Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!

On Saturday the 3rd of December Santa visited the Frazee ECFE where children of all ages had the chance to sit on his lap and tell him just what he or she wanted for Christmas. I along with the Miss Frazee, Katie Winter and Maggie Wothe, Miss Becker County International, were able to keep the children occupied by making crafts and talking to all the wonderfully delighted boys and girls. I myself even had the chance to sit on good ol’ St. Nick’s lap!

The Santa Crew

Holiday Lions Club Meeting

On Wednesday night December 7^nd  a Loins Club meeting was held at a local business in Frazee, where I was not only able to attend but also speak out against child abuse, I brought up facts and statistics dealing with child abuse, and really explained the "shadow effect" or lasting effects. I feel I had gotten a positive response from everyone and am more than happy to do it again! I was also able to watch 5 members of the Frazee area become a part of the already 1.35 million members who stand by the core belief “A community is what we make it,” and the Frazee Lions do an excellent job of keeping our community strong. Thank You.

            Ellie Bachmann

Moorhead and Fargo Parade of Lights

To be honest, I have never been to a winter parade, especially one with so many lights and holiday trees! With my sister queen, Alison Vail, Miss Moorhead, I had the opportunity to be a part of it all, from the dancing elves to the elderly singing holiday carols. The route itself was absolutely stunning, especially when we crossed over the bridge to downtown Fargo. Because I come from a small town, I was definitely not used to the feeling I had, as if I was in Las Vegas or Hollywood with all the flashing advertisements and other blinking signs. I literally, after the parade told my dad, I had traveled to Las Vegas for an hour!

            Ellie Bachmann

K.A.R.E. Council Meetings

Every month, a group of Detroit Lakes K.A.R.E. council members come together and discuss upcoming events and ideas as far as bringing the awareness and prevention of child abuse to our areas community. I am privileged to attend these meetings as well, and am more than thrilled about new ideas that come up during this time. I have been attending for about a year, and through this group, with their support and knowledge, I was able to start a walk "There is NO Use for Child Abuse!"
At the last meeting, it was brought up that we will soon be bagging groceries and collecting tips for children in need! It is my honor to be a part of all the hustle and bustle and I am so excited to have friends and people of the community donating their time as well!


            Ellie Bachmann

                           K.A.R.E. (Kids Are the Responsibility of Everyone)

A New Beginning

On the night of September 10th 2011, I got home around 11pm and didn't fall asleep until around 1 am. I mean, how could I? Only a few hours before had I become the new Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen 2011! I thought about the early morning of driving an hour and a half and the uncertainty I had the whole way to the Moorhead High School. I thought about the talented and wonderful girls I met and the new memories we made with each other, from learning a new dance routine within the span of two hours to wasting the day away eating and talking about "girl things." I enjoyed every minute of it. And most of all I thought about the crowning moment when they announced my name. "And now your NEW Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen 2011...Ellie Bachmann!" What do you do at a time like that, when all your hopes and ambitions for so long all come together and are placed right on the top of your head? There were no words that came to mind at that moment, or if there were, I certainly don't recall. As I took my first walk, with pride and happiness I could not help but smile a little bigger, stand a little taller, and walk a little straighter.
 As I fell asleep that night, I knew I would be dreaming about the new tasks and experiences that are only time away. For those, I could not wait.

                   
                Ellie Bachmann