By Amy Burkard
Originally published in the July 2008 Paramount Tall Club of Chicago Newsletter.
As Miss Tall International, Jane Baldwin’s roommate at the Paramount Tall Club Weekend, I can’t tell you everything I learned about Jane that weekend (I promised I wouldn’t tell … and I won’t!) … but I can confirm what many of you already know - Miss Tall International 2007 is a wonderful, fun-loving, promote-the-club kind of person.
Since Linda Kosar works at O’Hare airport, she agreed to assist me in a “meet and greet the Queen” Friday morning at 5:00AM … yes, that’s 5:00AM – not PM! Although very early in the morning, we were all in good spirits. We did what we could to call attention to Jane’s arrival. Unfortunately, that early in the morning, there are not many individuals at the airport to actually pay attention. Since Linda had clearance to go to the gate and I did not, I stood with my little white cardboard sign “MISS TALL INTERNATIONAL Jane Baldwin” with the other limo drivers picking up their charges while Linda had fun meeting Jane at the arrival gate. I understand Jane’s expression was “priceless” as Linda called out loudly “Miss Tall International!” like an excited fan spotting a celebrity. Good job Linda!
We grabbed up Jane’s luggage and attempted to pick up John and Debbie arriving on a flight from Vegas about the same time. It didn’t work out because Debbie’s luggage was “lost.” We felt badly leaving John and Debbie to take a cab to the hotel, but I was on publicity detail and had arranged for a radio interview at 95.9 THE RIVER at 8:00am. Leaving the airport somewhat later than we planned, I took Jane on what we will refer to as a “scenic” drive to Aurora. Yes … there was a bit of construction, and although I checked MapQuest, I managed to miss the expected exit … long story short … we did arrive at the radio station early (yes early!) for the scheduled chat with DJ Scott MacKay.
Scott MacKay was wonderful! He was very well prepared and had the information I sent to the station prior to the interview. He actually read several times from the sheet promoting the Paramount Tall Club Weekend at the DoubleTree in Downers Grove. He mentioned Miss Tall International and the Tall Club several times and I believe the three minute slot we expected actually expanded to about eight minutes. Jane and I were very pleased at how the interview went and listened to it again as we drove away from the station since they gave us a copy on CD. It’s confirmed: Jane has a great “radio laugh!” Do you know that Scott MacKay mentioned the Tall Club again – even after we had left the station?!
The next matter of business was to grab a bite to eat. We found a pancake restaurant near the hotel and no sooner had we received our meals, but we heard someone exclaim – “look its Miss Tall International!” Thanks to Debbie and John everyone in the restaurant turned to look! They found their way from O’Hare to the same pancake restaurant and when they saw us, took the opportunity to get attention for celebrity Jane! Good job Debbie!
Although there were no cameras or paparazzi at the Weekend Dance Friday night, Jane was a true “Superstar” as Mary Katherine Gallagher! On the trolley tour Saturday, Jane was once again a SUPER STAR wearing her Miss Tall International banner and allowing club members, tourists and wide-eyed little girls to snap photos of, and with, her. I think the photo I like the best is the one of her on the counter at the Billy Goat with the little Greek chef grinning from ear to ear!
Jane, skilled in making people feel comfortable, stepped into action when four handsome young men appeared at the Saturday night festivities. I believe she may have recruited one or two of them to join the Paramount Tall Club. I know she was exchanging personal information with one of them – actually I think that was the one that lives in Holland! Well … she is Miss Tall International! Good job Jane!
As Miss Tall International, Jane Baldwin’s roommate at the Paramount Tall Club Weekend, I can’t tell you everything I learned about Jane that weekend (I promised I wouldn’t tell … and I won’t!) … but I can confirm what many of you already know - Miss Tall International 2007 is a wonderful, fun-loving, promote-the-club kind of person.
Since Linda Kosar works at O’Hare airport, she agreed to assist me in a “meet and greet the Queen” Friday morning at 5:00AM … yes, that’s 5:00AM – not PM! Although very early in the morning, we were all in good spirits. We did what we could to call attention to Jane’s arrival. Unfortunately, that early in the morning, there are not many individuals at the airport to actually pay attention. Since Linda had clearance to go to the gate and I did not, I stood with my little white cardboard sign “MISS TALL INTERNATIONAL Jane Baldwin” with the other limo drivers picking up their charges while Linda had fun meeting Jane at the arrival gate. I understand Jane’s expression was “priceless” as Linda called out loudly “Miss Tall International!” like an excited fan spotting a celebrity. Good job Linda!
We grabbed up Jane’s luggage and attempted to pick up John and Debbie arriving on a flight from Vegas about the same time. It didn’t work out because Debbie’s luggage was “lost.” We felt badly leaving John and Debbie to take a cab to the hotel, but I was on publicity detail and had arranged for a radio interview at 95.9 THE RIVER at 8:00am. Leaving the airport somewhat later than we planned, I took Jane on what we will refer to as a “scenic” drive to Aurora. Yes … there was a bit of construction, and although I checked MapQuest, I managed to miss the expected exit … long story short … we did arrive at the radio station early (yes early!) for the scheduled chat with DJ Scott MacKay.
Scott MacKay was wonderful! He was very well prepared and had the information I sent to the station prior to the interview. He actually read several times from the sheet promoting the Paramount Tall Club Weekend at the DoubleTree in Downers Grove. He mentioned Miss Tall International and the Tall Club several times and I believe the three minute slot we expected actually expanded to about eight minutes. Jane and I were very pleased at how the interview went and listened to it again as we drove away from the station since they gave us a copy on CD. It’s confirmed: Jane has a great “radio laugh!” Do you know that Scott MacKay mentioned the Tall Club again – even after we had left the station?!
The next matter of business was to grab a bite to eat. We found a pancake restaurant near the hotel and no sooner had we received our meals, but we heard someone exclaim – “look its Miss Tall International!” Thanks to Debbie and John everyone in the restaurant turned to look! They found their way from O’Hare to the same pancake restaurant and when they saw us, took the opportunity to get attention for celebrity Jane! Good job Debbie!
Although there were no cameras or paparazzi at the Weekend Dance Friday night, Jane was a true “Superstar” as Mary Katherine Gallagher! On the trolley tour Saturday, Jane was once again a SUPER STAR wearing her Miss Tall International banner and allowing club members, tourists and wide-eyed little girls to snap photos of, and with, her. I think the photo I like the best is the one of her on the counter at the Billy Goat with the little Greek chef grinning from ear to ear!
Jane, skilled in making people feel comfortable, stepped into action when four handsome young men appeared at the Saturday night festivities. I believe she may have recruited one or two of them to join the Paramount Tall Club. I know she was exchanging personal information with one of them – actually I think that was the one that lives in Holland! Well … she is Miss Tall International! Good job Jane!
