2008 - IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR!

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 produced more ladies than ever who gave so unselfishly of their time and talents. Much of the credit is due to Marge Wanamaker, Showcase Director. She too, has decided to retire, not from performing, but from the position. Thank you, Marge, for a job well done! Doris Criscione and Cathy Clark, will co-chair the position, and are currently busy setting up the 2009 schedule.

Several people received proclamations from City and State this year. In September, Jo Ann Gordon, NJSA 2008, was honored by Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and the Brick Town Council. In October, the New Jersey State Legislature sent written proclamations to Jo Ann Gordon, NJSA 2008, Josephine Araniti, NJSA 2007, Johanne Santori, NJ State Pageant Director, and Dr. Al Mott, founder New Jersey Senior America, and Senior America, Inc.

The last event of the year was the Christmas Parade in Atlantic City. The Saturday following Thanksgiving was a crystal clear and sunny day, with temperatures around 50 degrees. Atlantic Avenue was lined up with people of all ages and as the parade turned into the shopping outlets the crowd of shoppers cheered us to the end. Our float was headed by 2008 Queen Jo Ann Gordon and her court.