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!