MEMORIES OF THE MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2021

June 19, 2021

After a year's hiatus due to the corona virus pandemic of 2020, Johanne Santori, CHAIRMAN, and Members of the Board of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC., decided to hold the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2021. During the past year, restrictions prohibiting large group gatherings were lifted, and this enabled the Board's decision to continue the tradition of a live PAGEANT. The event was held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Toms River on June 3rd.

There was an air of relief and joy, as people filled the Grand Ballroom to capacity for the afternoon event, because for the first time, they had a choice of whether or not to wear a mask.

Photos, courtesy Sherri McGhie, MSNJSA'15

At the center of the stage, a golden crown was pinned to to a black velvet curtain. The lecturn for the speakers was located at stage right, and the trophy table on stage left.

The opening number of the PAGEANT was a patriotic medley, entitled, "This is my Country", and "God Bless America", sung by the members of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. Johanne Santori, MSNJSA'06, and Chairman, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC., and Terry Meade, DIRECTOR OF PAGEANTS, shared the podium as Mistresses of Ceremonies. Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA'07, and Carolyn Slade Harden, MSNJSA'17, and MSSA'17, entertained the audience with their lovely voices.

The 8 contestants made their first appearance as a group, wearing classic black dresses. This photo was taken at rehearsal, with Terry Meade, DIRECTOR OF PAGEANTS, in the foreground, and Dr. Debra Canale/MSNJSA'19, center stage, in the background. They were lovely to look at in the Evening Gown Portion, and each recited unique, and uplifting Philosophies of Life.

Amini Sababu, Trenton, chose to model an African Gown.

Patricia Gensinger, Brick Township, wore a light blue gown which complimented her red hair. Pat won 4th Runner Up.

Geri Rizzo, Atlantic City, wore a flowing Grecian style gown, as she floated gracefully across the stage. Geri won 3rd Runner Up.

Donna King, Egg Harbor Township, lit up the room, with her bright smile, and stunning gold gown. Donna won 2nd Runner Up.

Dale Browndorf, Margate, wore a gown embracing the "best of two worlds", that is, a form fitting rhinstoned bodice top, attached to a soft, flowing floor length chiffon skirt. Dale won 1st Runner Up.

In the end, it was Dorothy Johnson, Mount Laurel, who scored the highest in the 4 Judging Categories which include: Evening Gown, Philosophy of Life, Talent and a Private Judges' Interview. For the Talent Portion, she performed an original comedy skit, based on her life experiences and crazy imagination. QUEEN Dorothy will soon begin a year long journey of appearances at age related venues, where she will delight her constituents with her humor and charm. Good Luck!

Prior to the announcement of the winner and the 4 runners up, outgoing QUEEN Dr. Debra Canale, MSNJSA'19, gave her farewell address and final QUEEN'S walk across the stage. Kudos to a lovely lady, who wore her crown with humility, compassion and caring for others.

Her last official duty was to put the sash and crown on incoming QUEEN Dorothy onstage. Here, however, is just a casual shot of her adjusting Dorothy's crown.

Kudos to Terry Meade for producing another fabulous PAGEANT, to her backstage crew for their hard work, and to CHAIRMAN Johanne Santori and the BOARD of MSNJSA INC., for making it all possible.