They’ve still got it

Women over 60 shine in Ms. New Jersey Senior America pageant

Jun, 09-2009 11:10 am

By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer

ATLANTIC CITY – Five judges had their work cut out for them Thursday, June 4 choosing from the 12 contenders vying for the title of Ms. New Jersey Senior America and the right to represent the Garden State in the Ms. Senior America pageant in October. Contestants had to be at least 60 years old. Each was judged on talent, evening wear and an interview, and was asked to give their philosophy of life.

Some danced, others sang, and one, Eileen Renders of Egg Harbor Township, even combined her passion for painting with her career as a nutritional therapist.

Bernadette Dudek, 63, of Manchester, was crowned the winner. She sang “I Could Have Danced All Night.”

The first runner-up was Rebecca Orsatti, 60, of Atlantic City, who sang “Starting Here, Starting Now.” The second runner-up was Kay Vigue, 61, of Pleasantville who sang “Everything is Coming up Roses.” Renders was the third runner-up, and the fourth runner-up was Carol Lelli, 63, of Ocean City, who danced the Charleston.

Pageant organizer Adeo Santori said the show was a lot of fun and that he was pleased with the turnout at Harrah’s for the statewide pageant. The Ms. Senior America pageant will be held in October at Harrah’s Casino, and he is hoping for a repeat of last year’s sellout. For information see www.mssenioramerica.org.

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marino@catamaranmedia.com.