From staff reports

Chilton County will once again have a strong representation at the Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant to be held May 8 at Wallace State College in Hanceville. Carolyn Vance of Thorsby will make the trip north to Cullman County on May 6 in hope that she will be named the first ever Ms. Senior Alabama to come from Chilton County.
Vance (pictured with Sally Beth Vick, 2009 Ms. Senior Alabama) has worked endless hours with local pageant director, Wes Gandy, to ensure that she is prepared to handle anything the judges may ask her or be looking for. They have made numerous appearances throughout the state, including attending a Chilton County Commission meeting, Hatley Health Care, The Gardens of Clanton, Magnolia Ridge Nursing Home in Gardendale, LakeView Assisted Living in Birmingham, and Danberry at Inverness. All this is to spread the word that today’s seniors are still active and continue to give back to the community regardless of age.
“I have been amazed at the willingness of Carolyn to go wherever is ask of her and her dedication to ensure that Chilton County has a strong presents at the state pageant,” Gandy said. “I do not think that the county will at all be disappointed with how we are represented against the 10 other contestants around the state. Carolyn has been very willing to listen to constructive hints and develop them into a way that works well for her. We are very realistic in the sense that this will be no “cake walk” but know that she is ready for the challenge.”
Tickets will be available at the door for $10 with the pageant beginning at 2 p.m. Should Vance win Ms. Senior Alabama, she will then go on to compete in October for Ms. Senior America. Others represented at state include: Ms. Senior Attalla — Brenda Emery, Ms. Senior Baldwin County — Ellen Feil, Ms. Senior Cullman County — Brenda Marsh, Ms. Senior Etowah — Judy Clough, Ms. Senior Homewood — Frankie Cashion, Ms. Senior Jefferson County — Hettie Yarbrough, Ms. Senior Macon County Florence Henderson Robinson, Ms. Senior Trussville — Jody Newman, Ms. Senior Tuscaloosa — Maggie Patterson, and Ms. Senior Wiregrass — Clara Jones. For pictures of all contestants and more information please visit the Ms. Senior Chilton County website at msseniorchiltoncounty.com or contact director Wes Gandy (205) 299-2808.