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Saturday, October 27, 2012

University of Missouri Homecoming Parade

Hi All!

Today I had the opportunity to ride in the University of Missouri Homecoming Parade.  While it was a very early morning and quite chilly, I had a great time!  Maikieta and I both forgot to wear gloves so we did our best to keep our fingers from going numb by throwing generous amounts of bubble gum to spectators.  It became quite obvious why I was a track and field athlete and not a softball player- I don't have much of an arm.  As we waved to the crowds, it was so cool to hear people call out, "It's Miss Columbia!"  or respond to the M-I-Z with our own Z-O-U.  I am so lucky to get to represent such an awesome community with a rich educational history like MU.  Check out the pictures-  Dave worked hard to get some awesome shots.  He followed us through the entire parade route and at the end proclaimed that he didn't need any Jazzercise today!







Saturday, October 20, 2012

A Busy Day!

Today was one of the busiest days I have had in a while!  Whew!

I had an early morning as I delivered some goods for NEMO Heart Health as they were going to be walking in the Truman homecoming parade.  While I wanted to participate in the activities as I am now an official alumnus, I didn't hang around for the parade or football game.  Instead I took the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam. (Sounds like the obvious alternative to a parade and celebration, huh?)  As a health science major at Truman I learned all about assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating health-related programs at the community level.  I think the exam went well and I should find out in a couple of months if I passed and am a CHES!

After the exam, I ran to the grocery store to pick up some goods for the Buddy Pack Fundraiser.  As I was walking in, I ran into the Northeast Counties OT and preteen title holders!  They looked beautiful as they had just concluded riding in the parade... and yes, they are sisters.


Next I headed down to Columbia for the Buddy Pack Kids Carnival hosted by Big O Tires.  The Buddy Pack Program is coordinated by the Food Bank which is a food collection and distribution center that serves central and northeast Missouri.  This volunteer-based organization helps to provide food for over 100,000 people every month.  The Buddy Pack Program is specifically for school aged children that are receiving free or reduced meals from schools.  This allows students to take home meals over weekends or holidays to provide nutrition they might not otherwise be getting.  I have been so incredibly fortunate that I do not have to wonder where my next meal is coming from and a luxury that I definitely take for granted.  If you have the ability, I encourage you to donate to this program as so many in our community need this service!  

Big O Tires generously hosted a carnival as fundraiser for the Buddy Pack Program.  There were lots of families and kids decked out in their Halloween costumes, games, bouncy houses and tasty treats.  

Maikieta, Rachel and I worked the Cake Walk!

 (I'm pretty sure the wheel wasn't balanced correctly because it kept landing on #19.)

The robotics team from a local high school created this machine that would expel basketballs.  It made for a great game- at least for those who are more coordinated than I am!  

Our lovely coordinator who helped organize such a great event!

Big Foot was there!

The football team from a local high school team was also there to volunteer.  They helped call out numbers when I needed a break... and when the wheel kept landing on the same number for me.

It is actually the greatest feeling when people ask if they can get their picture taken with you!

The cake walk was the busiest game at the carnival- we gave away all of our prizes!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had a great time for a great time!

Finally, I drove back home to Kirksville where I was invited to sing at a "Taste of World" event hosted by the Rotary Club at Pickler's Famous.   


I was joined by the Northeast Counties titleholders and we were able to perform for many community members and Truman alumni.  

I sang the pieces I performed at the Miss Missouri, Miss Columbia and National Sweetheart Pageants.  

What a day!  I think I'm going to go to bed now.


Thursday, October 11, 2012

On-Stage Question Redo: going GREEN

If you were unable to attend the Miss Columbia pageant, my onstage question was about sustainability and what I was doing to go green.  Of course, at the time I came up with a less than eloquent answer but as I have had time to reflect I have a different response.

I think that sometimes it is so easy to feel like our actions can't make much of a difference.  In a world of 7 billion people, is biking to work or using canvas shopping bags going to have an impact?  Now, I won't try to pretend to be an expert.  I really have no idea if recycling is actually decreasing our net energy spent or reducing the amount of waste that is produced.  What I  do know, however, is that many of our environmental practices are based on our culture.  I truly believe that if you want a lasting change in a community, you must do it by changing the culture.  (This goes for health practices as well, but I'll save that for another day.)

For example, I am an admission counselor so a large responsibility for my job is attending college fairs.  It is common practice for the host institution to provide the  admission representatives with bottled water.  While this is much appreciated as it's never long before I start to go hoarse as I explain how wonderful my school is to students and families, I am constantly carrying out half consumed bottles which are then stored in my vehicle until I have to return the car to my employer.  I then find the nearest recycling bin (or if none are near, trashcan) and dispose of them.  In any given week in which I am traveling, I could attend up to 10 college fairs which means 10 different bottles of water.  Instead of taking the bottle of water offered at every fair, I could use a refillable container.  This doesn't seem like a big deal however if we could then multiply my ten less bottles by the over all of the educational institutions and the nearly 5 months of traveling  throughout the year, suddenly we're talking about a huge amount of water and plastic.  It's simply a matter of changing common and acceptable practices.

I encourage you all to reflect upon the three Rs- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- and don't think that your contribution is too small!  Together we can change our culture and create a more sustainable environment.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Welcome!

My name is Jenny and I am absolutely thrilled to be serving as Miss Columbia 2013!  As I begin my year of service, I'm looking forward to partnering with the Children's Miracle Network and the Women's and Children's Hospital in Columbia.  In addition to that, I'm excited to continue promoting my personal platform of heart health and AED awareness.  Check back often to learn more about the Miss America and Miss Missouri Organizations and to keep up with me!