24 THE QUEENS COURIER • MAY 1, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Jamaica Estates woman competes in Ms. New York Senior America Pageant BY LIAM LA GUERRE [email protected] @liamlaguerre When Jamaica Estates resident Rose Scalia heard about the 29th annual Ms. New York Senior America Pageant, she immediately applied to be a contestant. The pageant, for those 60 and older, salutes inspiring women and serves as a stepping stone to the national Ms. Senior America Pageant in the fall. At age 64, Scalia, who recently retired from her job as the director of human resources for a real estate firm, saw the contest as a challenge and a way to reinvent herself. “On the cusp of retirement, I just said, ‘I need to change what I’m doing,’” Scalia said. “This is a new chapter in my life, but it’s a new chapter of reinvention.” Though she didn’t win the contest, Scalia was awarded “2014 Ms. Congeniality” of the pageant on Sunday, April 27, at Hofstra University, for her ability to interact and connect with the other contestants. Jane Rubinstein of Merrick, N.Y., was crowned the 2014 Ms. New York Senior America. The women in the contest were judged based on an interview, an evening gown presentation which focused on elegance, their philosophy of life and a talent demonstration. Scalia, a former Bayside resident, said her life experience helped her to compete. She holds a master’s degree in mass communications from Queens College, was a theatre performer and was once a staffer for U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman. She has also been an adjunct professor at New York University for about 15 years and is now a fulltime teacher at the school. Even though she didn’t win, what Scalia said she learned from the experience was very significant. “Make your age work for you, no matter how old you are,” Scalia said. “It tells me that I can do what I’ve done and love to do. I may tackle theatre again.” Photo courtesy Rose Scalia Jamaica Estates resident Rose Scalia was named “2014 Ms. Congeniality” of the 29th annual Ms. New York Senior America Pageant. Martin A. Funeral Home L.L.C. – Call for a FREE Planning Guide – • Our Services are available in all areas • Large Parking Facilities at all Locations • Personal Service, 24 Hours a Day • Burial and Cremation Services Available • Family Owned and Operated • FDIC Insured Pre-Plan Accounts • Pre-Arrangements Available • Out of Town Service, Call Us First • Shipping Specialists John A. Golden: Member of K. of C. and C*KHS; Thomas A. Golden III: Member AOH, KHS (Owner, Operators) 149-20 Northern Boulevard • Flushing • 718-359-6300 10-25 150th Street • Whitestone • 718-359-1122 36-46 Bell Boulevard • Bayside • 718-428-2210 Please Visit Our Website @ www.gleasonsfuneral.com Martin A. Gleason Funeral Home L.L.C.: The Preferred Choice
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