STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Dr. MaryRose Barranco Morris was recently named president of the National Organization of Italian American Women, Greater New York Region (NOIAW/GNYR), which includes Staten Island.
Dr. Barranco Morris founded the Staten Island network of the National Organization of Italian American Women in 2011 and remains its coordinator. The network soon established itself as a vibrant organization with social and cultural programs celebrating the Italian-American experience among women, including a St. Joseph's Day Dinner feast, a Venetian carnevale and consideration of the influence of "The Godfather" on Americans of Italian descent.
Awarded the doctor of education degree at Teachers College Columbia University in 2005, she had been a 10-year member of the college's academic administration as a director in its not-for-profit The Center for Educational Outreach and Innovation. She returned to her Staten Island roots in 2009 as dean and founder of the Center for Innovative Education in the Arts, Culture and Horticulture at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.
After the 2011 completion of her book, "Linking Learning to Strategy Formation," Dr. Barranco Morris turned her interest to the mission of NOIAW, and sought to bring those goals to Staten Island. Her heritage as a first-generation Italian American woman has been a spur to her efforts.
Founded in 1980, NOIAW serves its members throughout the United States through cultural programs and networking opportunities and by supporting young women through scholarships, mentoring and international cultural exchange programs.
ISLAND MEN JUDGE PAGEANT
Two Staten Island men long associated with the Miss America Pageant Organization served on the judges' panel to chose Ms. Senior America 2013 in Atlantic City, a pageant for women 60 and older who have reached "the age of elegance": Jim Thompson of Randall Manor, who has volunteered some 40 years with the Miss America system, and Jim Smith of St. George, executive director of the Miss Staten Island Scholarship Pageant, an official Miss America preliminary.
Last year's winner, Elisabeth Howard, is a native New Yorker who calls Brooklyn home and developed her musical career in Manhattan. She confided she had relatives who lived on Staten Island upon their arrival from Italy — but she moved to California more than 30 years ago to continue her operatic career and her tenure as a teacher of voice. She was 72 when she won the title of Ms. Senior America.
Elisabeth returned to New Jersey last week to crown her successor on Thursday in Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City.
This year's winner hails from Tennessee. Carolyn Corlew was named Ms. Senior America 2013. A native of New Jersey, she now resides with her husband of 30 years, David, on a 110-acre cattle ranch in Mount Juliet. A 61 year-old grandmother, she essayed the Etta James classic "Tell Mama" for the talent portion of the competition (she sang professionally with the Charlie Daniels Band for 17 years).
First runner-up was a Broadway musical actress from New Jersey, Vanessa Shaw; Kathleen Ray from Nevada was second runner-up, and Texas' Myrna Blackwood was third runner-up. Gail Hamilton, a blind motivational speaker and vocalist from Colorado, was fourth runner-up.
Virginia Werner, a sword dancer from Bellerose, in Queens, represented New York. The oldest contestant was Gladys Hughes of Louisiana, a 90 year old World War II veteran, a great-grandmother and a cancer survivor.
Smith, director of the island's pageant for young ladies, said, "There are many talented, charming, energetic, mature woman right here on Staten Island and I invite them to consider trying out for the Miss New York Senior America pageant next spring on Long Island."
She may or may not be married and will be rated on judges' private interview, evening gown, talent and philosophy of life. There is no swimsuit category. For additional information or for an application, consult www.senioramerica.org.
CELEBRATIONS
The best of birthdays Wednesday to Naezir Papraniku, Connor Coughlin, Anna Rosa, Gina Stavola (also her wedding anniversary Thursday to Thomas), Lynne Schlichtinger, Lucy Krone, Vincent (Mantle) Bertinelli, Michael Day, Pete Ferrulli, Kenny Downing and Emily Longo.
0 comments:
Post a Comment