PRE-MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION HONORED PROMINENT NEW JERSEY WOMEN


 All photos, courtesy Terry Meade
The Trenton War Memorial is one of the many Government buildings that make up the Trenton Municipal Capitol Complex.  The marble building with its majestic columns in the front, is home to the symphony, ballet and other groups. 

The MERCER COUNTY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT Organization held a "Community Mother's Award Brunch," on Sunday afternoon May 6th, at the Trenton War Memorial.  Eleven women were honored for their commitment to preserving family values, and for their dedication to make life better for their community, city and State.  The woman came from all walks of life and included: local and State politicians, community activists, a radio personality, senior beauty pageant queens, a minister, and an educator.  The celebration was the "brainchild" of Lawaner Wilkins Sykes, who served as emcee.

Lovely Leah Whelan, MSNJSA 2011, received warm applause for her rendition of "Maybe This Time".

Terry Meade, MSNJSA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR, spoke about the philosophy, purpose and goals of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT.

 From left to right are: Becky Orsatti/MSNJSA2010, Leah Whelan/MSNJSA2011, Jo Ann Gordon/MSNJSA2008, Josephine Araniti/MSNJSA2007, Terry Meade/MSNJSA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR, Carolyn Slade Harden/MSSA2017, Johanne Santori/MSNJSA2006 & MNJSA ADMINISTRATOR, and Denise Mechan/NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASE COORDINATOR.
Johanne and QUEEN Carolyn came down from the stage and joined their "sisters" to sing "With Love, From Motown".  Josephine Araniti  invited everyone in the room to stand up and participate.  She showed them all the "signature moves"  to make while singing the 3 song medley.  It turned out to be a great fun activity, and broke up the solemnity of the occasion for a just little while.

Then, Lawaner asked each lady a question on various aspects of motherhood, and they answered based upon their life experiences.

 Carolyn Slade Harden, MSSA2017, and Johanne Santori, MSNJSA 2006, and MSNJSA PAGEANT ADMINISTRATOR, were among the honorees. Carolyn spoke encouraging words of wisdom, and Johanne spoke about the history of the Pageant, and how its founder, Dr. Mott set out to restore respect back to the elderly.

The program concluded with a prayer and an emotional hymn, sung by Reverend Lois Keys-Alexandria.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious chicken dinner, and in the background, there was music for easy listening provided by a local DJ.

There were 250 guests who attended the brunch.  Among them were politicians and their wives who came  to support honorees Senator Shirley K. Turner, and Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson.  One in particular was, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, who is running for Mayor of Trenton.  He and Terry posed together out in the lobby.

The honorees were given a beautiful plate with their photo in the middle and the sides were embossed in gold plate.  They and the performing guests were given this lovely rose, complete with a crown ring in the middle.  All afternoon long, a photographer went table to table, taking pictures.  He made copies and gave them to all the guests to take home.

Everyone received a free raffle ticket for chances to win prizes of: dinners for two at Trenton area restaurants, a painting, and this elegant vase with a gorgeous crown on top. 

Lawaner thanked the Committee for all their hard work to make the afternoon a success, and she invited everyone to get out of their seats and mingle with each other in the time remaining.  A great time was had by all, and once again, congratulations to Johanne and Carolyn!

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