Photo by Amanda Shavers, The Cullman Times

    More than a dozen women age 60 and over will compete September 28 for the title of Ms. Senior Cullman County 2003.
    The event, the first since 1998, will be held at 2 PM in the Wallace State College Theater. The women will compete in four categories: interview, evening gown, philosophy of life and talent. The winner will advance to the Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant to be held march 20 at Mountain Brook High School Auditorium for a chance to represent the state at the Ms. Senior America Pageant.
    Cullman pageant director Betty Leeth Haynes said the purpose of Senior America is to promote programs and activities to show all ages that senior Americans have a wealth of knowledge from their past and present and have a strong desire to continue to have enthusiasm for the future.
    Along with the entertainment provided by the contestants, the Cullman Park and Recreation's recycled Teenagers will perform as well as Carmelita Hassel Patterson and dancers Jean Wamp Holt and Oliver Woodard. Haynes, who won the Cullman County and state competitions, said she will present "I am a Senior American," the creed of seniors of America.
    Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the Cullman Civic Center, Cullman County Museum, Eva Bank, SouthTrust Bank, and the Cullman and Hanceville branches of Peoples Bank.
    Find out more about the contestants from their answers to questions posed by The Cullman Times.
 

Jackie Cook, 61, of Cullman

Occupation: Operations manager for BellSouth

Hobbies, Civic Work: Reading, walking, produce/host "Sensational Seniors" show on cable.

Why did you enter the contest? I've enjoyed and loved my work with seniors. I've learned so much about the value of seniors, and I think programs such as this support that and, consequently, I think it's OK to participate, even if we're a little reluctant about the talent.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? In 1960 at Cullman High School, I was the first Miss Southerner.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? I think it is wonderful that seniors have this type of program to enjoy and to support our continuing to be the best possible.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting other seniors.

What is your philosophy of life? I believe in choices and that we are responsible for our choices.

What will be your talent? A music/dramatic rendition of "Leave Everything to Me" from "Hello Dolly."

Wilda Corley, 77, of Vinemont

Occupation: Former owner of Cullman Beauty Shop.

Hobbies, civic work: Gardening, baking, spending time with family and being involved in my church and community.

Why did you enter the contest? This was a great opportunity to be involved with several of my friends.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? Betty Leeth Haynes was an inspiration to me in her role as Ms. Senior Cullman County and Ms. Senior Alabama. I think that she has been instrumental in making this pageant a success.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Spending time with my friends and also making new friends.

What is your philosophy of life? I have always lived my life believing that it would never cost you anything to help someone, to always look for the good and to never judge people.

What will be your talent? I will be singing "Time has Made a Change in Me."

Brenda Drake, 60, of Cullman

Occupation: Catering coordinator at Terri Pines Country Club.

Hobbies, civic work: Sewing, painting, singing.

Why did you enter the contest? I thought it would be a great way to meet people and that it would be a lot of fun.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? It gives senior ladies a chance to shine.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? The fun and meeting people.

What is your philosophy of life? To live life to its fullest and to be an inspiration to others along the way.

What will be your talent? Singing.

Marlene Edwards, 70, of Hanceville

Occupation: Retired bank teller.

Hobbies, civic work: Gospel music and western and ballroom dancing.

Why did you enter the contest? For fun.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? At Hanceville High School I won recognition as the Halloween Carnival Queen, plus one other pageant.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? There's wonderful people -- beautiful people in Cullman County.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting new people, friends.

What is your philosophy of life? My philosophy is based on my faith in God -- I like myself, love God, love people. I try to live by the Golden Rule and want to think I live my life as an example to others.

What will be your talent? Gospel tunes on the piano.

Millie C. Griffin, 68, of Cullman

Occupation: Retired from AT&T and currently employed at Cullman Area Mental Authority.

Hobbies, civic work: Bridge, golf, hiking, reading, live theater, music, snow skiing and I love to cook. I work as a volunteer with seniors at Grace Episcopal Church.

Why did you enter the contest? I was born and raised in Cullman County. I left for 45 years and moved back three years ago. By entering it will give me a place in the history of Cullman. I love Cullman.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? While a senior at West Point High School, as I recall, I was second runner-up.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? It isn't a beauty contest and it gives older women an opportunity to be recognized. It demonstrates we can enjoy pleasurable events at any age.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting other contestants will be interesting. I love theater and look forward to seeing all the talent.

What is your philosophy of life? We are here for a reason. As each day unfolds, we see less of the shadow and more of the sun.

What will be your talent? "The Raggedy Man" a reading by James Whitcomb Riley.

Faith M. Hammock, 61, of Hanceville

Occupation: Retired nursing home administrator, licensed mortician and funeral director.

Hobbies, civic work: Building, decorating, sewing and clearing land.

Why did you enter the contest? Three reasons: One, Betty Leeth Haynes twisted my arm. Two, I have been representing the aged for 35 years. Three, persons over 60 have made my life happy.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? Cullman County has many talented, beautiful and wise women over 60.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting ladies my age and growing through association.

What is your philosophy of life? Be an example in conversation, charity, spirit, faith and purity.

What will be your talent? Playing a clarinet and singing.

