By Grace Usher

Seven women took the stage Saturday afternoon to compete for the coveted title of Ms. Havasu Senior at the London Bridge Resort Convention Center.

The theme of this year’s pageant honored medical professional, personnel and organizations and was hosted by the Havasu Community Health Foundation.

Those competing for the crown were Kathy Jo Baumer, Terrie Colella, MaryAnn Curry, Betty Hansen, Anna Mae Manese, Anita Meredith and Linda Milford.

Billy Steffer opens the Ms. Senior Lake Havasu Pageant with a song. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The evening began with an opening song by Billy Steffer and the 2018 contestants, followed by introductions of masters of ceremony, Gina Kelly and Jared Pennington. A salute was given to the medical professionals of Lake Havasu.

Six judges in the medical professional community were brought to their designated tables where they met the contestants.

Past winners of the event were spotlighted, led by 2017-18 Ms. Havasu Senior, Ann Archer.

The contestants began competing for the crown with their talent showcases. Their talents were as follows:

Kathy Jo Baumer: Marilyn Monroe Impersonator performing, “Happy Birthday”
Terrie Colella: Presentation of paintings and poetry reading
MaryAnn Curry: Apple Butter Comedy demonstration
Betty Hansen: Singing with accompaniment
Anna Mae Manese: Plastic and Yarn Sculpture presentation
Anita Meredith: Rendition of “Amazing Grace”
Linda Milford: Musical Comedy

Anna Mae Manese shows off her yarn creations during the talent competition. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The talent showcase was preceded by the Bachelor Auction. “A Night with Mel Reed” was the auction piece and was purchased for $550. A two-night stay in a luxury Lake Havasu bungalow home was auctioned for $300, and a seven-day getaway in Maui, Hawaii was sold for $1,900

The evening gown competition was led by former Ms. Havasu Senior 2009, Stella Muniz-Greb.

The philosophy of Life competition gave the contestants an opportunity to answer questions regarding political topics, Lake Havasu tourism, and morality.

The competition was wrapped with a final performance of “Feelin’ Good” performed by Billy Steffer and a final message from reigning Ms. Havasu Senior 2017.

Terrie Colella and Anita Meredith share a moment after being announced winner and runner-up. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The winners of the event were announced:
Ms. Havasu Senior: Terrie Colella

“It’s shocking but exciting! [I am with] Haven Valley Resource Center. When I first moved here, I cut hair for underprivileged children.They are very deserving and so are the kids,” Colella said.

Ms. Havasu Senior First Runner up: Anita Meredith

“I don’t believe it, but I’m really happy. It was a lot of work but worth it! [I am representing] the Havasu Community Health Foundation. They have helped me a lot. I had cancer in 2009 and they helped me so much. They are close to me,” Meredith said.

The organizations of choice will receive the winning funds from the pageant winners. 

Dr. Carlos Ruiz escorts Anna Mae Manese to the stage during the pageant. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Kathy Jo Baumer sings the Marylin Monroe version of “Happy Birthday” to Jerad Pennington, who is dressed as the President. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Terrie Colella’s painting are shared during the talent competition. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mary Ann Curry demonstrates how to make Apple Butter Saturday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Anita Meredith sings during the pageant Saturday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Linda Milford performs during the pageant. Danielson/RiverScene

Gina Kelly and Jerad Pennington emcee the Ms. Senior Lake Havasu Pageant. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mel Reed stands with Jolene Jensen who won a date with him during the Bachelor Auction. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene