It was a hot time in the old town on Friday night, May 21st, when four "nursing home divas" took to the center stage to vie for the new crown. In the end, the title of Queen of Luverne Health and Rehabilation was given to Ms. Rebecca Bryan, who was crowned by last year's Queen, Ms. Inis (Lorraine) Duffell.

Competing for the title were Willie Bell Norris, Luelle McMillian, Ruby Still and Rebecca Bryan. The competition could not have been stiffer, and they all came away winners.

Ms. Willie Bell Norris took the honors of third runner-up, while Ms. Luella McMillian took second runner-up, and Ms. Ruby Still took the first runner-up position.

The mood was magical, and Curtis Petrey added to the excitement, serving as emcee for the third straight year. His lovely wife, Nancy, thrilled all who were present with her outstanding musical talent. Nancy's mellow love songs on the piano keys were reminiscent of an enchanted era.

She also entertained, during the judging intermission, with two show stopper solos. The mood was further enhanced by the magical tunes of husband and wife duo, Tim and Kathy Dowdy, innkeepers/owners of the Camellia House Bed and Breakfast. Their razzle-dazzle performance gave us a glimpse of old Broadway.

George Wacha, managing editor of The Luverne Journal, Dr. Pat Floyd, professor at Alabama State University, Merrill Culverhouse, pharmacist and owner of Crenshaw Drugs, and Kathi Wallace, superintendent of Education for Crenshaw County, served as distinguished judges.

It was a nail-biting decision, and hoops and hollers rose from the crown as Ms. Rebecca Bryan was crowned by outgoing Queen Ms. Duffell.

Ms. Rebecca, at 5-ft. 2 in., and eyes of blue, will compete in the statewide pageant in August of this year, to be held at the Wynfrey Hotel Ballroom.

She is a lifelong resident of Crenshaw County, and is widowed with one daughter and several grandchildren.

The old saying, "they don't make 'em like they use to," rings true today. She survived the Great Depression and polio, at age four, and meets any obstacles with the same resilience today.

She is president of the Resident's Council, and a wonderful advocate for residents' rights. She is loved and adored by all the staff and her peers at Luverne Health and Rehabilitation.

We proudly salute her as our representative in the state pageant in Birmingham, and believing that fairy tales do come true, we think she just might come away with the coveted state crown.