City to host Ms. Senior MA pageant

Date: 9/28/2010

Sept. 27, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD -- Although the Jewish Community Center (JCC) is no longer the sponsor of the annual Ms. Massachusetts Senior America contest, the annual showcase for talented senior women is continuing, thanks to the city of Springfield.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Elder Affairs Director Janet Denney and Ms. Senior Massachusetts Pageant Director Loraine Gorham met with 15 of the 18 winners of the state title at the Greenleaf Community Center in the Sixteen Acres section of the city on Sept. 22 to announce the city will host this year's pageant at Kiley Middle School.

The pageant will take place on Nov. 14.

Gorham also announced that she would accompany the 2010 queen, Dr. Bobbie Rennix, to the national competition in Atlantic City, N.J., conducted Oct. 3 through 7.

Rennix will compete for the national title along with about 40 other contestants.

The pageant is described on it Web site as "the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the 'Age of Elegance.' It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society."

Denny explained the city would provide assistance with the publicity and provide both a meeting space for the organization as well as the venue for the pageant.

Sarno said, "I'm happy to keep it in Springfield."

Gorham called the change, "a new beginning."

Sarafino Ghareeb, the president of the Massachusetts pageant organization, thanked the JCC for its support of the pageant.

"They were wonderful for 18 years," she said.

Ghareeb said the state pageant draws contestants from around the Commonwealth and 10 women are expected to compete for the title this year. The pageant is expected to draw between 600 and 650 people.