What’s Mrs. Peach Blossom Been Up To?

Top to bottom: Mrs. Peach Blossom with Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator Jim Young, me with Tonya Jones, Ms. Delmarva Ambassador 2012, posing with Charnele Brown at DSU forum, me bell-ringing at Wal-mart, Volunteering with Air force men and women at Harrington Fairgrounds, marriage class participants, pageant queens with donor.

October and November were busy months for me. As a titleholder, it is important for me to support community and campus organizations, make appearances and do my part to let people know about pageantry and the importance of promoting the accomplishments of married women.

In October, I had the honor of participating in a Delaware Conflict Resolution Network event in which ex-offenders shared their inspirational stories about the journey from the correctional system back into society. I also supported several forums sponsored by the Delaware State University Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women and the Mass Communications Department and am always impressed with the level of professionalism and outreach that the students have committed themselves to. In keeping with my pageant platform, I participated in a six-week marriage course and was able to discuss step parenting and communicating across households.

I wrapped up October with an exciting episode of the bi-weekly radio show that I host with fellow pageant sister, Tonya Jones (Ms. Delmarva Ambassador 2012). The topic was “The Attitude of Today’s Woman” and we discussed everything from the economic challenges that women face to the difficulties of being single, dating, and self-esteem.

I love a great parade; and in November, I hit Main Street and participated in the annual Middletown Holiday Parade and cheered on a long-time friend as she competed in the Miss Delmarva Pageant, but perhaps the most rewarding events that I had the opportunity to be a part of were volunteering for our service men and women and for the Salvation Army. I went to the Harrington Fair Grounds to help set up for the Dover Officer’s Spouses’ Club Craft Fair. It was hard work unloading truck and helping the vendors set up but it meant a lot because the annual craft show helps to raise thousands of dollars for the groups that impact the Dover AFB community, including schools, community organizations, Friends of the Fallen and scholarships for military students. It was great working with our young men and women serving in the military and meeting other volunteers who have a heart for supporting our troops. I also had a great time volunteering as a Salvation Army bell-ringer at the Middletown Wal-Mart with pageant sisters, Carrie Marie (Miss Delaware Galaxy 2012) and Melissa Schulte (Mrs. Delmarva 2012).

As the holiday season quickly approaches, I know the next few weeks will be spent giving back to the community and helping to spread holiday cheer by embracing the spirit of volunteering!

Dr. Fran Edwards

Mrs Peach Blossom United States 2012