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The Exchange Club

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-30T12:18:00-04:00

Can you believe how quickly the month of June has flown by? A few months ago, my new, personal motto became: “Savor The Moment.” Now more than ever, I am savoring and appreciating every opportunity that the Summer months are bringing my way. As an example, two weeks ago, I officially accepted the offer to join The Exchange Club, a TV and Radio program reaching the Marion/Columbus market. You can catch us every Monday through Friday on WMNO TV at 5:00 PM and WDCM 97.5 FM at 6:30 AM!

Quite frankly, I am honored to be apart of The Exchange Club because of the quality, knowledgable, experienced people who are involved. Regular panelists include:

Associated Press Award Winner and TV/radio personality, Scott Spears
Radio legend and creator of “Buckeye Chuck,” Charlie Evers
Longtime journalist and on-air personality at WCMH NBC 4, Mary Ann Michaels

I like to believe that I bring a “youthful flair” and a younger generation’s perspective to the roundtable, but I must admit, I was most thrilled about this opportunity because I am not only working alongside such accomplished individuals, but I’m also learning so much from them, too.

A fun fact about The Exchange Club is that we keep our show interesting by changing locations each week. Last week, we were able to film at the beautiful Harding Memorial thanks to the gorgeous, sunny weather! This upcoming Tuesday (July 5th), we will be taping from the Marion Country Fair from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. This is your chance to meet and mingle with Scott, Charlie, Mary Ann and myself! Come on out to the Fair, say hi and maybe even appear on the show! ;-)

“Like” The Exchange Club on Facebook, say “Hi” on our wall, and you could receive a free weekend stay at The Hideaway Inn Bed & Breakfast!

Reflection.

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-24T13:10:47-04:00

First, congratulations to Miss Ohio 2011, Ellen Bryan! You are a worthy contestant with a very important message to carry forward. I tip my hat to you and your family.

I know there are many people who have been anticipating my post-competition statement, judging by the 400+ unique visitors to my website each day. I thank you for your interest, patience and understanding, as I have been busier than ever!

Miss Ohio Week 2011, where I received an additional $4600 in scholarship, was a tremendous success. I am thrilled to have earned the following awards:

Mina O’Guinn Memorial Award, for my “commitment to the ideals of Miss America, both on stage and off.” I consider this the most special recognition on the Miss Ohio stage. Thank you, Tim O’Guinn!
Preliminary Talent Award, for my performance of “Blue Skies.”
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Maker Award, for my promotion of the Miss America Organization’s national platform.
Miss America Community Service Award, for my extensive platform work combating childhood obesity and promoting children’s wellness.
Marvin Hamlisch Overall Talent Award, provided by Marvin Hamlisch himself, for my performance of “Blue Skies.”

After having carefully reviewed my performance on the Miss Ohio stage, I know that I would not have changed a thing. I prepared to the very best of my ability. I have been fortunate to enjoy many successes and accolades through this state organization over the years.

There are many people I must thank for their guidance and belief in me. Some (but not nearly all) of these people include my mom, dad and brothers, as well as Leslie Norris Townsend and Madonna Petit for their unconditional support and love. I also thank my extended family, friends, and the Lima/Marion communities for rallying behind my efforts. I thank my vocal coach whom I have worked closely with over the last year in New York City, Robin Aleman, for helping me grow in vocal ability, versatility and consistency. I also thank Gregory Ellenburg for not only creating the wardrobe of my dreams, but also for his friendship, genuineness and generosity with not only his time, but also his kind words.

Little did I know that, with the help of these people (and so many more whom I will personally thank) who believed in me and helped me to grow, I was not merely preparing for the next step within the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program, I was readying myself for the next phase of my life.

Participating in the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program has enabled me to both recognize and capitalize on my strengths, as well as confront my weaknesses. Moreover, it provided me with the opportunity (and incentive) to turn my weaknesses into strengths, and for that I am so very grateful. Competing and excelling in this program has been both a great personal challenge and an empowering experience. It is no secret that my participation in the MOSP has, in many ways, “helped me help myself,” and because of that, I have been able to aspire to my full potential at this point in my life.

As I have carefully reviewed my participation in the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program, I have come to the realization that my life experiences--both personal and professional--are leading me in a new direction.

Please know that I have thoroughly enjoyed representing this state organization in all aspects, and I look back fondly on the four years that I have actively promoted and participated in it. I know that had it been God’s plan for my life, I would have furthered the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program tremendously as the state titleholder.

