American Diabetes Association STOP Diabetes Walk

This morning I joined former Miss California International 2011, Brittany Wagner, at the ADA STOP Diabetes Walk. She was representing her passion for the ADA by having her team Crown the Cure, participate in this event. I was very excited to be able to support her and her work with the ADA by raising $160 and walking with her team. We also had the honor of walking with Rufus Dorsey, one of the ADA spokesmen. I was very moved by this event. My grandfather battled Type II diabetes and was shot dependent. It was very life changing for not only him, but the whole family. Being able to participate in this event, I was able to share his story and gain a whole new respect for those whose stories I heard who have battled this disease too! Remember November is National Diabetes month. I am looking forward to the YMCA participating in an ADA event. Keep your eye out for that:) THANK YOU Brittany  for inviting me!

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Walk to End Alzheimer's

I am unable to attend the Walk to End Alzheimer's today in Camarillo due to a previous commitment to a YMCA event held at the same time. However, just like any organization, if you can't attend the event then there are always a ton of ways to get get involved. Thanks to the Prince Family for bringing awareness to not only myself, but the community about Alzheimer's. I was able to help fundraise $75 to donate on behalf of the Prince Family. Their grandfather is battling early stages of Alzheimer's. I hope the walk is fabulous and I can't wait to hear all about it!
Alzheimer's disease the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.The Walk to End Alzheimer's happens to be the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Chili's is proud to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® — finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases. Their annual Create-A-Pepper campaign invites guests to design a custom pepper logo and make an individual donation to our friends at St. Jude. All they asked is that families came in today and made sure to eat lots of yummy food! 100% of their profits went directly to St. Jude's. Also, guest had the chance to color a pepper and make an additional donation. I am proud to say that I was able to attend again this year, enjoy delicious food, create-a-pepper, and donate to a great cause. I also want to extend a Thank You to CSUN Fraternity and Sororities for making an effort to come out and support a great cause. It's warming to see college students taking time from their schedule to come out and show support!

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Rain Gutter Regatta-YMCA Indian Guides 2011-2012

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The Y Indian Guide program held their Annual Rain Gutter Regatta at the Miller Family YMCA. The children and their Dads spent time together building their boats. This was a fun arts and crafts project, but required assistance from Dad to help construct a sturdy boat. Then it was off to place their boats in the rain gutter, and the races began! Dads cheered on the kids, as the kids tried to quickly blow creating a wind current to race their boat. It was such a fun afternoon followed by a lunch picnic.

In today’s world, a child and a father rarely have time together – to talk, to laugh, to really get to know each other and become friends. A sage Ojibway Indian once said that ”the white man spends time building cities, but the Indian spends time building men.” That sparked the idea for the formation of a parent-child organization centered around American Indian values - Dignity, Patience, Endurance, Spirituality, Feeling for the earth, concern for the family – the model for the Y-Indian programs. This program is designed to foster a strong relationship between a parent and their children, as well as develop friendships with others through monthly activities that use a Native American theme. Enjoy fun, snacks, stories, games, arts and crafts, and more during monthly meetings.

Check Out our Indian Guides in the Ventura County Star: http://www.vcstar.com/news/201​1/sep/25/rain-gutter-regatta-k​icks-of-ymca-programs/

If your family may be interested in participating in the program, please contact Jennifer Silveria @ 805-523-7613

Epic Salon Grand Re-Opening

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Epic Salon, located in Encino, celebrated their Grand Re-Opening event this evening. They have moved locations and are now a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon. The evening included an Open House of the Salon with delicious drinks and appetizers. They had a DJ and a live band, which one of the members was their very own stylists, how neat! I cant begin to tell you how beautiful their new place is, and not to mention how talented and kind their stylists are. I attended to not only support their event, but to give thanks for all they have done in helping with my YMCA fundraising events. Just this year, they have donated over $2,000 in services. I am forever appreciative and thankful for them believing in YMCA programs.
 It was a really great evening and I wish them the best of luck and lots of success with their business.
Thank you to Epic Salon owners Jeff and Jamie for hosting a fabulous event. You are two of the kindest people I know, constantly supporting community programs.

