2012 JANUARY SPOTLIGHT ... THE GREAT DAMES CHORUS

Kudos go once again to our officers, Jo Ann Gordon/Vice President, Dale Maglia/President, Agnes Traschetti/Secretary, and Joan Kaplan/Treasurer, for a great meeting, and for their tireless energy and attention to details that continue to make the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB the best it can be!

The MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT has seen much growth during the past 4 years, with JOHANNE SANTORI (and husband Adeo) directing the organization. She revealed a great strategy for the 2012 pageant at the meeting.

Delores Puzio, Director, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASE, deserves a round of gratitude for arranging a steady schedule of performances throughout the State. She is affectionately known as our energizer bunny.

Desiree Nigrelli, MS NEWJERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011, has reached the mid-point of her reign. She has been very busy with her many commitments, and she has spread much cheer and good will throughout the Garden State with her lovely smile and voice.

The first meeting of the year of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB is always the best, and Wednesday, January 18th was no different. The pot luck luncheon was a delicious array of favorite recipes that the ladies prepared especially for the occasion.

The meeting that followed was full of good news from all the standing committees. Their reports reflected how hard everyone had worked in 2011, to make both the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB and the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT successful. Each committee chairwoman concluded her report with expressions of hope and high expectations for the new year.

It was good to welcome back the ladies who were out for several months due to illness. Some had traveled a long road towards recovery. They looked great, well rested, and willing to take on new responsibilities. Everyone in attendance seemed energized, and eager to set the many plans and projects in motion to make the 41st year of both organizations the best ever.

The meeting adjourned early in order to give time for the first rehearsal of the GREAT DAMES CHORUS. Although it was a short rehearsal, the ladies took to the music like fish to water! They were eager to get started, and the first rehearsal was full of great promise. It was obvious that they had practiced the music on their own, because they followed Director Josephine Araniti easily. Broadway Ladies, a medley of 3 great songs, is a real crowd pleaser and show stopper, and Wednseday was a great first rehearsal for the fledgling group. The GREAT DAMES CHORUS is scheduled to make their debut performance at the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2012.

NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB WELCOMES IN THE NEW YEAR

Desiree Nigrelli, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011, and the ladies of the QUEEN'S COURT.

Hello, and Greetings from the Great State of NEW JERSEY, the fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT organization!

We are reaching out to expand our readership to include our "sisters" nationwide through their State Pageant Directors. We hope that you will read our blog and website from time to time and catch up with all our latest news. Our blog is now in its 3rd year, and there have been many articles of interest published. If you want to read any story, just click on the title on the left. They are dated by month and year. The following article is an overview of the year's activities for your perusal. Enjoy! Remember to include our blog in your contact list: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.blogspot.com.

"Fast away the Old Year passes ... welcome in the New, lads and lasses!" So true are the words of the familiar carol, Deck the Halls. The year 2011 was good for the elegant ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT. Our ladies gave many showcases throughout the State, thanks to the efforts of our Showcase Director, Delores Puzio. The current board of officers, brought much needed clarity, leadership and transparency to the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and created a positive climate to allow its members to express their views and criticisms freely. The annual Holiday Celebration was such fun, thanks to the efforts of Sherri McGhie and her committee. Our official website, www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org. made its debut last spring, thanks to the hard work of our President, Dale Maglia, and photos by Sherri McGhie. Special thanks to Jo Ann Gordon, Vice President, for designing the 2011 Calendar, the beautiful jewelry and name tags, and to Johanne Santori, for our new jackets with the MSNJSA logo.

The MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2011, received Statewide coverage in the STAR LEDGER, and a feature video on their website, and The Press of Atlantic City also continued its coverage. The Pageant was seen nationally on TV this year, when it was featured on the STYLE Channel, on the show, "JERSEYLICIOUS". Kudos to MSNJSA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR, Johanne Santori, for reaching out and getting us this much need exposure! A newly formed group, THE GREAT DAMES CHORUS, under the directorship of Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA 2007, is scheduled to make its debut at the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2012.

