Cinco de Mayo ~ Laurel JC Style

Since we had such a great time in January together, the Laurel JC’s asked me to attend on of their community get-togethers on May 5. Originally it was a “JC Idol” contest but another event in Billings promoted as “Idol” was taking place that evening. So instead they just made it a Karaoke Party. I convinced my parent to attend with me even though they said they wouldn’t sing karaoke that night…they changed their minds about that later. Being Cinco de Mayo, they decorated in that theme. It was a casual affair and I sang a few numbers for them like “At Last” (Etta James), “Independence Day” (Martina McBride), “Proud Mary,” and “Suds in the Bucket” (Sara Evans). Then my dad and I sang “Unforgettable” which we’ve done together in the past. Both of my parents sang a few other numbers which was fun because I have never heard them sing Karaoke before – they’re pretty good!

GMC Volunteer Appreciation Tea

The Glendive Medical Center held their annual volunteer appreciation tea where they asked me to sing and visit with the volunteers.
There were fabulous finger foods including wonderful chocolate covered strawberries!
They had a great turnout from their large base of volunteers who are integral to the operations of their facilities which also encompass the Eastern Montana Veterans Home. During the open house format, they recognized the importance of volunteer service and also acknowledged their young volunteers who have put in an amazing amount of hours in one year.
Once the tea had wrapped up, I changed into more comfortable traveling clothes and was on my way back home after ten days in northeast Montana.

Lambert School

April 19th I was in the same “region” but a few hours drive away in Lambert. A former Miss Montana Outstanding Teen, Jacqueline, and a 2007 Miss Montana contestant, Gillette, are from Lambert so the students were somewhat familiar with the Miss Montana program. After I did two presentations there I drove another hour and a half to Glendive.

Froid Invitation

On April 18th I was in Froid giving one presentation for the entire school. As I was setting up beforehand, one of the teachers walked in who I recognized right away. She had taught in Rapelje for many years and therefore was familiar with my family. They say that Montana is simply one big “small town.” I’m believing that more and more.
I was honored to be asked to participate in the graduation ceremonies of the lone senior, Roxie. Governor Schweitzer will be the commencement speaker. Unfortunately, I had to decline as I will be out of state to attend my sister's commencement where she will receive her MBA on the same weekend.
At Froid I also had the opportunity to speak on "Right Decisions-Right Now" in connection to my personal platform. The students were also preparing for prom.

Leadership School Commencement

From Circle to Sidney in the afternoon, I spoke at the Sidney Leadership Program Graduation.
This eight month program through the Sidney Chamber of Commerce is designed to enhance the leadership of individuals and therefore increase the quality of leadership in the community. The event happened to fall a few days after the Virginia Tech shooting which gave me a passionate basis to form my speech.
I challenged the graduates and attendees to use the skills that they refined and participate in their communities. The only way to prevent this continued decline of desensitized violence is to demand change. Demand the change by positively impacting as many lives as possible and instill compassion, understanding, and discipline by one’s own actions and example. Reverse the title of this new generation from “gimme-gimme generation” to “giving-giving generation” and refuse to accept destructive behavior.

Circle School Visits

Tuesday (April 17) was a long driving day--345 to be exact but I had a driver! Even though I am scheduled for a general region of the state, it can still involve hours of driving within that region.
The day began in Circle (a good 2.5 hours drive) where I presented to the elementary grades in the Bo Peep Centerm had lunch with the middle school at the high school, and then presented at Red Rock.
It was with the younger grades that one little girl asked me, “Where does your crown go when you go to sleep?” Such a cute question! I answered with my crown carrying case, “See this clear case? It goes in here and even sits on a little pillow!”
A few days earlier I was asked by a boy at Rau School, “How many hours a day do you have to wear your crown?” I guess they expect me to wake up and pin it on :)

Singing with Medicine Lake students

In the afternoon of April 16, we made our way back over to Medicine Lake where I thought I would visit the choir class. It ended up being the entire school (minus a few track participants) and we had a casual talk about music and singing. Then they sang a few things for me and I sang a few things for them. It was like an extra music class in their day.
It was a great day to talk about 'Right Decisions-Right Now' as they were busy preparing for their prom.

Television and Radio Interviews

Monday (April 16) was media day in Williston, ND.
After calling my Godparents in Sidney to tell them I would be on the radio and the TV news, my Godmother said, “You do remember that you are Miss Montana, right? These are all North Dakota stations. Don’t be switching states on us now.” :)
The reasoning behind all of the media through Williston is because a large portion of northeastern Montana receives their news and radio stations through North Dakota. They will cover weather in parts of Montana that the Montana news stations will not.
I did two television interviews and an on-air interview with the radio station. Holly, my Miss Montana Outstanding Teen, and I will return June 8 for more interviews to promote the Teen program to be held in Sidney on June 10 and the Miss MT program to be held June 14-15-16 in Glendive.