Conejo Valley YMCA Appreciation Day

It was a bright and early morning as staff and volunteers started to set up for the Appreciation Day BBQ. Today was a day where we were able to show appreciation for everyone who participates in YMCA programs; staff, volunteers, members, and families. It takes all of these individuals to make YMCA programs successful and we are very proud that the Conejo Valley Y is moving in the right direction.

We had over 200 Y members join us for a delicious BBQ lunch, facility tours, and bounce house. We are fortunate that Matt Lalo, was so generous in building our beautiful new outdoor patio. Many enjoyed their lunch up there and were really impressed with his hard work.Thank you to our Y's men for donating their time and funds to serve some of the best hamburgers, hot dogs and tri tip. They sure were tasty! Thanks to our staff and volunteers who helped set up, decorate, and tear down the tables and chairs. You were all a huge help!

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If you are not a member of the YMCA, you should schedule a time to visit. There are a variety of programs for everyone. We are currently offering a week guest pass for any interested members to try out our facility amenities. Please contact Zak Howell for more information @ 805-523-7613.

Meeting for Annual Conejoy Valley YMCA Turkey Dash

This afternoon I met with Conejo Valley Executive Director, Erin Pierik. Erin is no stranger to the association, but she is recently become the Exec. Director. She is the breath of fresh air that the Conejo Valley YMCA was i need of.
During lunch with Erin, Zak Howell (Membership Director), and Jennifer Silveria (Program Director), Erin honored me by asking me to be the Lead Volunteer for out turkey Day Dash event. I will be heading up a group of event volunteers and working to get sponsors. Shortly after, Erin and I were off to a meeting at the Thousand Oaks Mall. Erin and I met Glen Slensker, YMCA Board Chair. We were also able to meet with Tish Cabezas, The Oaks Senior Marketing Manager. Tish is working closely with Jennifer Ciccone, who is the Senior Property Manager, to help us with another successful annual event. We greatly appreciate their time and efforts!

This 5K and 1K fun run/walk event is a great way to get the whole family active and burn extra calories on Thanksgiving morning while supporting your local YMCA. 5K begins at 8:00 A.M. and 1K begins at 9:15A.M. Bring the whole family out for this fun event! For more information about sponsorship, racing or volunteering contact myself @ missmeghanlopez@gmail.com or Erin at the YMCA, 805-523-7613.

27th Coastal Cleanup Day

Today, thousand of people bombarded beaches along the coast to help in Coastal Cleanup Day. YMCA members and their families gathered at Leo Carrillo State Beach to help participate in this wonderful event. Between Indian Guide families and child care site participants, the YMCA had over 200 volunteers help beautify our coast by picking up any unwanted items and trash that do no belong there. A huge THANK YOU to Jennifer Silveria, who made this all possible for the Conejo Valley YMCA.

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Miss California International 2012

