The Age of Elegance

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...