You Never Know When, Where, and Who ......

On Sunday (April 15), I sang special music at the Volmer Lutheran Church – a small church in the rural Dagmar area.
Before the service began I was chatting with some of the men and one ('Big Ed'Smith who ran for Governor of Montana) mentioned he was in the legislature. I asked him when he was in the state legislature and if he happened to know my grandfather who served a long time ago. He said something to the effect of, “Well I’ll be… If this isn’t Alvin Hageman’s granddaughter!”
Mr. Smith knew my grandfather well and said they sponsored many bills together even if they weren’t on the same side of the aisle. He told me that’s how things got done “back in those days” :) A piece of legislation was sponsored by someone from both parties because it was for the good of the people they represented, not just for the loyalty of the party.
My grandpa has been gone for over 10 years but it’s so moving to hear people talk about him who knew him in other capacities than I did.

District 13 Music Festival

Once at the Hoff Ranch, the weather was beautiful.
For the next two days I was at the Medicine Lake School for the District 13 Music Festival. I was an adjudicator for choirs, vocal groups, and solos. Being my first time adjudicating, I was a little nervous but soon found my comfort in the music as I always do. The students were great to work with and I heard some wonderful selections. The music directors were quite open and complimentary which made me so relieved that my experience and education came through!
I performed several songs at the Saturday evening Honors Concert along with their All-District Band and high scoring selections from each school. I had never experienced an audience of that size clapping along to one of my songs…that was cool!

Snow, Snow, and Rau School

In the afternoon of April 11, I visited Rau Elementary School on the other side of Sidney. My Godmother, Vicki, is a retired teacher from Rau and was happy to accompany me to both schools that day. They have a large area rug in the library of a U.S. map. When talking about the National Anthem Project, I thought it was great to be able to show the students Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay. If you don’t know the story behind the Star Spangled Banner, it is well worth your time to read it and while you’re at it, check to make sure you accurately know the words ;)

The weather still wasn’t the best in the afternoon when I was scheduled to travel north. I knew I shouldn’t head out when Avice called and said, “Well, I’m not in the snowbank any longer and am back home now, but I’m not going out again. Stay in Sidney and stay safe!” So I waited another day and did some interviews at the radio station and the newspaper in Sidney.

Springtime in Montana: Brorson School Visit

A ten day excursion to northeast Montana in April marked with snow should not surprise any of us. We are all thankful for the moisture but my spring fever is ready for some more sunshine.
A storm came through the state around April 10 and I was on the road from Billings in rain. By the time I reached Sidney, they had a nice blanket of snow and threats of freezing ice on the highways. I stayed with my God-parents and was happy to arrive before conditions worsened.
The next morning I almost didn’t believe it when I was told that my first school to visit had a total enrollment of five students. Sure enough, Brorson School outside of Sidney has five students, one teacher, and one aide. The most outspoken, of course, was the youngest – a kindergartener and one of only two girls. The other students were in 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades.
I believe this qualifies as my most intimate group yet :) They were fun to work with and we were all on a first name basis by the end of the hour – imagine that!

Golden K Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club is another major service organization that is so valuable in the community.
The Golden K Kiwanis meets regularly at the recreation center in Casa Village (Billings) and has often asked Miss Montana to speak at their meetings over the years. A gentleman by the name of Ralph has hosted and introduced a few of the Miss Montanas and is quite proud of the job. Although he forewarned me on the phone, when I arrived on Monday, April 2, he walked me into the meeting room exclaiming, “Eat your hearts out old buggers!” Quite the character he was.
They asked me to speak for 30 minutes about my experiences as Miss Montana and what I have learned during my year. Needless to say, I had plenty to talk about and much that the members could relate to – especially the National Anthem Project and highlighting its importance. The group was very receptive and they even sang the Montana song to me!
Among the large group I found some familiar faces: former teachers, church members, family friends, not-exactly-related relatives…the norm for me in Billings.