On the other hand, there was, sadness for us this year, because we had to say "adieu" to many of our "sisters." The long time members who moved away to other States ... to you, we wish you good luck in your new homes. To those who are ill, we hope that you have a speedy recovery and return to us. To those who passed away ... to you, we say, rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon you. To those who have kept away, for other reasons ... please come back, we need you, your talent, your strength, and the joy you bring to this organization.

In closing, the following is a lovely poem written by Joanna Fuchs. Enjoy!

NEW YEAR'S REFLECTIONS

Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our loved ones and our friends.
Recalling all the happy times,
Remembering how they enriched our lives,
We reflect upon who really counts,
As the fresh and bright new year arrives.
And when I/we ponder those who do,
I/We immediately think of you.
Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll/We'll
have a Happy New Year!

NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB'S FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER WITH THE LAW

Cameras were clicking and flashing from several parts of the room .... It's no wonder .... these elegant ladies not only looked beautiful, but each one was at her peak performance level yesterday. Pictured from left to right are: Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA 2007, DIRECTOR, PUBLICITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS and GREAT DAMES CHORUS; Marge Wanamaker; Delores Puzio, MSDESA 2008 and NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASE DIRECTOR; Dale Maglia, PRESIDENT, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB; Desiree Nigrelli, MSNJSA 2011; Rebecca Orsatti, MSNJSA 2010; Johanne Santori, MSNJSA 2006, and MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR; and Jo Ann Gordon, MSNJSA 2008, and VICE-PRESIDENT, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. Kudos to these beauties for a job well done!

Most people view run-ins with the law with trepidation, but, for a group of ladies from the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, yesterday's encounter turned out to be quite a pleasant affair. They were invited by the POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF NEW YORK, JERSEY SHORE 10-13 ASSOCIATION, to perform at their 26TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY. The event was held at DOOLAN'S SHORE CLUB in Spring Lake Heights.

Upon arrival, the ladies were treated to drinks, by the Association's President, Al Beneducci, and then to a sumptuous sit-down dinner. Afterwords, they gave a show for 250 patrolmen, detectives and their spouses, and guests. All the ladies gave stellar performances, and the audience showed their appreciation and gratitude with enthusiastic applause for each lady's performance.

The spirit of the holiday season was high yesterday, and all of the fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB hope that it will continue during the coming year. So, here's wishing all of you who read this blog a MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! And, last but not least, as the comedian Jerry Seinfeld once coined the phrase, "HAPPY FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US!"

Want more? Visit our State website: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org.

Thinking of becoming a contestant in the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2012? Call MSNJSA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR, Johanne Santori and learn all about it! 609-822-7441.

A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB ... ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

