The Age of Elegance

  The MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2024 is soon approaching, and excitement is building in anticipation of the crowning of a new QUEEN.  The time honored annual event will be held at Harrahs Resort Hotel and Casino on Thursday, May 30th at 1:00 PM in the Concert Venue Theater.  Saying "Farewell to the QUEEN" is really an oxymoron - a figure of speech in which two contradictictory ideas are intentionally paired together in order to make a point, particularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth. During her reign, Ferlie Almonte, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2023, has touched many lives performing in NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASES, with her energetic quick quips and quotes on resiliency, followed by her signature song, "Smile".  As a cancer surviver, she gave hope to all those who heard her.  Her passion for music really lifted up peoples' spirits and gave them hope to carry on and to face life's adversities. So, what happens to Ferlie Almonte/MSNJSA202...

"Pageant fever" is running quite high these days in anticipation of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2024. The ladies who make up the CLASS OF 2024 met on Monday, April 22nd, at a special luncheon and orientation, at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River.  There are nine contestants this year, however, one lady was unable to attend. They are joined by Ferlie Almonte/MSNJSA2023 in the center, and Directors Terry Meade and Johanne Santori/MSNJSA2006 on each side. The purpose of the meeting was to welcome the contestants, have them meet each other in a warm and welcoming setting, and to orient them about the history and background of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT, and its purposes and goals. The meeting began with Administrative Director Johanne Santori/MSNJSA2006, who gave special tribute of thanks to Terry Meade/State Pageant Director and presented her with a lovely floral bouquet. Ferlie Almonte, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA  2023, spoke about her many experience...

The year is quickly coming to a close, and the fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB did their best to create happy memories for all they touched.  They continued to give Showcases around the State, in spite of the dreaded COVID virus which still pervades our world.   The following are some event highlights between October through December A special guest attended the October Showcase at the Laurita Winery, King Micheal as he is affectionately named, who was included in this photo op. The MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2023 was special this year, because QUEEN Ferlie Almonte came in 4th runner up! Everyone cheered her success at the Ball.   There was another activity in October, apart from performing that some members participated in. NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB members were asked to be pourers at Laurita Winery's OctoberFest.  QUEEN Ferlie volunteered along with Board members Terry, Carolyn, Denise and JoAnn.  Even though it rained that day, many patrons atten...

                                                                                    Photo, Courtesy Ferlie Almonte Since winning the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2023, Ferlie Almonte has been busy maintaining and keeping her varied commitments throughout the State.  Her first tri-mester has indeed been impressive, which included parades, speaking engagements, and appearances in NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASES. QUEEN Ferlie has received numerous congratulatory letters from local and State legislators.  Last July, she was invited to appear at the Ocean County Board ...

  The cover of the program book depicts Lady Liberty in the foreground, as the American flag sways amidst the rockets' red glare. "Celebrate America" was the theme for the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2023 last Thursday at Harrah's, where 12 "ladies of elegance" graced the stage of the Concert Venue Theater.   The Class of 2023 pose in the hallway awaiting the Pagent to begin.  Also, in the front row are: Terry Meade/Pageant Director; Carolyn Harden/MSNJSA'17 & MSSA'17; Debbie Robbins/MSSA'22; Bettyjean Pace/MSNJSA'22; and Johanne Santori/MSNJSA'06 & MSNJSA, INC. Administrator.   The 12 contestants performed very well in the 3 judging categories the audience saw which were: Evening Gown, Philosopy of Life, and Talent: but the 4th category, the Judges Interview was private.   And there she is - the winner!  Ferlie Almonte/MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2023.     This photo of QUEEN Ferlie and her Court was part of a featur...

Betty Jean Pace, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2022   It seems like only yesterday, when Betty Jean Pace graced the stage at Harrah's, captured the hearts of a distinguished panel of judges, and an adoring audience, and who won the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2022.  During the year of her reign, QUEEN Betty Jean touched the lives of many senior Americans in her travels throughout the Garden State.  As the featured entertainer, with the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, her performances brought much joy and happiness to her constituents, leaving them happier than before.  The following is a glimpse of QUEEN Betty's fabulous year:   It was such a proud and happy time for QUEEN Betty Jean, when she posed for the first time with her new found "Sisters", in the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. Her busy schedule began soon after to participate in parades.  Here's QUEEN Betty Jean strutting along with the New Jersey Mummers Band, at the Columbus Day Parade in Seaside Park, on...

The summer of 2022 turned out a bit disappointing for the ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB, due to several cancellations of SHOWCASES; with the all to familiar reason being COVID-19 breakouts at various nursing home facilities as the culprit.  Showcase Director Denise Mechan set up a great schedule, only to be shot down by this global menace! Nevertheless, there were some good times where the ladies entertained and brought joy.  On July 20th, QUEEN Bettyjean got people up and dancing at the Middletown Senior Center. Earlier in the month, the CLUB entertained on the boardwalk at Atlantic City for a post July 4th SHOWCASE.  Unfortunately, there is no group photo to share, but it was great!     Two new ladies who were contestants in the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2022, have become regular performers.  Suzanne Clare La Rosa/3rd runnerup, from Bayonne, sang in the latest SHOWCASE, at Mattison Crossing in Freehold, on August 17th. On the sa...