By Tammy Scileppi
If age is a matter of mind, then 11 glamorous 60-something goddesses from New York would most likely agree that if you don’t mind, age truly doesn’t matter.
The joint was jumping when those 11 vivacious and talented contestants – including two gals from Queens – recently took to the stage and dazzled the audience during the 32nd Ms. New York Senior America Pageant. The exciting event was held April 2 at Maguire Theater, located in SUNY at Old Westbury, on Long Island.
Kristin Thorne, a local correspondent for WABC-TV’S Eyewitness News, was one of the six judges who rated contestants based on four categories: private interviews, evening gown & stage presence, philosophy of life, and talent.
Miss Universe, step aside.
Sharing their pearls of wisdom from a lifetime of worldly experience, each accomplished and gifted woman proved that beauty is way more than skin deep.
A queen at heart, Rita Plush revealed her inner fashionista. She wore two stunning gowns: a chic brown number accented with sequins and another in royal blue. The Bayside author, teacher and interior designer said she believed that “late bloomers bloom longer.”
Her special interests include reading, writing, yoga and theater.
Wearing a sexy red gown, Rose Scalia, of Jamaica Estates, who is an adjunct professor at New York University, reminded folks that “there’s never a question of whether we’ll have challenges in life. There’s only a question of how we choose to handle them. Challenge yourself! That’s when you start living.”
After changing to a striking black dress adorned with sequins running down its length, Scalia — the fourth runner-up — kicked off the Talent Presentation with “Hey Big Spender,” which she belted out, vixen-style.
Scalia’s special interests include animal rescue, community affairs, ziplining and shark cage diving.
Becoming a Ms. New York Senior America contestant isn’t easy. Along with a hefty dose of moxie, it takes a deep sense of commitment and a desire to give back and help others. Those who want to join the sisterhood of dynamic women who are chosen to compete for the coveted crown must best exemplify the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans.
It was clear from the audience’s thunderous applaus during the talent performances that each contestant possessed another trifecta of winning qualities: charm, personality, and a great sense of humor.
And that’s what “The Age of Elegance” is really all about.
Surrounded by her pageant sisters, and donning her tiara and new sash, Queen 2017 Lee Ann Brill of Ronkonkoma, L.I., was beaming with happiness, as she showed off her shiny trophy.
“This is a wonderful privilege and honor, and I just can’t believe I won,” Brill said. She wanted everyone to know that “seniors matter, and we have a lot to say.”
An outstanding vocalist who loves music and songwriting, Brill wowed the judges with her stirring rendition of that iconic song “To Dream the Impossible Dream.” In her personal statement, she declared, “Walk in Faith. Know that God’s dreams for you are bigger than those you dreamed for yourself.”
The new queen received a cash award, plus an all-expense-paid week in Atlantic City to compete in the Senior America National Pageant in October.
Brill’s regal court included fellow vocalist Jeanne Marino from Massapequa, whose laugh-out-loud version of “Copacabana” got her the title of first runner up. By changing the lyrics around, the tune became a mother’s comedic search for someone to marry her still single, 29-year-old daughter: “Her name is Talia, she is a lawyer…”
For her talent portion, Plush delivered a witty, light-hearted monologue, titled “The Thing of it Is.” Her humorous take on timely topics seemed to resonate with the audience. And drawing on her decorating mojo, she cleverly injected some imaginary style tips into her unique soliloquy.
“The thing of it is … in this day and age, in our all-inclusive, multi-cultural, same-sex-marriage century, we almost put a woman in the White House, for heavensake! Why is God still personified as a He/Him rather than a She/Her? Good question. I’m glad you asked. It’s because men wrote the Bible, and they gave the best part to HIM. No surprise there. But has He never heard of term limits?”
Plush said she wanted folks to know that competing in the pageant was a great experience, and she was “thrilled and honored to be part of it.”
In a letter to the pageant from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in which he applauded this year’s contestants, he wrote: “The Ms. New York Senior Pageant showcases incredible women who have truly mastered the art of living. Each of them worthy of a crown, they can take great pride in knowing that their lives and achievements promote the positive aspects of aging and illustrate the rich legacy that seniors have endowed to our state and nation.”
