MONTGOMERY – Nursing home residents are expected to gather Monday, July 29, at 2 p.m. for the 36th annual Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant. The winner will serve as a spokesperson for nursing home residents and the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA). The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.

Three local women will be vying for the title after making it to the Top 10 finalists.

Ms. Hanceville Nursing & Rehab Center, Ruth Brigham, Hanceville.

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. The Folsom Center for Rehab & Healthcare, Faye Aaron, Cullman.

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. Woodland Village Rehab & Health Care Center, Ann Trucks, Cullman.

Ms. Trucks, age 76, is a member of the Resident Council at Woodland Village Rehab & Health Care Center. 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.

“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.”

Preliminary judging was held in Montgomery to narrow the field of 49 contestants to the top 10 finalists. 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.

Miss Alabama Tiara Pennington and retired nursing home administrator Bob Coker will co-host the event. Celebrity judges include Ms. Senior Alabama, and Cullman resident, Donna Harris, Alabama’s Distinguished Young Woman Kayla Mathner, Alabama Dept. of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown, Legislative Consultant Quintin Hawkins, and Tara Hutchison from the Alabama Dept. of Labor.