American Idol contestants have nothing on the talent showcased Wednesday, June 14, at the Hazelwood Senior Center. Nine seniors demonstrated their talents in song, poetry, and musicianship, competing in front of an audience of their peers and judges Paul Wysong and Elder Health Representatives Carol Allen Kelly and Jennifer Lauer.

     The competition began at 1PM and first up was Pauline Mayes who gave a stellar karaoke performance. Next was Laverne Miller who played Hello Dolly on the saxophone; Bud Spalding recited poetry by Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe; Barbara Robinson sang an old spiritual; Ernest Simms singing and playing Stormy Weather on his horn; Ruth Snoody rocked the house singing New York New York; Elizabeth Chambers gave a touching reading of tribute to fathers written by a little girl who lost her own father in the tragic events that occurred on September11; Deloris Livesey played the piano; and Barbara Butler ended the competition singing an original she wrote entitled, When All God’s Children Get to Heaven. In the end, Livsey won the competition and the $50 American Express giftcard.

     The show was sponsored by Elder Health, a Medicare advantage health plan, and is just one of many programs and activities the company hopes to sponsor at the Hazelwood Senior Center and other centers throughout Pittsburgh. Community Relations Director Kelley says she hopes to have officials come in and speak with seniors about such issues as identity theft and home safety. She also plans to hold a mock Jeopardy game show and other fun activities for seniors at the center. We want to help provide social activities for seniors, but I’m also here to answer any questions about Elder Health, says Kelley.  Elder Health, which is based in Baltimore, MD, has had offices in Pittsburgh for approximately 14 months and is one of several plans offered in Allegheny County.