What a unique pageant year! Peterson Productions announced that this would be their final year directing and producing the California State Pageant. Although, as a participant for the last 4 years, I found this news extremely sad, I was very anxious to hear that both Dennis Cooke and Eddie Peterson had great things ahead for them. Four years ago when I joined the International system, community service was not anything new for me. I have been involved in YMCA programs as a volunteer for 8 years. I was skeptical of why I would ever need a crown to do volunteer work. I was fortunate to experience as Miss Ventura County Int'l 2009, the great amount of exposure I was able to gain for YMCA programs and fundraising while being involved with the International Pageant.
This year, I did not plan to compete in the pageant, and at the last minute jumped in to be apart of the finale. Now that the pageant weekend has come to a close, I am so glad that I did.
I was very proud of my accomplishments during the weekend; Top 5 (4th runner up), Miss Congeniality, and  Josephine G Cook Miss California Int'l Community Service Award. Most importantly, I was more proud of what I put into the experience and honored what I gained from it. I met some incredible women this year and made sure to stay true to who I was. I was also flattered by the flooding of messages, phone calls, and emails I received from fellow contestant, staff, pageant judges, pageant directors, family, friends, and even complete strangers that included some of the kindest and reassuring words.
 Alycia Darby and Brooke Conlin were two of the most supportive and honest people I was able to create new freindships with over the weekend. They both joined me in making Top 5 and we all agreed that it was most honoring to be in Top 5 among women like eachother who were so honest in what they did. Among the other contestants, I had a great opportunity to meet and get to know Jr. Miss, Teen, fellow Miss, and Mrs. Contestants. I can't begin to tell you between all 62 contestant how much talents, passion, and beauty was in one room. Congratulations to the 2012 California International Queens.
Mrs. Melissa Dacy Lockerman, is one women who made me extremely proud. Never having done pageant before, she let me talk her into competing. She not only was recognized for her community service efforts, but was 1st runner up. What a huge accomplishment, I am so very proud!
I may of not walked away with a title and a crown, but that's not what's most important to me. I was able to walk away with much more; new friendships, a new outlook, a monetary award to be donated back to YMCA programs, and most importantly so many new life lessons.
 I want to thank the International Pageant System and especially Peterson Productions for their fantastic support and positive encouragement over the years. Also, I want to thank Gini Watterson for everything she has done to help make this pageant another wonderful experience!
This is not the last you have seen of me. I will continue with my passion and my efforts with the YMCA and community. They are only bound to continue to grow =]

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Camp Oakhurst 2011

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It's one of my favorite times of year again! I just returned from Conejo Valley YMCA Camp Oakhurst Resident Camp. This year was unique, knowing that it could possibly be our last program year at Camp Oakhurst, the place we have called home for the last then years. This year I worked with the LIT staff again, which is incredibly rewarding. We immersed ourselves quickly into a fun filled week. One of my favorite parts about camp is our Rag/ Leather Program. Since working with the LITs, I currently only spend the week counseling with them which because of age they participate in the Rag Program. For over 96 years, the YMCA Rag/Leather Program has been an effective tool in promoting one on one counseling and personal growth. The program is designed to help people take a closer look at themselves in relationship to their own strengths and weaknesses, religious beliefs and relationships that surround them. It provides an opportunity to promote positive growth. YMCA's use the Rag / Leather Program as a tool to encourage quality time between staff and members, counselors and campers. Growth in spirit, mind and body is incorporated into the program. This program also follows in line with what YMCA's strive to accomplish through their mission. Each Rag and Leather has a specific challenge and is accompanied by a personal goal developed by the individual. Participation in the program is enhanced by the use of tradition, resource materials and one-on-one sharing sessions. Through the generosity of the C.J., Carrie D. and R. Howard Walker Foundation training in and facilitation of the YMCA Rag/Leather Program in the U.S. has been made possible. I think the Rag Program is one of the most rewarding and powerful programs that I have been able to witness change people's lives. It's neat to think how a simple piece of fabric can have so much meaning. I currently have my Red Rag which promotes the goal of : sacrifice or time, talent, and personal will. I have had this goal for the last five years. Time and talent come easy to most including myself, but it is the sacrifice of personal will that becomes so hard. I strive everyday to sacrifice that personal will of mine, but in the process of doing so it's a challenge and a journey. My Red Rag and I have a love/hate relationship.
This year's LIT (Leaders In Training) group, were rock stars. Our returners made a huge impact with their growth and maturity over the last year. Our first years, were rock stars that jumped head first into the program. Together them were great leaders within the group and for the rest of the camp. They will all be amazing counselors and I am honored that I got to work with them again. The activities we engaged in during the wee were touch. They encouraged and pushed them to really be honest, open, and positive. We had discussions about the people we were and who we wanted to be, tough personal life situations were shared, and most importantly through all of this they built friendships and bonds that were incredible.I enjoy this week so much because I have had the chance to work with all the age groups in camp. It's neat to watch the campers grow in one week. Even though I worked with the LITs, I still had the chance to get to know the other campers and that's always fun. Week activities included; campfires, chapels, swimming, archery, mountain bikes, ropes courses, lip sync, synchronized swimming, boat races, hikes, wood work, arts and crafts, dress up days, dances, and most importantly character and group building activities.  I was sad to end the week, but just as us volunteers like to say, our calendar year is August to August. I am already counting down the days til Resident Camp 2012!

