Merokean shines in senior pageant

The 34th annual Ms. New York Senior America pageant kicked off at Molloy College on July 14, in which nine women over the age of 60 competed in a series of showcases that displayed their grace, talent, wit and intelligence.
Among the nine contestants was Miriam Baruch, of Merrick. Baruch is a member of Congregation OHAV Shalom, the Chabad of Merrick and the American Association of Social Workers. Her interests include volunteering, spending time with her family, theatre, traveling, playing scrabble and boating.
Baruch’s talents include acting, dancing and ping-pong. Her personal statement, as featured in the event’s program, is, “Instead of being the best in the world, strive to be the best for the world.”
New York Senior America invites women age 60 or older to come together in celebration of the “Age of Elegance.” The purpose of Senior America is to host programs and activities that dispel the myths of aging. Each year the organization hosts a pageant to select a special woman to represent New York state.

— Alyssa Seidman