The stars shone brightly last night, to welcome the elegant ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB and other invited guests, as they gathered together for the 13th ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, at La Bove Grande Restaurant in Lakehurst. It was a delightful evening, filled with fun, laughter, good cheer, and great music, and a delicious buffet dinner, complete with a mimosa fountain that flowed all night long. Enjoy the photo gallery from that fabulous evening!
In the first photo above, Desiree Nigrelli, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011, entertains her "sisters" and guests with her soulful rendition of the popular balled, "AT LAST".
Queen Desiree Nigrelli and husband Martin, move easily across the dance floor as they enjoy a slow ballad to the music of the ever so talented singer/DJ, Steve Berger.
Why is Adeo so happy ... he is surrounded by a bevvy of beauties ... his lovely wife Johanne Santori, MSNJSA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR, and her friends from the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT organization. Kudos to these great ladies who help us out each year with our pageant!
Two happy couples beam for the camera: Rebecca Orsatti, MSNJSA2010, and Desiree Nigrelli, MSNJSA2011.
Looking stylish and elegant are: Jo Ann Gordon,MSNJSA2008 and Vice President, New Jersey Cameo Club. Bernadette Dudek, MSNJSA2009, standing Barbi Jo Crema, and Josephine Araniti,MSNJSA2007, Director, Publicity/Public Relations, and Director Great Dames Chorus.
Same photo as above, with Carol Lelli, sitting down. Jo Ann also served on the committee for the Annual Holiday Celebration.
Phyllis Burton and Pauline Petto, together with their spouses, enjoying each others company.
The "sisters" from Leisuretown were excellent examples of charm and elegance. From left to right: Lyn Gibson,MSNJSA2000, Gloria Segal, Marianne Szumski, and Leah Whelan, 1st runner up, MSNJSA PAGEANT,2011.
In the background are Patricia Franz and husband. During the evening, Maria Crowell and her dancing partner, dazzled everyone with an elegant ballroom dance.
Kay Vigue and husband were especially proud to watch their daughter Melanie, who encouraged many ladies to get out onto the dance floor and follow her as she made up impromptu dance routines.
Rose Majofsky (our lady in red), and husband made friends with the parents and friends of Jo Ann Gordon.
Eileen Renders, and Norma Cruz Vasquez take a rest in between dances. Singer-DJ Steve Berger and wife Debbie kept everyone on their feet dancing the night away to so many great tunes.
Laverne Stokes, MSSA1985, brought all her friends. Maybe they will decide to become future contestants in the MSNJSA PAGEANT!
Delores Puzio, MSDESA2008, raises a toast, cuddling under the protective arm of her friend Bob, and Sherri McGhie and Uncle smile in agreement.
Sitting are Norma McGhie, MSNJSA1995, and husband Roy,and standing are Patricia Oravetz MSNJSA2001 and husband. Norma and Sherri chaired the committee for this year's party. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Another reason the evening was so special was to welcome back those "sisters" who have been out due to illness of their own, or their spouses.
Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA2007, was also able to attend this year's party, and brought her husband Nazmi.
Marge Wanamaker enjoys a friendly hug from Ethel Sullivan, as Brenda Christian, Dale Maglia, President, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and another committee member, and Rosa Cuomo, smile broadly for the camera.

Pictured above are: Fran Lundeen, Agnes Raimondi, Grace Luong0, MSFLSA1993, and friends.

It is come to this reporter's attention that there is no picture of Delores Peronace, MSNJSA2002. She wasn't at table when I went around the room, and I didn't realize that I had omitted her until I was at home writing this article. Sorry for the omission. I hope I didn't leave any other NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB lady out. Please contact me if I did.

Thanks again to the committee for a job well done! MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, and, as the comedian Jerry Seinfeld coined the phrase, HAPPY FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US!

For more photos of the 13th Annual Holiday Celebration, please visit our website: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org.

NJCC MEMBERS ... MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE

Kudos to our directors for their foresight and vision, and for making the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT the best in the county!

"SOMETHING'S COMIN' ... SOMETHING GOOD! ... AROUND THE CORNER ..."

A long held dream of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTORS, Adeo and Johanne Santori has been realized, the inclusion of a chorus as part of the entertainment during the pageants. Johanne enlisted the help of Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA2007, appointed her as director, and told her to come up with a plan. After a week of e-mails and phone calls, the idea was enthusiastically received by many NJCC members.

The group is called, THE GREAT DAMES CHORUS, has 38 members and is still growing, the majority of whom are singers, and the rest are dancers, mimes, and specialty acts. Their debut performance will be at the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2012, in June, the exact date yet to be announced.

THE GREAT DAMES CHORUS will do a number called "BROADWAY LADIES", a medley of 3 all-time hits songs, We're In The Money, Big Spender, and Whatever Lola Wants". The format is Show Chorus, a style of performing that has been made popular by the hit TV series, "GLEE". Instead of the traditional row-like formation, the ladies will stand in clusters, with the singers singing and moving in place, while the dancers and others do a choreographed routine.

