes may be awarded.
18) Scholarship: If scholarship money is awarded, contestant understands that she must submit a copy of a bill/invoice from her school (can be college, trade school, or accredited educational institution) and the Punkin Chunkin Association will pay the school directly. Scholarship money is not given to the contestant, it is only given to the school. Contestant must claim her scholarship dollars by November 7, 2010 or she forfeits the same.
19) If Little Miss Contestants have trouble with their on stage speech, they will be asked impromptu questions by the emcee. No child will be left on stage to be embarrassed in a “frozen” moment. Points will not be deducted if this occurs due to the young age of these contestants.
20) Please remember that this is a fun pageant. We want the ladies to feel special, no matter where they rank after the competition. This is why we reward everyone with a tiara. We encourage you to wear your tiara while you enjoy the rest of your day at Punkin Chunkin!!
21) We expect the pageant competition and awards ceremony to last approximately one hour.
22) Please come to the pageant by 10:00AM so that volunteers can assist with getting contestants in line for competition.
23) Please be prompt! We are on a tight schedule and cannot guarantee that you will have the opportunity to compete if you come late.
24) Punkin Chunkin is held in Bridgeville, DE. For directions to the Punkin Chunkin, see www.punkinchunkin.com. The pageant will be held outdoors on the stage where the bands all perform.

Thank you to everyone for all of the facebook comments.

Here are the answers to your questions:
1) What is Punkin Chunkin? It is literally a contest to see who can build a machine to "chuck" the pumpkin the farthest. It is VERY fun to watch and national televised each year! See their website for pictures from last year. (link is on the side of my blog)

2) During this contest, there are a lot of activities - such as cooking contests, amusement park rides, live music, food (LOVE FUNNEL CAKE) and this pageant!!!

3) How did this get started? Dr. Ellie (Mrs. Delaware US 2008) and her husband really enjoy attending Punkin Chunkin. Last year, Dr. Ellie got in touch with the Punkin Chunkin Association and offered to produce a pageant.

Think of your typical festival pageants - they are quick, fun, and very inexpensive. Dr. Ellie wanted to produce a pageant to introduce more ladies to the positive aspects of pageantry, while minimizing the cost and stress level.

We felt that we accomplished that goal last year :-) Everyone had fun, everyone won a tiara, and the pageant competition lasted less than 30 minutes.

Please note that the $20 entry fee is merely to defray costs of providing each contestant with a sash and tiara.

Punkin Chunkin fits us into their schedule and gives our queens the opportunity to assist with the prizes at the conclusion of the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Event.


4) Why I am organizing the event this year? Because as much as I know that Dr. Ellie can handle everything that comes her way (and does so beautifully), she is very pregnant and I am hoping to keep this year's event off her plate as much as possible!!! Plus, I have an awesome director and great friends (even facebook friends!) who are offering to help :-)


Here is a link to last year's photos:
http://mrsdelawareus2009.blogspot.com/2008/11/punkin-chunkin-pageant-and-festival.html


OH OH OH - Last year's queens will be invited back to assist with crowning :-)
Also, all Moore Pageant Productions current state and local titleholders are invited as special guests (and I will be putting some of you to work :-).

Judging Heavenly Angels Back to School Pageant

Angie Bell (Mrs. New Castle County) and I had a great time judging the back to school pageant in Harrisburg, PA for the director, Grace James.

The contestants were great (very hard to judge!!) and I loved meeting some of the students from the Milton Hershey School!

Delaware Breast Cancer Coalitition

Thank you to Sheri Jenkins (Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2009) for inviting me to help the models as they prepare for the upcoming Lights of Life event on September 12, 2009 (for tickets - please visit http://www.debreastcancer.org/)

The models were all beautiful! I really enjoyed meeting each of them and had a wonderful night (the DBCC staff had to kick us out the door at the end of the night!).

2nd Annual Punkin Chunkin Pageant

Thank you to everyone for all of the facebook comments.

