Road to Richmond

Home MW-MD Application Junior Miss Contact Us Links On the Road...

Follow Juliette as she participates in events during her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Maryland.  The events culminate with preparations for and participation in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in Richmond, Virginia where a new Ms. Wheelchair America will be selected.  Ms. Wheelchair America 2005 will be crowned at a gala event on Saturday, August 1, 2004 after an almost week-long series of seminars, events, and judging sessions.

 

To document her travels as Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, a description of each event appears below with a selection of photos.  To view Juliette's full calendar of events and appearances, click here.

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Attends 43rd Annual Mayor and Council of Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration in the City of Rockville

Welcomed and introduced by Mayor Larry Giammo, Juliette joined the City Council of Rockville, elected officials and thousands of her neighbors in this local tradition, which has a long-established reputation as one of the grandest Independence Day celebrations in the Washington metropolitan area. Enjoying the festivities and the accessibility, Juliette participated by posing for photographs with the crowds, listening to the great mix of entertainment and viewing a display by world-famous Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Appears at Caring Communities World of Possibilities Disability Expo in Baltimore

 

Invited to assist the Maryland disability community in gaining more information about disability-related supports, services and resources they may need to know about now and in the future, Juliette shared personal experiences, representing what is possible when the appropriate supports are in place for a person with a disability. In a “Meet and Greet Maryland’s Disabilities Champions” networking reception, Juliette spoke to children and adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers, as well as healthcare and education professionals. Joining attendees in this “one-stop” shopping experience, she also explored a vast array of disability-related products, equipment and services, such as: assistive and adaptive technology, durable medical equipment, computer software, mobility products, living aids and more all conveniently displayed to see, touch, and compare in a "one-stop shopping" experience. To find out about the next Disabilities Expo, visit www.caringcommunities.org

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances


Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Presents Awards to Riders with Special Needs at Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) Organization’s Summer Olympic Fun Fair

Experiencing firsthand the “sanctuary for healing, learning and living dreams” found through the horses that heal at MTR, Juliette recognized the riders’ successes in increased self-confidence, improvement in strength, balance, coordination, attention span and language and social skills. Meeting many volunteers, community contributors and the horses, who loved her crown, Juliette learned how MTR strives to improve the lives of special needs riders of all ages through therapeutic riding, a growing and widely-accepted treatment for rehabilitating a range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. MTR serves people with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disorders. Founded in 1996 by Executive Director Naomi Parry, MTR provides a year-round program and is a Premier Operating Center accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). For more information about the program, visit www.horsesthatheal.org.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Receives Invitation to Test Sail the Colgate 26 Family Sport Boat Out of Annapolis

 

Amidst many mainstream sailors, boat enthusiasts and the C.R.A.B. summer regatta, Juliette sailed smoothly out of the Annapolis Yacht Club in a modified seat on board the Colgate 26. Receiving assistance from the manufacturer’s representative to board the boat and raise the sails, Juliette was elated when her beginning sailing maneuvers were complimented. Created by Steve Colgate, Olympic sailor, America’s Cup competitior and the nation’s most experienced sailing educator, the Colgate 26 is known for its sailing performance with safety, comfort and durability. The first person in a wheelchair to try out this boat, Juliette is motivated to go to sailing school. To sail with Maryland’s own accessible sailing program, C.R.A.B., visit www.C.R.A.B.-sailing.org.