Special thanks go to Joan Kaplan, NJCC Treasurer, who arranged the rehearsal space, which is the American Legion Post #166, in Lakewood. Much luck to everyone on this new venture!

As always, please go to our website for other news, events and photos: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org.

ELECTION RESULTS OF NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB OFFICERS

NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS, second on the left, DALE MAGLIA, President; extreme left, JO ANN GORDON, Vice-President; second on the right, AGNES TRASCHETTI, Secretary; and extreme right, JOAN KAPLAN, Treasurer.

The members of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB held their quarterly luncheon/meeting on Wednesday, October 25th, at the American Legion Post #166 in Lakewood. The agenda was full of items of interest to the membership. Some of the highlights of their meeting include: the introduction of the new Queen, Desiree Nigrelli, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011. She talked briefly about her experience at the MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2011, her written proclamations she received from local and State agencies, her philosophy of life and her vision about what she hopes to accomplish during this year of her reign.

Another issue of concern was the growing number of ladies who were unable to attend the meeting due to serious and/or life threatening illnesses, many of whom have been so vital to the growth of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB and the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT organization. It was decided that the membership should keep in continued touch with them, not only by sending cards, but with phone calls as well.

The last item on the day's agenda was the election of officers, a process which occurs every two years. As there were no opposing candidates seeking to run for any of the 4 positions, the current slate of officers, won easy re-election by a unanimous vote which was cast by the members who were in attendance.

The four officers who will serve another 2 year term are:

DALE MAGLIA, President. "I came in 3rd runner up in the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2006. I have 3 married children, Maria, Theresa, and Garrod, and 5 grandchildren, Breanne, Gabriel, Natalie, Nicole and Zakary. I worked most of my life up until
2 1/2 years ago, as an Administrative Assistant. I have been a member of Sweet Adelines, Inc., a womens' barbershop group, for 45 years. My quartet, "Ricochet", has sung at many shows, organizations, competitions, etc. I also love to country line dance once or twice a week, and, most of all, I enjoy being with my family and friends.
There is so much talent among our NJCC members, and so, as we go forward, working together as a team, I believe that there is no limit as to how far we can go to further the goals of our Club. On behalf of myself and our Board of Directors, we look forward to continue to work with Johanne Santori, our MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA State Pageant Director, to make the NJCC and the MSNJSA State Pageant, the best in the country".

JO ANN GORDON, Vice-President, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2008, a retired public school teacher of 38 years, taught in the Neptune Township School System, where she learned Sign Language, in order to participate in the hearing impairment and special education programs.
A big band singer, Jo Ann has sung backup for Paul Anka, toured Europe, and has recorded CDs.
After winning reelection, Jo Ann joked with her sisters that the only reason she won was because everyone loves her homemade brownies! Although that is true, it is the flair she possesses as an entrepreneur that really makes her stand out. Her suggestions to the other Board members have led to several improvements to the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB during her first 2 year term. There was a need to upgrade the sound system, so, she enlisted the help of Johanne Santori, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR. Johanne agreed to fund the project from the Pageant account, thus enabling Jo Ann to purchase an excellent state of the art sound system. She taught other CLUB members how to operate the system at NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB shows when she is not able to attend. Jo Ann had a personalized 2010 NJCC calendar printed which included beautiful color group photos of our members as the theme for each month. She worked with a local jewelry designer who created a special magnetized name pin with the NJCC logo, and beautiful costume jewelry of crown pins, and cameo rings.

