Welcome to the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant 2015

Welcome to the
Ms. Colorado
Senior America
Pageant
2015
Performing Arts Center
Pinnacle Charter School
June 27, 2015
2 p.m.
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Sharon Nuanes
Ms. Colorado Senior America 2014
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Thank You
to All Who
Attended the
2015
Ms. Colorado
Senior America
Pageant!
Ms. Colorado Senior America
21st Annual Pageant
2015
“It’s A Magical Life”
June 27, 2015
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Ms. Colorado Senior America 2014
Sharon Nuanes
Life can sure be a mystical experience.
Who would have thought that my journey in life would transport me to Atlantic City, New Jersey to compete in the
Ms. Senior America Pageant? What a
pleasure to represent my state of Colorado and to become acquainted with this
organization and women from across the
nation. Women with a vast array of talents, backgrounds and accomplishments;
who like me, have a story to share and
who continue to do what they love most
to bring a little bit of magic into the lives
of others.
Looking back over the years, I remember being excited and
proud to have become Denver’s first female volunteer firefighter
in 1974. That event was eclipsed when I met my husband Rick
while volunteering for the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Our claim to
fame together is our two children and two beautiful and gifted
grandchildren. We now share in the enjoyment of watching them
as they create their own journey.
Looking back at my 38 years as a hydraulic engineer for the Bureau of Reclamation, working for FEMA on nine declared national disasters, I wonder if my fellow workers could imagine me
wearing my sash and crown, and competing in the Rocky Mountain Senior Games in dance and taking home the Gold.
I have continued to do the things that add a touch of joy and
magic into my life and the lives of others, performing magic at
various venues, dancing at Cameo showcases, not to mention the
volunteer work that my experience has allowed me to offer my
community.
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Pageant Master of Ceremonies
www.colosramerica.com
David Casiano
A special acknowledgement from the
MCSA Pageant Board of Directors to
Shari Ortiz, for designing this year's
Pageant Program Booklet, and for
creating and maintaining our newly
designed website
Mr. Casiano was the mayor of
Parker, Colorado for two terms,
and was voted the best elected official in 2006 and 2007 by Parker
Magazine. In 2013, he opened his
own theatre company, The Café
La Papa Experimental Theatre
Company.
He tours performances of great classical theater in
local library settings. David has
worked at a Master of Ceremonies
at many events, and brings his
own brand of wit and sparkle to
those events. He is delighted to
be involved in the Ms. Colorado
Senior America Pageant.
Pageant Tribute Singer
Mark is a resident of Highlands Ranch,
and was most recently seen as Sir
Robin, the not so brave, in “Spamalot”
in Breckenridge, and in Aurora Fox’s
“Guys on Ice”. Having appeared onstage at Boulder’s Dinner Theatre, Ellie
Caulkin’s Opera House, Fiddler’s
Green, and others, Mark’s most memorable stage appearance has been alongside Celine Dion at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Well…maybe not right alongside. About 15 feet to her right and easily 3 or 4 feet behind. Mark teaches music and theatre at American Academy
Performing Arts in Douglas County, a
program offered through American
Academy, a STEM Charter School.