 

\

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Submits Testimony to Urge County Council to Improve Taxi Service and Support Accessible Taxicab Drivers in Montgomery County

 

Attending the Montgomery County Council’s Public Hearings on Bill 14-04 with Barwood Accesible Taxi Plus driver Gale May, Juliette submitted testimony and listened to lobbyists, taxicab owners, company owners and citizens voice their concerns regarding this issue. Juliette’s trip was sponsored by Barwood Taxi Plus.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Visits Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland, Celebrates Name Change

 

Supporting the hospital’s philosophy, which recognizes each individual patient as a person first, Juliette visited the main hospital administrative offices and met with the communication director. Understanding firsthand the need to learn and relearn even the simplest of tasks and make serious emotional adjustments to a life and future, Juliette learned how the hospital meets the needs of its patients, “Revitalizing the Body – Rekindling the Mind.” Treating traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, stroke, amputation, sports-related injuries and others, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland was opened as the first and only center of its kind in Montgomery County, Maryland, and serves the greater Washington D.C. area. The hospital also sponsors the Rolling Knights Wheelchair Basketball team. To learn more about the hospital and its programs, visit www.adventisthealthcare.com/ARH/

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Makes a Live Television Appearance on “Education News Parents Can Use”

 

Joining experts from around the nation, Juliette added the disability perspective to

this monthly television show for parents, speaking about children with disabilities and the need for them to stay physically fit and learning throughout the year. This edition of “Education News Parents Can Use” focused on ways schools and families can help students to begin developing the skills, knowledge and habits to stay healthy and fit throughout their lives. To view the segment, which aired on The Learning Channel and PBS, visit the Web cast link at www.connectlive.com

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Rolls into the Festa Italiana Street Festival, Embracing Her Heritage, Raising Disability Awareness in the Italian Community

 
Amid the incredible smells of homemade pasta and pizza, Juliette helped to revive a long-lost tradition --an Italian street festival-- in the location where once stood Washington's Little Italy. Juliette marched in a solemn procession of the Holy Rosary Italian Church honoring fallen policemen and met with Italian street vendors and Italian cultural organizations. The surprise highlight of participating was an invitation by sponsor Ferari Maserati of Washington to sit in the driver’s seat of a brand new Maserati. Not having been in the driver’s seat of a car the last five years, Juliette said this was definitely worth the wait! Meeting with Fr…..about the accessibility of the Holy Rosary Church, Juliette will assist with fundraising for an accessible ramp and has been asked to christen it sometime next fall. The street festival is held annually, and a different region of Italy is featured each year with a display of crafts, food, music and dances from the selected region. Visit www.festaitalianadc.org for the date of the next Festa and come ready to join Juliette and enjoy all things Italian!

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Receives National Award for Adopting a Physically Active Lifestyle

 

Juliette was presented with the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) at the kick-off event for the "I Can Do It! You Can Do It!" initiative led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Disability.  The Initiative is a combined effort of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the HHS Office on Disability to support good health and physical activity for the six million American children and youth who have disabilities.   Those wishing to earn the President's Challenge Award can find out about criteria for earning an award and register at the President's Challenge website, www.presidentschallenge.org.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Tour the National Mall on Scooters: Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Visits with Staff of City Scooter Tours

 

Juliette joined City Scooter Tours as they offered the first-ever guided scooter tour of the National Mall and the monuments along the Potomac Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.  Located at the Bike the Sites kiosk at D.C.'s Old Post Office Pavilion, City Scooter Tours is ready to help make your next tour of D.C. accessible for guests with limited mobility.  The scooter rental company ScootAround formed a partnership with D.C.'s Bike the Sites to create City Scooter Tours.  For more information, visit www.cityscootertours.com.  

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Sailing Season Has Begun: Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Checks-Out Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (C.R.A.B.)

 

Juliette met with Executive Director Don Backe to see how she could participate this season to help raise awareness that sailing is accessible to all people in Maryland, regardless of their financial situation.  C.R.A.B. offers a Sail-Free day the last weekend of every month.  To participate or volunteer, visit www.crab-sailing.org.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Recognizes Fitness Accomplishments of Employees at USDA's Food and Nutrition Services (FNCS)

 

Speaking about her personal commitment to her health and fitness, Juliette honored the top performers of the FNCS Olympics - Go for the Gold Challenge.  The Go for the Gold Challenge was the first major wellness event for FNCS's over 500 employees who when surveyed, said that less than 6% were very satisfied with their physical activity level and only 7% were very satisfied with their eating habits.  FNCS ensures access to nutritious and healthful diets for all Americans.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Volunteers at Best Buddies "Arts and Friendship" Awards Ceremony

 

Handing out awards and singing autographs, Juliette established new friendships with attendees.  Best Buddies is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for friendship, socialization and employment, and breaking down the stereotypes that facilitate social isolation.  More than 7.5 million Americans have an intellectual disability, which can be caused by any condition that impairs development of the brain during pregnancy, birth, or childhood.  To become a "Best Buddy" or learn more about the organization, visit www.bestbuddiesmaryland.org.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Robert Ehrlich Signs Senate Bill #188: Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Attends Signing Ceremony and Shows Support for the Department of Disability Legislation

 

Juliette joined disability advocates from around the state to celebrate the creation of the Department of Disabilities and to thank legislators for the wonderful advocacy that moved this legislative priority forward.  This action elevates the Governor's Office on Individuals with Disabilities (GOID) to a cabinet level department in Maryland.  The mission of the GOID is to empower individuals with disabilities in the communities where they live to achieve their personal and professional goals.  To find out more about the office, visit www.mdtap.org/oid.html.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling for a Cure: Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Chairs First Arthritis Walk in Montgomery County Raising $21k

 

In an effort to raise awareness of arthritis at the grassroots level and educate people about how to prevent and control arthritis through a healthy and active lifestyle, Juliette helped raise funds for the Metropolitan Washington Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation by chairing the first non-competitive walk for arthritis in the country.  Participants walked in honor of loved ones with arthritis while honorees with arthritis led the way wearing blue hats signifying their action to take control of their condition.  The walk was a success with over 150 participants and over $21,000 raised.  To participate in the 2005 walk, contact www.arthritis.org.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Attends President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Meeting

 

Juliette listened, learned, and shared personal experiences with council members, including council chairman Lynn Swann.  The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) serves as a catalyst to promote, encourage, and motivate Americans of all ages to become physically active and participate in sports.  To learn more, visit www.fitness.gov

 

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Celebrates Grand Opening of Shake-A-Leg Miami's New Accessible Water Sports Park and Marine Academy

 

Representing Maryland and the many children and youth with disabilities who can benefit from this new venture, Juliette participated in a champagne christening and ribbon cutting saluting Mayor Manny Diaz, officials from the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, and benefactors.  Shake-A-Leg's mission is to bring hope, confidence, social integration, independence, and fun back into the lives of people with disabilities and their families.  For general information, visit www.shakealegmiami.org.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Receives Todd Mullins Courage Award at Annual DateAble Image Awards Banquet

 

The first recipient of this award, Juliette honored Todd Mullins in an acceptance speech tribute.  The Todd Mullins Courage Award was created to honor Todd's spirit after his unexpected death in September 2003.  Todd was an advocate for disability rights and awareness and was involved with the Arthritis Foundation as a public speaker, leader in the young adult network, and participant and planner in local and national conferences for the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.  More information on the DateAble Image Awards is available at www.dateable.org.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training the Next Disability Advocates: Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Congratulates Partners in Policymaking Graduates

 

Speaking about the importance of networking and working with the media and public officials, Juliette empowered graduates to become the next community leaders, raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities.  Partners is a competency-based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities.  More information is available at www.partnersinpolicymaking.com.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Segment Airs on Discovery Health Channel National Body Challenge

 

Achieving great results as a person with a disability who previously experienced weight loss difficulties due to limited mobility, Juliette made an appearance on Episode III of the National Body Challenge series.  Through showing Juliette participating in physical activities, like range of motion exercises in the water and accessible sailing, the segment shows how it is possible for people of all abilities to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

See the National Body Challenge Segment

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Weighs-Out and Completes Discovery Health's National Body Challenge

 

