By Elinor Tinsley
Last Tuesday evening,, December 9, 2025, the Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation had its annual meeting at Jose’s and we presented the first (and probably the last) Senior Ms Bolivar Peninsula Pageant for our entertainment for the evening. The Cultural Foundation has been blessed with being able to use Jose’s back event room once again to host this year-end meeting, a requirement of the foundation’s bi-laws. Instead of just the usual appetizers, short meeting and poinsettia door prizes, the Cultural Foundation has been shaking it up the past few years by providing a free drink ticket to new or renewing members, a great table of desserts to compliment the appetizer meal served, three great door prizes AND the poinsettia table decorations and for the third year has provided entertainment for the evening. Two years ago there was a talent show, last year was a fashion show, showcasing clothing from Second Going our local thrift store run by Bay Vue Methodist Church, and this year we provided a pageant with 10 contestants all 65 years or more of age.
The serving line opened, new and returning members used their drink tickets for a beverage, our newest fundraiser with the charming sterling silver lighthouse and chain were presented for sale with pre-sales nearly wiping out the inventory, people found their spots with old and new friends and the evening was off to a great start. Before the pageant could begin the Cultural Foundation had a very brief meeting which highlighted activities for the past year, presented an annual treasurer’s report, introduced their slate of officers, Victoria Norris-president, Ange Schiebel-Vice President, Sandi Covington-Secretary, Elinor Tinsley-Treasurer, Linda Chesser-Artistic Director, Marsha Fredenburg-Member at Large, Sherry Morgan-Member at Large and our newest Member at Large board member, Amy Lail was introduced. Amy filled a spot that has been vacant since the passing of Anne Willis. Then it was on with the show.
This pageant, although a non-sanctioned pageant did have an MC, Haley Comeaux, her beautiful daughter, Lennon Comeaux as presenter and performing singer, a panel of five judges including Tom Osten as captain of the judges, his lovely wife Georgia Osten, Salty Mermaid owner Shauna Williams, Bob Hibbard and Amy Lail. The 10 contestants had two outfit changes and the all important question to answer, and there were sashes, flowers, a crown and even a Ms Congeniality award voted by fellow contestants. The judges took their role seriously with 2 page grids to score on, points to add up and winner’s names presented in a sealed envelope to the MC. When the dust settled they named Marsha Fredenburg as our Ms Congeniality, Elaine Rollfing as 3rd Runner Up, Elinor Tinsley as 2nd Runner Up, Queen Galbreath as 1st Runner Up and Renee Montalvo as our 2025 Senior Ms Bolivar Peninsula. Lots of applause and cheers from the audience, many who had a favorite contestant, lots of laughs from the answers to the questions and sincere praise for the grace and loveliness of all of the contestants made it a fun time.
While the judges were tallying their scores and deciding the winners, Ms Lennon Comeaux entertained the audience with the catchy song Popular from the musical/movie Wicked. Lennon also presented winners with flowers, put their new sashes on and crowned Renee as winner. We want to thank everyone that attended for making the evening such a success. It takes many hands to pull off an event this size with as few snafu’s as possible. Special thanks to Jose’s for once again allowing the use of their room and providing the service we know and love. Thanks to Haley and Lennon for helping make this unofficial pageant look more official. Thanks to all the members that helped set up and clean up, brought the wonderful desserts, and served the food. Thanks to our panel of judges that took their jobs seriously and kept it lighthearted at the same time. Thanks to our pageant “moms’ Mary Ann Harrison and Jana Kelm who helped the contestants get ready and who calmed their fears and last but not least, thanks to Linda Elissalde and Pat Tinsley for the terrific job on pictures. If you missed the fun, put it on you calendar for next year, the second Tuesday in December.
As two side notes, contact Elinor Tinsley (713) 256-3447, if you want to reserve a sterling silver lighthouse charm and chain, which will be in before Christmas and save the date for the Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation’s annual wine tasting. This year the event will be held on February 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM. Details of special location and sign up information will begin the first week in January. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Ms Boyt Rd – Carlis Cole & Ms Crystal Beach Rd – Marsha Fredenburg
Ms Greg St – Linda Elissalde & Ms Island Blvd – Elaine Rollfing
Ms Martinique Ln – Queen Galbraith & Ms Mary Ann – Vicky Norris
Ms Melody Ln – Elinor Tinsley & Ms O’Neal Rd – Brenda Lewis
Ms Seaglass – Renee Montalvo & Ms Surfview – Teresa Close
