CULLMAN, Ala. – Three women from Cullman County are top 10 finalists for the 36th annual Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant. The ladies are Ms. Hanceville Nursing & Rehab Center Ruth Brigham, Ms. The Folsom Center for Rehab & Healthcare Faye Aaron and Ms. Woodland Village Rehab & Health Care Center Ann Trucks.
The event will be held Monday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. The winner will serve as a spokesperson for nursing home residents and the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA).
Ms. Brigham, age 94, doesn’t let her limited eyesight stop her from enjoying life at Hanceville Nursing & Rehab Center. She participates in all of the activities and performs with the handbell choir. She was married for 32 years and has three children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Ms. Aaron, age 83, is president of the Resident Council at The Folsom Center and is the song leader for the Friday morning Bible study. She assists other residents with their arts and crafts projects and enjoys reading and playing games. She was married for 47 years and has four children and eight grandchildren.
Ms. Trucks, age 76, is a member of the Resident Council at Woodland Village Rehab & Health Care Center w. She serves as a resident activity volunteer which involves setting up an activity and assisting other residents in participating. She was married for 56 years and has three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Other ladies selected as finalists for the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant are:
- Ms. Arlington Rehab & HealthCare Center, Eva McWay, Birmingham, age 62
- Ms. Brookdale University Park, Betty Gilbert, Birmingham, age 89
- Ms. Diversicare of Boaz, Betty Smith, Boaz, age 85
- Ms. Falkville Health & Rehab Center, Carolyn Daniels, Falkville, age 71
- Ms. St. Martin’s in the Pines, Juanita Tant, Birmingham, age 90
- Ms. The Oaks on Parkwood, Tracy Moore, Bessemer, age 61
- Ms. Wiregrass Rehab Center & Nursing Home, Gwen Haney, Geneva, age 80
“These contestants are wonderful ambassadors for their nursing homes,” ANHA President & CEO Bill O’Connor said. “They are proof that you can make a difference no matter your age or ability. I encourage you to attend the pageant and help us celebrate the contributions these ladies make in their nursing home and the community.”
The finalists were selected from a field of 49 contestants during preliminary judging in Montgomery. The contestants are evaluated on their outlook on life, personality, poise and involvement in their individual nursing homes.
The top 10 finalists will have individual interviews with the panel of celebrity judges on the morning of July 29 before competing on stage that afternoon. All the other contestants in attendance will be part of the Honor Court and will be individually recognized during the pageant. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
