"Buffalo Hospice House 5k Run" by Megan Muehlberg

 

Arriving at Buffalo, we were all in coats and wishing we had mittens.  It was chilly out on the afternoon of May 5^th.  We were there to help start the 5K Run for the Hospice House. 

 

 

 Sarah Tichich invited us to help with this spectacular event.  Along with starting the event, we also got to cheer on the runners and walkers when they were on their way back to the finish line! 

 

 Andrea, Charity and I had so much fun helping with the freeing of the butterflies, even though it was to cold for real ones. We got to put a name on a paper flower or butterfly to pray for a loved one who has passed away! The experience was moving and very spiritual.                                             

 

 Megan Muehlberg

Miss Teen Minnesota 2013

"Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Event at the Galleria" by Megan Muehlberg

 

What a nice event!!  Donnell Rank, Mrs Minnesota 2007  invited the three queens, Andrea Bennett-Xiong, Mrs. Minnesota International, Charity Bess, Miss Minnesota International and I, Miss Teen Minnesota International to the Hope Chest event at the Galleria in Edina on Sunday morning, May 5th.   

 

 It was fun to see the grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends there raising money for breast cancer.  This organization has been around since 2003 and helps raise money for women who have breast cancer and have no medical insurance.  They put on events like Sunday’s, to raise money for uninsured women as well as have retail stores in St. Paul and Wayzata to raise money.  I am grateful to Donnell for inviting me to this event and send my prayers to her for a speedy recovery.  I love you Donnell.  You are a great speech coach!!

Donnell Rank, Mrs. Minnesota 2007

      Megan Muehlberg                        

     Miss Teen Minnesota 2013

"5K Butterfly Hospice Run" by Charity Bess

This weekend we traveled to Buffalo Minnesota for the 5K Butterfly Hospice Run, in honor of the Butterfly Hospice House. This was a fun day because earlier that morning, we were at the 11th Annual Galleria Brunch and fashion Show, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

 

 

We had a great day. Megan drove my car ( because I was tired) and Andrea and Denise(Megan's mother) led us! We had a great chance to bond and get to know each other better on the trip. When we arrived, we met the staff, runners and other pageant royalty. We were lucky to get a beautiful, but chilly day that ended up being fine once the sun came out.  As we cheered the runners to the finish line, thoughts of sprinting ran through my mind. I miss running, and I  am so happy we had the chance to support the runners who ran for such a great cause.

 

Charity Bess

Miss Minnesota 2013       

"Big Lake Ambassador Style Show" by Andrea Bennett Xiong

 

Megan, Andrea and Charity at the Big Lake Ambassador Style Show

 

It was a beautiful sunny day in Minnesota and my sister Queens and I headed to the Big Lake Ambassador Style Show.  This is one of the many events that the Big Lake Ambassador candidates take part in and we were happy to be a part of it.  We enjoyed meeting these lovely ladies during the event as well as their families.  Each gal displayed her personal style on the runway and I loved seeing them sparkle.  Megan, Charity, and I were allowed the opportunity to speak about our platforms and the benefits of the Minnesota International Program.

Megan, Charity, and Andrea talking with Big Lake Ambassador Candidates



Megan, Charity and Andrea with the Big Lake Ambassadors, Sarah , Ashley, Hannah, and Samantha .

Although I was not feeling very well that day, I was so happy to be present to support these ladies.  We had the chance to visit some more with the current Big Lake Ambassadors and candidates after the show.   I am glad that I was there because I was able to share more about my platform with a woman that approached me and told me her story.  She had the courage to share with me that she was in an abusive relationship and that she was thinking of leaving.  She said that my platform, “Love Is Not Abuse [Dating Violence Education]” resonated with her.  I have heard that someone will leave their abusive partner many times and each time I recognize that I am not able to ultimately decide whether or not someone is truly ready to leave and that they follow through.  However, I always pray that they have the courage, that they remember and hold onto any amount of strength they may have, and that they step into the unknown to claim and live their best life.  I believe this woman that she will leave her husband and begin the journey of reclaiming and living her best life.  When she does, I look forward to congratulating her. 

Andrea, Megan, and Charity with Big Lake Ambassador Candidates.

Ladies, Thank you for having us and until next time Big Lake!  I look forward to seeing who the next Big Lake Ambassadors and Jr. Ambassadors will be.  Sending my very best wishes to all of the ladies!

 

With gratitude,

Andrea Bennett Xiong

Mrs. Minnesota International 2013

"Metro Friendship Foundation Fundraiser" By Charity Bess

 

          At the 2013 Metro Friendship Foundation Fundraiser.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We met children with autism who were so amazing! What an inspiration to be around individuals who fight to keep their strength and find happiness in life, regardless of what they are going through.                                                                                               

 

Miss Minnesota 2013                                                                                Charity Bess

 

 

 

 

"Big Lake Ambassador Style Show" by Megan Muehlberg

The day was sunny (finally) in Minnesota and nearing 80 degrees.  All the queens met at our home and we started off for Big Lake to their Ambassador Style Show.  Despite getting lost a couple of times (yes, we had three GPS’s and written directions out but still managed to get lost – my mom is directionally challenged (her words, not mine)), we made it to the Big Lake location.  We welcomed the candidates and their family and friends to the style show and watched them show their individual style. 