Juliette weighs-out at Pentagon City Mall, 14 pounds lighter, nine of which were lost with no exercise, simply by balancing her diet.  This is good news for people with limited mobility.  To find out more about the National Body Challenge, visit www.health.discovery.com.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Appears at Disability Awareness Day at Indian Head Elementary School

 

Before a packed auditorium of first through fifth grade students, Juliette shared her story of "Perseverance" which was the theme of this year's awareness day.  The assistive devices she brought as "show and tell" (canes, reachers, extended shoehorns, etc.) were a real hit with the kids, as were the unique features of her wheelchair including the horn and headlights!

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Visits and Speaks Before Maryland's General Assembly

 

Juliette received an incredible opportunity to raise awareness of the Ms. Wheelchair Maryland program before Maryland's Senate and House of Delegates.  Juliette also was presented with resolutions from both assemblies, recognizing Ms. Wheelchair Maryland's efforts to empower people of all abilities to strive for personal success and to be involved in their communities.  Juliette met with officials on a wide range of issues including transportation to sidewalk access for wheelchairs.  It was a unique photo opportunity and blessing when Juliette to met Cardinal Theodore McCarrick who gave the benediction before the assembly session.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2004 and Ms. Wheelchair D.C. 2004 Host Second Fundraiser at Sapphire's in Bethesda, MD

 

Juliette joined Ms. Wheelchair D.C. 2004 (www.mswheelchairdc.org), Bonita Arnae Musgrove, in raising awareness of both Ms. Wheelchair programs while raising funds to get both women to the Ms. Wheelchair America program in Richmond, VA this summer.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Commemorates Maryland Day with State Officials in St. Mary's County, Maryland

 

Celebrating the founding of Maryland and, as Congressman Steny Hoyer said, "representing the challenges of all of Maryland's founders", Juliette attended Maryland Day ceremonies, marching with state officials on the campus of historic St. Mary's College.  The formal observance of Maryland Day began in 1903 when the State Board of Education chose one day in the school year to be devoted to Maryland history.  Maryland Day is still the one day each year set aside to remember our state's long and interesting history beginning with the day settlers disembarked onto Maryland soil from two small sailing ships - the Ark and the Dove.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Meets with Local Transportation Partner for Access

 

Juliette and State Coordinator Robert Watson met with Lee Barnes, President of Blue Star Group, Inc. regarding opportunities to support Ms. Wheelchair Maryland and provide awareness and training to staff providing transportation solutions to people with disabilities in Maryland.  Mr. Barnes, who owns and operates Barwood, Inc., graciously agreed to sponsor transportation for Ms. Wheelchair Maryland to select events around the state.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honoring Women's History Month Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Gives Introductory Remarks and Hosts and Exhibit at Maryland's Third Annual Women's Expo: "Promoting Women in Business and Education" at the Community College of Baltimore (CCBC) in Catonsville, Maryland

 

Following opening speaker Jenny DeBoy, Juliette welcomed over 100 exhibitors and recognized the important contributions of all women, mentioning the accomplishments of several famous women with disabilities, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Whoopi Goldberg, and Agatha Christie.  Women from across Maryland came to enjoy the food, festivities, fanfare, and to network at the Expo (www.womensexpomd.com), which was sponsored by the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC).  The AAWCC holds the Expo primarily to support scholarships for students at CCBC.  Several 2004 scholarship recipients were women with disabilities.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

Discovery Health Channel and Disabled Sports U.S.A. Arrange for Ms. Wheelchair Maryland to Visit Bally's Total Fitness and the Shake-A-Leg Miami Sailing Program

 