Montana FFA State Convention

The Future Farmers of America held their state convention in Billings March 28-31. I was asked to speak at their Thursday delegate luncheon and to judge their prepared speech contest.
I had encountered some of these young people on my previous travels at the State 4-H Congress in Bozeman, an FFA Banquet in Stevensville, and other schools. I have always been impressed with the leadership qualities of these young men and women, and was even more so after listening to their public speaking. I even learned some intriguing and valuable information from their speeches.
The luncheon was fun sitting with the state officers and also Miss Rodeo Montana and Miss Teen Rodeo Montana. They are both very personable ladies and we had a lot to talk about comparing and contrasting our positions and programs.
I am encouraged when I see organizations like FFA making a strong positive influence on our Montana youth. I wish more young people would get involved with service and character building organizations to experience the same benefits. I know my experience with Job’s Daughters had a tremendously positive impact on my teenage years.

State Finalist Forum

Well, I guess the first signs of a winding down year have shown. The twenty-four finalists for the 2007 Miss Montana Scholarship Program have been selected and the State Finalist Forum was held in Billings on Saturday, March 24.
I was happily satisfied with the potentials for my successor. I am excited for these lovely young women to start or continue their journey with the Miss Montana program. I have often conveyed in my speeches as Miss Montana that in this program, it is not just the top places that receive “prizes” like other pageants. Every contestant receives scholarship and benefits of personal growth no matter where she places.
This year, each contestant is guaranteed at least a $600 scholarship simply by completing the pageant. Over $190,000 in applied scholarships will be awarded. I just wish more people would realize the good that this organization does, not just for the development of the young women who compete but the affect it has on schools across the state and the many causes that Miss Montana works for.

Ag In the Classrooms Awards Luncheon

The third day in Helena I attended the Agriculture in Montana Schools luncheon awarding the winners of their annual bumper sticker contest. I was the keynote speaker and was impressed by the other guests in attendance.
At the head table I sat between the Secretary of State, Brad Johnson, who was the emcee for the luncheon, and Lieutenant Governor, John Bohlinger. I looked on both sides of me and thought, “I’m the keynote speaker?!”
The event was held at the Jorgenson’s Inn and they had tacos for the meal. This was a good choice considering the wide age range of the attendees – six year olds to sixty year olds. I spoke on my own first-hand agriculture education growing up with family on the farm and how it helped me educate others when I lived out of Montana in urban areas. The afternoon went well and the students’ artwork on the bumper stickers was great!

CMN-Shodair-Montana Legislature

March 20, was a special day for one young girl and the Shodair Children’s Hospital. Every year the Children’s Miracle Network hosts Champions Across America by bringing one patient with a success story from each state to gather in Washington D.C. and Florida to promote the cause of the Network.
Shodair is Montana’s only CMN hospital and they chose a young lady named Nicole to be Montana’s Champion. She has had an enormous journey of courage and recovery.
March 20 was the press conference announcing Montana’s representative accompanied by a proclamation in the Montana legislative session. I was asked to speak at the press conference representing the partnership between CMN, the Miss America Organization, and the Miss Montana Scholarship Program. Since this alliance, the Miss Montana Scholarship Program and Shodair Hospital have begun many awareness and philanthropic projects.
After the press conference and lunch at Shodair, I attended the legislative session where Nicole was introduced on the floor of the House and the Senate during the reading of the proclamation. She is a very courageous yet soft spoken young lady. I was touched by her story and encouraged by her mission of recovery.
I returned to Shodair in the afternoon and visited some of the patients. I sang for them in three different age groups and learned a lot about how their hospital operates. I was amazed at how they responded to music and I wish each of them the best recovery possible.

Meeting the Lt. Governor of Montana

My travels to Helena on March 19-21 were filled with a variety of events.
Upon my arrival on the 19th, I met with a group of people organizing the Global National Youth Service Day in Helena on April 21. This planning committee included representatives from AmeriCorps VISTA and the Governor’s office of Community Service. Before our planning meeting, I met Montana's Lieutenant Governor, John Bohlinger. He invited me into his office where 40 students from Circle, Montana were visiting. He and I talked briefly to them about civil service and the job of Miss Montana.
One of the questions asked by a student was, “Where did you get your boots?!” Not exactly the type of question I was expecting but it’s all a part of the job.
I answered, “Well, I’m pretty lucky that these particular boots were sponsored by Dillards in Billings.” I believe she was already planning a special trip to the Dillards shoe department the next time she was in Billings.
After a few pictures with everyone, the planning meeting began. I’m excited about the many activities planned for this event and look forward to returning in April.

