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Welcome to the 2014 Ms. Colorado

Senior America Pageant

Performing Arts Complex @ Pinnacle Charter School Denver, Colorado June 28, 2014

Gail Hamilton Ms. Colorado Senior America 2013

JUNE 28, 2014

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“GOLDEN MOMENTS"

“

Ms. Colorado Senior America 20th

Annual Pageant 2014

JUNE 22, 2013

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4get of 6 45

Pat Witherspoon - 1993

Lois Ness - 1994

Elise Burkett - 1995

Johanna Swysgood - 1996

Beth Jameson - 1997

Marlene Smith - 1998

Majorie Mangham - 1999

Patt Wall - 2000

Sharon Word - 2001

Jan Giese-Harley - 2002

Doris Canavan - 2003

Michelle Rahn - 2004

Dolores Benallo - 2005

Peggy Stanley - 2006

Lara Carbajal – 2007

Linda Holloway - 2008

Carol Swanson - 2009

Kay Johnson - 2010

Dr. Karen Taylor - 2011

Debbie Buczkowski – 2012

Gail Hamilton - 2013

Colorado’s Past Royalty

I am proud, blessed, grateful, humbled and honored to be the first totally blind Ms. Colorado Senior America 2013 Queen and the first blind woman to achieve 4th runner up in the National Ms. Senior America Pageant. To achieve the crown at 60 is a wonderful accomplishment and acquiring this crown has been life changing; and, I hope it has been inspiring for all those I have come into contact with over the past 12 months. From this experience I affirmed that I am powerful and empowering, unstoppable, authentic and have an incredible gift. I am a person foremost, and though my physical body is blind, my emotional and spiritual Self is not. I am free and unlimited. I am a winner, a Queen, internally as well as externally, and I am the magnificent creation and Spirit of God. How I stepped into wearing the crown is a miracle. My journey began with my friend Linda Holloway—Ms Colorado Senior America Queen 2008—suggesting I enter the 2013 pageant. Finally reaching 60, I entered; not because I was a raving beauty, but because I wanted to inspire others that no matter the obstacles, they could walk through them to the other side to live a life of beauty, health, joy, love, peace and wholeness. I can’t say what it’s like to be a Queen with vision; however, being a Queen who happens to be blind has been, like all life, a challenge and joy. I believe that “my desire to fly has to be bigger than my fear of falling,” and as I encourage others to do, I jumped into my role as Queen with determination to overcome any and all obstacles. Not seeing others move on stage, I had to learn how to walk, smile, turn and gesture by hands-on and verbal explanations. Hundreds of extra hours were spent practicing these skills, learning for example, that sighted people show their teeth when smiling! If it weren’t for the incredible assistance of Linda Postillion, for her love and guidance on the Colorado stage and invaluable support, I couldn’t have won the crown. LaDawn Westbrook, with all her unsung genuine heroic kindnesses was truly extraordinary. Colorado State Director Sandra Ratajik prepared and empowered me to dream big. Ann Davis provided invaluable friendship and put together the musical video of my year’s journey--she and my sister, Cheryl, traveled to New Jersey to support me; and, the Colorado Cameo Club, (along with the Englewood Lions Club and friends) provided financial assistance and pageant expertise, turning my dreams into reality. I surrounded myself with volunteers who assisted with driving me to singing and speaking engagements, learning professional makeup application, shopping for gowns, other outfits, and numerous accessories. To all these lovely people, you are the wind beneath my wings and you are the reason I was able to soar as Queen. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your enormous kindnesses. My life as Queen has propelled me into many new, exciting experiences. I rode in parades, was interviewed on TV, radio, local and international magazines, flew in a helicopter over Denver, sat in an Indy race car, and spoke and sang my winning “Nessun Dorma” aria for hundreds of service clubs and professional venues up and down the Colorado Front Range. Meeting, performing, and singing for thousands of people has enabled me to live my dreams as “the voice of hope and inspiration that has come to Earth to empower others to spread their wings and fly”. It was most outstanding speaking for The Blind Taste of the Rockies National Foundation Fighting Blindness fundraiser; the 2014 Graduating class at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, in Indianapolis, Indiana; the Colorado Association of Hospital Auxilian-Volunteers; the Knights of Columbus State Convention Woman’s Auxiliary; the National Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter meeting; and the Radio Reading Service of the Rockies. None of these experiences would have happened if it weren’t for the faith of the judges, encouragement from my Cameo sisters, and the love and support from my friends. I hope and pray I can pass everyone’s heart-felt generosities forward. What’s next? I am close to publishing my autobiography, Soaring Into Greatness: a Blind Woman’s Vision to Live Her Dreams and Fly On Her Wings; an inspirational, nonfiction novel of courage and perseverance. I’m not sure what my future holds; however, I am sure that I will face each adventure with a new vision, Queenly spirit, joyous heart, and an attitude of love and gratitude; for “I am the creator of my destiny, the composer of my symphony, and I choose to live a life of greatness.”