Encouraged by Disabled Sports U.S.A. to participate in physical activity, Juliette works out with a trainer for the first time at Bally's Total Fitness and is then flown to Shake-A-Leg Miami to learn to sail a 20 foot sailboat and an accessible dinghy, which can be sailed with a joystick.  Shake-A-Leg Miami is a universally accessible water sports center, "a place where dreams and boats are launched."  For more information, visit www.shakealegmiami.org and www.dsusa.org.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Receive Invitation from the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) to Welcome Ma'Rwa Ahteemi, an Iraqi Child with a Spinal Cord Injury Who Will Undergo Rehabilitation in the United States at National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH)

 

Serving as an ambassador from Maryland and as an example of an American woman who uses a wheelchair, Juliette was honored to be included in this historic event.  Ma'Rwa, who sustained a spinal cord injury in late-November 2003 in an accidental mortar attack on her home in the Sunni Triangle North of Baghdad, was medically evacuated from Iraq to receive treatment at the National Center for Children's Rehabilitation at NRH after spending almost three months at an American field hospital in Iraq.  Neither the hospital nor the country was equipped to meet the needs of a child with this type of injury according to NSCIA.  NSCIA was contacted in December 2003 by Iowa National Guardsman SFC. John Milleham who is still serving in Iraq.

 

Juliette had the awesome privilege of meeting Ma'Rwa, her uncle, and two American soldiers, Major Hoffer and Major Adams-Challenger, both of whom cared for Ma'Rwain Iraq.  For Ma'Rwa's full story and follow-up coverage, visit NSCIA at www.spinalcord.org.  The NSCIA, which is based in Maryland, is the nation's oldest and largest civilian organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the hundreds of thousands of Americans living with the results of spinal cord injury and disease.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Recognizes the Importance of Volunteerism in an Address at the Volunteer Reception for the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Chapter of  the Arthritis Foundation

 

Having grown up with the support of many volunteers of the Arthritis Foundation, Juliette recognizes volunteer efforts and encourages volunteers to continue to answer the call of service. To volunteer or to find out more information about arthritis, visit  www.arthritis.org

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Speaks to the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, Raises Awareness of the Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Program

 

In a speech titled, "Image Building: My Goals as Ms. Wheelchair Maryland," Juliette addressed the members of the Commission on People with Disabilities sharing her latest activities and appearances and asked for their support and suggestions in making her reign benefit all people with disabilities in the community. 

 

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Attends the Baltimore Oriole's FanFest and Commends Camden Yards,  Baltimore Oriole's for Access to America's Favorite Pastime

 

In the midst of thousands of excited fans, including many with disabilities, Juliette and former Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2002 Nadia Massuda were escorted to meet Oriole's players, coaches, and managers in a day-long event that featured fan forums, tours of the Oriole's clubhouse, and autograph and photo sessions with former and current major league players.  The event was entirely accessible and people with disabilities received attentive assistance to navigate the crowds and meet the players.  Juliette was informed of a possible disability awareness event at Camden Yards in the future.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Celebrates Diversity as a Guest of Mayor Larry Giammo at Rockville's 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Event and Awards Ceremony

 

Amongst many local elected officials, special guests, and awardees, Juliette listened to a keynote address by Mr. Kojo Nnamdi, WAMU's award-winning radio host, and enjoyed musical performances by blues legends John Cephas and Phil Wiggins.  It was a special moment when Juliette was able to personally congratulate fellow Montgomery County Commission member John Miers on receiving the F. Michael Taff Award for 2004 for his dedicated work on raising disability awareness and improving the lives of people with disabilities in the local community.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland "Weighs-In" and Takes Discovery Health's National Body Challenge at the Discovery Channel Store in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland

 

Juliette joined over 1,000 individuals at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland and over 300,000 individuals from across the country in a mass weigh-in for Discovery Health's National Body Challenge (www.health.discovery.com), a 12-week nationwide initiative that challenges Americans to improve their health and shed extra pounds while adopting a healthier lifestyle.  The National Body Challenge provides a weight loss and fitness program personalized to every individual free of charge and was developed under the advisement of Dr. Pamela Peeke, an internationally recognized expert in the fields of nutrition, metabolism, stress, and fitness.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Plants an Awareness Message at Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show/Gala

