Reign begins for new Ms. Senior Mesquite

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant, held at the Mesquite Community Theater on Saturday afternoon April 20, provided an elegant production and pageantry. The Age of Elegance contestants were: Bronzie Dabney, Karen Alvear, Joellen Haack, Linda Darling, Julie Hoffman and Dana Ferre.

Winning the 2024 Ms. Senior Mesquite designation was Bronzie Dabney. The 1st runner up was Karen Alvear, with 2nd runner up being Julie Hoffman. Hoffman also received the Ms. Congeniality Award.

As Ms. Sr. Mesquite, Dabney will also hold the title of Ms. Senior Nevada and go on to compete in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant, which is based on the belief that seniors are the foundation of America and our most valuable treasure.

Ann Murphy, the former Ms. Sr. Mesquite/Nevada, gave a final inspiring talent performance and a “Last Walk” before handing over the crown to Dabney.

The six contestants were evaluated by three judges: Stacie Anfinson, Carol Klemp and Gail Phalen. These three were tasked with the hard job of rating each contestant with percentages in each of four different categories. These included a personal interview, their philosophy of life, their talent and an evening gown competition. The Judges aim was to select one who best exemplifies a gracious lady with dignity, maturity and inner beauty.

An introduction to the evening was made by a handsomely dressed Mayor Al Litman.

Serving as Masters of Ceremony were Joy Craig and Bob Snell, both in stylish evening wear and trying to be on their best behavior. But their wonderful sense of humor kept slipping through.
Even a good part of the audience came dressed in evening wear, something not often seen in Mesquite.

The production kept the audience entertained with well-spaced-out performances. One of the talented judges Stacie Anfinson, performed “Hey-Big Spender” and danced with Larry LeMieux. Local singers, Cary Philips crooned a few Sinatra songs and Loraine Taylor sang “Memories.”

The contestants themselves surprised the audience with the level of their talents. Dabney can play a mean piano. Hoffman and Alvear each gave original readings of poetry. Dana Ferre’s jazz dancing was captivating. Linda Darling impressed the audience with her singing. Joellen Haack brought down the house with laughter with her impersonation of Vicki Lawrence as Mama from The Carol Burnett show.

Maria Tristan attended the pageant for the first time. She said, “This is great, it is so elegant. When I am age-qualified, I may want to enter the competition.”

Special recognition and a plaque were presented to Ginny Barton for her years of service as pageant chair. Flowers were presented to Becky Boyd Pageant President by Ellen Middleton.

An address of the Ms. Senior Mesquite Creed was elegantly given by Jean Watkins, founder of the Pageant and the first Ms. Senior Mesquite.

Rick Dunn, attendee said, “This pageant was very well done, I can’t believe the talent we have in this town.”