Holocaust Memorial Day

This past July when I had a little bit of down time during the 2011 Miss Teen International pageant in Chicago, I toured the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. I could have spent an entire day there, learning about this devasting event in history and remembering the victims of this tragedy.

January 27^th is Holocaust Memorial Day and International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. I encourage you to take a moment and pause for these silent victims today. 

Hitler’s “Final Solution” was to kill all German Jews, as well as Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the mentally and physically disabled, and anyone who resisted Nazi power, in order to restore Germany after the harsh reparations placed on them after World War I.

11 million people suffered but the sympathizing hearts are countless.

Jurnee Carr

NASCAR Goes Red

If you are a multi-tasker, like myself, you don’t ever find yourself at a loss for ways to help. As many know, the Super Bowl and 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will start in just a month. This is also the time of year for NASCAR Sprint Media Tour Week where journalists from around the world visit Charlotte, North Carolina for all the big announcements prior to the start of the race season. But, while the world is mesmerized by planning their Super Bowl gatherings, and watch parties for the Daytona 500, please remember February is also National Heart Month.  

As Mrs. International, being a volunteer and advocate for the American Heart Association has been a wonderful opportunity. I am honored to have been selected as the emcee for the Go Red for Women event in NYC for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. Countless hours have been invested behind the scenes to make sure this event is a success along with other local market activation.  

I am very appreciative of the support from NASCAR. In the month of February, the NASCAR logo on the NASCAR Plaza building in Uptown Charlotte will be illuminated bright red in support of National Heart Month. Visitors to the NASCAR Plaza and NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is connected to the NASCAR Plaza, will also be able to view the Survivor Gallery in the lobby, cut-out red dress posters and messaging throughout the building and in the elevators.  

I encourage you to contact your local AHA office, or visit their website. There are many ways you can raise awareness for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd and National Heart Month this February.  

Janet Bolin 

Resurrection 2012

Over 5,000 teens from all over East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia gathered in Gatlinburg, TN this past weekend for one incredible experience: Resurrection 2012! Resurrection is a Christian youth conference held annually since 1985 to remind teens that they are not alone in their walk with Christ.

Even though the weather was rainy, the clouds didn’t stop us from having an incredible worship experience! Reggie Dabbs was our speaker. He is a foster care child and grew up dealing with suicide. His message to us was that no matter where we come from or what your past is, God has a new path set out for you. Not only was he absolutely hilarious, but he related with well with us. One of my favorite Christian bands performed as well-Leeland! Saturday night they took over the stage and led us in worship. It was such a great experience to sing to our God with such an awesome band.

My friend, Courtney Woolwine, came along with me! I am so thankful that she was able to be there to experience the conference with me!

Over 5,000 people squished together to worship 1 God!

During our free time, the girls in my youth group and I played games and snacked at our cabin. We played a game where one person would be blindfolded and had to apply makeup to her partner’s face! That was definitely a knee slapper!

Resurrection was a moving experience I am very thankful for. The new friendships that were made and fellowships that were shared is definitely something I will never forget. "And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, 'We've never seen anything like this before!'" -Mark 2:12

Jurnee Carr

Be an Angel-Buy a Bracelet- Save a Life!

Did you know that on average, 3,000 children die everyday from Malaria?  Malaria is an easily treatable and preventable disease.  It is a mosquito borne infectious disease that is transmitted through a single mosquito bite.  With the exception of very rare cases, Malaria has been eliminated in the United States.  However, it still poses a serious risk to people living in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and certain regions of South America.   

Malaika For Life is dedicated to eradicating Malaria.  Malaika means angel in Swahili, and   through the sale of bracelets, Malaika For Life acts as an angel for thousands of children who are at risk for contacting Malaria.   So how does it work?  The bracelets sold by Malaika For Life are made by women in the Tamiha Women’s Program, which is an organization dedicated to empowering impoverished women in Tanzania.

 $5 from the sale of each bracelet goes towards the purchase and distribution of malaria medication.  $5 may seem like a nominal amount of money.  But, lifesaving malaria medication costs $10, which is a small fortune to those living in the most affected regions.   The remaining    goes towards expenses and wages for the women.  Not only is Malaika For Life leading the fight against malaria, but it is also supporting economic development.     If you have a moment, take a moment to check out this amazing organization. http://malaikaforlife.org/

Ciji Dodds

Miss International 2011

New Workouts!

I get bored with the same old workout routine.  I love running, however… there are times when I’m on the treadmill and I can’t help but think “Who the heck am I running from?!?!”   So here are 5 new activities that will add some spice to your workout routine.  As with anything, please consult your physician before taking part in any and all exercises. 

Barre Classes:  When you think of a ballerina’s body, you think of a strong, muscular, yet feminine physique.  I’ve always taken ballet classes for that very reason.  I’ve found them to be a great way to stay toned and in shape.  I’ve recently discovered and fallen in love with barre classes. Barre classes provide me with the best that ballet has to offer.  Using ballet barre exercises, barre classes help you sculpt a dancer’s body.  Some even fuse barre exercises with pilates.  It is an intense and fun way to build strength and muscle. 

Zumba:  The name is enough to get you excited!  Zumba is a high energy latin- dance  inspired exercise program.  One class and you will be hooked!  A lot of people are intimidated by the dance moves, but there is no need to let your inhibitions get the best of you.  Based on my experience, you’re too busy having fun and sweating to worry about messing up!

Indoor Rock Climbing:  I envy those who are brave enough to go outside and climb a magnificent rock.  While I’m sure that it is exhilarating, I am risk averse, and therefore indoor rock climbing is the thing for me.  It’s one of those things that looks easy, but once you’re on the wall, it’s a different story!  It works out muscles that you didn’t even know that you had!

Fitness Boot Camp:  I love a good boot camp!  Fitness boot camps are a form of group exercise that are usually led by a single instructor. Typically, you are taken through a series of exercise circuits.   Boot camps come in many forms, however, I prefer short term boot camps (2 to 4 weeks) as a way of adding intensity or jump starting my workout routine.  In your face instructors and exhausting exercises keep you motivated and on your toes!

Spinning:  Spinning is a great work out!  But I will warn you, as far as workouts go, it is an acquired taste :)  It’s one of those things that I do when I need  swift kick in the rear!  The first spin class that I took, I almost quit half way through!  My pride was the only thing that made me stay.  Either way, if you decide to take a spin class be prepared, go at your own pace and enjoy the ride!

Ciji Dodds

Take a Stand

Why are there so many issues that we face today? Our government has taken the initiative to intercede on many problems and try to fix them. But why are 50,000 people forced into slavery in the U.S.? Why are 3 million American children abused every year? Why are 6 million animals euthanized every year?  Because it is our duty to be a voice for the silent. It is up to us to create change for those suffering from the statistics.

Gandi addressing a crowd

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi. These immortal words will always be treasured, because Gandhi truly lived his life as a selfless act to others. He saw that he himself could change things if he set his heart and mind to it.  His words have also impacted me to fight for what I believe in. It makes me almost sick to think that an animal is injected with a lethal weapon and killed every 6 seconds just because no one will take care of it. I wish there was a magic trick or a word I could say to completely end that madness. Realistically, that can’t happen. But there’s the beauty of it! We were made to stand up for what we believe in. We were made to reach out and help others.

Speaking about my platform, Jurnee’s Journey: Helping All God’s Creations at the 2011 Taking Action for Animals Conference sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C.

With the touch of a button or the click of a mouse, we can now have food prepared for us, items shipped to us, and music amusing us. It is so easy to become spoiled from these things. We get caught in our own little world and pay no attention to what’s happening in the world around us. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” –Mahatma Gandhi. Another great quote with an everlasting message. Developing countries have little to no access to technology, let alone food, shelter, and water. These people are crying out for help, and we need to wake up and listen to their calling. 

One of the best ways I have used to get my message out is through pageantry. Wearing the crown is like speaking into an open microphone. The world is your audience and you are in control of how you influence others.

On the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives after the Speaker of the House announced my Joint Resolution No. 1268. I had the opportunity to address all of the Representatives and thank them. I was touched and honored to receive a standing ovation on my way out.

Everyone has a purpose. So I encourage you to take heart and find something you are passionate about changing. Get the word out through family, friends, and anyone who will listen. Because if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. 

Please join me in my battle against animal cruelty, which includes everything from animal testing to not spay/neutering your pet. Lobby for animals rights in your state:
http://www.humanesociety.org/about/events/humane_lobby_days_2012.html

Jurnee Carr

Teacher's Aid

The best way to celebrate Friday 13^th is driving to work to receive a frantic phone call from your mother who has just taken a hard fall, on ice and she “thinks” her wrist is broken.  Fast forward four days later, and she is back to teaching.  She’s a high school art teacher.  She loves her career and embraces all the creativity of every single student who walks into her classroom - for her that was motivation enough to make sure she was there for the start of the new semester.

A quick flight (thank you US Air for upgrading me to first class) and I was back in Ohio, helping her adjust to life with limitations.  Her surgeon gave her permission to go back to teaching, but she’s not able to drive for a couple weeks.  The outpouring of support and help from former students, the teaching staff and co-workers has been overwhelming and heartwarming.  When I return to Charlotte, I know she’ll be in great hands. 

Upon returning to Charlotte, I will be hitting the ground running with the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, NASCAR Acceleration presented by Sprint, the Monster Jam at Time Warner Cable Arena and then celebrating my birthday.    Thank you to all who have sent well wishes.  We are very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Janet Bolin