Here are the answers to your questions:
1) What is Punkin Chunkin? It is literally a contest to see who can build a machine to "chuck" the pumpkin the farthest. It is VERY fun to watch and national televised each year! See their website for pictures from last year. (link is on the side of my blog)

2) During this contest, there are a lot of activities - such as cooking contests, amusement park rides, live music, food (LOVE FUNNEL CAKE) and this pageant!!!

3) How did this get started? Dr. Ellie (Mrs. Delaware US 2008) and her husband really enjoy attending Punkin Chunkin. Last year, Dr. Ellie got in touch with the Punkin Chunkin Association and offered to produce a pageant.

Think of your typical festival pageants - they are quick, fun, and very inexpensive. Dr. Ellie wanted to produce a pageant to introduce more ladies to the positive aspects of pageantry, while minimizing the cost and stress level.

We felt that we accomplished that goal last year :-) Everyone had fun, everyone won a tiara, and the pageant competition lasted less than 30 minutes.

Please note that Dr. Ellie and I bear the costs of providing tiaras/sashes/gifts for this pageant. The $20 entry fee is merely to defray our costs.
(UPDATE: The Punkin Chunkin Association will be assisting with costs, which has allowed us to provide a scholarship to the winner of the Miss division!)

Punkin Chunkin fits us into their schedule and gives our queens the opportunity to assist with the prizes at the conclusion of the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Event.

4) Preliminary Details on the pageant (I have to confirm the date and time, but it will be during the weekend of Punkin Chunkin)

Location: Punkin Chunkin Festival Stage (for directions, see www.punkinchunkin.com)

Competition: Speech (Name, Age, Something about yourself, Favorite Activity at Punkin Chunkin; 30 second speech) and Beauty Walk (please wear weather appropriate stylish clothing for Punkin Chunkin)

Cost: $20

Prizes - Everyone wins a Pumpkin Tiara

Age Divisions: Little Miss (6-9), Junior Miss (10-14), Teen (15-18), Miss (19-24)

Maximum of 8 contestants per age group will be accepted.

To enter and for further information: mrsdeus2009@aol.com or 302-753-1115

5) Why I am organizing the event this year? Because as much as I know that Dr. Ellie can handle everything that comes her way (and does so beautifully), she is very pregnant and I am hoping to keep this year's event off her plate as much as possible!!! Plus, I have an awesome director and great friends (even facebook friends!) who are offering to help :-)


Here is a link to last year's photos:
http://mrsdelawareus2009.blogspot.com/2008/11/punkin-chunkin-pageant-and-festival.html


OH OH OH - Last year's queens will be invited back to assist with crowning :-)
Also, all Moore Pageant Productions current state and local titleholders are invited as special guests (and I will be putting some of you to work :-).

Mrs. US Pageant - Thursday, July 23, 2009; Baby Shower for Dr. Ellie

Last day at Mrs. US! I enjoyed spending some last moments with all of the contestants and my roommate (Rachel, Mrs. Virginia, who was awesome and very deserving of her TOP 12 spot).


Scrapbook Kit: Elka Romera (Scrapbook Elements)

Vegas Vacation after the pageant!
Scrapbook Kit: Britt-ish Designs - Jackpot Kit

Soon after arriving home from Mrs. United States, Beth Leska (former Mrs. NJ US) hosted a baby shower at her home for Dr. Ellie Baker Steenson (Mrs. DE US 2008).

I found this scrapbook kit online for free by Debozark.

Mrs US Pageant - Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Competition Day!!!

WOW - these women were an incredibly beautiful group!!!

Enjoy the photos :-)

As for these first few photos, let me explain.....
My camera has a custom setting. I set the camera to take seven photos when it is on a timer. The camera has a three second delay in between photos - just enough time to do something wacky in between each photograph. My pageant friends know my camera quite well :-)

My roommate was humoring me by allowing me to take so many photos!



Scrapbook Kit:  Kim Higueria - Sabrina Kit and Microferk Designs - Peacock Kit