Mrs. International 2010

Participating in the Mrs. International Pageant was an amazing experience. I was honored to have the opportunity to represent my home state of California. The week was full of sightseeing trips, wonderful dinners and of course many rehearsals. It was great to meet all the other contestants. I love talking to them about their platforms and why they are passionate about them was a highlight for me. It is so incredible to see what these women are doing in their communities and states. I was so honored to have made the Top 10 and to stand with such a great group of outstanding women. Best of luck to the new Mrs. International 2010:Shannon Divine. My prayers will be with you all year as you inform the world about the importance of adoption. Thank you to everyone who sent flowers, text messages, cards and emails the week of the pageant. It meant so much to me to know that you all were thinking of me while I was in Chicago.
See you in September for the California State Pageant.
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XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Bakersfield West Rotary July 2010

Last week I attended Bakersfield's West Rotary inaugural meeting for the 2010-2011 Club President Jim Darling. Since I know Jim personally he asked me if I would share with the audience my experience as Mrs. California Intl. 2010 and about my platform Character Counts. I was honored to speak at the meeting because it was full of people that my husband and I new. The Honorable Mayor Harvey L. Hall presented Doug Harvey, who is being inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame at the end of the month, with a Key to the City of Bakersfield and spoke about his amazing accomplishments in Baseball.
Nicole Rubin who is the Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Southern California gave an amazing and very educational talk about how the Ronald McDonald House Charities were started. They have 300 Houses in 30 Countries that help feed and shelter families who are taking care of sick children. Bakersfield opened it's own Ronald McDonald House in the Spring of 2009 and has offered many families the comfort, care and support that they need. I am so thankful that places like this exist for families. Part of the success of a Ronald McDonald House is due to donations and financial contributions from the city in which it is located. I am proud of my hometown and how the people here constantly give to others; We try to make the community the best that it can be. Our City slogan is " Bakersfield: Life as it should be", and it is so true.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

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Congressman Kevin McCarthy

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Mrs. Neighbert's 3rd Grade Class

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This week I was invited to talk to Mrs. Neighbert's class about Character Counts. This was a very special day for me. Mrs. Neighbert and I have been friends for a long time. It meant a lot that she would want me to come and talk to her students. Bringing Character Counts and the Six Pillars of Character to this classroom was amazing. We talked about each character trait and how we could apply it to our day at school as well as at home. The students asked some great questions and I was once again reminded by their wide eyes looking up at me, how much of an influence I have with children. Using the Pillars in everyday life has made me a better role model, wife, mother, daughter, friend and Mrs. California Intl. 2010. I am constantly impressed by the children that I talk to and hope they will remember long after I have left the classroom that it is always cool to make the right choices. I read a quote this week that really made me stop and think and hopefully it will do the same with you..." Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God!!!

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Hoffmann Hospice "Voices of Inspiration" 2010

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I attended the 16th annual "Voices of Inspiration" fundraiser. It supports Hoffmann Hospice, Bakersfield's only non-profit Hospice. Tickets to this event sold out with in two weeks after announcing that the guest speaker was college coaching legend Lou Holtz. Lou is one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of college football, probably best known for taking a struggling Notre Dame Football program and turning it into a national power house. He's had similar successes with five other college programs, affirming he's got what it takes to inspire others to greatness. The nights festivities began with a VIP meet and greet with Coach Holtz. After getting my own Notre Dame helmet signed my husband Paul and I had the opportunity to chat with the Coach about what he has been up too. For a 73 year old he has a ton of energy and I truly see why he was so successful in motivating his players to achieve greatness.
Dinner was served to all of us and that was followed by a live auction which featured 11 items, that even with the economy supporters of Hoffmann Hospice rose to the occasion and helped raise over $60,000.00 dollars.
Coach Holtz was introduced by Jim Scott and Robin Mangarin of KGET TV Channel 17. He spoke for an hour, but it seemed like it took less than a minute because he had all of us laughing so hard. After Lou finished his remarks and the program was officially over Coach Holtz started signing autographs. He continued for the next 3 hours till everyone had their autographs and photos taken with him.
This evening was a pleasure for my husband and I to attend. Not only are we big college football fans, but now we are Lou Holtz fans as well.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Bakersfield Magazine Spring 2010

Recently I appeared in The Bakersfield Magazine as their "Citizen Kern". In each issue they select someone from the community who is making a difference. Attached is the article. Thank you to Bakersfield Magazine and Anika Henrikson for writing this story and for this wonderful opportunity.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Bakersfield Women's Conference 2010