Visit to Lake Sequoia

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It was an early morning as I traveled to Bakersfield to meet Dave Edler, Intermediate Camp Director for Camp Oakhurst. We then traveled to Lake Sequoia to meet with the camp director of the property. We were accompanied by Jessica Ramos, Andy Hughes, and Jake King who are all Oakhurst Resident Camp Volunteers. The mission of our day was to tour Lake Sequioa facility in hopes it could be a potential home for our location change for our resident camp program. Evan, Lake Sequoia Camp Director, spent the day giving us a tour of acitivty areas and facilities. He was very helpful answering all of our questions and hearing our ideas about funding in order to give lots of TLC to this beautiful camp. As a volunteer team, we are working to get large donors to help us with the re vamp and TLC we want to give to this camp to make it the best camp home for our program.Thank you Evan for spending the day with us! We see lots of potential in the camp and are keeping our fingers crossed to call it home!

Staff Volunteer Training for Camp Oakhurst 2011

This past Friday, the volunteer staff met at The Shima household to embark on a weekend full of camp training. We departed from the Shima's and headed over to In n Out for a group dinner. Then it was off for a weekend campout in Santa Paula .Our Resident Camp Oakhurst includes a volunteer staff of roughly 70 individuals. All of these volunteers have grown up in the program and are now adults giving back passionately. I am very proud of the volunteer staff and their efforts to continue making our Resident Camp the best around. Thank you to Lisa and Chris Soury's family for opening up their beautiful ranch for our training.Our staff was able to camp out and enjoy the beautiful outdoor ranch. During the weekend, the volunteers share ideas for new activities, safety procedures, go ove scheduling, and learn how to handle any "tough" topics or situations that may arise with campers.The staff even participated in a scavenger hunt that allowed them to travel by car to various cities to complete tasks. Our volunteers are required to participate in training, as well as be certified in both CPR and First Aid. Take a look at the funfilled weekend!

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2nd Annual Luggage of Love Car Show

I was very excited to help with the Second Annual Luggage of Love Car Show. I joined Dedria (founder of Luggage of Love), Nia Sanchez (Miss Hollywood USA), and Dedria's family and friends for an exciting and fun filled day. I met Dedria, the evening before and helped with the set up, organization, and wrapping of silent auction gifts. It was a late night and then a very early morning to start the festivities. I was able to assit with check in and selling raffle tickets. I also want to extend a thank you to Noah's Bagels of Camarillo for supplying delicious donuts the morning of the show! Best friend, Dedria Brunett, is the founder of Luggage of Love and has done amazing things with her organization.I am very proud of Dedria and the difference she is making one suit case at a time. Thank you, Dedria, for allowing me to help you with your fundraiser. It was a huge success and I commend you for the 75 or so car entries that you were able to recruit for your second show. That is a huge accomplishment and I am excited to see this fundraiser grow over the years.

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12th Annual Wheels and Waves Car Show in Santa Barbara

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Today I joined friend, Dedria Brunett, in a trip up to Santa Barbara. With her upcoming car show, we were on a mission to spread the word and pass out as many fliers as possible. It was such a beautiful day, we not only got lots of work done, but were able to visit with lots of neat vendors and car show participants. It's always nice to spread the word about a great organization while spending time with a good friend. Best of Luck to Dedria with her upcoming car show!