AGNES TRASCHETTI, Secretary, grew up in Newark, NJ, and now resides in Toms River with her husband, Dominick. Agnes was runner up in the 2004 Pageant. She has 2 children, 1 grandson, 4 step grand-kids, and 1 great-granddaughter. Her hobbies include: playing the piano, singing, gourmet cooking, dining out, entertaining with the NJCC, mah-jong, poker, and dancing. Agnes is also Secretary of the Holiday City/Silver Ridge Italian-American Club for the past 7 years. Her philosophy of life is, "I believe that life is a smorgasbord, and we can keep tasting till our life no longer exists. Tasting life is part of living, whether the taste is sweet or bitter".
I feel we have a great thing going in our "Sisterhood" of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and we can only be strong, if we pull together as one".

JOAN KAPLAN, Secretary, has 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She gives words of wisdom to them from time to time, and these same words she would pass on to the younger generation as well, which is, "think before you do anything, and always turn to God when you're in trouble".
Joanie is loved by her "sisters", for her jovial nature, and her great alto voice, that she uses so well when she performs the old songs.
She served as Councilwomen from Lakehurst, NJ during the years 1984-87.
Joan has devoted her life as volunteer for many organizations and civic groups. She serves as Head of Ushers at All Saints Episcopal Church. As a volunteer at Kimball Medical Center (12 years), Joan used to sing to the patients during her daily rounds; mediator for Small Claims and Superior Court, Toms River, and for Manchester Township Civil Court. She is Chaplain for the American Legion Auxiliary Post #166, Lakewood, for 42 years.
Her philosophy of life is: "be kind, passionate and try not be judgmental. Remember, God never gives you more than you can handle".
Joan's vision for the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB is she hopes, that as our club grows, we will add more performances for our veterans.

Congratulations to all 4 ladies on your re-election, on whose leadership this Club has been entrusted. We (members) witnessed a healthy growth in the last 2 years, and we are confident that the next 2 will be more of the same.

As always, you can also follow us on our website at: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org.

MEM'RIES ... A PERSONAL PHOTO GALLERY OF THE MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2011, AS SUBMITTED BY DESIREE NIGRELLI, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011

The first time filing onstage, we announced our name and State ... I was #2.

These next 2 photos are from The Opening Number which was a dance. We performed the same routine at the 2 Preliminaries and for the Final Pageant.

The finale of our dance

The PERSONAL INTERVIEW with the judges was held on the first day. The session lasted 5 minutes and I believe it went well. The judges made some favorable comments to me before I left.

These 2 photos were from the TALENT PRESENTATION, one from the preliminary and one at the finals, in which I wore different gowns. I sang "Crazy", and the audience gave me a warm applause for my performance.

Another photo of me singing.

After 2 days of Preliminaries, the day of the Final Pageant arrived, and my name had just been called for making the TOP TEN of the entire country! Here I am beaming with pride, holding onto my plaque.

3 contestants congratulating me after I won TOP TEN, and telling me that they hope I win the Crown!

My 2 grandchildren, who took the day off from school especially for me!

With MS OKLAHOMA 2011 ... we are now buddies!

The photo above, and the 3 that follow, were taken during the evening of the DINNER/DANCE that was given by the MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT organization. My husband Martin and I enjoyed a wonderful evening of good food, and dancing, and camaraderie, together with our family and my newly found friends.

With Jane Freed, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB sister

With my buddy, MS OKLAHOMA 2011

With Suzanne Shelley, MS SENIOR AMERICA 2006. Suzanne was very supportive of me the whole week, and we will be visiting each other this year.

The crown I won, was the crowd approval and the confirmation of the other contestants who believed I would walk away with the Crown.

It means so much more when your peers have chosen you. They have continued their support of me by forwarding many gifts with crowns or some regal adornment. I am blessed to have such recognition.

God has always made me a winner. The pageant was worth gaining such notoriety from so many talented and educated women.

One new friend and her family sent this to me: "A truly beautiful person is like a stained glass window, it sparkles and shines with so many facets when the sun is out; then when darkness comes its true beauty is revealed only from the light within."

I am awed at my VICTORY!

Two websites have more information about Desiree Nigrelli, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 211:www.senioramerica.org, and www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org.