New Jersey International Pageant

March 10, 2012 Tonight I traveled to NJ with my teen Hazleton sister contestant Kaitlyn. She is just 10 days post-op from having rods placed in her back to correct her scoliosis. She was so excited about going to the pageant we could not disappoint her. The production was excellent in the usual Cessna style. We met our sister Miss Hazleton contestant Sherri there. Congratulations to all the new Queens. 14 days until our pageant!!

PEARL awards

March 9, 2012 Tonight was truly a special night for me. I received my PEARL award from the YWCA. This award is given to women in our community who display P:professionalism, E:excellence, A:achievement, R:role model, L:leadership. I was thrilled to receive my award and a special citation from our Representative Tara Toohil. I dedicated my award to one of my most influential role models, my late mother-in-law Marilyn. I was also honored with a gift from Joanne Yanuzzi from everyone at The American Cancer Society for all of my work and dedication for them. I am truly blessed and honored.

Ice Bar fundraiser at Damenti's

March 2012: Traveled to Damenti's Ice Bar tonight to see my favorite bikini model and fellow Miss PA international contestant Sherri Homanko strut her stuff for a great cause. The money raised went to Paws for a Cause. I had a wonderful time with my date Dr. Mary Pascuci. Too bad the weather is getting so warm the ice will not last.

Cancer Telethon

Feb 18, 2012 The 34th annual cancer telethon was held today. I made it back from Altoona in time to speak on air about cancer prevention. I took pledges over the phone, surprising my daughters friend Franny when she called in to make a donation. We raised close to $90,000 for our local unit of ACS. The best part of this day is hearing all the survivors come and speak about their inspirational stories.

Mrs. PA internantional Orientation

Feb 18, 2012 Today I traveled to Altoona with Kaitlyn, my teen contestant protege. We attended the PA international pageant orientation. We met some of the contestants and caught up with old friends. I was thrilled to see Dawn Hicks Mrs. PA international 2011 she looked amazing as always. Jodi Cessna the director was her usually energetic bubbly self. I can't wait until March 24 for our pageant.

Artists for a cause

Feb 16, 2012 Tonight I attended Artists for a cause. The event was created and run by Emily Seratch an amazing 14 year old classmate of my son. She held the event at Valley Country Club. The night featured local young talent performing while the guests enjoyed drinks and food. The money raised tonight went to the Pennsylvania of the Performing Arts. Great job Emily.

My Birthday

Feb 14, 2012 Today is not only Valentines Day but also my birthday. I will not say how old I am!!!!! The kids and my husband made the day extra special by decorating the kitchen for the event. What a way to wake up. I love you guys

Taste of the Theater

February 4, 2012 Tonight the Pennsylvania Theater of the Performing Arts held a brand new fund raiser. A taste of the Theater was truly a community coming together. Local restaurants donated food, many businesses donated items for the silent auction, and several of our talented performers gave their voices to create a fantastic evening. The night was truly special and raised much needed money for the improvement of our theater.

MMI mid school formal

After months of preparation as the co-chairwoman of the mid-school dance, "A Chinese new year" went of without a hitch. My daughter Julia looked amazing. I could not believe how grown up she was. Many thanks to Courtney my co-chair for helping produce a fantastic event. I was especially proud of the amazing Chinese banners hanging next to Julia in the picture. C.J., Julia, and I made them from scratch. I even know what each one says thanks to my son taking Mandarin Chinese at school.

Elderwish Dinner

On January 28, 2012 I had the privilege to attend the Elderwish dinner with my good friend Sarah Seratch. Elderwish is just like Make a Wish just for deserving older people. Each year the committee chooses a senior citizen who has given back to their community to send on an all expenses cruise. The evening was truly wonderful.

YWCA PEARL awards 2012

January 2012, I was honored to discover I had been nominated and won the YWCA PEARL award for 2012. This prestigious award is given to women in our area who display Professionalism, Excellence, Achievement, Role Model/Responsibility and Leadership. I thank Cindy Layton for nominating me. A banquet in our honor will be held March 9, at Capriotti's restaurant.

A Christmas Story on stage

December 2011, Christmas would not be the same without all the Snyders performing together on the PTPA stage. This year was a first, I had the female lead as Mrs. Parker (Ralphies mom) opposite my husband Chris as Mr. Parker. I had a wonderful time and could not imagine a better way to spend the season.

Cancer Ball 2011

November 2011, Tonight all our hard work paid off. The Cancer Society Ball was a great success. We had our highest attendance yet. All the committee members looked radiant and everyone had a wonderful time. I have been asked to co-chair next years event. I know it will be bigger and better than ever.

Our Mexican exchange students

November 2011, Today we welcomed Andre and Erika into our homes. MMI our children's school is hosting a group of children from Guadalajara, Mexico for 2 weeks. This will be an incredible international experience for all of us.

U.S. Golf Little League championship

October 2011, Today we celebrated Jacqueline's golf teams first place victory in the golf little league. We are so proud of her the next LPGA superstar!!!

10th Anniversary of 9/11

Sept 2011, We traveled to Cranford, N.J. today for a bitter sweet event. The tenth anniversary memorial to 9/11 was held at the beautiful park dedicated to the victims of that town. Lenny my husbands brother lost his life in tower 1. I felt him looking down so proud as his daughter Lauren as she read her own dedication. We all miss him very much.

Cleveland Adventure

August 2011, Our family trip to Cleveland, Ohio was a fantastic adventure. I thought C.J. was crazy when he insisted we go there. I loved it. The highlights were the Rock and Roll Hall of fame (we saw Lady GaGas meat dress) and The Christmas Story House complete with the "leg lamp".

National American Miss Pageant

August 2011, The Pennsylvania NAM pageant was this weekend in Harrisburg. The girls had a fantastic time and loved being escorted on stage by Pop-Pop. Julia was 11th overall and Jackie rocked as third runner-up out of 138 contestants. We cannot wait to return next year.

U.S. Golf Little League fundraiser

July 2011, The girls and I helped raise over $500 for the golf little league trip to nationals in California. Our stand was a big hit over the two day Valley Country Club member-guest tournament. The players loved the guess how many tees in the fish bowel contest.

Sound of Music

June 2011, The PTPA run of The Sound of Music was a great success. My children had leading roles as two of the Von Trapp children, Fredrick and Brigetta. I spent many hours volunteering at the theater especially in the kitchen. The benefit was seeing the show at least five times.

May 5, 2011 A wonderful celebration with family as our son C.J. received Confirmation at St. John Bosco Church.

May 2011, I just wrapped up performing in the Miracle Worker production at the Pennsylvania Theater of the Performing Arts. I loved working with such a talented cast. I tired quickly of the victorian dress. I played Aunt Eve.