Seniors to compete for Top Senior Model title

STAFFORD — Move over, Tyra Banks. Local senior citizens will strut their stuff on the runway during the second-annual Top Senior Model Contest on July 11.

The competition will be “fierce,” as Banks is known to say, and will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Chancellor’s Village in Fredericksburg.

During the event, 12 competitors, both men and women who are residents of the retirement community, will experience full makeovers. Belk at Spotsylvania Towne Center will provide the clothing for the competition, for the second straight year.

Chancellor’s Village will provide hair and nail services, as well as the food.

As each contestant is escorted down the runway by a uniformed U.S. Marine, a panel of judges will score them based on poise, style, personality and talent — a new category.

“After the experience of last year’s contest, we realized the participants wanted and needed an outlet for their show-stopping personalities”, said Jennifer Querry, events coordinator for Home Instead Senior Care. “Although, at this time, the talents chosen by the participants are unknown, we are hoping for a variety of entertainment.”

Kristen Hansen, executive director of Chancellor’s Village, will host the competition, according to a press release.

“I’m excited to host “Top Senior Model,” she said.

Hansen noted that too many people still believe life has to slow down as the years go by, but the residents she sees on a daily basis serve instead, as an inspiration.

Last year’s Top Senior Models, Homer Kline and Florinda Cooper, will also be on hand to crown their successors.

Karl Karch, co-owner of the local Home Instead office, said that the event will embrace the beauty inside each of us that doesn’t go away with age.

“Looking good and feeling good as we age are closely intertwined,” Karch said. “At Home Instead Senior Care, we believe that how a person looks on the outside contributes to positive self-esteem, so we help build this confidence — from the outside in — by encouraging seniors to take a few simple and practical steps to improve their appearance and follow a healthy lifestyle. Doing so can lead to overall healthy aging.”

Tracy Bell is managing editor at the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at tbell@staffordcountysun.com.