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The Return of the Ms. Mulberry Gardens Pageant

June 23, 2022

The Ms. Mulberry Gardens Pageant made a return after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Contestants are residents of Mulberry Gardens assisted living and were excited to participate. This year’s theme is “This Magic Moment” where each contestant showcased their individuality and judged on elegance, poise and the final interview.

“We here at Hartford HealthCare Senior Services look forward to the moments like this. Over the last couple of years, we haven’t been able to celebrate our residents and their families properly. So with the help of some friends we’re going to make up for some lost time,” Paula DePinto, director of finance, Hartford HealthCare Senior Services and Special Needs said.

Ms. Mulberry Gardens was brought to the community in 2010, to celebrate the liveliness of the residents and members. Accompanied by friends, family and residents the lobby was decorated to excellence this year’s 15 contestants participated for the crown of Ms. Mulberry Gardens.

Scot Haney, meteorologist of WFSB, co-host of Better Connecticut and fourth-time pageant emcee, listened carefully and humored alongside each contestant as they shared their most precious moments. Haney, a crowd favorite, brought out the best in each contestant and the crowd at large.

Contestants were asked a series of questions one being their secret to being young. Here are a few words from the contestants:

“I just go with the flow, go with the times, do what you have to do and stay busy,” Frances LaPila responded.

“My health,” Mary Ann Terzak responded.

“Get up every day,” Jeanette St. George responded.

Returning judges included Kathy Faber, of Kathy Faber Designs and Renee DiNino, radio personality of River 105.9. As a first time judge Rebecca Stewart, vice present for content strategy, planning and marketing, Hartford HealthCare joined the panel. Bronze sponsors included Trudy Main and George Laudenberger.

“The results are in. Ladies and gentlemen the 2022 Ms. Mulberry Gardens goes to Virginia DePaulo,” Haney announced. Virginia (Ginny) DePaulo, a resident of Mulberry Gardens, was crowned with a tiara and draped with the 2022 Ms. Mulberry Gardens satin sash.

Ginny was born on April 13, 1923. Her hometown is Southington, she has three children Anthony, Joan and William along with three grandkids. Ginny worked at General Electric in Plainville. She enjoys walking, golfing, reading, bocce and bowling. She once won a trophy in the woman’s golf competition.