Ms. New York Senior America

BY JULIE PRISCO jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

Getting older can be scary. But Senior America, Inc. works to ensure seniors have a better outlook on aging. The New York chapter of Ms. Senior America started in 1972 and works to promote a positive image of aging for seniors in New York.

Senior America is a non-profit organization designed to enrich the lives of seniors and work together to spread positive energy to the lives of others. The organization engages in programs and activities to enhance the lives of senior Americans. Each year, each chapter of Senior America hosts a pageant to select a woman over the age of 60 to represent the chapter in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. The current New York Chapter Cameo Club President, Doloros Hoffman, is Ms. New York Senior from 2016.

The New York chapter encompasses all of New York, with a majority of its members and pageant contestants from Long Island.

“It’s such an inspirational group, and each of us try and do inspire other women of all ages,” said Hoffman.

The organization has members ranging from 60 to just over 100. Hoffman shared that she has close friends who are turning 90 this year.

“One lady was a semi-professional swimmer, she swam every day of her life, and she just turned 102. There’s some good juice in this organization,” said Hoffman.

Hoffman and other chapter members organize monthly luncheon meetings for Cameo Club members. Hoffman enjoys planning these meetings with a touch of sparkle to add to the fun. The February meeting was Valentine’s Day-themed and this June, the meeting welcomes Summer, so ladies are encouraged to wear fashionable hats. The Cameo Club consists of close to 100 members, with about 30 members that regularly attend meetings.

In addition to club meetings, the organization hosts a fall fashion show, entertainment showcases and the spring pageant.

The New York chapter’s Seasoned Steppers have been around since the ‘70s to perform dance numbers in glittering costumes at their showcases.

“We have showcases where the girls entertain at various hospitals and nursing homes,” said Hoffman. “The Seasoned Steppers put on shows as well as a lot of the other ladies who have a talent, which all of us have a talent of one way or another.”

Toward the end of May, The Seasoned Steppers and the New York chapter members visited The Village of Great Neck Plaza to perform for Older Americans Month. State Administrator Marleen Schuss organized the event and received many wonderful compliments.

“The Seasoned Steppers is one of our major attractions,” said Schuss. “But we also have had a combination of comedians, monologues, vocalists, and some belly dancers before at our showcases. Senior America is a true variety of talents.”

The Ms. New York Senior Pageant that takes place every spring is one of the organization’s largest events. Women over 60 can apply to participate in the pageant, which