DeMolay Legion of Honor Banquet

I guess my dad lucked out this year when he was put in charge of finding a speaker for the DeMolay Legion of Honor dinner in Billings on March 18. He simply recruited his own daughter who happens to be Miss Montana.
The DeMolay Legion of Honor is a group of men recognized by the organization for outstanding service benefiting the Order. They meet once a year with a prime rib dinner and a guest speaker. This year they had both a talk and a little entertainment.
After speaking on my experiences and benefits of Masonic involvement, I sang a few tunes for them. This was another life marker because I knew most of the people and remembered them mainly from my childhood attending Masonic events with my family.
Now it was my turn to stand in front of them and speak about experience…a bit ironic in my mind.

St. Patrick's Day Parade (royal in 50 year-old beauty)

The St. Patrick’s Day parade has been a long held tradition in Billings and when it was threatened to be eliminated due to “insurance reasons,” local citizens decided to take the organization into their own hands. “Save our parade” was formed and found great support in local businesses and volunteers.
On Saturday morning, March 17, I was scheduled to ride in the parade in a convertible donated for use by one of the Moss family members. My mom dropped me off at the starting point but her eyes lit up and volunteer hand shot up when they weren’t sure if they had a driver for my car (a 1957 baby blue T-Bird convertible).
You see, it didn’t have much to do with driving her daughter as it did driving this classic car. The chairman of the “Save our Parade” committee asked if she was that much of a pageant mom. She laughed and said, “No, I just really like cars.”
When we walked to the car there was a driver much to her dismay. However, the car carrying the mayor, Ron Tussing, needed a driver so that’s where she ended up. Instead of watching her daughter in the parade, my mom was driving the mayor – and some people wonder how those jobs are assigned…Luck.
The turnout was wonderful and my smiling muscles were duly conditioned

Heart Ball, Princess Package, & Gelato

I returned to Billings on the 16th to attend the American Heart Association Heart Ball at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom. I greeted the guests at the door in their black tie attire and sang a few songs for them as they began dinner.
Along with a silent auction, their live auction is a main attraction. One of the items was a princess party package that included a signed picture of Miss Montana (imagine that) and a fun day of princess activities.
I was “Vanna” again, walking the items through the tables and encouraging the audience to bid. After dinner they had arranged for a local gelato store to serve yummy gelato for dessert. However, that plan was spoiled after a dinner guest got a little anxious for dessert and tried to help himself before the designated time. The glass cover on the refrigerated display shattered and the ice cream was ruined…ooops. It seemed much more funny afterward and I’m sure the story will be told in humor by the responsible party.

March 14: Western Heritage Art Show

My next adventure was in Great Falls for the Western Heritage Art Association show. The weekend of March 14 is an extremely busy time in Great Falls for artists. There are many shows exhibiting a great variety of art. This show was based at the Holiday Inn and had many amazing artists and fabulous pieces.
I began with the awards program recognizing the judged pieces displayed in the lobby. Artists voluntarily submitted a piece to be judged and then were eligible for awards and even some cash awards. I had never attended an art show and soon became educated on the area of art. It fascinated me probably because I could relate it to the many qualities sought after in music. I chatted with a number of the artists visiting in their gallery rooms and learned how the life of an artist is much the same as a musician :)
The night of the 15th was the quick finish when the artists complete a piece in a specified time and then auction them off with 50% of the proceeds going to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Association. During the auction I helped display the pieces acting as “Vanna.” I was amazed at the process and was even more surprised to see a sculptor participating. This was another culture expanding experience for me and I enjoyed it very much.
My thanks to the association for making me honorary member!

Retirement Homes & Flu Bug

After returning home from Dutton and Brady, I came down with a bug that left me feeling pretty crummy for a few days. So much in fact that the retirement homes where I was scheduled to sing during the next week had to be canceled. Not until March 8 was I well enough to visit Tendernest out on the west end of Billings. I sang to two groups of residents who were very happy to hear me. I will try to reschedule those who I missed later in the spring. They all deserve a little entertainment.

Dancing Stars: February 10

The Billings St. Vincent’s Hospital, in conjunction with Spirit of Women, put together a Day of Dance with local “Dancing Stars” on February 17. Well, I guess Miss Montana qualifies as a local star so that meant I had to learn a dance.
I gave them plenty of options saying that I love to salsa and swing…but I think I was the youngest in their group of celebrities so that qualified me to dance….Hip Hop. It turned out to be a lot of fun. They paired me with Chris Dixon, the quarterback of the Billings Outlaws indoor football team who was much more familiar with Hip Hop than I certainly was. We learned the dance from Kasey at CDS the Edge and performed it in front of a good size crowd in center court of Rimrock Mall.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of heart disease so they had great information and testing stations for cholesterol, blood pressure, stroke assessment, and so forth. The dancing was just a fun excuse to come out and learn!