Chester County Edition
March 2012
Vol. 9 No. 3
The Happy Graduate 2011 PA State Senior Idol Now a Common Sound in Communities, Stadiums By Megan Joyce Peggy Kurtz Keller has been a busy bee these last nine months. It’s an apt metaphor for the 2011 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL, who always seems to be cheerfully zipping about, buzzing with energy and fueled by her effervescent and refreshingly positive personality. Her unassuming, people-person charm has made her a fast favorite among local retirement groups and senior-citizen organizations in recent months, who have frequently sought out Keller to entertain them with her clear soprano and obvious enthusiasm for performance. And the key turn of phrase there is sought out—it’s a change from the preIdol days when Keller says it was she who had to place the phone calls, trying to interest various groups in having her come out to sing. She is beyond grateful for the transformation. “It’s like I got my diploma,” said Keller. “Now, somebody calls me because I’m the PA STATE SENIOR IDOL and they know I have some kind of credibility.” Her singing-engagement calendar has been happily full since last June, when Keller earned top honors in the annual talent competition, produced by On-Line Publishers, Inc. It had been Keller’s fourth time as a SENIOR IDOL semifinalist, and she impressed both judges and audience with her renditions of “Summertime” and “Cabaret.” please see GRADUATE page 18 Peggy Kurtz Keller performing at last November’s 50plus EXPO in Lancaster.
Inside:
He Sailed with Admiral Byrd to the South Pole page 2
Special Section: Chester County 50plus EXPO page 7