Page 3 - NBYNews December 2019 Issue

Senior in Action: Selma Minerd The Tiara Scene
Senior in Action:
Senior in Action:
Senior in Action:
Senior in Action:
Selma Minerd
Selma Minerd
Selma Minerd
Selma Minerd
Ms. Senior California of America, Inc.
Senior in Action – Selma Minerd as told to
Marilee Marrero Stefenhagen Being Grateful……….. The new Ms Senior
As the Ms. Senior California “Age of
Selma, age 95, barely found time to Elegance” pageant looks forward to a America 2020, is
schedule an interview. She said, “I’m a wonderful Christmas season and Esmeralda Ybarra
very active senior who looks forward to celebrating the coming New Year, we want Hetrick, from
my weekly activities. On Mondays I do to extend our gratitude to our past Queens, Harrisburg, Pa. Queen
Esmeralda’s winning
errands, such as banking, and laundry, and Title Holders, contestants, sponsors, talent was singing, “It’s
play bridge with my Assistance League families, friends and fans, for all their love My Turn”. I love that title…so
Bridge Club. The Friends of Whittier and support. Ms. Senior California is so appropriate for us, don’t you agree?
blessed to be the largest senior pageant in
Library meet once a month, and I manage the nation to bring honor and recognition Esmeralda’s career was in healthcare,
the Friends Book Store. My husband to all seniors in California. community outreach/nonprofit work,
Francis used to manage the Friends Book publishing and a marketing
Store. When he died in 2015, I took over. This past October, Pauline Allen, our consultant. What a world of
knowledge and talent she brings to
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and State Queen and I traveled to Atlantic City our Senior America platform to share
Saturday, I staff the Friends Book Store to compete in the Senior America Finals. with seniors.
which opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:30 This is a special year because Senior
America is celebrating it’s 40th
p.m. Just last weekend, we held a 3-day Anniversary. A whirlwind of fabulous Ms. Senior California has scheduled
book sale, and I was there the entire time. Queens from past national finals were in three pageants so far for 2020. A few
On Tuesdays I cook. On Wednesdays I attendance and all wearing the new more are in the works but dates are
not confirmed yet. The Ms. Senior San
play bridge, and meet once a month with gorgeous Ruby tiara signifying the 40th Diego Preliminary pageant will take
the Friendly Hills Women’s Club. I’ve anniversary stone. It was truly a beautiful place at Paradise Village Retirement
been a Women’s Club member forever it Selma Minerd, 95 sight to see. We were so lucky to be a part Resort on February 27th and 28th. The
seems, and held many officer positions. I the Mother of the Groom,” so I had the of the excitement and celebration. Orange County Preliminary is
also play bridge on Friday. Every Sunday, privilege of walking down the aisle first. Pauline Allen, Ms. scheduled on March 27th and 28th at
I attend services at the Center for Spiritual I’m a lucky woman.” Senior California, placed the Norman Murray Senior Center in
Living Fullerton formerly Church of “It’s difficult to get old. You wonder, in the top 10, a great Mission Viejo. The “Age of Elegance”
State Pageant is scheduled on June
Religious Science.” ‘What does God have planned for me?’ honor for California. 20th and 21st, at the Joan Kroc Theatre
“I grew up in Pomona, California but I’m really independent and still cook for There were 40 states represented and the for Peace and Justice on the University
now live in Whittier. I have outlived two myself. In fact, I’m going to host competition was fierce as of San Diego campus.
of my five children; two sons and 3 Thanksgiving dinner. My oldest you can imagine. Queen Please visit our website:
Pauline did an amazing
stepsons. My son Terry lives in Colorado, grandson said, “You can just make job with her interview mssrcalifornia.net for the latest
son Tim makes his home in South veggies.” But his daughters shouted in and talent presentation. updates and Royalty news.
Happy Royal
Carolina, and Steve is in Mesa, Arizona. I the background, ‘We want meat, we want Her gowns were Holidays to all,
have eleven grandchildren, and sixteen meat!’ His 7-year-old said ‘Tell Grandma exquisite and she Elvia Harris,
great-grandchildren, with more on the to just make the usual turkey dinner.’ My received many Ms. Senior California
way. My youngest great-grandchild is just 95 birthday was held at my home, compliments from the State Pageant
th
audience and judges.
over 1 year old, and the oldest is 22. My 7- attended by fifty people. It was a Administrator/CEO
year-old great-granddaughter placed 5 in wonderful party with a catered taco bar,
th
a California state gymnastics and my great-grandchildren helped serve
championship recently, which made me our guests.”
proud.” “Due to failing eyesight from macular
“My first husband was a judge. I sold degeneration, I have not driven since
real estate and tried my hand at a number 2017. Fortunately, my friends provide
of other ventures. We divorced after 43 rides to the hair salon and the market,
years. After retirement, I married Francis and chauffeur me to many activities such
Minerd and we had a fantastic marriage. as bridge games, volunteering at the
It’s lucky when you find the right husband. Friends Book Store, and more. I used to
We traveled frequently when Francis was write newsletters for Republican Women,
alive. My latest travel adventure was a trip and Friends of the Whittier Library, but
to Colorado where my son was married can’t see well enough to do it now. I am a
for the second time on New Year’s Eve professional volunteer. You could call
2018. I have a wonderful family and they me a politician, because I was elected to
are very good to me.” the Republican Central Committee over
“I also have a tremendous number of 50 years ago. I quit when I was 90 years
friends. The Mayor of Whittier, Joe old, but my friend put me back on. Being
Vinatieri, is my surrogate son. His mother involved in my community keeps me
was my best friend. Joe’s first wife died connected and thriving.”
the same year as my husband Francis. For more information about the
When Joe remarried in March 2019, his Whittier Friends Bookstore, visit https://
wedding coordinator told me, “You’re www.whittierlibrary.org/i-want-to/
going to be in the wedding procession as support-the-library/friends-of-the-library

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