Earlene Johnson, 65, of Colony

Occupation: Mayor of Colony, retired educator.

Hobbies, civic work: Gardening, writing, lawn work for the town, having fun with my nephews.

Why did you enter the contest? A promise made before I became 60.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? You don't need to be slim and trim, have a fine figure or to have a perfect body, just be yourself and be beautiful inside.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting a lot of friends.

What is your philosophy of life? Much like that of John Wesley: Do all the good you can, for all people you can, in all the places you can.

What will be your talent? A story, "The Ibo Landing."

Maybelle Mangrum, 67, of Vinemont

Occupation: Homemaker

Hobbies, civic work: Oil painting, sewing, square dancing.

Why did you enter the contest? My sister had entered a few years ago and she encouraged me.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? The age and elegance of it.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting new friends.

What is your philosophy of life? To live by the principles set forth in the Bible and make a difference in someone's life.

What will be your talent? Dance the hula.

Gerri McCormick, 66, of Bremen

Occupation: Retired Realtor.

Hobbies, civic work: Ballroom dancing, exercising, traveling, Recycled Teenagers dance group, luncheon seminars and family gatherings.

Why did enter the contest? My senior friends at Senior Spirit encouraged me to participate.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? The fact that seniors are the participants and are so talented and energetic.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting the other contestants and having a super great time.

What is your philosophy of life? I believe that whatever you attempt in life, if you give it your very best, you are a success. I believe if you give all the love you can you will receive love in abundance. I believe if you help someone in need, give them support, your rewards will surpass your efforts. I believe God and my guardian angels are with me at all times to help and guide me.

What will be your talent? Mambo line dance.

Betty Ross, 65, of Hanceville

Occupation: Retired retail sales.

Hobbies, civic work: Gardening, interior decorating, travel.

Why did you enter the contest? The experience and fellowship, I believe will be fun.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No. This will be my first.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? To let the younger generation know that we as seniors are still very active and enjoy life.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting these ladies and other people associated with the pageant.

What is your philosophy of life? Be active, get out, meet people, make new friends and look forward to life.

What will be your talent? Dancing.

Helen Musante-Smith, 62, of Cullman

Occupation: Retired floor associate for Wal-Mart.

Hobbies, civic work: I travel, read, go to yoga classes and enjoy meeting and making new friends. Hobbies include sewing, collecting Barbie dolls, painting and antiques.

Why did enter the contest? Upon notice in the paper and asking some friends' opinion, I received a positive vote, so I got my courage up and called Mrs. Haynes.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No, never.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? It's in Cullman.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Being brave enough to get in front of people and perform. Also being runner-up, or better yet, the winner.

What is your philosophy of life? Don't count your days, make every day count and I live each day to its fullest. I reminisce in the past, enjoy the present and look forward to and dream of the future. Because of my religious background, I have high morals, this has made strong and a true believer.

What will be your talent? Lip-sync Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."

Roberta Smith, 71, of Cullman

Occupation: Retired teacher, storekeeper, meat curer and farmer.

Hobbies, civic work: Quilting, music, reading, birdwatching, travel.

Why did you enter the contest? Betty Leeth Haynes.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? No answer.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? A new experience and meeting interesting people.

What is your philosophy of life? To celebrate and enjoy each day, to try and be useful and self-sufficient and to try and do good each day.

What will be your talent? Singing.

Gail Thompson, 67, of Vinemont

Occupation: Retired inspector at Oneita Industries.

Hobbies, civic work: Having a garden and flowers, playing my piano, learning to play my banjo, dancing, singing and walking. I'm in the choir at church, Senior Spirit, leader of Movers and Shakers and in the Kitchen Band.

Why did you enter the contest? To represent the seniors of today who are active, involved in programs to improve our health, social life and meet new friends.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? Because of our age and our abilities to still function and feel good doing so.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? Meeting other seniors and sharing my talents God gave me.

What is your philosophy of life? My faith and love for God has given me strength to love others, be honest with good morals and remember to do unto others as you'd have them do unto you. The opportunity to be a wife for 49 years, a mother, a grandmother all which have given me so much happiness. I'm proud to be an American and live in the United States of America.

What will be your talent? Playing my scrub board and buck dancing dressed as an older lady.

Joann Walls, 71, of Hanceville

Occupation: Retired after 37 years with Alabama Power.

Hobbies, civic work: Reading mysteries, Civitan Club, City Council, Hanceville Beautification Board, Hanceville Library Board, Cullman County Mental Board.

Why did you enter the contest? I want to show that age has nothing to do with how productive one can be.

Have you ever been in a pageant before? No.

What sets the Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant apart from others? It reveals to the community that beauty inside makes you a winner too.

What do you look forward to most about the pageant? The fellowship with the other contestants.

What is your philosophy of life? Over the years the values I've adopted have changed as I grow and mature in wisdom and fortitude. Loving God is primary in my life. Learning to love the unloved teaches humility. Learning something new every day is gratifying. I leave you with this wish, may God bless you with the same joy you bring to others.

What will be your talent? Sign the theme song "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie "Titanic," or the religious story "As a Deer."