A BUSY SUMMER FOR THIS PAST MSNJSA QUEEN

By now most of you who read our blog, know that I, Josephine Araniti, am the writer. It has been my pleasure to write about the New Jersey Senior America Pageant, its Queens, the Senior America National Pageant, and the "elegant ladies" of the New Jersey Cameo Club. The intent of this blog is to write about these truly inspirational women, as they journey through life after age 60.

I have been a member of the New Jersey Cameo Club for 3 years, after I won the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2007. Until now, I haven't written about myself, but I did have a busy summer, and I would like to share some of those times with you.

Wall Township held a Memorial Day Celebration on the Town Green, and I sang in the chorus to commemorate the holiday.

On Saturday, June 26th, I performed at the Greenbriar II Clubhouse auditorium, where I live, located in Brick. I have performed for my friends and neighbors for the past 6 years. This year's show was entitled, "A SALUTE TO FAMOUS DIVAS OF STAGE & SCREEN". I saluted Metropolitan opera divas, Renee Fleming and Anna Nebtrenko, movie legends, Deanna Durbin, Jane Powell, Kathryn Grayson, and Ann Blythe, and, with the help of a guest baritone, sang duets of Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. I sang songs of Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, and Dianna Ross. There were show tunes made famous by broadway stars, Julie Andrews and Bernadette Peters. My show ended with "Broadway Blockbusters", a 5 song medley from broadway's longest running shows, One, Beauty & the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables. For my encore, I sang "I'll Be Seeing You", made famous by the greatest "gal" of all, Liberace!

In July, I participated in a benefit concert at the Church of Good Shepherd Lutheran, in Point Pleasant. I sang several of the songs listed above. The event was a fundraiser in support of the church's summer youth programs.

Later that month, I competed in the Second Senior Idol Contest, that was held at the historic Strand Theater, in Lakewood. I was among 15 contests, 55 and over who performed. Although I received high praise from the 3 judges, I didn't win. Not to worry, though ... I really enjoyed myself and was thrilled to sing on the stage of that gorgeous theater.

On August 14th, I participated in a Gong-A-Thon, another fundraiser, sponsored by The Algonquin Arts Theater. That was a fun show, and another occasion to sing on the stage of a theater with great acoustics and sound system. I won a prize for the Best Interpretation.

Yes, it was a busy summer, and, as you can see, I too, am having the time of my life, now that I am 60 and beyond! My plan for the year ahead is to continue to keep busy by performing with my sisters in the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and in giving one woman shows of my own.

My schedule includes a show later in September, and continues through December. Anyone wishing to attend any of my performances or to book a show can call me at: 732-202-1494.