The Age of Elegance

  In happier times, this was the opening number of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2019, at Harrahs Hotel & Casino. The past year has been disastrous worldwide, and saying goodbye and nevermore to 2020 might give comfort to some, but for those who have suffered the loss of loved ones to the corona virus, no words can suffice for their grief.   So it goes for the ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, as they continue to follow federal guidelines of self quarantine, wearing face masks, and washing hands, etc.  To date, it has paid off, because no member has come down with the dreaded disease.  The ladies have found self quarantine the hardest part, because of the loneliness and isolation it causes.  Ladies who have spouses and significant others, and those with adult children and grandchildren living nearby, are luckier, since they can continue to have family interaction.  But, for the ladies who live alone, it is harder.   Before C...

  Hearts were heavy with sadness when the ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB learned of the sudden passing of Rebecca Orsatti, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2010, on Tuesday, October 7th.  To make matters worse, it was also announced that funeral services would be private, due to the global pandemic and public health concerns.  Services were held today at Holy Cross Cemetary, and Johanne Santori, Chairman/Ms. NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC. announced that she was the only one outside the family allowed to attend.  A celebration of Becky's life and legacy are on hold for the present, and plans by the family are forthcoming.              file photos, courtesy either Sherri McGhie and/or Terry Meade During the past week there were many Facebook notifications, in remembrance of Becky, by her "sisters"  in the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, who recalled the good times they shared with her over the years. It all bega...

  The main goal of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC, a non profit 501c3 organization, is for its Queens and members to be of service to the community.  Whereas the PAGEANT occurs once a year, and is for the purpose of crowning a new QUEEN, the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB is the service wing, and has ongoing activities for its members all year long.   Each year, the Queen gets to realize her specific platform and its implementation during the year of her reign. Last year, Debra Canale, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2019, found a worthy organization to participate in and to volunteer for, the WOUNDED WARRIOR WEEK project.  Due to the coronavirus, the 2020 PAGEANT was canceled.  Debra was chosen to continue to represent the State of New Jersey during 2020.  She graciously agreed and continues to honor and to serve in matters concerning the PAGEANT organization. The project started 9 years ago, by members of the American Legion Post #469, located in Longport, New Jer...

Much has been written about the pandemic of 1917-1918, and its trail of worldwide devastation.  In  the same manner, many stories about the current COVID-19 pandemic will be written about it when it ends.  But how has this silent enemy become the subject of interest to music and musicians? The world has been in lock down due to the corona virus since March, and people have been encouraged to self quarantine and avoid gathering in crowds.  Musical performances of every genre have been forced to close down.  Singing in large groups were stopped, and singers were branded as super spreaders of the corona virus.  World renowned composer and choral conductor, Eric Whitacre was stunned by the news as he saw the musical world come to a grinding halt on a global scale.  The very thing he loved so much - gathering people in a room to sing was suddenly such a dangerous thing.  Last March, Eric Whitacre thought it was time to do something positive am...

When Johanne Santori/MSNJSA'06 and Chairperson of Ms. NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC needed a Director of Pageants, she searched for Jersey's best, and so it came to pass that she appointed Terry Meade.   Over the years, Terry's boundless energy and tireless efforts have been recognized by Ms. NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC, for creating and directing  magnificent Pageants at Harrah's in Atlantic City. She does, however, share this same energy and passion for another organization, the NEW JERSEY SHARING NETWORK.  Mark, her husband suffered a serious heart attack, and for many months, he laid in a hospital bed, waiting for a heart transplant.  Luckily his story ended happily, because the NEW JERSEY SHARING NETWORK found a matching donor. Today, Terry and Mark, live each day, giving thanks to their anonymous donor, who upon dying, gave Mark the gift of life.  They have become one of many spokespersons for the NEW JERSEY SHARING NETWORK, and have bee...

Sadly, the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2020 had to be cancelled earlier this month, as well as the ongoing activities of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The time honored Pageant which dates back to the 1970's, has given hundreds of ladies 60 and over, a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a crown and State title, just as their younger counterparts, and the chance go further to compete for a national title as well.  For many ladies, participation in this Pageant has been a life altering experience, that has changed the way they view themselves, and how they plan to live out the rest of their lives.  This year, the dreaded COVID-19 virus has robbed many of this chance. During these hard times, 2 ladies have emerged, who have tried to keep the ladies together.  As they were highlighted in the April issue, Norma McGhie/MSNJSA'95, and daughter Sherri/MSNJSA'15 deserve continued mention.  photos, courtesy Sherri McGhie ...

This not too "age old question", has been addressed and answered, by one special lady.  Sherri McGhie, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2015, found a way to keep the ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, connected during the 45 day government mandated nationwide self quarantine, that was enforced to fight the deadly spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.  file photo During March and April, QUEEN Sherri has been holding Zoom meetings with her "sisters" across the State.  Zoom is the video conferencing app that has soared in popularity since the coronavirous pandemic.  While the coronavirus chaos wreaks mayhem across the world, Zoom has become an essential tool for keeping people in touch and close to their family and friends. Monday evenings between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM is the scheduled time for the video get together, which is called the "Virtual Cocktail Hour".   The Zoom meetings are easy to join.  Sherri, who is the host, sends everyone an email ...

The month of March is usually the time when people look forward to welcoming the coming of Spring.  However, during the month, people all over the world learned about a serious disease, which is named the coronavirus, or COVID-19.  Public health officials around the world have declared an all out war to defeat this insidious disease.  In particular, United States' President Trump ordered a national 2 week quarantine for all Americans, which began on Monday March 16 and ends on Monday March 30.  Citizens were asked to stay home during this period, and not to go out unless it was absolutely necessary.  New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy has stated frequently that, "this is no time to panic, but it's just as much no time for business as usual".  He urged Jerseyans to make the right call, if not for themselves, but for their families, friends and community, to help to stop the spread of the coronavirus.  Schools are closed, as well as industry and...

The winter hiatus was halted in February in order to accommodate requests from two senior living facilities for a NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASE.  So, these fabulous ladies, troupers all, were only too happy to oblige. The weather on Valentine's Day was picture perfect for the First NJCC SHOWCASE at Spring Oaks Assisted Living in Toms River.  The auditorium was adorned in Valentine's Day decor, and the residents were in a festive mood. Dr. Debra Canale, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2019, opened the Showcase, and got the joint rockin' with her aerobic routine and dance.  Two male residents joined her along with some "Sisters", who can be seen in the background. Carolyn Slade Harden, MS SENIOR AMERICA 2017,  performed one of her signature songs, "I Love Being Here With You".   Her style and grace made everyone feel welcomed, and set the tone for more great performances that followed. Norma Mc Ghie, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 1995, has be...

January meant the beginning of the 2020 school year, when students returned to the traditional "three R's".  At the same time, the ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, observed several "R's" of their own. "Relaxation and Reconnecting" was the theme for the 1st quarterly meeting on January 7th, and the perfect weather allowed the members to gather together at the Manahawkin Elks Lodge.  Each lady brought her favorite covered dish to the annual pot luck luncheon which followed the meeting The afternoon's agenda was full of items of interest to all.  Although not in any particular order, some of the highlights included: Terry Meade, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA EXECUTIVE STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR, announced the date of the 2020 PAGEANT as Wednesday, June 3rd at Harrah's, and the theme is "That's Entertainment".   Denise Mechan, COORDINATOR, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASES, reported that 2019 was a very successful season, with a...