Ms. Colorado Senior America~2013~Gail Hamilton

From Left: Marlene Smith, Patt Wall, Jan Giese-Harley, Michelle Rahn, Dee Benallo, Peggy Stanley, Dr. Karen Taylor, Debbie Buczkowski

GOOD LUCK 2014

Ms. Colorado Senior America Contestants

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Dolores Benallo Gail Boex Kate Bogle Debbie Buczkowski Ginny Butler Kay Calvert Jean Carabelos Ramona DeLaney Marjorie Dow Nancy Eldridge Claudette Erek Louise Fantle Marian Fisher Jan Giese-Harley Gail Hamilton Stephanie Hanouw

Marcia Hodges Linda Holloway Kay Johnson Janet Kuivila Darla Lamb Pat McHenry Mary Mitchell Barbara Neill Henrietta O’Brien Rebecca Omoto Ann-Elizabeth Penny Norma Rachlin Michelle Rahn B. J. Rembe Judy Rowe Teresa Sandoval

Felicia Santelli Barbara Searcy Marlene Smith Peggy Stanley Rose Stevens Barbaralee Stratton Carol Swanson Georgia Sweeney Karen Taylor Linda Trabert-Klein Jan Valentine- Arnold Patt Wall Melody Williams Sharon Word Annalee P. Zoretic

Thank You Cameo Club Members ~2014

Cameo Club Tambourine ”Ragtimers”

Back row from left: Jean Carabelos, Annalee Zoretic, Jan Giese-Harley, Debbie Buczkowski, Peggy Stanley, Marcia Hodges Front row from left: Stephanie Hanouw, Jan Valentine-Arnold, Judy Rowe, Linda Trabert-Klein

www.coloradoassistedliving.com

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Patrick O’Bleness – General Manager

Good Luck, Mom Love,

Claudia and Steven

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AFFORDABLE ENHANCEMENTS,

LLC

303-904-4700

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Cameo Club Showcases

Cameo Club Showcases

No venue too large or too small for these lovely, talented ladies to perform for YOUR GROUP!!

These ladies perform variety shows for civic and service organizations, church groups, retirement, assisted living,

nursing and Alzheimer’s communities, birthdays, anniversaries, children’s parties and charity fund-raisers.

Let them make your event memorable! Phone Ramona 303-759-8148

to arrange YOUR special Cameo Club Showcase!

Willkommen Bienvenue

Welcome

New members of 2014

Looking For A Dynamic Speaker For Your Next Meeting?

Michelle Rahn, Ms. Senior America, 2004, is an innovative and enthusiastic speaker available to instill in your group momentous ways to improve well-being in ourselves and those around us.

Her topics include: *AGING WITH ATTITUDE *THE PRISMATIC WOMAN *YOUR PACT *DEFYING GRAVITY: Leaping through the challenges of life. *PAINTING HIS PROMISES *AIMING ATTITUDE TOWARDS CHRIST

Call Michelle at 720 289 8398 www.michellerahn.com

Our Thanks To…

Scores Tabulation Jim Searcy

Printer Double Quick Printing

Photographer B P Photography (Pageant Event)

Videographer High Plains Productions

Pinnacle Performing Arts Complex Coordinator Eleanor Moriarty

Stage Hands Bob Antosik/ Richard Kuivila

9 News Colorado and Company

KEZW Radio Rick Crandall

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Pageant Masters of Ceremony

Michelle is a wife, mother,

grandmother, teacher, entertainer,

speaker, Ms. Senior America-

2004, previous director of the Ms.

Senior America Pageant 2009 -

2013 AND the woman in the

'walk-in' tub commercial. She took

her fervor for teaching (28 years

for Jefferson County) and advising

school staffs on discipline (12

years) to MOPS

INTERNATIONAL, sharing

experiences and paying it forward

as a Mentor for 11 years to women

facing the roller coaster of young

motherhood.

