Ms. Crowne chasing state crown
Published 1:05 pm Friday, July 8, 2016
Greenville’s Millie McDonald will compete for the title of Ms. Alabama Nursing Home.
McDonald, 81, has been selected as a top ten finalist for the pageant, which will be held July 25 at 2 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.
The winner of the pageant will serve as a spokesperson for nursing home residents and the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA).
Earlier this year, McDonald earned the title of Ms. Crowne Health Care of Greenville by being voted on by visitors, staff and residents.
A music teacher for 45 years, McDonald often hears from her former students through her Facebook page or by visits at the nursing home. She enjoys playing dominoes and bingo with her fellow residents. She has even helped several staff members with vocal problems so that they can perform in the community.
McDonald is a member of the Resident Council and uses her outgoing personality to encourage other residents to get involved. She has three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
McDonald and the other finalists were selected from a field of 53 contestants during preliminary judging in Montgomery. The contestants are evaluated on their outlook on life, personality, poise and involvement in their individual nursing homes.
“This pageant is a celebration of life and the contributions these ladies make in their nursing home and community,” ANHA Chairman Frank Brown said. “Each contestant is an example of how you can make a difference no matter your age or ability. They are wonderful ambassadors of Alabama’s rehab and long-term care centers.”
Other contestants selected as finalists for the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant are:
- Ms. Birmingham Nursing & Rehab Center, Terassa Green, Birmingham
- Ms. Cottage of the Shoals, Pamela Groves, Tuscumbia
- Ms. Crowne Health Care of Eufaula, Evie Roberts, Eufaula
- Ms. El Reposo Nursing Facility, Linda Slay, Florence
- Ms. Florence Nursing & Rehab Center, Betty Yates, Florence
- Ms. Hanceville Nursing & Rehab Center, Edna Kilgo, Hanceville
- Ms. Henry County Health & Rehab, Maudie Hancock, Abbeville
- Ms. Highlands at the Oaks on Parkwood, JoAnn Okechukwu, Bessemer
- Ms. Shelby Ridge Rehab Select, Betty Tucker, Alabaster
The top 10 finalists will have individual interviews with the panel of celebrity judges on the morning of July 25 before competing on stage that afternoon. All of 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.