Dear Editor,

The new queen and her court wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making the 2011 Ms. Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation pageant held on May 13, 2011 a huge success.

The crowd was the biggest ever and in these economic times, we truly appreciate everyone for their support for the pageant and its contestants.

Of course, the pageant could not have happened without the expert help of Charlon McCombs Couch and Tina Turner Johnson, both members of the Dazzling Diva Chapter Sweet Potato Queens of Shelby County.

Sincere thanks goes out to Columbiana Community members Marsha Parson, community volunteer, Gregg Rushton, Real Estate Appraisals and Laurie Edwards, personal banking officer at M&F Bank, who all served as pageant judges.

Thanks again to Tim Driskell, who served as emcee, Glenda Howell, who was the pianist and entertainment, Jamie Hillman, who crowned the new queen, Gail’s Florist, Frank Couch for his photography, Travis Gandy of Snap Fitness, who was an escort, Lane Copeland, who is the coordinator for the Shelby County Board of Education, Amy Porter of SunCrest Home Health, Pam Dunn and Kristin Mims of Comfort Care Hospice/Home Health, Debra Bradley of Emerald Day Spa and Ginger Brazier and staff from Oh Hair!

Special thanks goes out to Wanda Coleman and Wes Walker for providing food and refreshments for the staff during pageant preparations.

Last, but certainly not least, warmest thanks go out to residents, staff and family members who enthusiastically volunteered to help in every way imaginable, from bathing to make-up application to manicures to dressing, primping and that last spritz of parfum.

Kay Sertell Wheless

Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation