Special Olympics Summer Games

May 12th through the 14th I spent my days in Bozeman at the Montana Special Olympics State Summer Games and let me tell you it was AMAZING!!! I am totally inspired by the athletes of Montana and the people involved with Montana Special Olympics. There is absolutely no way that anyone could go there and volunteer and not enjoy themselves. The athletes were so grateful to have me there to hand them their shiny medals. Wednesday was the first day and I headed over to help with the awards for softball throw and tennis ball throw. The weather did not want to cooperate and by 1230 when it was time for me to head over to the gymnastics portion, I looked like a wet dog (thank goodness I

had my outdoor hat in the pickup rather than my Jimmy hat!!) Even though everyone was freezing, the athletes stuck with it, which I thought was awesome. After that I went over to the North Gym, switched hats, pulled my hair back and went to the exciting event. Miss Montana America was there, Britney Wiser, and we really hit it off. I hope to spend some more time with her before she hands off her title. Both Britney and I were invited to the VIP reception held before the opening ceremonies that night. I had just enough time to run home, recurl my hair and get back to the festivities. I am so glad I went!! The opening ceremonies was SO COOL. They had high school pep bands playing, dance teams dancing and EVERYONE was cheering! They had some great presentations, I cried during one of them. Thursday was the equestrian portion and I was really excited for that. When I arrived at the arena several events were going on. Working trail outside and equitation inside. After all was over, I helped the law enforcement with the awards. Thursday night was the dance/carnival and WOW what an event it was! The band was awesome, the prizes they had were spectacular and there was a huge line at the table they had set up for me to sign autographs for the whole 3 hours. I am glad I brought a bunch of autograph sheets. I think I signed 300 or more! The next morning was the closing ceremonies. The Havre teams were there and I was able to sit with them during the presentation. They were drawing for the Chevy pickup along with other prizes, I was crossing my fingers all morning hoping they would draw my name for something. They sold over 67,000 tickets!!!!! After the closing ceremonies we all headed over to the track. There, I again helped the law enforcement with awards. They had 3 award stands set up so the events went by really fast. The weather was fantastic and I have quite the "hand" tan now. Overall, my days at the special olympics were amazing. Everyone was so glad that I could make it and I am so glad I went!! I think that is an event that we should never miss!

PHOTO COURTESTY OF CAMERA GEEK PHOTO

Billings Outlaws Game

James Walton "Mr. Saturday Night"

On May 8th, I was invited to flip the coin at the beginning of the Billings Outlaws Game. Thank you to Linda Rest and Lucille Hill for setting this awesome appearance up for me. I had never been to an indoor arena football game so I was very excited for the event. I just might be hooked! The outlaws were playing the Fairbanks Grizzlies. During the pregame I had the chance to meet some of the players and got to see what all happens behind the scenes of the game. When it was time for me to flip the coin, I was introduced and walked out with one of the officials. Luckily, the coin was pretty big and I just had to toss it in the air, rather than flipping it like a quarter. I even got to KEEP the coin! My friend Lorissa and I were able to watch the game from the VIP section, we were so close to the field, Lorissa was almost hit by a tumbling player!! At half time I headed up to the main concourse where I signed several autograps, including a kid's forehead. After the first half, we were able to sit right behind the team. That was REALLY cool. We were able to hear what the coaches were saying to the players. The Outlaws ended up winning 46-24. Thanks to Andy & Linda Rest and Lorissa Harris for letting me stay at their house, even though I had my basset hound, Josie. Lorissa's dog, Quigly and Josie got along great

Gunsmoke

These boys were such a hoot. They couldn't

stop laughing!

NWMT Pageant Clinic

April 30 I headed to Kalispell for the Northwest Montana Pro Rodeo Pageant Clinic. A big thanks to Alyssa Hadley, Miss Northwest Montana Pro Rodeo queen and her family for opening up their home to me. When I first arrived I met with the board of directors and current royalty, Alyssa Hadley is Queen and Savannah Gentry is Little Miss, Hannah Davis the princess was unable to attend, for some tasty pizza at McKenzie River. It was great to get to know them and talk about what was going to go on at the clinic. The next morning we headed to the fairground for the clinic.What a great turn out there was! Several princess contestants and quite a few Little Miss contestants! Alyssa and Savannah, along with the board of directors did such a great job getting people with expertise in public speaking, hair & makeup, interview and horsemanship to come in and visit with all of the girls. I am so excited to see how the pageant goes starting in June. I wish all of the contestants the best of luck and cannot wait to work with them at the Northwest Montana Pro Rodeo held in Kalispell in August.

Northwest Montana Pageant

Chairman Mike Twillman