The nights are getting longer and holiday decorations are appearing everywhere. People are preparing for the winter holiday season. We know that for many of you, this is a time of year when you might take a holiday from your Ms. Wheelchair work for a week or two. Before you do, please read the following updates and information.

Coordinator Updates

Congratulations to those states who held successful pageants in November. We have new state titleholders in District of Columbia, Kentucky and Maryland. There are no state pageants scheduled for December but January will see state pageants resume.

The MWA Board of Directors Annual Meeting was held November 19 and 20. Board members reviewed the surveys from the national pageant and discussed many topics. In response to coordinator input, we are preparing a summary of the meeting to share with all of you. Look for this summary to be distributed in mid-December.

One topic of discussion at the meeting was the MWA website, and website consistency among the states. MWA is moving the website to a new server and web host. We hope to launch the site any day now, as final preparations are being made. There may be a period of 1-2 days when access to the site is limited while the changes are completed. The address will remain the same but the site will offer an updated look and updated options. In preparation for the change, Denise has been visiting state websites to ensure all states are using the same criteria and information. Once your site content has been approved, a link to your state page will be created on the national site. If you are unsure of the required elements, please refer to your state coordinator’s manual, specifically the latest addition of the website protocols.

As a reminder, states are permitted to use the official criteria for entry and the official history information without seeking permission from MWA. States are not permitted to use the MWA logo or other written information contained on the website without first asking permission from the MWA Board as this information is copyrighted.

News from Kristen Connors, MWA 2006

Happy December everyone. I hope you are all set for the holiday season. I began November by attending the Ms. Wheelchair Maryland state pageant on November 4th and 5th. I was honored to be given my first opportunity to serve as a judge. While there, I also had the opportunity to attend the Washington Post annual Music and Dance Scholarship Awards. On November 17th I was given the honor of speaking at the Disability Awareness Training Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland sponsored the Baltimore Federal Executive Board’s Disability Awareness Advisory Committee. I spoke about my platform and was able to hear from other speakers in the field of disability awareness.

I am happy to say that Ms. Wheelchair America received front and center seats once again at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I was honored to be able to sit right in Herald Square and watch the parade. It was an amazing experience and one that I know will be a highlight of this year.

Well, that is it for this month. I would like to wish each of you Happy Holidays. I already have many events planned for next year and I look forward to sharing my travels with you. See you next year!

Looking ahead to 2006

Even though we are heading into winter, it is not too early to consider the next national pageant. Ms. Wheelchair America 2007, “Women of Strength,” will take place July 31 - August 6, 2006. Ida Esh’t and her host state committee have already been hard at work with preparations for the pageant.

One major change is that next year’s pageant will be extended for one more day. The welcome dinner and orientation for contestants and companions will be MONDAY night, July 31. This will allow for the return of a “fun day,” a suggestion made on many of last year’s surveys. This will also allow us to spread the judging sessions out over a longer period of time, allowing the judges to have more opportunities to get to know the contestants. And, it will give the titleholders more time to spend networking with each other, one of the highlights of the national pageant.

The addition of an extra night caused the MWA Board to consider the national pageant entry fee. After much discussion, the Board voted to approve an increase in the pageant entry fee to $1500. We recognize that some of you have already begun your fundraising efforts. We also realize that fundraising is something that most state programs work very diligently at and wanted to let you know of the change as soon as possible to help you better prepare.

One of the theme nights for the pageant will be “Christmas in July.” Each state will be asked to bring a holiday ornament from their home state to place on the holiday tree that will be decorated on this theme night. Ida suggested we share this information with all coordinators now, since you might have more ease finding an appropriate ornament now, while they are still seasonal. Or, you may even wait until the after holiday sales and find a great bargain!

Finally….a note from the ED

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season- so many parties to go to, cookies to eat, gifts to plan for. Whew! It makes me tired just looking at the calendar! I’m sure that I’m not the only one who sometimes finds that December is almost over and I haven’t had time to enjoy a peaceful holiday moment.

Whatever holiday traditions you may celebrate, my sincere wish for all of you is that you find a moment to enjoy this season. All of you work with such dedication throughout the year and deserve a peaceful moment to recharge your minds and spirit.

May the coming year be filled with peace, love and happiness for all. Happy Holidays!