|
CONGRATULATIONS TO beautiful & energetic, MARY LOU PHIPPS, Ms. Senior America Minnesota 2009! And special thanks to Mid-America Events and Robin Kocina, Michelle Roddie and Heather Aarre for a
successful year as Directors of the Minnesota State Pageant.
|
|
Mary Lou began dancing at the age of 3 in her hometown, Ventura, California where she performed throughout the Southland with the Barbara Brent Dancers. She studied hula with Napua Woods who was with Harry Owens and his Royal Hawaiians and George Naope, a co-founder of the Merry Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. Mary Lou was a member of the St Luke's Steppers in St. Louis, MO, and now she taps with the Rhinestone Rockettes in Minnesota. She is also a member of the Minnesota Cameo Club and past member of the Missouri Cameo Club. "Three is a Charm", for Mary Lou, because she was 2nd runner-up in 2006 in the Ms. Missouri Pageant, and 1st runner-up in 2008. She moved to Bloomington, Minnesota and was crowned Ms. Minnesota Senior America in 2009.
Dog-lover, Mary Lou has 3 rescues, one of which is a therapy dog. Daisy Mae and mom visit nursing homes and volunteer with the Paws for Reading program in local libraries. Love on a Leash is a therapy dog group with which she "danced" with her dogs, and the star number was "Boot Scootin Boogie". Dogs and handlers both wore cowboy hats.
Her fabulous 36-year career as a TWA/American Airlines flight attendant ended in 2003. And, yes, her husband Mike is a pilot, and, yes, they met on a flight. After her flying career ended she finished her BA at Maryville University in St. Louis where she graduated magna cum laude. Then, after working as a "demo diva" at Trader Joe's for 2 1/2 years, she "retired".
Besides dancing and dog-work, she volunteers at her parish answering phones and making prayer shawls. In her "spare time" Mary Lou LOVES knit, host candle light suppers, watch movies, exercise (water aerobics and tai chi are her favorites), and attend live theater.
Mary Lou describes herself as enthusiastic and energetic, and chooses to set an example for those who are younger. Aging can be positive and I plan to accomplish my goal by staying active, eating healthy, learning new things, and socializing. Woof, woof.
|
|
The Ms. Senior America Pageant is
the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to
women who have reached the "Age of Elegance." It is a search
for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and
inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy
is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our
most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and
resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a
better society.
|