However, I now joyfully move onto the next phase of my life, which has wonderful things in store. One of my new, favorite quotes that was recently brought to my attention is, “You will never reach second base if you keep one foot on first.”

With that I move forward and I am excited to share some things with you that are keeping me busy, focused and moving at full speed ahead!

1. Of course, I will continue my work combating childhood obesity and promoting children’s wellness, as this is something I feel very passionately about. I know that my work is not yet done. I will continue serving as a National Spokesperson on behalf of Veggie U, promoting the Veggie U curriculum as well as my Five Session Fitness Challenge. My partnership with Saint Rita’s Medical Center and the Mercy Healthcare System continues to grow exponentially, as well. I also look forward to my meeting with the First Lady of Ohio, Mrs. Karen Kasich, in hopes of partnering with her. Please feel free to click on the following links for a few ‘specifics’ regarding the continuation of my work. However, I will be sure to expound upon each one at a later date.

Veggie U Food and Wine Celebration
Saint Rita’s Healthy Kids Official Website

2. I will enter my third season of hosting the “Wish Upon A Song” TV series on NBC/FOX (WLIO), and I will continue to co-host my weekly talk radio segment on 940 WCIT.

3. I am now a panelist on “The Exchange Club” on WMNO TV 22 and WDCM 97.5 FM every Monday through Friday in the Marion/Columbus market!

4. I will continue working with the Lima Symphony Orchestra, perfecting our upcoming Christmas CD and preparing for future performances together. Please CLICK HERE for just the beginning of “Bells, Brass and Bows” promotion.

5. There are a number of upcoming appearances I am anticipating this summer, between emceeing/performing at the Van Wert Independent Film Festival featuring submissions from around the world, emceeing/performing at the Star Spangled Spectacular before 40,000+, on the Fourth of July, and so much more!

Needless to say, ShannonONeill.us will be as active as ever! I also invite you to follow me on Twitter HERE and befriend me on Facebook HERE. Your continued interest and support is greatly appreciated!

In closing, I wish all future participants in the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program the very best, and I encourage contestants to take advantage of every opportunity this state organization has to offer. To all local titleholders, I can promise you that the more proactive you are, the more meaningful your overall experience will be. I know that my own journey within this state organization--which has truly transformed my life--is proof of that fact.

With Love and Respect,
Shannon O’Neill

My 10-Month Whirlwind!

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-08T22:02:18-04:00

By request, I have re-posted this promotional video on behalf of my platform, spotlighting my role as National Spokesperson on behalf of Veggie U as well as my Five Session Fitness Challenge.

Looking back on the last 10 months I’ve served as Miss Crystal Lake, it’s hard to believe how much has happened. I’m amazed at how my platform has grown exponentially, how many opportunities I have both seized and created, and how quickly the time has flown by! Just a glimpse into my year thus far...

Summer 2010: I became a National Spokesperson on behalf of Veggie U. I performed as the feature solo vocalist with the Lima Symphony Orchestra before 44,000 over the Fourth of July weekend. I performed the Star Spangled Banner for the MLB Cleveland Indians v Los Angeles Angels game. I also began my weekly talk radio segment on 940 WCIT!

Fall 2010: I partnerned with the leader of the Mercy Healthcare System, Saint Rita’s Medical Center, which serves a 70-mile radius in Ohio (Mercy also reaches 4 additional states). Together, we brought both Veggie U and my Five Session Fitness Challenge to over 50 classrooms, as well as every public and parochial school in the Lima area. I also sponsored Veggie U in 2 additional classrooms in the Marion area, with revenues from my debut CD, “Yesterday Once More.”

Winter 2011: I became the Spokesperson and Marketing Representative on behalf of the Saint Rita’s Healthy Kids Campaign and Fair, as well as their newly re-designed Healthy Kids Program. All of these projects are using Veggie U and my Five Session Fitness Challenge as their foundation. I also entered my second season of hosting the “Wish Upon A Song” TV series on NBC/FOX (WLIO)!

Spring 2011: I ran the 2011 New York City Half Marathon on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raising $2500! Veggie U also adopted my Five Session Fitness Challenge; our dual program (now on DVD!) will continue to reach over 2,000 classrooms across 26 states each year! The Lima Symphony Orchestra and I also began recording our upcoming Christmas CD, which will be released this Fall/Winter.