California International Pageant Workshop

This weekend I traveled to Temecula with good friend Dedria Brunett, for the California International Pageant Workshop. It is always such a nice treat to visit with Eddie Peterson, executive Director, and Dennis Cook, executive producer. They covered all the information in regards to pageant weekend and what to expect. It was nice to also visit with returning delegates and to meet new delegates. It was especially nice to sit and chat with Brittany Wagner, Miss Ca Int'l 2011, about her year. We competed last year together and it was a privilege to get to know her. It's been an exciting experience to follow her journey this year and hear about the difference she is making with the American Diabetes Association. We wish her the best of luck at Nationals! I want to also extend a huge thank you to Lowana Crawford with the Tri Valley Pageant and Red Carpet Ready, for opening up their store and office to host all of us for the event!

1st Annual YMCA Resident Camp Golf Classic 2011

I am pleased to share that our 1st Annual Resident Golf Tournament was a big success. The weather was absolutely perfect and beautiful and everyone really enjoyed their time. The 70 golfers started arriving at 9:00am for check-in and bag drop off. At this point they were able to purchase mulligans, receive their goodie bag, and also enjoy some delicious bagels and coffee. Then the golfers headed out to the range and the putting green to practice their swings, putts, and of course participate in the longest drive and putting contest. We sure did see some fun competition going on:)
Golfers loaded their carts as Moorpark Country Club tournament director went over rules, directions, and offered a large welcome to our golfers. Quickly, they were off for a tournament scramble.Golfers received a delicious box lunch on their carts and were able to pick up water, beer, and Propel throughout their adventure on the course. Thank you to our beverage sponsors; West lake Costco, Simi Valley Wal Mart,Moorpark Target and Oxnard Pacific Beverages for the donations of these drinks!
Once golfers started to head in they were able to turn in score cards, grab drinks, and head over to our silent auction. Shortly after it was time for a delicious chicken and tri-tip bbq dinner. During dinner we had a few guest speakers and passed out all the prize items to our lucky winners!
We are extremely pleased the with success of our first golf tournament and are looking forward to the events growth over the years! The event would not of been possible without all of our wonderful volunteers, the support of the community, local businesses, sponsors, and of course our golfers! Because of all of your contributed effort to our event we were able to raise $7,200!

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An extended thank you to Jessica Ramos for putting so much time and effort into this event. All of our hard work paid off and we make a dynamic team! A HUGE thank you to our volunteers; Rick and Cindy Shima, Pat Wallace, Kellie Graham,Tony Panzica, Lisa Soury, Jamie Tate, Bonnie Ceurvorst, Josh and Jordan Dizon. Another big thank you to our sponsors and donors: The Ramos family, Epic Salon, Maria Bella Salon, Camarillo Harleys Bowl, Sony, Disney, Bogey Bobs, Islands, Red's BBQ, Flemmings, The Melting Pot, New Yorks Knicks, The Wineyard, Draughts, Blush Salon, Rick Shima, Diana Menz, Build-A Bear, Clayton Work, Miss Congeniality Gown Shop, Larry Lord, Jeff Lundgren, Valencia County Club, Moorpark Country Club, Tierra Rejada Golf Course, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Thousand Oaks Trader Joes, Fins in Westlake, Toyota of Thousand Oaks, Toyota of Oxnard, Conejo Valley YMCA,Conejo Y's Men, Ventura County Fire Department, 805 Magazine, Thousand Oaks Golds Gym, Hahn Family Wines, Roger Dunn Golf Shop, and the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club. Thank you Toyota of Onxard for bringing a 2011 Scion TC, a vacation prize package, and two large gift cards, for our hole in one competition prizes!

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Miss/Teen/ Jr Miss Ventura County Int'l Pageant 2012

This past Saturday my sister queen Dedria Brunett (Miss Gold Coast Int'l 2009 and Miss Teen California 2010), her sister Megan, and I attended the Crowning Glory Productions Pageant. They crowned their Miss, Teen and Jr. Miss Ventura County Int'l. As Miss Ventura County Int'l 2009, it was fun going back and catching up with all the International title holders and delegates. Take a look at my slideshow to see who I got to spend a fun filled evening with.