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Mark Middlebrooks
Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant 2015
Thank You to Our Advertisers
Military Tribute - Buckley Field Marines
God Bless America
Debbie Buczkowski, Ms. Colorado Senior America 2012
“It’s a Whole New World”
Colorado Cameo Club Dancers
(Choreography: Diane Page)
Introduction of Pageant Master of Ceremony
Mr. David Casiano
Debbie Buczkowski, Ms. Colorado Senior America 2012
Contestant Introductions and Evening Gown
Competition
Ms. Senior America Creed and
Philosophy of Life
Sharon Nuanes, Ms. Colorado Senior America 2014
Introduction of Judges and Judging Criteria
Contestant Philosophy of Life
Tribute to Contestants—”That Old Black Magic”
Mark Middlebrooks
2014 Queen’s Performance,
“Symphony of Magic”
Sharon Nuanes, Ms. Colorado Senior America 2014
♥♥ Fifteen Minute Intermission ♥♥
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant 2015
Tambourine Presentation
Colorado Cameo Club "Ragtimers"
Introduction of Sponsors and Supporters
Contestant Talent Competition in Order of
Appearance
Nancy Pulc
Rita Carlon
Ann Anderson
Cyndy Oberdier
Claudette Erek
Sharon Parry
Benita Velasquez
Buddi Boryla
Alicia Johansson Melody
Connie Bobka
Acknowledgement of Past Royalty
2014 Queen Sharon Nuanes Final Walk
Recognition of All 2015 Contestants with
Trophies
Announcing 2nd & 1st Runners Up
Crowning Ms. Colorado Senior America 2015
Queen's Reception
Immediately Following in Lobby
Everyone Welcome
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Meet the Contestants
I was born in Siebert Colorado
August 8, 1950. My parents
moved to Wyoming where I
was raised on many farms and
ranches. Influenced by my
teachers and God to be who I
am, I am working toward a
charitable organization
to
mentor children to “Believe in
Yourself.” Make plans and
goals out of dreams. Mother
Teresa once said, “Be faithful
in small things because it is in
them that your strength lies."
Ann Anderson
Connie's passion is music. She
has sung for many years, has
been in two jazz bands, and
has been a soloist in Handel's
Messiah. She has been a backup singer for Sandi Patti and
Pat Boone. She is a dancer,
and has performed in many
dance shows, including the
dance group "Glitter Gals".
She holds a BA in Music, a BA
and an MA in Communications and Theatre Arts, and is
currently pursuing an MBA.
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
To our Mom
Cyndy Oberdier
To us you will
always be the most
beautiful , and you
will always have our
votes and our hearts.
We love you,
your children Shae, Kerry, Grace,
Matt, Andy and Obi
Connie Bobka
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Meet the Contestants
Buddi Boryla
Some pursue happiness and
others create it
I love to
laugh and to make everyone
around me smile. Life is
such a wonderful gift and
nothing makes it more satisfying than learning to laugh
at yourself. I laugh at most
of my mistakes and move on,
focusing on correcting them.
Everything I love about myself, I learned from my mistakes.
Rita resides in Arvada, Colorado with her husband
Dwain. They have five children and nine grandchildren.
Rita enjoys spending time
with her family and taking
care of the grandchildren.
She is blessed with the desire
for helping others and demonstrates this by showing
compassion for others. Her
ministry work and her strong
faith drives Rita’s passion for
a servant’s heart.
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Rita Carlon
Meet the Contestants
Claudette Erek
Thank You to Our Advertisers
Claudette was born in Pensacola, Florida, and grew up dancing and performing. With a business degree from
Florida State Univ., she has worked
for the CIA in Washington, D.C., and
in legal and marketing in California
and Colorado. She is a published author, public speaker and awardwinning photographer. She serves on
the Board of the Fine Arts Foundation
of Denver. Her interests include dancing, photography, skiing, gardening,
traveling, and serving in her church.
As a cancer survivor, Claudette says,
"Each day is a gift and another day to
live!"
I have inside me an independent spirit. I always feel
happy when I achieve my
goals. I keep my positive attitude and this helps me to
push away the darker side of
life. Sometimes I like to go to
the forest to see the sun and
greenery. The closeness to
nature and fresh air makes
me feel that I am an important part of what is going on
in the world.
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Alicia Johansson-Melody
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Meet the Contestants
Cyndy Oberdier
Good Luck,
Mom
Love,
Claudia and
Steven
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Cyndy has owned her own
business, a family oriented
private Montessori School, for
18 years. She teaches and
uses music in her classroom
and school to help children
learn to express themselves.
Cyndy has sung in many venues and has a large and busy
family who have many
unique talents of their own
which helps to keep her excited about the future.
Originally from Memphis, Sharon has
had an exemplary career as a highpowered, energetic, results oriented
administrative and management professional.
