Mulberry Gardens Crowns New Ms. Mulberry in Celebration of Timeless Beauty

Southington’s Mulberry Gardens honored the elegance and spirit of its residents at the 14th annual Ms. Mulberry Pageant on June 11. This year’s theme, “Forever Young,” celebrated confidence, charm, and the stories of remarkable women like Barbara “Bobbie” Hentz, who was crowned Ms. Mulberry 2025. Hosted by WFSB’s Scott Haney. The judging panel featured Haney; Renee DiNino, director of community engagement WFSB host of “Hello Connecticut” and “Amazing K9 Duos”; Kathy Faber, Kathy Faber Designs; Rebecca Stewart, vice president for content strategy, planning and marketing, Hartford HealthCare; and Jeffrey Cohen, MD, executive vice president and chief clinical operating officer, Hartford HealthCare. The event blended joy, laughter, and heartfelt memories in a beloved tradition that reminds us all that beauty never ages.

Barbara “Bobbie” Hentz, nearly 90 and full of life, was crowned this year’s winner at Mulberry Gardens. A former layout artist and talented sketch artist from Bristol, Bobbie is a proud mother, grandmother, and lover of 1940s music. Her secret to staying young? “Talking to people, loving people.” A true inspiration, she reminds us that kindness and joy never go out of style.

Other contestants and their titles are:

· Miss Mulberry – Barbara “Bobbie” Hentz

· First Runner Up – Marjorie “Ruth” Sayles

· Second Runner Up – Barbara Hungerford

· Ms. Congeniality - Nicolina “Nickie” Stella

· Most Photogenic – Josephine Albini

· Most Elegant – Monserrate “Monsie” Valente

· Most Charming – Eileen Tompkins

· Best Sense of Humor –Genevieve “Penny” Dickinson

· Best Dressed – Vella Panella

· Nicest Eyes – Charlotte Storey

· Nicest Smile – Rita Menard