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 Joy, laughter, and lots of sparkle marked the 14th annual Ms. Mulberry Gardens Senior Pageant this June.
 This year’s theme, “Forever Young,” honored the beauty, confidence, and lived experiences of the community’s remarkable women. Residents, families, and staff filled the community lobby, transformed into a runway of memories, music, and meaningful moments. Jacqueline Gaulin, executive director of Mulberry Gardens, opened the event with heartfelt appreciation: “This year's theme, Forever Young, isn't about turning back the clock. Today we celebrate the elegance, humor, and timeless charm of our incredible ladies, each one proving that confidence, grace, and a great smile never go out of style.” Pageant host and Channel 3 personality Scott Haney returned for his seventh year, engaging contestants with lighthearted questions about their secrets to staying youthful, personal quirks, and fond memories. As each contestant took the spotlight, the audience learned about their life stories, rich with personal history, hobbies, humor, and heart. From professional photography and newspaper design to nursing, homemaking, and volunteering, these women have led full lives and shared their wisdom with the crowd.
Secrets to Staying Young
When asked, contestants offered their lighthearted takes on longevity:
- “Keep moving.” – Rita Menard
- “No Jello.” – Nikki Stella
- “Don’t die.” – Penny Dickinson
- “Talking to people and loving people.” – Barbara “Bobbie” Hentz
- “Enjoy life while you can” – Monsie Valente
Returning judges included Haney; Renee DiNino, director of community engagement, WFSB host of “Hello Connecticut” and “Amazing K9 Duos; Kathy Faber, Kathy Faber Designs; Rebecca Stewart, vice president for content strategy, planning, and marketing, Hartford HealthCare; and Jeffrey Cohen, MD, executive vice president and chief clinical operating officer, Hartford HealthCare.
After a magical interlude from local performer Jeff Horton, the final moment arrived. Bobbie was crowned Ms. Mulberry Gardens 2025.
Pageant coordinators Donna Johnson, recreation director, and Jacquelyn Gaulin, executive director, gave each contestant a sash and a bouquet. Other awards included:
- First Runner-Up – Marjorie “Ruth” Sayles
- Second Runner-Up – Barbara Hungerford
- Ms. Congeniality – Nicolina “Nikki” Stella
- Nicest Smile – Rita Menard
- Nicest Eyes – Charlotte Storey
- Most Elegant – Monsie Valente
- Most Charming – Eileen Tompkins
- Best Sense of Humor – Genevieve “Penny” Dickinson
- Most Photogenic – Josephine Albini
- Best Dressed – Vella Panella
Meet Ms. Mulberry 2025: Hentz
With a smile that could light up a room and stories that could fill a novel, Hentz was crowned Ms. Mulberry Gardens 2025.
Born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, Hentz is a woman of many talents, much laughter, and a heart that radiates warmth. A former layout artist for the Imprint newspaper in West Hartford, she spent years creating advertisements. “I learned how to do ads for newspapers,” she explained. “I did it most of my young life—and I loved it.”
But her creativity didn’t stop there. Hentz is also a self-taught sketch artist, known for her pencil drawings. “If you're out sometimes and you see a beautiful area, you want to sketch it. I enjoy doing that,” she said.
She’s a proud mother and grandmother. This July 14, Hentz will celebrate a milestone birthday—but she doesn’t seem to be slowing down. “I’m doing pretty good at my age right now,” she told the crowd. “I do everything here. The whole part—I did it all.” Her secret to staying young? “Talking to people, loving people. And I just want to say, I’m very happy here.”
Her zest for life made her a clear favorite—not only to the judges but to everyone watching. At Mulberry Gardens, where every resident is celebrated, Hentz reminds us all that aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about showing up, sharing joy, and staying forever young.
Mulberry Gardens of Southington, a member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, is a not-for-profit assisted living, adult day care, and memory care community located at 58 Mulberry Street in the Plantsville section of Southington. For more information about Mulberry Gardens of Southington, visit www.mulberrygardens.org.
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