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SING "AULD LANG SYNE" TO 2023!

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The year is quickly coming to a close, and the fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB did their best to create happy memories for all they touched.  They continued to give Showcases around the State, in spite of the dreaded COVID virus which still pervades our world.   The following are some event highlights between October through December A special guest attended the October Showcase at the Laurita Winery, King Micheal as he is affectionately named, who was included in this photo op. The MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2023 was special this year, because QUEEN Ferlie Almonte came in 4th runner up! Everyone cheered her success at the Ball.   There was another activity in October, apart from performing that some members participated in. NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB members were asked to be pourers at Laurita Winery's OctoberFest.  QUEEN Ferlie volunteered along with Board members Terry, Carolyn, Denise and JoAnn.  Even though it rained that day, many patrons attended the outdoor event. Ta

2023-THE QUEEN'S REIGN

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                                                                                    Photo, Courtesy Ferlie Almonte Since winning the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2023, Ferlie Almonte has been busy maintaining and keeping her varied commitments throughout the State.  Her first tri-mester has indeed been impressive, which included parades, speaking engagements, and appearances in NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASES. QUEEN Ferlie has received numerous congratulatory letters from local and State legislators.  Last July, she was invited to appear at the Ocean County Board of Commisioners open session meeting, where she was presented with a Letter of Achievement, written on parchment paper and encased in a glass frame.  Several NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB sisters attended the meeting to honor Ferlie as well. A radiant Ferlie , pointing to the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC logo at the July quarterly meeting of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. When one reminisces at that meeting, QUEEN Ferlie

MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC. - 2023 PAGEANT RESULTS

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  The cover of the program book depicts Lady Liberty in the foreground, as the American flag sways amidst the rockets' red glare. "Celebrate America" was the theme for the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2023 last Thursday at Harrah's, where 12 "ladies of elegance" graced the stage of the Concert Venue Theater.   The Class of 2023 pose in the hallway awaiting the Pagent to begin.  Also, in the front row are: Terry Meade/Pageant Director; Carolyn Harden/MSNJSA'17 & MSSA'17; Debbie Robbins/MSSA'22; Bettyjean Pace/MSNJSA'22; and Johanne Santori/MSNJSA'06 & MSNJSA, INC. Administrator.   The 12 contestants performed very well in the 3 judging categories the audience saw which were: Evening Gown, Philosopy of Life, and Talent: but the 4th category, the Judges Interview was private.   And there she is - the winner!  Ferlie Almonte/MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2023.     This photo of QUEEN Ferlie and her Court was part of a featur

A FOND FAREWELL TO BETTY JEAN PACE/MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2022

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Betty Jean Pace, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2022   It seems like only yesterday, when Betty Jean Pace graced the stage at Harrah's, captured the hearts of a distinguished panel of judges, and an adoring audience, and who won the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2022.  During the year of her reign, QUEEN Betty Jean touched the lives of many senior Americans in her travels throughout the Garden State.  As the featured entertainer, with the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, her performances brought much joy and happiness to her constituents, leaving them happier than before.  The following is a glimpse of QUEEN Betty's fabulous year:   It was such a proud and happy time for QUEEN Betty Jean, when she posed for the first time with her new found "Sisters", in the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. Her busy schedule began soon after to participate in parades.  Here's QUEEN Betty Jean strutting along with the New Jersey Mummers Band, at the Columbus Day Parade in Seaside Park, on Octobe

AN ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN SUMMER OF 2022

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The summer of 2022 turned out a bit disappointing for the ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, due to several cancellations of SHOWCASES; with the all to familiar reason being COVID-19 breakouts at various nursing home facilities as the culprit.  Showcase Director Denise Mechan set up a great schedule, only to be shot down by this global menace! Nevertheless, there were some good times where the ladies entertained and brought joy.  On July 20th, QUEEN Bettyjean got people up and dancing at the Middletown Senior Center. Earlier in the month, the CLUB entertained on the boardwalk at Atlantic City for a post July 4th SHOWCASE.  Unfortunately, there is no group photo to share, but it was great!     Two new ladies who were contestants in the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2022, have become regular performers.  Suzanne Clare La Rosa/3rd runnerup, from Bayonne, sang in the latest SHOWCASE, at Mattison Crossing in Freehold, on August 17th. On the same program was songstress Deborah Sica

REMEMBERING ADEO SANTORI

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Members of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC., were saddened when they received the news that Adeo Santori, had died on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at age 95.  Although he had been ailing for the past 2 years, and had to slow down as per his doctor's orders,  Adeo still attended the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANTS, and enjoyed numerous other events.  He and his wife Johanne took ownership of of the PAGEANT in 2008, and together, the dynamic duo brought in an era of energy, enthusiasm and change.  He had an eye for beauty, and took an active role in seeking, and canvassing eligible contestants, whether it be by phone or in person.   Adeo lived a long life and was an excellent example of an American of Italian descent who did well.  At age 11, he worked in his parents' Italian-American grocery store in Atlantic City, and as delivery boy for the Atlantic City Press.  In 1945, he joined the Navy, but luckily did not see any action, because WWII came to an end.  He sought to furth

MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2022

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                                                         Bettyjean Pace, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2022       The story begins at the end, with the crowning of a new QUEEN.  The MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2022, was a fabulous event, and was held on Thursday, June 2nd at Harrah's Resort Hotel & Casino.  Ten contestants participated, each one hoping to capture the crown, but in the end, it was Bettyjean Pace who emerged as this year's winner.                                                                                               The Class of 2022 The women in the Pageant came from many walks of life:  teachers, preachers, administrators, nurses, clerks, and law enforcement.  Also, they came from different geographic regions which include: 3 from Atlantic County, and the cities of: Bayonne, Seaside Park, Marlton, Manahawkin, Morristown, and Toms River.                                                                                     QUEEN Bettyjean and her