Putting seniors in the spotlight
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The search for the next senior star in Canada is on.
“It’s all our Chartwell properties right across Canada that are hosting Senior Star Regional events,” said local organizer Debbie Smits, Community Relations Manager for Tillsonburg Retirement Residence.
Chartwell’s Annual Senior Star competition is taking place between June 10-28, with the local regional competition at the Otter Valley Playhouse on Thursday, June 20 at 2 p.m.
All of the events will be videotaped and the Top 2 contestants will have their videos submitted to be viewed by a panel of three judges. From all entries across Canada, the Top 10 will be chosen to compete in the finals in November 2013.
“They’ll choose a Top 10 to compete in Niagara Falls,” said Smits.
Now in it’s seventh year, Smits said the Senior Star Regional Competition is returning to Tillsonburg after several years in Woodstock.
The singing and musical instrument competition showcases a wide selection of talent from across the region including Tillsonburg, Norwich, Delhi, Vienna and Simcoe. Seven participants from around the region, including one from Tillsonburg, registered for the June 20 competition.
“There will be a variety of people singing, and there’s a few who are playing solo instruments (piano, accordion), and then there’s a few who are doing a combination of singing and playing.”
The competition was open to anyone in the community age 65-and-older. They do not have to be a resident of a Chartwell Retirement Residence. Although the deadline to register for the 2013 competition passed (May 31), Smits encouraged all seniors – of every talent and ability – to get involved.
“For this year we have closed the registration, but we are collecting for next year, so if you missed this year, please contact us and we can set something up for next year.”
During the competition contestants are given a maximum of five minutes to sing a song, play an instrument or do both.
People are encouraged to support their local senior talent at the competition.
“It’s really exciting to bring it back to Tillsonburg. This event gives them an outlet to perform and they’re excellent.
With June being Senior’s Month, Smits said there’s no better time to put them in the spotlight, celebrate seniors and their talent.
“It’s a chance to showcase their talent. It’s about having fun and giving seniors the opportunity to perform.”
To reserve a ticket and seat for the event (free of charge) call Debbie Smits at (519) 688- 0347.