Congratulations to the new title holders and good friends of mine: Allison Bowman (Miss Ventura County Int'l 2012), Rachel Russel (Miss Teen Ventura County Int'l 2012), Tatiana Juarez (Jr. Miss Ventura County Int'l 2012).Best of Luck at state!

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YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its four branches have kicked off the annual fundraising campaign which continues through mid-March. The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign hopes to raise $280,000 from individuals and businesses in the community.

Each dollar contributed goes directly to making local Y programs and memberships available to those in financial need and to enhance the Y’s youth and adult programs.

The four branches are Triunfo YMCA (serving Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Oak Park), Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley), Simi Valley Family YMCA and Miller Family YMCA, serving Newbury Park including Dos Vientos Ranch.


Last year, the Ys provided more than $605,000 in financial assistance to more than 3,100 children and adults. Funds were raised through the Strong Kids Campaign, corporate and foundation grants, community organizations, and special events. This year the Ys hope to underwrite more than $600,000 in financial assistance and more than $583,000 to subsidize program costs for camps, preschool, youth sports, teens, families and health and well-being.

Gifts of any size are welcome. To make a donation, call Lori Kent, YMCA corporate office, at ( 805) 497- 3081 or e- mail lkent@sevymca.org or go to www.sevymca.org. Donations can be designated to a specific YMCA branch.

Youth and Government Sacramento 2011

The Model Legislature and Court (ML/C) convenes each February in Sacramento. Elected officers and appointed officials train on the Wednesday before Presidents’ Day Weekend, and the rest of the participants arrive on Thursday. Delegates, advisors, and staff are housed directly across the street from the Capitol Building at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Sheraton Hotel.

Meetings are held at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency Hotel, Sheraton Hotel and Sacramento Convention Center in several meeting rooms and large ballrooms, but the State Capitol Building is the main site for ML/C activities. The use of its historic chambers is one of the highlights of the Youth & Government experience. The California YMCA Youth & Government program is the sole youth program with annual use of these prestigious chambers.

The Youth Assembly and Senate, as well as the Youth Legislative Committees are allowed the use of their respective legislative chambers and committee rooms, and the Youth Governor is allowed the use of the Governor’s Office. Members of the Appellate and Trial Courts use legislative committee rooms for their proceedings, and the Youth Supreme Court is housed in the California Supreme Court Chambers.

Perhaps one of the most important events at the ML/C is the election of the following year’s Youth Governor. Each of the remaining candidates (primary elections are held at T&E II to narrow the historically crowded field) is given the opportunity to address the delegates with a speech at the opening session of the ML/C. Then, in the middle of the week, the Broadcast Media program hosts a televised debate. Polls for a secret ballot remain open throughout the week and the next Youth Governor is announced at the closing Governor’s banquet.

Each year delegates who attend the Sacramento conference are in audience to various California political leaders.


Please view my personal slideshow. Also, if you visit youtube, you can view our KYNG TV segments. If you type in KYNG TV 2011 you will be supplied with a list of segment links:)

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Simi Valley Youth and Government in Review

The Youth and Government program year has come to a close. Blogging always seems to take me awhile, but better late than never, right?

We had a very successful program year and I am so proud of all our delegates. We traveled to three conferences throughout the year. Last November we traveled to Camp Roberts in Paso Robles for Training and Elections 1. This conference gave our delegates a glimpse of the program year and what it entails. In January, we traveled back to Camp Roberts for our Training and Elections 2. By this conference, all of the delegates were able work closely with others within their elected or chosen program area.

Please view the slideshow below to take a look at our two conferences and events! Also fee free to visit the Youth and Government website to get a better idea of what the program is all about: www.calymca.org
(Please see later post for our third conference held in Sacramento)

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