At the same time, she embraced

her next phase of life by

celebrating her age publicly

thereby winning a national crown

that would provide her a platform

to encourage others to continue to

aspire - whatever their stage in life.

Michelle's journey includes a 46

year marriage and a well-worn

guitar. Both find their way into

her presentations where she

regularly shares and lives out the

Ms. Senior America philosophy.

Michelle Rahn

Debbie Buczkowski

Colorado Cameo Club Co-

president, Debbie Buczkowski, was

brand new to pageantry when she

took a leap of faith and entered the

2012, Ms. Colorado Senior

America Pageant. She was

pleasantly surprised by capturing

the title and then was a Top Ten

Finalist at the National Ms. Senior

America Pageant in Atlantic City,

N.J. She is employed full time and

remains active with the Colorado

Cameo Club duties and activities.

She is the mother of three

wonderful children and five

grandchildren. She states, “I never

dreamed life after 60 could be so

active and full of travel and

surprises, especially living with

multiple sclerosis for the past 28

years. My reward comes in doing

what I love while making others

happy. When I see the expressions

of joy on the faces of our senior

audiences, just knowing that I’ve

touched a life in some small way

brings a spring to my step. God

willing, I will stand and sing as

long as I have a voice.”

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Place an ad here

RHYTHM, ROMANCE, DANCE

A book about Latin Music

and Dance in Denver By Ms. Senior Colorado Contestant Diane McKnight

Page & Gary Sowell

Diane & Gary * Photo by Ron Clarke

Antonio Arias & Lumy * Photo by Ron Clarke

Available August 2014 in English & Spanish

Inquiries at: rhythmromancedance@yahoo.com

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Meet the Contestants

Claudette Erek

Camella F. Landrum

She was born in Houston, Texas, but feels she has grown up in Colorado with thirty-eight years of living in this beautiful state. She has three grown children, three adult grandchildren, and two infant great grandchildren. While she shares her life with a very special gentleman, she stays involved in several activities. She retired in October, 2013, and is looking forward to crossing off items on her bucket list.

Claudette was born in Pensacola, Florida, and grew up dancing and performing. With a Business Degree from Florida State University, her career took her to Washington, D.C. with the CIA, then to California and Colorado. As a published author, public speaker and award-winning photographer, she serves on the Board of the Fine Arts Foundation of Denver. Claudette's interests include dancing, photography, skiing, gardening, traveling and serving as a steward in her church. As a cancer survivor, Claudette says, "Each day is a gift and another day to live!"

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Meet the Contestants

Marta Leoni

Marilyn Litman

Marilyn was born in Connecticut and has lived in Colorado for over 45 years. She has a BS degree from Central Connecticut State College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado. She began her career path as a teacher, then counselor, and finally an administrator in Colorado Public Education. She then advanced to VP of Human Resources and Training for the largest Domino’s Pizza Franchisee in Colorado. She has been married to her husband Jeffrey for 28 years and has a daughter, two stepdaughters, six grandchildren and two beloved Kerry Blue Terriers (Sammy & Summer).

After raising her children, Marta pursued a formal education, and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She spent time working in a Women’s Crisis Center and has been a Corporate Trainer in the field of real estate. With a professional background in the interior design business, Marta likes helping people create beautiful homes and gardens. Marta moved from California to Colorado to be with her daughter and spend time with her grandchildren.

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Type to enter text 20 Years of Leadership

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. Meet the Contestants The role of State Director is a crucial leadership role in the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant. The State Director has the ultimate responsibility of the pageant’s success - from recruiting contestants to the final production. We would like to acknowledge the dedicated women who have held this role during the past 20 years. We are thankful for their time, perseverance, selfless efforts, passion and love that went into making each year’s pageant a resounding success.

Pat Witherspoon Elsie Burkett Nancy Chance Annalee Zoretic Kay and Dave Calvert Peggy Stanley Sandy Ratajik

Diane McKnight Page

Sharon Nuanes

Diane is a writer and editor. She is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School and has a Master’s Degree in French Literature from the University of California, Irvine. She is active in the dance community and is an avid skier. She has never enjoyed life more than at present. She is dedicating her pageant experience to her parents, Mona Frances Dobson and Frank Dobson.

Sharon was Denver’s first

female volunteer firefighter in

1974, when she met her

husband Rick. She was an

engineer for the Bureau of

Reclamation for 38 years.