She is an international
speaker, corporate trainer, and business leader. A "gifted" communicator
who is focused and goal-oriented, she
has completed 15 marathons and
graduated with honors from college at
the very young age of 47. She attributes her amazing life to the love and
support from her husband, daughter,
son-in-law, and two grandchildren
and the many women who have encouraged her to "go for it"!!
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Sharon Parry
Meet the Contestants
Nancy Pulc
Thank You to Our Advertisers
I immigrated to the United States
at age 23. As an RN, I practiced
in all different fields of nursing
in several states. My profession
as a nurse made me a very well
rounded person in all aspects.
As a retiree, I enjoy the freedom
of time for outdoor activities
such as hiking, climbing 13-14ers,
skiing, snowshoeing, and tennis.
Most of my time is spent dancing, traveling, and doing volunteer work. I am very proud to
have two wonderful boys and
enjoy being a mother.
I was born in a small, coal-mining
community in Southern Colorado.
Although I live in the "big city"
now, I'm still a country girl at
heart. My family gave me the gift
of piano lessons at an early age,
and I continue to use and enjoy
that gift in my life. I feel blessed
that at the age of 43, I began a new
life by achieving sobriety.
Through that journey I've come to
realize that life is truly a gift, and
it's our job to enjoy it while we are
here! Today is the first day of the
rest of my life.
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BEST OF LUCK TO MY BIG SISTER
BENITA VELASQUEZ
FROM HER BROTHER LEONARD
Benita Velasquez
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Contestant Talent
1. Nancy Pulc
Talisman Trio
720-882-8801
Dancer—Samba
"Magalenha"
by Sergio Mendez
2. Rita Carlon
Music for all occasions.
Mexican traditional
and a variety of music
3. Ann Anderson
4. Cyndy Oberdier
Singer
"How Great Thou Art"
(Carrie Underwood's rendition)
Singer Dancer
"I Enjoy Being a Girl"
by Rogers & Hammerstein
Singer
"You Make Me Feel So Young”
(Frank Sinatra's rendition)
5. Claudette Erek
Dancer--Jazz/Tap
"12th Street Rag"
by Euday L. Bowman
6. Sharon Parry
7. Benita Velasquez
Motivational Speaker
"Anything is Possible, And
Everything Is"
Pianist
"Malaguena"
by Ernesto Lecuona
8. Buddi Boryla
9. Alicia JohanssonMelody
10. Connie Bobka
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Singer--Country
"Pontoon"
(Little Big Town's rendition)
Pianist
"Mazurka in B Flat Major"
by Frederic Chopin
Singer
“It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”
(Deniece Williams rendition)
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Judging Procedures
Thank You to Our Advertisers
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.
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.”
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.
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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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Distinguished Judges
Jennifer Burnett
Jennifer Burnett serves as Principal Soloist and Artistic Consultant at Mile Hi
Church. As an actress, vocal artist,
business owner, wife and mother, she
stays busy preparing for the empty nest
life that awaits her and her husband this
fall. Previous theatre credits include:
Beehive; The 60's Musical (Swing); Hairspray; Pump Boys and Dinettes, Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers; Nunsense; and
most recently, the world premier of I
Am Alive at The Newman Center. Her
CD, One Small Miracle, received the
Positive Music Association Seal of Excellence. TV/Radio commercials: Colorado Lottery, Red Robin, McDonald's
Fantastic Sam's, and Nissan.
www.jenniferburnett.com
Ken Goodwin has been a professional
entertainer for over 40 years. He pioneered the dueling piano concept, and
has performed in that concept for 27
years. He is currently Executive Producer for Performance Now Theatre
Company, producing four major musicals a year which are presented at the
Lakewood Cultural Center. Ken has a
degree in Music Education and runs his
own music production studio, focusing
on digital music editing and demo recording. His score composition for the
short film “The Piano Tuner” won 2nd
place at the Charleston International
Film Festival. He has also co-written a
wide variety of songs for radio shows in
Denver, Dallas, and Cincinnati.
