A mini-Tina Turner revue lit up Flamboyant Gardens in Barron Spot Friday as Ms. Senior America, Kimberly Moore of St. Thomas, did a rocking and rolling karaoke to “Proud Mary” for residents at the home and supporters.
The fit 62-year-old was also promoting from her bully pulpit the benefits of staying active.
She warmed up to residents at the community center and spoke about dealing with a touch of arthritis and osteoporosis. She said it is tough at times but one has to get out of bed and keep on moving.
“Don’t just sit there all the time,” Moore said as she grabbed a cane. While holding the “stick” as she called it, she proceeded to do knee bends and back kicks. “Just do a little bit at a time.”
She showed her well-defined biceps and suggested residents should lift cans to tone and strengthen.
She spoke about her large family a bit. She was a single mom at 17 and vowed to get as many degrees as possible. She moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1994 and told about her struggles opening a dental practice on St. John in Cruz Bay. She currently practices on St. Thomas.
She spoke of her faith getting her through and some in the group said “amen” in agreement.
“Can’t do much unless you pray about it,” Moore said. “And you can’t do much without the Lord.”
She told how she got involved in the pageant, held in Atlantic City, N.J., in October.
“I am very proud to hold the crown for the Virgin Islands,” said Moore, the first African-American and woman outside of the mainland to be crowned Ms. Senior America.
After speaking for about 45 minutes, Moore slipped out and donned a short hot pink dress with sequins, beads and fringe and a honey blond wig dancing back to the front of the community center as a Tina Turner look-a-like. She was asked to do an encore and she strutted her stuff Tina Turner-style again.
Lee Ford said Moore’s performance was wonderful, and the message was very inspirational.
After catching her breath, she said she is looking for sponsors to help her to take the message to homes and retirement centers to show seniors how to live a healthier and happy life. Mariet O’Reilly, a nurse at the home, said she saw her at a Rotary function on St. Thomas and was very impressed.
Lutheran Social Services sponsored the program.
