The Age of Elegance

The June events of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB were reported in earlier posts.  With the exception of the 3rd quarterly meeting in July, the ladies took a well earned hiatus that month.  All, that is, except except for Dr. Debra Canale, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2019, and Denise Ely, first Runner Up.  Besides parades, QUEEN Debra was a featued guest at the Renault Winery.  Donned in her crown and banner she danced the night away to the tunes spun by DJ Jerry Blavit.  During a break, he invited Debra to speak to the crowd about the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT. An article, about Denise Ely, which included photos, appeared in the New Jersey Journal on July 31st, written by Deidre Flanagan Ward. In the article titled, "First Runner Up Is A Win/Win For Liver Transplant Recipient", she wrote that Denise set a precedent for being the first transplant to participate in the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT.  A longtime volunteer for the NJ S...

The radio airways will come alive once again on Sunday morning, when the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB'S newest "sister" , will share her amazing story of how her life was saved by a miraculous gift. Denise Ely will be the guest of Shelli Sonstein, whose show airs on Q104.3 i Heart New York Radio, or on Sonstein Sessions podcast on the i Heart Radio app.  The show airs at 6:55 AM, and Denise's previously taped interview will begin at approximately 7:15 AM. Denise shared her story onstage on June 5th, when she participated in the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2019, at Harrah's, where she came in 1st Runner Up in the competition.  She managed to explain in a 35 second Philosophy of Life speech, the importance of organ transplants to those who are dying of need.  She sang the song "I will Survive" , for her Talent presentation, because the lyrics pertained to how she dealt with the disastrous diagnosis of a failing liver.   Not only was she was saved by...

When the fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB met on Thursday for their 3rd quarterly meeting at the Manahawkin Elks Lodge, little did they know of the afternoon's daunting agenda that awaited them.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, everyone enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and cut melons and beverages, while the chatter of lively conversations filled the room.  Since the members come from all over the State, the chance to talk face to face with each other far exceeded talking by phone or texting.  In the background, the "Andrew Lloyd Webber Celebration" medley could be heard on the boombox, a subtle reminder of what the Grande Dames Chorus will be singing at next year's Pageant. As noontime approached, President Carole tapped the gavel, and called the meeting to order, and announced that there was a very full agenda for the afternoon.  Secretary Leah read the minutes of the last meeting, Treasurer Becky gave her report, and then the Commi...

This summer has been sizzling on many fronts so far, particularly for Dr. Debra Canale, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2019, who has begun her year-long journey of appearances at different age related venues in The Garden State.  Despite their physical limitations, she got people up and moving at assisted living facilities last month. At Brandywine Senior Living in Pennington, QUEEN DEBRA arrived in gym attire and performed her athletic routine.  Afterwards, she changed into a stunning blue gown, and gave some helpful hints on nutrition, and the importance of keeping healthy. July began with 2 exciting events for this energetic senior QUEEN.  On Monday evening July 2nd, Dr. Debra met with the members of the Medford Township Town Council. all photos, courtesy Terry Meade   QUEEN Debra was  honored with a Proclamation of Achievement, which was presented to her by Mayor Charles Watson.   QUEEN Debra gave a short but eloquent speech, tha...

Our four envoys promoted the positive aspects on aging very well.  Dr. Thelma Witherspoon  attended this year's Pageant and was very impressed at what she saw, and  she made her views known on this morning's show.   Kudos to all! The Age of Elegance was the subject of an interview on the show, "In The Community", hosted by Dr. Thelma Witherspoon.  The broadcast aired at 9:00  AM this morning on WEHA radio 88.7 FM and 100.3 FM in Atlantic City.  She and 4 invited guests spent a lively hour talking about the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT  and the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. On hand for the discussion were: Terry Meade, Executive State Pageant Director, Rebecca Orsatti, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2010, and NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Treasurer; Denise Mechan, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Showcase Director; and Donna King, 2019 Contestant and 2nd Runner Up.  The ladies explained most eloquently and clearly every facet of the 2 organizations, and...

The fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB were out in full regalia to volunteer for a worthwhile cause, and combined their talents with the Applaud Our Kids Foundation to help raise money for their scholarship program.  The evening show was held at the Laurita Winery in New Egypt, on Thursday, June 14th.  The two groups gave a two hour show of great music from Broadway, movies, and the classics.  Each performer was unique in their own vocal style and song delivery, and the audience appreciation ranged from generous applause to standing ovations.   Dr. Debra Canale, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2019, rocked the house with her dance routine.  Although she is not in this photo, the results of her routine are highly visible.  She went out into the audience and encouraged everyone to dance.  Many from six to ninety plus, came up to the stage to clap, bump and grind, showing off their own individual styles. The GRANDE DAMES CHORUS is a ben...

There they are. The 2019 QUEEN and her Court. That's how it all ended on Wednesday, June 5th at Harrah's Resort Hotel and Casino.  But, who are these 5 lovely women and how did their story begin?  How did they find out about the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2019, and who inspired 11 ladies to become contestants?  Perhaps they read about the Pageant in their hometown newspaper, or perhaps they were self motivated, so they Googled "pageants" until they found the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT website.  Maybe a NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB member invited someone they knew, or, the ladies who were in the Pageant before decided to enter again.   Dr. Debra Canale, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2019, in the middle, and from the far left are: Dale Browndorf/dancer from Margate, 3rd RU; Donna King/singer from Pleasantville, 2nd RU; Denise Ely/singer from Red Bank, 1st RU; and Bettyjean Pace/dancer, from Toms River, 4th RU. Successful pageants are usually t...