Published: May 26, 2009 09:43 pm      

Mississippi Senior America

Six will vie for the state title, only one will take home the crown

PICAYUNE — Six lovely senior women are ready to compete in the Ms. Mississippi Senior America Pageant set for 2 p.m., June 6 at the Magnolia Columns. The public is invited and there will be a donation accepted at the door of $5. These active, senior women who are competing for the title are from various cities around the state.

Diane Danzey from Hattiesburg has been active in her church auxiliary. She loves gardening, baking, keeping house, and helping others. She is currently learning to play the piano and to speak Spanish. Before retiring she worked as an accountant for 40 years. She will be reciting poetry as her talent.

Sharon Jones is from Madison. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Mississippi State University. She teaches at Belhaven College. Her volunteer service is with the Ronald McDonald House and C.A.R.E.S. Her special interests are writing and public speaking. She has written the book, “Sixty, So What.” Her talent will be an original poem “’T’was the Week Before the Pageant.”

Carol Goldman is from Florence. She takes pride in being a ninth generation Mississippian. She is active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames XVII Century and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Goldman volunteers at the VA Hospital, a homeless shelter, Mississippi Parkinson’s Association and at various community events. Her talent is her handwork. She will be displaying a quilt, tablecloth, afghan, hat and dress.

Arlene Bostic is from Gautier. She served four years as the chairman of the MHSAA. She is active at St. Peter’s Church and is on the bereavement committee. She also serves as a lector and is in the Altar and Rosary Society. Her volunteer hours are spent helping battered women, abused and neglected children, and teen pregnancies. She received a personal invitation to President Obama’s inauguration events. Bostic will be performing a traditional Ghana dance.

Barbara Travis is from Flowood. She belongs to the Professional Women’s Association, Rankin County Rotary Club, Flowood and Rankin County Chamber of Commerce, plus the Romance Writers of America. She is active in writing, reading, cooking, and entertaining at special events. She plays golf and participates in charity tournaments. Some of her awards include Alumni of Distinction from Mississippi University for Women and she was named one of Mississippi’s Leading Business Women. Travis will be performing a jazz dance and wearing a costume her mother made for her 41 years ago.

Shirley Robinson from Biloxi is very active in the Harrison County Gem and Mineral Association. She also participates in Friends of 50+. Shirley keeps very active dancing with a senior group named “The Swinging Starlets,” designing and making jewelry and gardening. Keeping up with three children, seven grand children, and one great grandchild allows her to live her philosophy of life… to live, laugh, and love. She will be dancing to a Broadway tune for her talent.

Before the program, the contestants will be interviewed by the judges. During the program they will be judged on their poise and will present their talent and give their philosophy of life. The afternoon will be filled with talented presentations. Former Ms. Mississippi Senior America winners will showcase their talent as well.

For added entertainment, “The Swinging Starlets” from Gulfport, directed by Aline Taylor, will be presenting two Broadway selections. “The Swinging Starlets” is a nonprofit group of senior ladies who perform country, Broadway and 60’s and 70’s musical tunes.

Gladys Hughes, Director of Mississippi Senior America, along with her daughter Bonnie Hughes, Assistant Director, have arranged an interesting and fun program. This year’s event is sponsored by Picayune On Stage and Magnolia Columns.