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On Thursday April 22, 2010 I attended the 21st Annual Bakersfield Women's Business Conference. The theme this year was "Options Unlimited": The Power of You!!! Helping women of all ages to achieve their personal and professional goals and enriching their quality of life. The keynote speaker for the event was Joan Lunden: host of Good Morning America for more than two decades. She has served as National spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, The American Lung Association and the American Red Cross. Her latest project is the creation of Camp Reveille. It is a wellness retreat for women where they can energize their spirits, renew their sense of self, jump start their fitness and learn the tools needed to achieve a healthier balance in their lives. Another speaker was Cindy Solomon. She is a internationally recognized consultant, author and entrepreneur. She has helped organizations like the Mayo Clinic and Google to create and nurture the leadership and customer skills needed in today's challenging economy. She has helped many individuals, teams, and organizations find their strengths and courage as leaders, business owners and individuals. Delores Pressley also spoke. She is a International Motivational Speaker, Personal Power Expert and Life Coach. She founded Delores Pressley Worldwide and The Born Successful Institute. For 17 years she has helped individuals change their lives and utilize their own personal power.
Among these three amazing speakers the conference also had 36 local men and women who spoke during the breakout sessions throughout the day. Every topic from starting your own business, how to give back to your community and living a healthy lifestyle were talked about. During the day women had time to talk with each other, shop, and gather information at the Exhibitors Fair that featured over 60 local business vendors.
I was able to spend the day with the 2011 Bakersfield Titleholders. Mrs. Bakersfield: Megan Raymond, Miss Bakersfield: Katie Cooksey, Miss Teen Bakersfield: Makenzie Carter, and our local Director Gayle Tape. It was a wonderful day filled with inspiration and motivation for all women to make a difference in their life.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

Miss and Teen Ventura Intl. Pageant

This past weekend I attended the 2011 Miss and Teen Ventura Intl. pageants. It was a wonderful event put on by Crowning Glory Productions. Hilary Gushwa former Miss California Intl. 2009 hosted the pageant. The contestants glowed on stage in their sequin tops as they danced to music from "Fame". Followed by fun fashion, fitness, gown presentation and the on stage question. I was so proud of all the girls they did an amazing job. It was great to see my sister queen: Miss Teen California Intl. 2010 Dedria Burnett and my wonderful Director Eddie Peterson. In the audience that night to support the Ventura Pageant were Gayle Tape, Director of the Bakersfield pageant and her titleholders Mrs. Bakersfield 2011: Megan Raymond and Miss Teen Bakersfield 2011: Mackenzie Carter. We made the trip together and it was great to spend time together.
Once again I am reminded, by hearing all the girls speak about their platforms how blessed I am to be Mrs. California Intl. 2010 and support my platform Character Counts. It is so great to be apart of a pageant family that gives back to their communities and to platforms that are close to their hearts. Congratulations to the winners: April Mitchell: Miss Teen Ventura Intl. 2011 and Kari Ann Johnson: Miss Ventura Intl 2011.

XOXO
Ashley Pavletich

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Walk For Thought 2010

At 8am sharp on March 13,2010 my dad, daughter and I took part in the 3rd annual "Walk For Thought", benefiting the California Brain Injury Association. There were six cities selected in California. Bakersfield hosted their event at Yokuts Park. Bakersfield is home to Center for Neuro Skills, they help to rehabilitate and educated people who have suffered from various brain injuries.
Today was an important day for me as Mrs. California Intl. 2010. I was not only there to support this great cause, but also in honor of my dad who suffered thru a brain tumor in 2001. My dad was diagnosed with a maningioma brain tumor on September 11, 2001. This is a slow growing tumor that consists mostly of calcium. The doctors said that it had been growing for more then 15 years. After an eight hour surgery at UCLA Medical Center and a stay in the ICU. I am proud to say the doctors removed all of the tumor. My dad has been tumor and cancer free for nine years.
We walked three miles in support of this organization. I was overwhelmed with emotion. I am so thankful to have my dad in my life. My father could have been gone so easily. We have shared so many wonderful memories, like walking me down the aisle on my wedding day and being their to see the birth of his first grandchild, Lincoln Caroline. I cherish everyday with my dad. Please make sure you tell the people in your life you love them everyday and please get involved in your communities with a platform that is important to you!!! Lots of Love,
Ashley Pavletich: Mrs. California Intl. 2010