 

Amongst the more than 1,500 exhibition booths, 12,000 attendees, beautiful foliage and garden items, Juliette shared a unique message of awareness about the Ms. Wheelchair Maryland program and learned about a new trend in sensory gardening for people with visual impairments.  The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show - the Masterpiece of Trade Shows - is the premiere horticultural show on the east coast and was incorporated in Maryland in 1970.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Meets with School Board Candidates in Montgomery County

 

On January 7, 2004 Juliette elevated the importance of her platform, "Young Adult Transition" at a SpecialEdVoters.org sponsored "Board of Elections Candidates Forum on Special Education" at the Rock Terrace School.  Juliette attended with the parent of a local child with disabilities.  SpecialEdVoters.org organizes family and friends of children with disabilities to bring political attention to the challenges facing "our most vulnerable children, those with disabilities."  The organization is dedicated to identifying, endorsing, and publicizing political candidates that support special education and other related issues that affect children with special needs.

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Rings in the New Year, Annapolis Style

 

Juliette rang in the new year as part of the incredible diversity that made up the "Culture is King" themed, alcohol-free First Night Annapolis 2004 Celebration.  Multi-cultural exposure has always been an important part of the First Night (www.firstnightannapolis.org), and this year it was at the forefront of this very accessible and inclusive New Year's Eve celebration enhanced with Native American performers and participants from Russia, Tibet, and China.  Juliette marched down Main Street with the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe Band and caught the eye of the lion during a bold and spirited performance by the Tai Yim Lion Dancers.  The dance, when performed well, is said to bring good fortune, prosperity, and longevity.

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Raises Awareness of Arthritis at Jingle Bell 5K Run

 

Decked out as Ms. Wheelchair Claus, Juliette showed her support to help raise funds for arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the nation, as the Arthritis Foundation celebrated its 20th year as the oldest Jingle Bell Fun Run/Walk, and now Roll, in the nation!  More than 830,000 people in the metropolitan D.C. area have arthritis.  To find out how you can make a difference, visit www.arthritis.org.

 

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Shares Holiday Spirit at DateAble/Making Connections Holiday Party

 

Juliette danced the night away with members of DateAble Washington (www.DateAble.org) and Making Connections, non-profit membership organizations that facilitate local, social events for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.  Connecting is exactly what the event was about and connect everyone did through slow-dances and a Ms. Wheelchair Maryland-led conga line!

 

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland and Ms. Wheelchair D.C. Host Fundraiser at Saphire's in Bethesda, MD

   

Juliette joined Ms. Wheelchair D.C. (www.mswheelchairdc.org) 2003 Darnise Henry Bush in raising awareness of the Ms. Wheelchair program in both states. Attendees included local disability commission members, former Ms. Wheelchair state title holders, and representatives from local disability organizations and the Maryland Governor’s Office on Disability. The event was sponsored by Fitness First of Bethesda. 

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Spreads a Message of Hope at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner    


Juliette joined
Maryland’s Governor Robert Ehrlich, the Baltimore Orioles' Mascot and Ms. Wheelchair Maryland State Coordinator Robert Watson in welcoming over 3,000 people with disabilities to Goodwill’s (www.goodwillches.org) Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Juliette also made appearances at the Employment Fair and was a guest on Magic 95.9 FM radio, promoting the event and its importance locally. 

 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2004 Crowned at Gala Event at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rockville, Maryland on Sunday, November 9, 2003

   

Juliette Rizzo of Rockville is crowned the 31st Ms. Wheelchair Maryland and also receives the Ms. Congeniality Award at the Doubletree Hotel in Rockville, MD. Juliette commits “to be a servant to all” of Maryland’s 1.5 million people with disabilities. 

 

Back to Activities and Appearances

Contact Us | Guest Book

Questions or Comments about this Site diana@ms-wheelchair-md.com