Miss Coon Rapids

Rotary International
One of my favorite things to do as Miss Minnesota is speak at Rotary Club meetings about my platform, "Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece." I focus on three "missing pieces" related to autism: social skills programs in school systems, employment opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and awareness and understanding of the condition. Rotary was founded in 1905 as the world's first service organization, and there are now over 34,000 community-based programs internationally. Rotary members are likeminded in their passion for serving others, and thusly, they are very receptive to my presentation. Thank you to the Waconia and Minneapolis Rotary Clubs for inviting me to speak to your members during the past month. |
MusicLink Foundation Event at Mall of America

MusicLink has the mission of helping to provide music lessons to children in need. By partnering with teachers, schools and businesses, MusicLink is able to provide lessons, music, practice instruments and Summer Music Camp Scholarships to hundreds of children, who would not otherwise be able to afford them. I personally benefitted from piano and voice lessons as well as summer music camps (at St. Olaf!) when I was growing up. MusicLink ensures that all children have the opportunity to experience the joy of music!
This year the MusicLink Foundation is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. They have set a goal to reach 5,000 students nationwide by the end of 2012 and to have MusicLink programs in all 50 states. They currently have reached 4,948 students and are in 45 states, so they are on target to reach this goal. In Minnesota alone, there are 95 teachers currently teaching 305 MusicLink students. Money raised at the Mall of America event will help to bring music education to even more Minnesota students in need. To learn how to support the MusicLink Foundation, please visit www.musiclinkfoundation.org.
KS95 Tour de Grove
Steps of Hope is coming up! March 4 at Ridgedale Mall!
February is I Love to Read Month!
-Burroughs Community School in Minneapolis
My favorite conversation of the day:
Child: Do you live in a castle or a house?
Me: I live in a house.
Child: Oh, so you're RICH then?
Me: Nope! I'm a regular girl just like everyone else!
Child: Oh. (Walks away.)