The Age of Elegance

It's that time again, when people say goodbye to the old year and ring in the new. For the members of New Jersey Senior America, it was no different. The year 2008 was marked by growth transition and change. It was a time to say goodbye and thank you to outgoing State Director Louise Ferla, and to welcome Johanne Santori to the position. Together with the help of Pinky Kravitz, affectionately known as "Mr. Atlantic City", they found a new home for the 2008 State Pageant at Harrah's Hotel and Casino. The national pageant also needed to relocate from Las Vegas, so Johanne and Pinky persuaded the management of Harrah's to hold it there as well. Johanne enlisted a force of devoted volunteers, and together, they worked tirelessly to produce a magnificent 2008 New Jersey Senior America Pageant. The New Jersey Cameo Club, which is the service wing of New Jersey Senior America, also had a record year of performance showcases around the the Garden State. The Class of 2008 ...

In the years that followed, many elegant and talented New Jersey Senior America Queens competed for the coveted national title, but no one won. Our founder, Dr. Al Mott explained that during those years, the growth and popularity of the Senior America Pageant was tremendous throughout the country and US territories. Each year, hundreds of beautiful and talented women aged 60 and over came out to compete, and the coveted title went to many other States. Then, in 2003 the tide changed. When beautiful and talented Dr. Sandra Greco, M.D won the State Pageant, everyone connected with New Jersey Senior America hoped and that she would be the one to bring the title back to the Garden State. And she did! Sandra was crowned the 23rd Ms Senior America at the Golden Phoenix Hotel Casino in Reno, Nevada on November 8, 2003. Dr. Greco sang "Misty" during the talent portion of the show. Sandra, the eldest of three sisters, was born in Chicago. She attended the U...

In the photo above, Jan Dickenson on the left, has just been crowned Ms New Jersey Senior America 1986, by former State and National Queen, Laverne Stokes. No photo of her as Ms Senior America 1987 is available. In the following year, the national crown and title went to yet another "lady of elegance" who hailed from the Garden State. Lovely Jan Dickenson, lived in Leisuretown, an adult community located in Southampton. A talented vocalist, she sang the popular song, " Young at Heart ". The event was again held in Atlantic City at Resorts. Many years have passed at this writing, and not much is known is known about Jan through this reporter. Laverne Stokes however, remembered Jan as a sweet and humble lady, who gave a strong vocal performance at the 1986 State Pageant. She recalled that Jan served as Ms New Jersey Senior America 1986, and then, as Ms. Senior America 1987 with grace and charm...