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Go Red For Women: Fresno, Ca

On Friday February 26th I traveled to the Go Red For Women Luncheon in Fresno, Ca. Since Fresno is only two hours from Bakersfield, we made it a family trip as Paul and Lincoln came along for the day and it was great having them to support me. The day was full of great events like a silent and oral auction, lunch, a GO RED fashion show hosted by Macy's and an amazing guest speaker by the name of Eliz Green. Eliz was seven months pregnant with twins and only 35 years old suffered a heart attack. Her story is inspiring and can help everyone to lead a heart healthy lifestyle. For more information visit www.BusyWomansGuide.com. I introduced the breakout speakers and also informed everyone about who I am and what I am doing as Mrs. California Intl 2010. The guest speakers I had the pleasure of introducing were James Leath: a personal trainer, who spoke about making fitness fun and scheduling it into your daily life. Lisa Bessard: a Dietetic Inter from Fresno State, who spoke about heart healthy food and ways to but food on a budget. Once again it was an amazing day that made me think about how important it is to tell friends and loved ones about how to get and live heart healthy. A special thank you to Valerie Cain for inviting me to attend the function and to all the people from the Fresno area who welcomed me with open arms. The community of Fresno is full of wonderful people who are just trying to make a difference in peoples lives and it was great to be with like minded leaders. Cardiovascular disease kills a woman every minute: Mothers, Grandmothers, Daughters, Sisters and Friends. It is the leading cause of death among women. Their are ways to decrease your risk: eat better, keep moving and manage your stress. Go to GoRedForWomen.org for more information and remember it's Your Heart, Your Choice.
XOXOXO
Ashley Pavletich
Mrs. California Intl. 2010

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Go Red For Women: February 9, 2010

On February 9th I had the pleasure of attending the 5th annual Bakersfield Go Red for Women luncheon and health expo. The day was dedicated to educating women about Heart Disease; which is the number one killer of women in America. There were two great speakers at the event Cheryl Garone M.S., RD, who spoke about living a heart healthy lifestyle, and Kathleen Passanisi who is the author of "It's your life -Choose well". I was also their when they unveiled the 2010 Survivor Gallery. This is a traveling photo exhibition of local female survivors of Heart Disease. I was able to speak with two of the women about their experience and what they went through. This was truly an eye opening experience for me. Ami Booth: a women who at 30 discovered she had seven holes in her heart and now at age 35 after surgery and a life style change is trying to make a difference in women's lives. Roberts Holzman who had to have open heart surgery in her 30's and is now trying to educated women about how they can reduce their risk of Heart Disease. I was able to have my blood pressure, blood sugar, body fat and cholesterol taken at the event and learn how all these things work together to make a healthy heart. I learned so much today about the importance of begin good to your heart. Did you know that 57% of men and 64% of women who died suddenly from cardiovascular disease had no previous symptoms of the disease!!! This was an amazing day for me and I am so blessed to have represented the California International pageant family. To all you women out their reading this; just 30 minutes of walking can reduce your risk of Heart Disease...so get moving!!! and know the ABC's of Heart Health: Avoid tobacco, Become active and Choose good nutrition. For more information about heart health go to www.GoRedforWomen.org.
Love, Mrs. California Intl. 2010: Ashley Pavletich

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Ms. Kavern's 6th Grade Class

Happy New Year!!! I trust all of you had a wonderful holiday season. Time goes by so fast, I can't believe it is almost February, This past week I brought Character Counts and the 6 pillars of character to Ms. Kavern's 6th grade class. It was so nice to be back in a classroom and to see all the students so eager to learn. My focus with the students was explaining to them the 6 pillars of character, and also about having integrity and what that means. Simple put it is doing the right thing when no one is watching. Sixth grade is a big year in school for many students. It is where they start to really develop their character. We talked about dealing with peer pressure, gossip and texting. I made sure to tell them that before they act or say something they need to stop and ask themselves if they are doing the right thing in the situation. We also talked about simple everyday situations where they can show good character, like being respectful to parents and teachers or by helping a friend. At the end of out talk one studetns asked me "What the best prize was that I won when I was crowned Mrs. California Intl. 2010 ?" The question was not hard to answer, even though I have received many wounderful prizes. The best prize is being able to talk to kids about having good character and helping them realize that it is always "cool" to do the right thing and make good choices in life.

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