It has only been a few weeks since my last journal entry but I do have some appearances to share with you so I thought I would write another entry to keep you all up to date. It started on December 6
th with my hometown Christmas Tree Lighting. Myself and my sister Laura, the reigning Miss Carbonear, headed down to the Town Hall to take part in the official lighting of the Town Hall. We were greeted by our Mayor, Sam Slade, and some other members of the special events committee. We were escorted into the Theater where we were treated to performances of Christmas carols performed by schools, bands and members of the community. After the performances we were all taken outside for the official lighting of the tree. This year the committee decided to light up all of the trees around the Town Hall and it was a truly remarkable sight. Once the tree was officially lit we headed back inside for hot chocolate. It was such a great feeling to be able to stop and speak with some of the children who performed that night (especially those from Davis Elementary) and I was very honored when they asked me to sign autographs for them.
The next night I headed up to Bay Roberts to take part in the Academy for Mathematics and Science Christmas Party. There I participated in a few games of glow bowling, and get to know a few of the students and staff of the Academy. I had such a great time at the party. Some of the students showed me how to bowl without putting the ball in the gutter and they were all very impressed that my sash glowed in the dark. When the party was over and parents were coming to pick up the kids I was again asked to sign a few autographs. ……I am still not quite used to that part of being Miss Newfoundland and Labrador but I love to be able to be seen as a role model for these young kids. It is an amazing feeling to know that they look up to me and what I do and that maybe, my year as Miss Newfoundland and Labrador will help them somehow. After leaving the party it was home to bed because the next day would be a busy one for me.
I awoke bright and early on December 8th to get ready for a full (and eventful) day of activities. First was the town of Victoria Christmas Parade. There was a very light snow fall so unfortunately the convertible that was scheduled to take both myself and Jillian Clarke, Miss Victoria Fire Queen, had to back out. So there me and Jillian were ready to go but with no vehicle. Most of you who know me, know that I am not one to let something like snow get in the way so Jillian and I spoke with the Fire Chief. After discussing our options, Jillian and I climbed aboard the top of the fire truck with a big fire blanket and we were all set to go. At 10 am we left Persalvic School Parking lot and made our way down the parade route, waving to the crowds gathered on the street. About 15 minutes into the parade the snow got heavier and heavier but Jillian and I just kept smiling and waving to the crowds, who at this point had gone into their houses and were looking at us through the windows. By the time we got to the end of the parade route Jillian and I were white and covered in snow but we didn’t let that stop us. The snow had stopped for the moment so we greeted some of the kids and the people who were gathered at the end of the route and helped Santa give out some goodie bags. Once I was finished in Victoria it was off to Spaniard’s Bay for their Christmas Parade, with of course, a quick stop at the house to change to some dry clothes. The weather cleared off quite nice on the drive up and by the time I got there it was sunny and nice out, although still a bit cold. Once there I met up with Caitlin, Miss Teen Trinity-Conception and the fire chief of the Spaniard’s Bay Fire Department. The Fire Chief informed me that, again, because of the weather of the previous few hours the car they had for me had canceled and they were at a loss of where to put me. Again I climbed aboard the big fire truck and was just happy to be able to take part in the parade. Unfortunately the weather was not my friend this day and about half of the way through the parade it started to pour. By the time the parade ended I was dripping wet but I still managed to have a great time! My advice for next years Miss Newfoundland and Labrador is to always take an umbrella, a snow suit and boots with you to all of your parades! Lol.. After I dried off from the weather Spaniard’s Bay it was off to Envy Hair Salon. Envy has been such a great sponsor to be so far and they offered to do my hair for the Carbonear Parade. I was thrilled! After my hair was finished I attended the Annual Handicap Association Christmas Party. I had such a great time at this party. I had the opportunity to get up and speak, help Santa with the presents and even got a present from Santa myself. But honestly the fun times and great stories come from the events like I had this day and it will definitely be a day that sticks out to me from my year as Miss Newfoundland and Labrador.
On December 9th I took part in my hometown Christmas Parade. I met the co-ordinator in the parking lot of Carbonear General Hospital, where the parade starts every year. Once there I was set up with my transportation, a beautiful horse drawn carriage driven by Mr. and Mrs. White, long time friends of mine. I was so happy to be able to ride with them. Once the carriage was put in our place in the lineup I went to greet some of the other participants. In my spare time I coach the Carbonear Collegiate Cheerleaders so first I went to check on them. I made sure that they had everything they needed and that the music was working and of course took some pictures with them. After that I went to see Miss Carbonear (Laura), both little Miss and Mr. Carbonear, Miss Victoria (Jillian) and Miss Central Avalon Achievement (Kristi). Once I had visited all of them I had to head back to my place in line for the start of the parade, but of course I stopped on the way back to take some pictures with the Shriners and Frosty. Once I got back to the carriage I had a little surprise waiting for me, right behind me in the parade was a beautiful Newfoundland Pony who wanted to get his picture taken with me. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity! After taking a few pictures it was time to climb aboard the carriage and start the parade. Unfortunately I didn’t have better luck with the weather. It was the sunniest day that we had had all year but it was freezing cold outside. We all bared the weather and got through the parade route and ended at the Carbonear Town Hall where it was time to go inside and give out awards. This was a great opportunity to grab a few more photos and I got to take some great photos with other participants in the parade, Laura, Kristi and Little Miss Summer Holidays.
Yesterday I traveled to NTV in St. John’s for the taping of my Christmas Public Service Announcement. It was such a great opportunity for me. I was able to head into NTV and tape a message on Drinking and Driving, which we all know is still a big problem in our province and country, so it was great for me to be able to get out and give out such an important message.
“Hi, I'm Sabrina Jenkins, Miss Newfoundland & Labrador 2007-2008. With all the celebrating you do over the holidays, it's wise to exercise a strong measure of safety. Let's Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy... and be sure to share this message with those you love: Please don't drink and drive!”
Stay tuned from December 17th to December 31st on NTV to hear my PSA! Please keep checking the website for updates on my appearances, journals and of course pictures of the events! And don’t forget if you see me at an event please come up to me and introduce yourself, I would love continue to meet as many people as possible this year! Talk to you all soon!
Love Always,
Sabrina Jenkins
Miss Newfoundland and Labrador 2007-2008
