Shaylynn Mahon fundraiser

March 20th 2011- I spent the day at the Laurel Mall with the Tracey's Academy of Dance crew. We had a tricky tray fund raiser for Shaylynn Mahon. Shaylynn is an 11 year old dancer and friend of my daughter Julia. She suffers from Wegners Granulomatosis and incurable disease affecting her sinuses and lungs. Shaylynn has been battling this disease for almost 3 years. We raised over $1,300 for her to help cover the cost of hearing aids and her many trips to Hershey Medical Center. Please pray for her and her family.

Proud Mom

March 17th 2011- Today C.J. was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and the National Junior Latin Honor Society. We were so very proud of his accomplishments. We also thank Julia for sharing her 11th birthday to celebrate with her brother.

March 12, 2011.... Today the girls and I traveled to Trenton New Jersey to watch the New Jersey International Pageant. The production was fabulous and the competition fierce. The Cessnas produce a fantastic pageant. The outgoing Mrs. Pennsylvania Dixie Schafer as well as 6 Mrs. Pennsylvania 2011 contestants were there. Congratulations to Niki Doerr, Stefanie DiLauri, and Danielle Micale, our new Teen, Miss, and Mrs. New Jersey International winners.

Theater breakfast

March 6, 2011.... Today the Pennsylvania Theater of the Performing Arts had a breakfast fundraiser. The event was held at Applebees Restaurant. I called upon all my previous experience as a waitress to lend a hand for the day. The hardest part was serving my husband and kids. We raised money for the Theater and the pancakes were delicious. Thanks to Jen Wesner for organizing the event.

School House Rock Live

Sunday was the final performance of School House Rock Live at the P.T.P.A. The 3 little Snyders all had solo parts, Julia (the Preamble), Jacqueline (Three), and C.J. (Rufus Xavier Sasparilla)*** he did 4 shows without missing a line. I spent many hours in the theater this weekend, but it is worth it for the kids. This performance was the culmination of the Theaters free 3 month acting clinic for children. What a fantastic service to our community.

Elderwish Dinner

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the annual Elderwish Dinner at the Valley Country Club on Friday night. My good friend Sara Seratch and I were both sponsors for the event. We enjoyed the evening with this wonderful group who raise money to grant wishes to elderly members of our community in need. Tonight they awarded a Caribbean cruise to a very deserving couple who have endured many tragedies in their 53 year marriage. What a wonderful event and evening.

MMI High School presentation

On Friday February 25th I spent the afternoon talking with the high school students at MMI Prep. The issues regarding teen dating violence and healthy relationships really had an impact on the kids. Several young ladies came to me with questions after the presentation.

National Announcement

Feb 14th 2011- I recruited multiple schools in our area to participate in the national teen dating violence awareness announcement. The national campaign lead by breakthecycle.org had the schools read the following announcement.February 14 announcement

One in three teens in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from someone they date. Look around you. That means that one out of every three students in your class is likely to experience this abuse.This February let your heart rule, as we honor Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. To learn about dating abuse or get help, call the National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 or visit loveisrespect.org. And remember, love has many definitions: abuse isn't one of them.

I thank all the schools for their participation.

Awareness day

Feb. 14 2011- The Cheerleaders in the ninth grade center and the High School ran stands outside the lunch rooms of the schools today. They appeared on channel 13 news. Kaitlyn Marhelko did a fantastic job speaking. I was extremely proud of them.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

The Cheerleaders from Hazleton Area High School are helping me promote Teen Dating Violence Awareness all month. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

Chili cook off

The 6th annual chili cook off was held Jan 30th. We enjoyed the day with Chris's entire Berwick office. Although the winning chili was not my pick, I loved sampling all the different varieties. Next year I may enter my secret chili recipe.

CYC luncheon

We attended the Catholic Youth Center annual Board of Directors Luncheon on Jan 17th. This year our friend Atty Brian G. Price from DLP law firm was honored. Chris has been on the board of the CYC for 2 years now and loves giving back to the center that gave him so much as a child.

A Wonderful Life

Five Snyders on stage in one production; priceless. We were thrilled to appear all together in It's A Wonderful Life. Chris was Mr. Potter, CJ was young George Bailey, the girls were in the ensemble, and I played the other woman Violet Bick. The experience was especially rewarding because it was an activity we did together as a family. The PTPA playhouse is fantastic!!!

Cancer Ball

I was so happy to make it to the Cancer Society Ball this year. The committee worked so hard on all the planning and hand painting the wine glasses for the favors. I love being a member of this committee. This year was quite different for me. I had arthroscopic knee surgery 2 days before, so no dancing for me. I was thrilled to be seated with our new State Representative Tara Toohil. I feel her plans for Harrisburg will be a welcome change.

Disney Trip

I finally convinced my husband to return to Disney World. We went for Jacquelines 8th birthday. She choose the theme for our Halloween costumes this year. I made all 5 costumes because I love the tradition. I remember all the costumes my mom made for my brother and I. The highlight of my trip was when 2 little girls asked me for my autograph in the Magic Kingdom, thinking I was the real Queen of Hearts.

Jeff's Wedding

I now believe in miracles! My big brother Jeff finally got married at 44. Being a bridesmaid again made me feel young. I absolutly love Kristina and could not ask for a more perfect sister-in-law.

C.J.'s 9/11 essay

I am so proud of my son. His essay about losing his uncle and godfather in 9/11 won the Luzerne County Community College essay contest. We attended the memorial on 9/11/2010 where he read the essay to the crowd. I know his Uncle Lenny Snyder was watching.

August NYC trip

A last minute getaway to New York City proved to be one of our best vacations ever. We took the kids to see West Side Story on Broadway. We were able to meet the lead actor after the show. He is from central Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State. He spent 20 min talking to my girls encouraging their continued participation in community theater. We will never forget this experience.