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Ken Goodwin
Distinguished Judges
Marlena Hooker Moore
Marlena Hooker Moore grew up in
King George, Virginia, and first started
piano lessons with her grandmother.
She holds degrees in vocal performance
from the Metropolitan State University
of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado. While in school, she traveled to Austria and Germany to study
music.
Recently, Marlena returned to the
University of Northern Colorado as the
mezzo-soprano soloist in the Verdi Requiem. In the past few years, she performed with local opera companies and
served as the music director at Sixth
Avenue United Church of Christ. She
performs regularly in solo and chamber
music recitals, and teaches voice and
piano lessons to students of all ages in
the Denver Metro area.
A semifinalist in 1972 for Miss Pueblo
she also competed for Miss ColoradoUSA. A talented vocalist and pianist she
taught music while earning degrees in
Chinese Medicine [Acupuncture], Natural Medicine, and Integrative Health
Coaching. Dr. Deb has an active alternative acupuncture practice in Littleton and
works with women both online and local
in her health coaching programs for
women wanting to live healthier, longer
lives. She is the author of Unleash Your
Hidden Potential and her second book,
Living Painless A Guide To Acupuncture,
Food, And Gratitude is due out at the end
of 2015. She writes for many online publications including LinkedIn and 360Bizcatalyst Beyond Business. She teaches
healthy eating, home-cooking, and personal empowerment to clients.
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Debra Arko Novotny
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Thank You to Our Advertisers
Distinguished Judges
Eric Reamer is one of the hosts
of the award winning Experience Pros Radio Show, airing
daily from 10-Noon on AM
560 KLZ. He is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and
the founder of Experience Pros
University and the Extreme
Customer Service Directory,
serving customer-focused
small businesses in Colorado,
Arizona and Texas.
Eric Reamer
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Colorado Cameo Club Dancers
Thank You to Our Advertisers
Marian Fisher, Jan Arnold, Jan Harley, Diane Page,
Peggy Stanley, Marcia Hodges, Linda Trabert-Klein,
Ginny Butler, Melody Williams, Patt Wall
Colorado Cameo Tambourine “Ragtimers”
Back row: Marcia Hodges, Peggy Stanley, Debbie Buczkowski, Carol
Swanson, Jan Harley, Linda Trabert-Klein; Front row: Ginny Butler,
Sharon Nuanes, Stephanie Hanouw, Jan Arnold
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Thank You to Our Supporters
Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant
Board of Directors
Thank you for a generous $250
cash donation from a Valuable
Cameo Club Member and her
husband.
Marilyn and Jeff Littman
Carol Swanson, Treasurer; Peggy Stanley, Vice President;
Debbie Buczkowski, President; and Stephanie Hanouw,
Secretary
Jean Carabelos,
Advisor
Annalee Zoretic,
Advisor
The MCSA Pageant Board would like
to give a special thanks to everyone
who contributed toward making this
year's 2015 Ms. Colorado Senior
America Pageant a magical success.