Summer 2011:I met with my Federal Representative, Mr. Jim Jordan, in Washington D.C. on behalf of my platform. I also worked with my State Representative, Mr. Matt Huffman, in order to meet with the First Lady of Ohio, Mrs. Karen Kasich, whose platform matches my own! I now eagerly await our meeting, set for next month, in hopes of partnering with her.

For a list of all other appearances, public speaking engagements, performance opportunities, etc. please view the “Appearances” section of ShannonONeill.us. I am proud of all that I have accomplished since August 2010, but moreover, I am grateful to the people who have supported me, believed in my efforts, and have helped me realize my goals.

Washington D.C.

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-03T20:51:36-04:00

Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C., meeting with my Federal Representative, Congressman Jim Jordan, on behalf of my platform. As a result of our meeting, I will be joining a federal committee that aligns with my ongoing mission: promoting children’s wellness and combating childhood obesity.

Additionally, I want to thank my State Representative, Mr. Matt Huffman, who kindly enabled the scheduling of my meeting with the First Lady of Ohio, Mrs. Karen Kasich, on July 14th next month. Her platform coincidentally matches my own, and hopefully I can be of service to her!

Although this has already been a tremendously busy year for me, I look forward to expanding my efforts even more, between my work with Congressman Jim Jordan in D.C. and Mrs. Karen Kasich here in Ohio.

Photographed with District 4 Representative, Congressman Jim Jordan

St. Rita's Healthy Kids Campaign

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-02T20:51:00-04:00

As you may know, I am the Spokesperson and Marketing Representative on behalf of St. Rita Medical Center’s Healthy Kids Campaign, as well as their newly revised Healthy Kids Program and upcoming Heathy Kids Fair. I am very excited and proud to share with you that both the Program and Fair are using Veggie U and my Five Session Fitness Challenge as their foundation!

The Campaign begins this June, and it will be promoted all throughout the 70-mile radius in Ohio that St. Rita’s serves, and beyond.

Veggie U and St. Rita’s have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship since I brought the two organizations together last fall. As an example, we brought Veggie U and my Five Session Fitness Challenge to each and every public and parochial school in the Lima area.

Photos from our three-day series of video/photo shoots this week:

More information about St. Rita’s Healthy Kids Campaign, Fair and Program to come in the near future!

Veggie U & FSFC Coming Together!

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-02T20:51:00-04:00

Last Friday, I spent the day with my Veggie U family at the Culinary Vegetable Institute/Veggie U, where we filmed the fitness portion of my Five Session Fitness Challenge. Veggie U has adopted my FSFC as a compliment to their own curriculum, and will be adding my program to theirs as they continue implementing Veggie U in over 2,000+ classrooms across 26 states every year. Needless to say, I’m thrilled with this step and I look forward to all of the exciting things happening now and on the horizon.

During our pre-production meeting, Executive Chef Michael Lyons prepared an outstanding lunch for us, using ingredients from The Chef’s Garden (Veggie U’s parent organization). It was a great start to a busy day!

Prepping for our four-camera shoot

Bringing in area-wide fourth graders

Signing the kids’ Veggie U t-shirts :-)

Lima Symphony Orchestra Preview!

Shannon O'Neill — 2011-06-01T20:51:00-04:00

Yesterday, I spent much of my day at The Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center with the Lima Symphony Orchestra as they recorded multiple tracks for our upcoming Christmas CD! Needless to say, working so closely with the LSO since last July has been incredible thus far. I feel so honored and excited to be apart of this project, and cannot wait for you to hear the finished product!

Watching the symphony rehearse and record this afternoon was just awe-inspiring. Have a look at some “behind-the-scenes” photos:

With sound engineer Tim Townsend of Townsend Studios in Celina. He is simply the best; we’re lucky to have him right here in Ohio!

With Maestro Crafton Beck, Musical Director and Conductor of the Lima Symphony Orchestra

Greeting the musicians! It was wonderful catching up with them, as the last time we met was when I served as their feature solo vocalist on July 4th, 2010 at the Star Spangled Spectacular.

A brief preview of “We Three Kings”, one of eleven tracks:

The official release of our CD will be at the Lima Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Bells, Brass and Bows” Christmas Concert in December of 2011. For this year’s performance (at the Veteran’s Memorial Civic and Convention Center), I will serve as the feature solo vocalist. More details to come at a later date, but I had to keep you in the loop for the time being! ;-)
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