The Age of Elegance

The gracious women who make up the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB lead busy and productive lives in their own communities, and, each in her own way, exemplifies the philosophy of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT: which is, "to promote the positive aspects of aging". At the July meeting, they participated in an informal survey to discover what life is like once they had reached the "age of elegance", or, 60 years and over. The results are in, and can be summed up in the following categories: (1) have fun; (2) strive to touch someone every day; (3) continue to make your voice heard. Forty women participated, and although it is not possible to mention each one by name, the survey did show that most of the ladies are involved in these 3 aforementioned categories. HAVING FUN! This can be anything from: doing puzzles, reading, writing poetry, traveling, equestrian riding, going to sports events; keeping fit by playing golf, running, water aerobics, kayaking, ...

Members of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT organization have been eagerly awaiting coverage of the 2011 pageant on the Style Network. Last night it aired on the popular reality show, "JERSEYLICIOUS". Since true reality is not that interesting, the producers of the show created a story line, a rivalry between 2 beauty consultants, Tracy and Olivia. Tracy's grandmother, Catherine Schroeder, had entered the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2011, and Tracy was determined to help her out to be the best that she could be. She presented the idea of doing hair and makeup for all 13 contestants to Gayle, the owner of the Gatsby beauty salon. Her idea was accepted and a crew of hair and makeup specialists were assigned to the pageant. Now, fast forward to June 2nd, the day of the pageant, and the scene is the contestants' dressing room at Harrah's in Atlantic City. After the crew meets the ladies, Olivia becomes partial to one contestant, Patricia Genoves...

The NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB held its quarterly meeting at the America Legion Post 166, in Lakewood, yesterday. The July meeting is always a special time, because the members get to meet and greet their new queen and the CLASS of 2011. Members were treated to a tasty luncheon buffet of fried chicken, several salads, Jo Ann Gordon's (MSNJSA 2008) famous vanilla brownies, and a huge sheet cake, with the words, WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2011 on it. Unfortunately, Desiree Nigrelli, MS NJSA 2011 was unable to attend, due to the unexpected passing of a family friend, and the funeral was at the same time. It seemed that yesterday turned out to be a surreal day for Desiree ..... a day that started out with sadness, then, later on, turned into a happy time. She was invited by Mayor Langford and the members of the Atlantic City Town Council to appear at City Hall at 5:00 pm, to receive a Proclamation of Achievement, for winning the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011. Congratulations! Mean...

Rebecca Orsatti, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2010, won 1st place prize. She impressed the judges in many ways. One in particular, was the rhythmic complexity of her song, "Don't Rain On My Parade". They praised her for her looks, and showmanship, noting from Rebecca's biography, that she was truly born to sing. Sherri McGhie, won 2nd place prize. She aroused the judges and audience with her salty rendition of the country favorite, " Harper Valley PTA". She told the naughty tale with witt and humor, and possessed a rich earthy vocal tone which was noted by the judges. Sunday June 26th, was a proud day for the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT organization, when, 4 fabulous former Queens plus our very own Sherri McGhie, took center stage. Generous words of praise abounded from the lips of the 3 judges. Each elegant lady gave powerful, distinctive, and impressive performances, making it impossible for them to find anything to be critical about. Josephine ...

4 MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA QUEENS + SHERRI MCGHIE PARTICIPATE IN 3RD ANNUAL SHORE SENIOR IDOL CONTEST Now that pageant fever has calmed down, another exciting event is soon approaching, the 3rd Annual Shore Senior Idol Contest. Four MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA QUEENS + SHERRI MCGHIE made the finals, and will join with 13 other contestants, at the Algonquin Arts Theater in Manasquan, on Sunday, June 26th at 3:00 pm. Besides Sherri McGhie, the Queens are: Johanne Santori, MSNJSA 2006, and MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR; Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA 2007; JoAnn Gordon, MSNJSA 2008; and Rebecca Orsatti, MSNJSA 2010. The contestants met at the Algonquin Theater for the first time on Thursday, June 16th. Director Gina Lupi, gave a brief welcome and orientation speech, and rehearsed the opening number with the group. Afterwards, everyone got the chance to go over their solos with the sound crew. There was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in auditorium that day. ...

"The results are in and the winner is"..... This is the traditional phrase that ends most beauty pageants, and yesterday's MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2011 was no different. After a 3 hour long battle for the crown, Desiree Nigrelli, a resident of Atlantic City, emerged triumphant as this year's Queen. She convinced a panel of judges and a discerning audience that she is "the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity and inner beauty of all senior Americans." This beauty is more than just "skin deep," as is revealed in the following Q & A interview with Desiree, earlier today. JA: How did you hear about the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT? DN: My daughter did some searching on the internet and found the national website. She called the office and was given the name, etc. of Johanne Santori, MSNJSA State Pageant Director, to contact. JA: Why did your daughter do this for you? DN: I shared my life in show business with my daugh...

Atlantic City will once again become alive with excitement in anticipation of the 40th Anniversary Special Presentation of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT. Thirteen elegant ladies, 60 years and older, who come from different parts of the Garden State, will grace the stage at Harrah's to compete for the coveted title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2011. Harrah's Resort Hotel and Casino will again host the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2011. The event will be held on Thursday, June 2nd, in the Concert Venue Theater at 1:00 pm. Contestants are judged in four catagories: Interview, Philosophy of Life, Evening Gown, and Talent. Upon winning the State title, the Queen becomes the delegate from New Jersey and will compete in the national pageant which will also be held at Harrah's in October. The pageant will also include a variety of other entertaining performances, and climaxes with outgoing Queen Rebecca Orsatti, who will deliver her farewell address, sing, and...