Gary Sakas, reigning Mr. Mature America, dances with last year's contestants to "It's Raining Men," the opening number of the Pageant. This Saturday night, the spry seniors will dance to "Smooth" by Carlos Santana. The opening dance, choreographed by Jessica Albertson, sets the tone for an entertaining and amusing evening starting 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets are $10. Call 399-6111 or stop at the City Hall Welcome Center, 9 th and Asbury Ave. Tickets will also be available at the door.
by Mark Soifer
The third annual Mr. Mature America Pageant will be held on Saturday, starting at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The event is the only talent pageant for men 55 and older. It celebrates the talents, relevance and contributions of our senior citizens.
The show will feature seven contestants and special performances by non- competing senior entertainers. There will be a display of senior art work in the solarium and Jerry Lukas, a renowned senior cartoonist, will create free, personalized cartoons for visitors.
Contestants include Dr. John Phillips, 72, of Somers Point, a life-long educator and martial arts champion who will break wood on stage. A winner of the International Karate Martial Artist of the Year title, he has also been honored for his work as an educator and for charitable and public service work.
Andrew Dowling, 64, of Ventnor City, will read his original poetry. He has a unique hobby of creating artwork from junk and broken things. He enjoys anonymously helping people who have less than he has.
Thomas McGill, 68, of Ocean City, will perform stand-up comedy. He is past president of the Ocean City Exchange Club and has coached Little League baseball. His hobbies are biking, walking and collecting antiques.
Peter M. Sposato, 73, is a singer from Toms River. He performs ballads at variety clubs, is an avid cycler and works out at the gym. He believes that keeping physically and mentally active adds to one's quality of life.
Rene Sese, 74, of Ocean City is a singer. He has performed in area casinos and countries throughout Asia. A native of the Philippines, he was instrumental in arranging Ocean City's annual Philippine tribute.
Bob D'amore, 65, a piano player and vocalist, performs in area venues and accompanies the St. James AME Gospel Chorus. He has worked with prominent entertainers over the years.
Ray Hufnagel, 84, of Somers Point, is a self-taught artist. He is an Army veteran, computer specialist, independent management and marketing consultant. As a youth, he played basketball against such greats as Tom Gola, Ernie Beck and Meadowlark Lemon.
Special guest performers will be Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Dick Richards with his Ready Rockers band; blues great Bubba Mac; the St. James AME Combined Gospel Chorus; Sheri McGhie, Ms. Senior America; and Nancy Fox, talented soprano.
Mr. Mature America Inspiration Awards will be presented to Shriver's Boardwalk legend Hank Glaser and former TV reporter and anchorman Dick Sheeran. Tickets are available by calling (609) 399-6111 or by stopping at the City Hall Welcome Center, 9th St. entrance. Tickets are also available at the door.
TWO NEW EVENTS FOR APRIL (April 9-10):
GIRLS WEEKEND on downtown Asbury Avenue will take place between 6th and 14th Sts. on Asbury Ave. There will be dining offers, spa specials, shopping discounts, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations, hotel and B&B packages and grand prize drawings.
A Friday Night Fashion Show Kick-Off at Crown Bank, 801 Asbury Ave., is set for April 8 at 7 p.m. Light fare and refreshments, $20 a person, limited seating. For more information, call (609) 399-1412 or visit
www.oceancityvacation.com.OC CON 2016, a weekend devoted to the comics, is also set for April 9-10. Visitors will be able to meet the creators of super heroes and comic book characters at the Music Pier. Stop by Sunday at 2 p.m. to see or participate in a costume contest.
Events begin on Sat., April 9th at 9 a.m. with a one-mile Super Hero Run followed by a Super Hero Obstacle dash at noon. Contestants are encouraged to compete in costumes. Register at
www.ocnj.us/Race-Events.
Show will be held Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. 10 .m. to 4 p.m. One-day admission, Adults $5, Children $2; Two-day admission, $8 for adults, $3 for children (12 and under).
CALLING ALL DOO DAHERS: The 31st Annual DooDah Parade is set for Sat., April 16 at noon. Parade starts at 6th and Asbury Ave, proceeds to the Boardwalk at 14th St. and ends at the Music Pier. There will be an awards ceremony followed by the annual PieAsco honoring the memory of Soupy Sales, a great friend of Doo Dah. Folks sit in grandstands and then smoosh each other with shaving cream pies, the kind Soupy used on his syndicated TV show.
THE OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY continues to offer an array of stimulating programs and free entertainment:
(March 13) A TRIBUTE TO OUR WOMEN'S MILITARY SERVICE: The Library will host a film screening of a documentary by award-winning Ron Howard that tells first-hand stories of female veterans in the U.S. Military. The screening from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. will be followed by a discussion panel. Veterans are encouraged to participate. Light refreshments will be provided.
(March 16) ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE: The City Environmental Commission in partnership with the Library continues its lecture series. The program will feature Randall Scheule speaking on the Ocean City Strategic Recovery Report, 6:30 p.m. in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. Lecture is free and open to public.
For information on the many free educational and entertainment programs offered by the Library contact Julie at (609) 399-2434 x5222.
