By NIVA DOROUGH / Community Columnist

Congratulations to Westover’s own Edwina Chappell, crowned Ms. Senior Alabama 2008, who is currently organizing a local preliminary pageant for Ms. Senior South Shelby County.

The winner will further compete at the pageant for Ms. Senior Alabama 2011, coming up in June. Now, let’s meet the organizer.

Edwina has been a resident of Westover for over 49 years.

She is married to Frank Chappell, a semi-pro bass fisherman and Westover business owner of Chappell Carpets for over 40 years.

Edwina said family is very important to her, and what a blessing to have them support her in her efforts regarding the pageants and her community work.

Her daughters, Frankie and Teresa, both grew up to be pageant title winners, and Edwina says Frankie is the one who got her interested in the pageants, and the rest is history.

“It’s just the little girl in me that likes to dress up and wear a crown,” Edwina said.

After winning the title of Ms. Senior Alabama, Edwina competed for the title of Ms. Senior America, where she placed in the top 10.

Since winning the title of Ms. Senior Alabama, she has entertained for many functions, parades, nursing homes, churches, civic and community organizations and the Hope Lodge in Birmingham.

Ms. Senior Alabama is “not just another beauty pageant,” she said, but is designed to enrich the lives of senior women while allowing them to share their experiences, wisdom and interests with others.

It is a great opportunity to meet new friends and showcase your talent.

The Ms. Senior South Shelby County Pageant will be held April 30 at 1 p.m. The location is the Union Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

The church is located on Shelby County 51 in Westover. Admission at the door is $5 for adults and no charge for children.

Edwina said a lot of entertainment has been planned for this event, including local talent, and everyone is invited to attend.

Ladies who wish to participate as a contestant, please contact Edwina Chappell at 678-6223 as soon as possible in order to obtain the requirements.

If you are a woman who has reached the “Age of Elegance,” 60 years or older, and want to “make a memory,” you are welcomed to be a part of this exciting adventure.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there, and remember, if you have the chance to “Sit it out, or dance”…just dance!

Niva Dorough can be reached at nivasinger@aol.com.