She worked for FEMA on 9

declared national disasters

and worked for BIA on Native

American Dams. She is

currently an instructor with the

Civilian Emergency Response

Team. She enjoys making

costumes, swing dancing, and

playing with her

grandchildren.

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Meet the Contestants

Karen Osburn

Yvonne Zebauers

Yvonne is a woman of many

hats. She is of Swedish decent

married to a Latvian husband.

They are active in the Latvian

Church and Cultural Center. She

has taught French and Language

Arts for 47 years. She is a

certified International Tour

Organizer/Manager and has

escorted various age groups to

Europe 35 times. She served as

a Foreign Language Department

Chairperson for 10 years and

was also an Assistant Tennis

Coach. Yes, indeed she has worn

many hats.

Music has always been Karen’s passion. Her dad, mom, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and cousins on both sides were all musicians. She played in a classic rock band for 23 years with her brothers and traveled the world. She worked in a Country Western band for about 15 years and was able to play the bass guitar and lead singing in many places. Now she plays guitar and sings every Thursday night at a restaurant called Lapitas. She

loves the variety and excitement.

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Cameo Club 2014 Board

From Left: Stephanie Hanouw (Secretary), Marcia Hodges (Vice President), Jean Carabelos (Co-President), Annalee Zoretic (Advisor), Debbie Buczkowski (Co-President), Not pictured: Barbara Searcy (Corresponding Secretary)

Cameo Club “Golden Ladies”

From left back row: Stephanie Hanouw, Jean Carabelos, Patt Wall, Linda Trabert-Klein, Annalee Zoretic, Debbie Buczkowski, Jan Giese-Harley, Pat McHenry, Marian Fisher, Marcia Hodges, Melody Williams, Darla Lamb, Jan Valentine-Arnold, Judy Rowe, Front row from left: Rose Stevens, Peggy Stanley

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Our Esteemed Sponsors...

50+ Market Place

Black - Eyed Pea

Aurora Center for Active Adults

Thank You for Your Support

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Judging Procedures

Interview: 30% One of the most important aspects of the Pageant is for

all judges to meet each contestant individually. It is during this personal interview that the judges have an

opportunity to select a woman whose charm, personality, and conversational ability meets the ideals of Ms.

Colorado Senior America.

Evening Gown: 20%

It is the philosophy of the Pageant that “clothes do not

make the woman but rather, the woman makes the clothes.” In this contest the judges observe the poise and

grace of each contestant.

Philosophy of Life: 20% The Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant recognizes

physical beauty but seeks to emphasize that true beauty comes from within. Each contestant presents a

statement that conveys her “philosophy of life.”

Talent: 30% The talent presentation is designed to encourage talent drawn from music, art, dance, homemaking, etc., and demonstrate that talent does not diminish with age.

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Distinguished Judges

Vicki is a native of Denver. She has been a Judge for the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant for the last 12 years. Her Degree is in Early Childhood Development, but her career became focused on working with the senior population. She has been an Executive Director in assisted living and Director of Admissions and Marketing in skilled nursing care for the last 20 years. She has also been active with the Colorado Health Care Association and has worked as a Marketing Consultant for newly opened assisted living facilities. She has recently changed her career focus to that of "Grandma" to her six grandchildren. Vicki is no rookie to the Pageant world. In her younger years she wore many crowns including Miss Colorado USA, Miss World and Miss Teen Denver; but, she is most proud of her current title of "Grammy".

As a lead vocalist, her performance credits include the role of the Gypsy Acid Queen in two international tours of The Who's, Tommy; the roles of Constance in David Merrick's, Oh, Kay!; and the privilege of originating the role of Andrea Devereaux in Broadway's, Once on This Island. She has also performed a one-year-plus stint in the Off-Broadway hit, A Brief History of White Music. She can be seen in the feature films: Mississippi Masala (opposite Oscar winner Denzel Washington) and Amazing Grace & Chuck with Jamie Lee Curtis and Gregory Peck. Regionally, she has had principal roles in Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), Little Shop of Horrors, Intimate Apparel (for which she received a Denver Post Ovation Award nomination for best supporting actress in a musical) and Porgy and Bess just to name a few.

Vicki Collins

Natalie Oliver-Atherton

Ms. Colorado Senior America

20th Annual Pageant Vendors

Welcome: OrGano Gold Gourmet Coffee

AVON

Victorian Elegance Jewelry

Sunflower Bank

doTerra Essential Oils

High Plains Productions

Book “Astonishing Treasures in a Dark Forest”

Rent-Rite Super Kegs West

Premier Designs Jewelry

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Olinger Cemeteries & Mortuaries

Please drop by and visit their booth in the lobby.

