The Age of Elegance

Vanessa Shaw, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2013 Hearts beat wildly, as the audience restlessly awaited the judges' decision, as to who would win the coveted title of MS SENIOR AMERICA 2013.  Queens from across the country came to Atlantic City to compete in the week long annual competition.  The event took place from Sunday, October 20th to Friday, October 25th, at Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City in the Superstar Theater. Pageant week was an exciting time for the contestants and their families and friends.  Although the CLASS OF 2013 worked hard each day rehearsing, there were fun activities scheduled in the evenings for all to enjoy, and allowed the ladies to be in bed by 11:00 PM. On Sunday evening, the Queens attended an orientation dinner, where they had the chance to meet one another.  Monday evening was free time for them to enjoy a walk on the boardwalk after a long first day's rehearsal. Queens were invited to see the WELCOME TO ...

July was a month in which the ladies of the MS NEW JERSEY AMERICA PAGEANT Organization and its service wing, the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, went on an emotional "roller coaster ride", as both good and bad news reached the "Sisterhood". The NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Showcases continued to bring joy and entertainment to their elderly constituents who are living in nursing homes.  The residents received the "ambassadors of love", with enthusiastic applause, and grateful conversation following the performances. The 3rd quarterly meeting of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB was held Wednesday, July 17th at the American Legion Post in Lakewood.  A delicious luncheon of assorted deli sandwiches and salads was served, followed by a special cake for dessert, to honor the new Queen, Vanessa Shaw, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2013.  There were many items discussed at the meeting, however, the health issues and progress of certain "sisters" were of particular importa...

   From Left to right are: Josephine Araniti/MSNJSA'07, & 2012 Shore Senior Idol Winner, and Sal Benigno, 1st Place Winner;  Diane Beebe, 2nd Place, 2013 Shore Senior Idol Winner, and Bernadette Dudek/MSNJSA'09 & 2009 Shore Senior Idol Winner. From Left to Right: Renee Tompkins, Carol Dugan/MSNJSA2012, Diane Beebe and Josephine Araniti.  Missing in photo is Contestant Jo Ann Gordon/MSNJSA'08 & VP/NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. Tensions were high yesterday inside the Algonquin Theater in Manasquan, as audience and contestants awaited the judges' results of this year's Shore Senior Idol contest.  Now in its 5th season, the local contest patterns itself after its national counterpart, American Idol, the obvious difference being the age level of 55 and over, as the main requirement.  There were 18 very talented contestants, the same number of men as there were women, and musical styles ranging from coun...

 NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB (photo courtesy, Sherri McGhie) Memories of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT held earlier this month, are still fresh in the minds of our membership. The photo above and those which follow show these elegant ladies at their finest. THE CLASS OF 2013 (photo courtesy, Sherri McGhie) Out going Queen Carol Dugan in the middle, joins the CLASS OF 2013, in a post pageant photo op. THE 2013 QUEENS COURT (photo courtesy, Sherri McGhie)  Thirteen very talented contestants made the judges' job very difficult to find the top 5 this year, but in the end they made their decision.  From left to right are: Jodi Rose/4th RU; Ruth Schlossberg/2nd RU; Vanessa Shaw/MSNJSA2013; Marion Guererra/1st RU; Diane Beebe/3rd RU. OFFICERS OF THE NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB (photo courtesy, Sherri McGhie) The officers of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB have served with honor, integrity and fairness to all for the last 4 years.  Their term will be ending s...

VANESSA SHAW,  MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2013  There she is ... the new Queen!  Vanessa Shaw, a resident of North Bergen, in Hudson County, who emerged victorious as the winner of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2013, Tuesday June 4th, at Harrah's Resort and Casino.  From the moment she walked onto the stage of the Concert Venue Theater, Vanessa stood out among the other 12 contestants, with her captivating smile and majestic demeanor.   All the ladies from the CLASS OF 2013 were fierce competitors, yet Vanessa managed to impress both a panel of distinguished judges and a supportive audience that she deserved the title.  For the Talent Portion of the Pageant, she sang "Losing My Mind ", from the Stephen Sondheim musical, Follies.   Shaw's rich mezzo soprano voice soared effortlessly through the hall, and her impassioned interpretaion of the heartbroken lover, brought tears. Vanessa is a professi...

Carol Dugan, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2012 It seems like only yesterday when Carol Dugan, graced the stage of Harrah's, winning the hearts of both a panel of distinguished judges and an adoring audience, emerging victorious as MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2012.  Her reign began on schedule, only to be interrupted the following October when Superstorm Sandy hit the eastern seaboard and ravished the New Jersey shore line.  Many appearances had to be cancelled.  Since Carol and husband John live in Ventnor, they too suffered property loss, and had to deal with the storm's devastation and aftermath.  In the months that followed Carol used her title, to offer whatever comfort and solace she could to others who live in her communtiy.  Earlier this month, she had an opportunity to speak to Governor Chris Christie about ongoing problems when he visited Ventnor.  When conditions improved, Carol resumed her duties ...

           COMING SOON!                    MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2013                 America's first and foremost pageant                that honors women age 60 and over                          TUESDAY, JUNE 4TH   1:00 P.M.              HARRAH'S RESORT & CASINO     CONCERT VENUE THEATER           TICKETS:  $10.00  AT DOOR: $12.00               ...

Sitting, from left to right: Ruth Schlossberg/Singer, Carol Rosario/Singer, Diane Beebe/Singer, Carol Dugan/MSNJSA 2012, Marion Guererra/Opera Singer, Patricia Genovese/Dancer, Brenda Christian/Dancer.  Standing, from left to right: Linda Green/Guitarist-Singer-Songwriter, Leah Whelan/Singer, Renee Tompkins/Singer, Mary Ann McDavit/Dancer, Vanessa Shaw/Singer, and Debbie Pettjohn/Comedianne.  Jodi Rose/Opera Singer, not in photo. The CLASS OF 2013 was revealed on Monday, April 29th, at the MEET THE CONTESTANTS  luncheon, which was held at Leisuretown Adult Community, Southampton. The event was hosted by the officers of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, and the help of resident Lyn Gibson/MSNJSA 2000, who reserved Laurel Hall for the occasion.  The fare included an assortment of wraps and submarine sandwiches, condiments, and hot and cold beverages.  Everyone looked forward to dessert, which was a special treat,  prepared by Jo Ann Gordon/...