Ernestine Eldridge, 2019 Seniors Got Talent first place winner
The stage is set for the second annual Morning Pointe “Seniors Got Talent” variety show scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 16. Produced by the Morning Pointe Foundation in conjunction with Morning Pointe Senior Living at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, the top 10 acts on deck include a comedian, handbell choir, bluegrass band, and an array of senior vocalists and musicians spanning ages 62 to 90.
“We are so excited to present Chattanooga’s finest senior talent for this year’s Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent showcase,” said Audra Hopkins, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “I’m grateful for all our sponsors who make this event possible as we seek to raise funds for the Foundation’s mission of providing caregiver support programs and funding nursing scholarships at local community colleges. Come out and join Morning Pointe for an unforgettable evening.”
Seniors Got Talent will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre featuring returning local television celebrity emcees Calvin Sneed and Kim Chapman, both longtime Chattanooga news anchors. Judges also returning include Carla Pritchard, owner of Chattanooga Presents; Nina Coppinger, music teacher at Cadek Conservatory and St. Jude School; Rodney Van Valkenburg, executive director of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre; and Cinnamon Smith, founder of Flutterby Dance Theatre.
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners, including a $250 cash prize for the top winner.
Tickets for the program can be purchased at the door for $20 or online in advance at theatrecentre.com. Seating inside the theatre will be socially distanced, following all CDC recommended guidelines and protocols for indoor activities.
Building on the 10-year legacy of the Senior Idol talent show at the Morning Pointe of Hixson assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care community, the 2021 competition brings all of the fun and excitement of the classic event to a wider audience while providing guests with the opportunity to perform in a theatre for the first time, said officials.
Last held in 2019, the Seniors Got Talent, Chattanooga competition fielded entertaining acts that brought down the house. Ernestine Eldridge, age 92, a resident of Morning Pointe of Hixson assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care community, took home the first place prize for a patriotic medley performed on the piano. Doug Smith, age 65, of Dayton, netted second place with his rendition of “My Babe” on the harmonica, and Ronnie Nicholas, age 71, of Harrison won third place with a comedic version of “Cat’s in the Cradle” performed on the guitar.
Those who wish to inquire about VIP sponsorships should contact Morning Pointe Foundation executive director Audra Hopkins by telephone at 278-9738.