Ms. Colorado Senior America – 25th Crowning highlights the “Age of Elegance”
Ms. Colorado Senior America 2019, Lori VanNoy-Adams
Ms. Lori VanNoy-Adams of Centennial was crowned Queen at the 25th Annual Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant which was held at the PACE Theatre- Parker, Co on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Queen Lori’s court consists of first runner up Ms. Pamela Jeanine Andersen, and second runner up Ms. Marla Downer, both from Aurora. Other contestants who competed were Marge Bunkers, Dr. Marilyn Chipman (Top 5), Lynn Grasberg, Patricia Jackson (Top 5), Joanne Marabito, Pat McHenry, Marvel Pierson, and Kathleen Zahller. The 2019 Queen was crowned by the outgoing Queen, Gayle Novak, who is also the reigning Ms. Senior America.
Lori was born on a ranch in Wyoming and attended college in Utah on a full academic scholarship. This mother of 2 became a flight attendant, travel agent and even a female oil worker! Over the years of working and volunteering at the various places, she says, “I was never aware of any awards being given out, nor did I receive one. Being blessed to serve in my community and workplace was, and is, my great reward!” When asked about reaching the age of 60 years old, beautiful wide-eyed Lori comments, “I can finally – finally – take a full breath. It has been glorious! I have been tendered and seasoned by time and find myself with a whole new level of appreciation and love for those around me.”.
Talent this year included singing, dancing, a speaker, singer/dancer, singer/pianist and Lori who entertained judges and audience with her real-to-life comedy routine. The distinguished judges this year were James Knapp, Scottie Iverson, Peggy Keller, and Robert Nardozza.
This spectacular event included both visiting and local royalty. A “Sisters, Sisters” act was performed by the current Ms. Senior America 2018, Ms. Gayle Novak, Ms. Senior America 2004- Ms. Michelle Rahn (who also wore the Colorado crown that year), and Co-Emcee Ms. Senior America 2015- Dr. Barbara Mauldin. Neal Browne, retired Channel 9 anchor and reporter after 23 years and currently Media Director for Courageous Faces, also Co-Emceed the event. René Green, Colorado State Pageant Administrator, along with her Assistants, Shari Ortiz and Buddi Boryla- Ms. Colorado Senior America 2015, coordinated the entire event. The Production Manager was Carol Swanson- Ms. Colorado Senior America 2009, and her Assistant, Michelle Rahn (MSA 2004), and Judy Rowe. Judges Committee Chair was Yvonne Guzman-Rodriquez, and assistants- Dr. Linda Lister and Kathy Saidy. Stage design was by Jan Carney- Ms. Colorado Senior America 2002 and Annette Germinario.
Debbie Buczkowski (Ms. Colorado Senior America 2012), opened the ceremony singing “God Bless America”. The opening number “Reach for the Stars” in keeping with the Theme “25 Year of Elegance” was created by Debbie and showcased the talents of the Colorado Cameo Club members. It outlined a senior woman, played by Annette Germinario, who was reluctant to be involved in a pageant and found she had friends to encourage her.
The pageant’s second act had more than 22 Ragtimers from Colorado and Arizona perform their Cameo Club favorite “Maple Leaf Rag” Tambourine routine. It was spectacular! Contestants then graced the stage modeling their beautiful evening gowns with poise and elegance walking the full length of the stage with turns and poses showing themselves to best advance. Then after a presentation of 25 years of Colorado Queens then contestants returned for the crowning.
What an exciting afternoon! This marked the 25th Anniversary of the annual pageant, created to give honor to women who have reached the age of elegance, 60+ years of age. The pageant “Reach for the Stars, 25 Years of Elegance,” celebrated the tremendous wealth of beauty, talent, and experience that senior women want to share with their communities and each other
The Pageant is a charitable organization and Cameo club, its supporting arm, performs at various venues throughout the Denver Metro Area. These ladies are to be commended for voluntarily working together to create such a wonderful afternoon of pageantry. This day, May 25, 2019, was also proclaimed by Colo. Governor Polis as “Colorado Cameo Club/ Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant Day”. To learn more the current Queen, or to become a contestant for 2020 visit www.colosramerica.com.
2019 Queen Lori’s first public appearance was the Commerce City Memorial Day Parade. These women exemplify that seniors are the foundation of our nation and an example of what vitality and a spirit of community can do to help keep America strong. Bring your well wishes as Lori will represent Colorado when she competes for the national title of Ms. Senior America in the 2019 Ms. Senior America Pageant at the Resorts Hotel on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey this October.
Article Submitted by René Green,
Colorado State Pageant Administrator
Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant
