Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant returns to Harrah’s
By Ava Holly
Once again the Harrah’s stage lit up on Thursday, May 30, for the annual Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant. The stage was set for Ferlinda (Ferlie) Almonte, last year’s state winner, to take her final walk and crown a new state queen.
Almonte’s journey was amazing this past year as she represented women in the “Age of Elegance” at many locations throughout New Jersey.
Almonte is a cancer survivor. One of the more interesting stories from this year’s event was her multicolored, vintage dress which she selected because it contained all of the colors that represent various types of cancer and serve to raise awareness.
The different types of cancer represented those she has loved and lost, and survivors as well, she explained. It was a moving ending to a special day on stage.
The audience enjoyed performances by Max Valentino and Bobby Fischetti – no strangers to the Ms. Senior America stage. Now calling themselves The Generations, they perform together at various locations. You can also catch Max on this season’s “America’s Got Talent.”
The pageant, founded by Dr. Al Mott, has been warmly received by senior women. Mott wanted to take women from the rocking chair to the runway and show them that age doesn’t define them. Now taking the helm as national administrators are Denise and Floyd Calazzo.
The eight contestants were judged on philosophy of life, evening gown, talent and private interviews before the actual competition. It’s a whole week of events for them. Once a woman has competed in the pageant, she is automatically accepted into the Cameo Club where contestants and past winners perform throughout the year.
This year’s pageant had the theme “Around the World,” with touching performances from different cultures across the globe. The national winner for 2023, Dr. Terry D. Quinn, gave a stunning performance, joining the pageant from Texas where she is a breast surgical oncology specialist.
Incidentally, Ferlie Almonte, Ms. New Jersey Senior America from 2023, came in fourth runner-up at the National Pageant for 2023, held in Atlantic City. This year’s state winner, Lenore Cibelli-lambert, will compete in the Nationals in October.
The program included performances from Les Grande Dames Chorus and the New Jersey Star Dancers. Past winner Suzie Neustadter was among those in the group. The afternoon also included the piano and vocal stylings of Max Berger, who served as master of ceremonies. Choreographer was Melanie Brough.
Pulling it all together were Ms. New Jersey Senior America State Administrator Johanne Santori, and Ms. New Jersey Senior America State Pageant Director Terry Meade, who also served as emcees.
The contestants included Jacqueline Turner-Alfonso from Teaneck, E. Denise Peoples from Paterson, Lois Sutton EL from Atlantic City, Lenore Cibelli-Lambert from Parlin in the Borough of Sayreville, Galina Pana from Fair Lawn, Bernadette Jones from Trenton, Linda Irene Passerella from Hazlet, and Deloris Bagley from Lawrenceville.
To compete, contestants must be 60 years of age or older. The dynamic and talented contestants will be part of a sisterhood for the rest of their lives, pageant organizers said.
Results were as follows:
3rd Runner–up: Jacqueline Turner-Alfonso who did a fitness routine for her talent.
2nd Runner-up: Bernadette Jones who did a tap routine for her talent.
1st Runner-up: E. Denise Peoples, who has a new lease on life after recently receiving a lung transplant, was voted Miss Congeniality. She entertained with a spoken word, singing segment.
This year’s winner is Lenore Cibelli-Lambert, a retired teacher, blogger, make-up artist and hair stylist. She is a board member of the Miss Staten Island-Miss Richmond County (preliminary to Miss America). She sang a Christmas song (sort of) as she rewrote some of the lyrics to fit into her lifestyle.
Organizers called the pageant a huge success, adding that they are ready to root for Cibelli-Lambert at the Nationals in the fall.
Also in attendance was 2022 State Queen, BettyJean Pace from Brooklyn, N.Y., who now resides in Toms River.
This year’s judges were: local public relations expert Karen Martin; actor, coach, and spokesperson David Weincek; Atlantic City native and local broadcaster Don Hurley; President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City Larry Sieg; and former member of the National Miss America Hostess Committee, now retired from the Atlantic County Board of Elections and the Township of Hamilton School District Lisa Strother.
Photos by Ava Holly and
BettyJean Pace
