Everyone is busy completing the national application and paperwork. Just a few reminders for all of you this month.

Coordinator Updates

By now everyone should have received their packet of information for nationals. Remember, the first half of the application fee and paperwork are due May 18. The second half of the application fee and paperwork are due June 18. As a reminder, these are “due by” dates, NOT postmark deadlines. Please advise your titleholders that if their paperwork and/or money is late, they will not be able to participate in the national pageant. We recommend that they submit their paperwork and funds to you, their coordinator, a week before the national due date. That way, you know that they are keeping up their end of the deal and no one is surprised if deadlines are not met.

The Ms. Wheelchair America Board of Directors is please to welcome Laura Abdelaziz as the incoming Executive Director. Laura comes to Ms. Wheelchair America with over twenty-five years providing specialized services to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. She has worked with local, state, and federal agencies as well as public and private organizations providing oversight for community-based programs. Laura is the proud mother of three children and seventeen grandchildren. She is currently completing work towards a Master’s Degree in Special Education at George Washington University. Laura first became involved with Ms. Wheelchair America as a volunteer for the Ms. Wheelchair Maryland and Ms. Wheelchair DC state programs. She served as a judge at the MWA National Pageants in 2000 and 2001. She is looking forward to providing support to solidify and enhance current state programs; and assisting in the development of new programs in those states where MWA does not have active programs.

News from Autumn Grant, MWA 2007

Having experienced the 2007 Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Pageant from ‘the other side’ of the process, I have a new appreciation for all the work that you put into your programs! All the hard work of the Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts pageant committee paid off, when we held our pageant with five contestants on April 7th. Congratulations to Kristen McCosh of South Boston, Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007. On April 18th, I had the honor of being included in Massasoit Community College disAbility Awareness Day; I met so many wonderful people that day and secured more appearances for June. At the end of the month I was off to Las Vegas for the MedTrade convention. I was able to cut the ribbon during the convention’s opening ceremonies and sign autographs during a party by the pool. Even though my reign may be coming to end, I am not slowing down at all! May looks to be one of my busiest months yet.

Ms. Wheelchair America 2008 in Maryland

This year Robert Watson has some fun and games planned for the state gift exchange. The exchange will take place on Tuesday night of pageant week. Each titleholder is asked to identify a song from her home state and send this information to Laura. It does not have to be your “official state song” although that is certainly fine. Please remind your titleholder that she will need to complete this task - you might even help her identify a fun song!

Judy Hoit would like to remind all coordinators about the “Coordinator Corner” that will be a part of this summer’s national pageant during the “Wheels of Dreams” tradeshow:

Wednesday, July 25th all coordinators are invited to be part of the “Coordinator’s Corner” at the tradeshow. This is a time when you can display items you have made, and want to sell, or maybe you want to bring brochures to show off your state. This corner is yours! If you have questions, contact Judy Hoit and see her “dream pillowcases” !

Finally….a note from the ED

I am happy to welcome Laura Abdelaziz to the Ms. Wheelchair America organization. Laura will serve as incoming Executive Director and will be assisting Robert Watson with preparations for the national pageant. If she has not already contacted you to learn about your state program, expect to hear from her in the upcoming weeks.

I know we are all busy helping our titleholders prepare for the national pageant. I hope that many of you will be able to join us this summer in Maryland for the 35th annual pageant. Wouldn’t it be great to have all coordinators present for this important achievement?