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2014 Pageant Donations Distinguished Judges

Barbara’s business career includes success in Public Relations and Quality Assurance with an international hospitality company. As a board member of Passages, Barbara facilitated classes for women in areas of job skills and personal growth. She has served as a board advisor for women’s health issues and children’s non-profit organizations. Barbara served on the board of directors of the Miss Colorado Pageant in Atlantic City. Married 51 years, Barbara and her husband Bill have four children and ten grandchildren. A former model, Barbara is honored to be returning to judge the impressive women of the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant. Now retired, Barbara is penning a memoir, taking art classes and loving life.

A much sought after international author, educator, trainer and motivational speaker, Norman Bouchard is a lifestyle humorist. Norm works with Fortune 500 companies, churches, organizations, and individuals to empower their greatness. He is the author of 29 Questions for the Ordinary Life. As a former judge for the Ms. Senior Colorado Pageant, Norm is no stranger to the Ms. Senior Colorado pageant. Norman Bouchard has a BA in Philosophy, a Masters of Divinity, Pastoral Care Degree and is a Certified Senior Advisor. Rev. Norm formerly served as Vice President of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. He is presently the Senior Minister for Centers for Spiritual Living located in Colorado Springs.

Barbara Goldy

Norm Bouchard

Kay Johnson $250.00

Alex Sietz $200.00 Dee Benallo $200.00

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Distinguished Judges

Don M. Gorsuch

As a proud native of Denver, Ms. Lee is honored to serve as Denver's First Lady. Singing and performing since the age of three, Ms. Lee has become a well-known staple throughout Denver's music and performing arts landscape. As an advocate for children and youth for more than 15 years, she has helped steer them into making positive life choices and preparing them for visual and performing arts careers as a career coach, vocal instructor, mentor and coordinator. As Denver's First Lady, she will combine her passion for the arts and dedication to youth through her “Bringing Back the Arts Foundation.” From students to senior citizens, Ms. Lee is committed to being an ambassador for the arts to help expose and expand access to Denver's vibrant arts and cultural community.

Mary Louise Lee

Don brings over twenty-seven years of experience to the development and ongoing operations of senior housing communities throughout the United States. In 2009 Don co-founded “The Encore Partners,” a Denver based senior housing group dedicated to “carefully managed community” for middle income America. Encore operates two assisted living communities in Wyoming with a third under development in Monument, Colorado. Don believes in “making fun of life” where each day supports connections with other people, interests, and the value of the individual. Life is to be enjoyed at every age. Don’s greatest privilege is to work with the Encore staff and the families it served.

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1. Marilyn Litman Jazz Dance “Billie Jean”

2. Karen Osburn Singing / Guitar

“Good Ole Days”

3. Claudette Erek Tap Dance

“12th Street Rag”

4. Sharon Nuanes Magic

“Symphony of Magic”

5. Camella Landrum Comedy

“The Return of Minnie Pearl”

6. Yvonne Zebauers Musical Comedy

“Kansas City” 7. Diane McKnight Page Jazz Dance “Take a Chance On Me”

8.Marta Leoni Singing

“Time to Say Goodbye”

Contestants’ Talent

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Tambourine Presentation Colorado “Ragtimers”

Introduction of Sponsors Debbie/Michelle

Talent Competition 2014 Contestants Acknowledgement of Past Years’ Queens 2013 Queen’s Farewell Speech Gail Hamilton Song preformed at the “Nessun Dorma” National MSA Finals where she placed 4th Runner-up

Crowning Of Ms. Colorado Senior America 2014

2014 Queen’s Walk

Queen’s Reception Immediately Following in the Lobby * Everyone Welcome

Color Guard Buckley Field Young Marines

God Bless America Debbie Buczkowski Ms. Colorado Senior America 2012

“Broadway Ladies Medley” Cameo Club Golden Ladies With Bob Antosik

Contestant Introductions Debbie & Michelle Introductions of Emcees Debbie & Michelle Introduction of Judges and Debbie & Michelle Judging Criteria MSA Creed and Philosophy Gail Hamilton Ms. Colorado Senior America 2013

Philosophy of Life & 2014 Contestants Evening Gown Competition

FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION

MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2014

MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2014