Two gorgeous senior citizens of Caribbean heritage will be the center of attention when they step on stage to be judged at the 29th Annual Ms. New York Senior America 2014, scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 27.
Barbadian-born Imogene Miller, a retired registered nurse from St. Michael, and Maureen Redman, an administrative assistant from Port of Spain, Trinidad, will vie with 13 other talented retirees at the John Cranford Adams Theatre at Hofstra University, located at 1000 Fulton Ave. in Hempstead. The event starts at 2:30 p.m.
The pageant that is promoting a positive image of aging will give Redman an opportunity to shine under the spotlight in her first effort to capture a title at the prestigious event.
Redman, a wife, and a mother who said she is enjoying this exciting time in her life, will be judged in a Q&A, and an evening gown segment where judges will evaluate the poise and appearance of each contestant.
Sporting a low-cut silver hairdo Redman said she wanted to challenge herself and show her children that beauty is ageless.
Redman, who has lived in the U.S. for 43 years, describes herself as friendly, outgoing, caring, and open minded. She will showcase her talent as a pan player – a skill she acquired as a member of the Bleman Steel Sounds of Brooklyn. Dancing and acting are talents she also possess.
Winning the $1000 grand prize, would be wonderful said Redman, but her ultimately goal is to have fun when she competes with her fellow contestants.
Like Redman, Miller is poised to bring home the cash prize, and the reign that would allow the winner to travel throughout the state as a role model showcasing the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans.
The winner will also compete in the nationals in Atlantic City.
Miller, who resided in London, England before immigrating to the United States 40 years ago, is looking forward to the pomp and excitement that comes with the pageant presentation.
Celebrating her age of elegance, Miller and the other contestants will be required to showcase a talent to impress the judges at the pageant for 60-year plus contestants. Each participant is also required to present a brief statement of the philosophy she uses in her approach to life.
Miller, a widow and mother of two daughters, said she loves to write poetry and describes herself as a caring, positive and fun-loving person. She also enjoys shopping and playing tennis.
The pageant, Miller said, gives her an opportunity to have fun. “It’s a celebration of the age of elegance,” added the stylish lady who hopes to forge new friendships during this life-changing and positive experience.
Pageant coordinator Marleen Schuss complimented the ladies, calling them fabulous. She added that they are everything the pageant represents, and noted that Ms. New York Senior America 2011 was from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