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Colorado Past Royalty
Thank You to Our Supporters
Back row: Dee Benallo (2005), Jan Harley (2002), Debbie
Buczkowski (2012), Gail Hamilton (2013), Carol Swanson
(2009), Peggy Stanley (2006), Front row: Michelle Rahn
(2004); Sharon Nuanes (2014), Pat Wall (2000)
1993
Pat Witherspoon
2004
Michelle Rahn
1994
Lois Ness
2005
Dolores Benallo
1995
Elise Burkett
2006
Peggy Stanley
1996
Johanna Swysgood
2007
Lara Carbajal
1997
Beth Jameson
2008
Linda Holloway
1998
Marlene Smith
2009
Carol Swanson
1999
Marjorie Mangham
2010
Kay Johnson
2000
Patt Wall
2011
Dr. Karen Taylor
2001
Sharon Word
2012
Debbie Buczkowski
2002
Jan Giese-Harley
2013
Gail Hamilton
2003
Doris Canavan
2014
Sharon Nuanes
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Crown Chic Boutique provides gifts for
the queen and her court
Crown Trophy provides reduced rates on queen
and court trophies
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Thank You to Our Supporters
Colorado’s National Queen
Ms. Michelle Rahn
won the National title of
Ms. Senior America 2004
Colorado is so proud of it’s national winner
Lincoln Meadows and HighPointe Assisted Living &
Memory Care supports the pageant through free
rehearsal space
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Other Colorado Queens who
have placed in the top 10 at Nationals:
Gail Hamilton, Debbie Buczkowski, Karen Taylor,
Kay Johnson, Linda Holloway, Jan Harley, Sharon
Word, and Marjorie Mangaham
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Colorado Cameo Club Members
Jan Arnold
Dee Benallo
Linda Holloway
Kay Johnson
Teresa Sandoval
Felicia Santelli
Gail Boex
Darla Lamb
Marlene Smith
Debbie Buczkowski
Camella Landrum
Teresa Jean Spence
Ginny Butler
Marta Leoni
Peggy Stanley
Kay Calvert
Marilyn Litman
Rose Stevens
Jean Carabelos
Pat McHenry
Barbaralee Stratton
Ramona Delaney
Sharon Nuanes
Carol Swanson
Marjorie Dow
Henrietta O’Brien
Georgia Sweeney
Claudette Erek
Shari Ortiz
Karen Taylor
Louise Fantle
Karen Osburn
Linda Trabert-Klein
Marian Fisher
Diane Page
Patt Wall
Gail Hamilton
Norma Rachlin
Melody Williams
Stephanie Hanouw
Michelle Rahn
Yvonne Zebaurs
Jan Harley
B.J. Rembe
Annalee Zoretic
Marcia Hodges
Judy Rowe
Thank You to Our Supporters
The Aurora Center for Active Adults supports the Cameo Club
through free dance rehearsal space throughout the year
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Thank You to Our Supporters
Showcases
Wa n t t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e d e l i g h t
and pleasure of seeing
t h e l o ve l y a n d t a l e n t e d
Colorado Cameo Club perform at
y o u r ve n u e o r s p e c i a l e v e n t ?
To make yo ur re s er vat i o ns, p le as e c al l
R a m o n a D e L a n e y, 3 0 3 - 7 5 9 - 8 1 4 8
50 Plus Marketplace supports the pageant by
providing free advertising
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The Colorado Cameo Club is very active within the
community, performing variety shows for civic and
service organizations; church groups;, retirement,
assisted living, nursing, and Alzheimer’s communities;
special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and
charity fund-raisers.
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2015 Pageant Committee
Production
Manager
Backstage Manager
Jan Harley
Judges
Stephanie Hanouw
Judy Rowe
Judges
Carol Swanson
Choreography
Diane Page
Recruiting
Debbie Buczkowski
Stage Design and
Reception
Awards
Pat McHenry
Recruiting
Peggy Stanley
Jan Arnold
Shari Ortiz
Front of House
Manager
Ticket Sales
Jean
Carabelos
Marjorie
Dow
Program Book
and Website
Marketing and
Publicity
Tambourine
Coordinator
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Shari Ortiz
Peggy Stanley
Special Thanks to Pageant Supporters
9 News Colorado and Company
Media
KEZW Radio, Rick Crandall
Media
Eleanor Moriarty
Pinnacle Complex Coordinator
Double Quick Printing
Printer
High Plains Productions
Videographer
Monarch Event Photography
Pageant Photographer
Karen Taylor
Pageant Booklet Photographer
Bob Zavaglia
Scores Tabulation
Karen Taylor
Piano Accompanist
Bob Antosik and
Leonard Carabelos
Norma Rachlin
Stage Hands
Gail Hamilton
Vendor
Vendor
The Black-eyed Pea has been a Proud Sponsor for many years.
They provide free catering during rehearsals for
contestants, judges and staff.
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