 

 

 

It was the first time we had to stand up and talk about our platforms since I won my title.  I was excited and a bit nervous.  Everyone was very nice and the day was great.  After the style show, a mother came up to me and said she thought her son may have Auditory Processing Disorder.  I gave her one of my brochures and we talked about things he could do to get tested and help him at school.  These are the memories I want to carry with me because I feel like I am really making a difference in people’s lives.  I hope I gave that mother and in turn, her son, hope for his future. 

 

Megan Muehlberg

Miss Teen Minnesota 2013

"Happy Earth Week” by Andrea Bennett Xiong

Andrea enjoying a canoe trip at Keller Lake

Happy Earth Day (April 22^nd)!  Earth Day is a chance for people around the world to celebrate the home that we are so privileged to inhabit.  This is one of my favorite days of the year because to me it is not just a day, I celebrate it every day and it is a commitment weaved into my way of living.  Growing up I learned to be environmentally friendly.  My family would do things such as recycle and reusing products/items when possible.  We also adopted a highway in northern Minnesota in honor of my grandmother, Joan Boatang, and would clean up this stretch of highway a few times during the year.  I saved energy by turning out the lights, forgo on using a grocery bag when possible or using a reusable grocery bag, driving or traveling with a more fuel efficient vehicle, biking, or using other forms of transportation, etc. etc. 

I had many opportunities to participate and be involved in “green living” and I hope that you will find ways to include this in your lifestyle as well.  I went to a school called Dowling Urban Environmental Learning Center which weaved the environment into our learning. During the school’s annual celebration of Earth Day each of my classmates and I were sent home with a baby tree to plant. During college graduation Denison University celebrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by offering graduates a green ribbon to pin to their robe. 

Today there will be many opportunities to participate in appreciating the earth including park cleanup and recycling runs.  There will be green exhibitors, farmers, and shopping tips available as well as museum displays and nature center sessions.  If everyone does a little, it can have a huge positive effect on our environment.  That being said, many of my Native American ancestors believed that whatever you do during your time here will affect seven generations.  Therefore, we must be mindful in how we treat our planet earth as our children, grandchildren, and several generations will see the effects of our actions.  I encourage you to choose wisely in caring for our home.  Again wishing you a Happy Earth Day, Earth Week, Earth Month, and Earth EVERYDAY!

Best Wishes,

Andrea Bennett Xiong

Mrs. Minnesota International 2013

"My goals as Mrs. Minnesota International 2013" by Andrea Bennett Xiong

Wow!  How time flies and I am excited to continue my journey as Mrs. Minnesota International.  Thank you to all of you who have requested my presence at your special event or organization and please continue to do so.  Allow me to share some of my goals for the upcoming year.

As Mrs. Minnesota International I will:

1.  Volunteer and speak at schools, organizations, and events throughout Minnesota to spread my message that “Love Is Not Abuse-Dating Violence Prevention and Education.”  Provide young adults and adults with tools to recognize and prevent Dating Violence.  This will education and empower our future generations to break the cycle of domestic violence before it ever occurs in the first place.

2.  Tap into the resources of recently passed legislation, the Violence Against Women Act, to make Love Is Not Abuse curriculum more accessible to Minnesota schools.

3.  Continue to advocate for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign to prevent Heart Disease, the #1 killer in America, and promote living a heart healthy life.

4.  Promote the Minnesota International Pageant and its mission to celebrate the accomplishments of women and the many roles they play.  I will encourage women to make a difference by representing their cities and counties in the 2014 Minnesota International pageant and serve as a resource to support them in their endeavors.

5.  Represent Minnesota at the Mrs. International Pageant on July 19^th and 20^th in Chicago, Illinois.

 

 

 

With gratitude,

Andrea Bennett Xiong

Mrs. Minnesota International 2013

 

" A Journey That Never Ends" by Charity Bess

 

As Miss Minnesota International, I hope to accomplish several things with my platform, Changing Lives Through Girl Scouts Mentoring this year.  As Miss Minneapolis, I established my own Girl Scouts Troop in North Minneapolis. As Miss Minnesota International, I have continued what I started by working with the Governor of Minnesota to establish Mentor’s Matter day. It is very important to use my crown to help reach young girls in my community and around the world. Being a positive Role Model is a responsibility that I proudly accept. My future plans as a leader include, working with the Girl Scouts Organization on a National and International level. My long-term goal is to establish a troop internationally! I have been working very hard  making sure my dreams come true, and I plan to continue working until my dreams become a reality, like they did on March 16^th when I was crowned Miss Minnesota International.

 

Thank you for reading my blog,

Charity Bess

Miss Minnesota International

" I would like to become more like sisters" by Megan Muehlberg

With the long and short terms goals I have set for myself on my platform, I have already begun speaking about APD Awareness. It’s always been a dream of mine to have this title and now that I do, all I want to do is speak about it. I’m so passionate and ready to let everyone in Minnesota know about this auditory learning disability. I know that it might take more than a few months to make ALL of Minnesota know about APD but it’s more of a long term goal. Currently I am working with my national organization (NCAPD.org) on making an APD Awareness video to produce for the public so they can learn more about APD. I was also asked to Co-write a book with the President and founder of my national organization.

As of my personal goals, I want to grow as a person and make those who are friends, my close friends. By growing up with the International Pageant System, I already know those who have done and whom have one the previous years. I love my pageant family and I’m glad to know such strong and amazing women. I would like to become more like actual sisters with my sister queens, with all the appearances I have already done with them; it’s coming easier than I thought it would! They know how to take care of their baby sister!

 

Megan Meuhlberg

Miss Teen Minnesota 2013