Contributing Writer

Residents at Southland Nursing Home in Peachtree City are

once again proving that you're never too old to have fun. Fourteen to

16 residents will be participating in the annual Southland

Nursing Home Beauty Pageant on Saturday, March 20.

The local pageant is part of the annual Ms. Georgia Nursing

Home Pageant. The winner of the local crown may be selected to go

to Atlanta for a chance at the state title. Last year's winner, Ms.

Lilly Trice, was selected to go to the next stage of the competition.

Contestants are judged on personality and physical

appearance in relation to age, alertness, participation in nursing home

activities, attitude toward life and demonstrated interest and

continuing contributions to others.

This is a "first class" pageant and the center does an

outstanding job of decorating and entertaining the guests. Connie Ferguson

from Fayette Community Hospital has volunteered to play the piano.

The ladies will be escorted once again this year by the Marine

Aviation Logistic Squadron 42. Colonel Hugh Quarles, a well-known

resident of Southland, will crown the lucky queen.

Southland is asking for volunteers to help with the event on

the day of the pageant. The nursing home is looking for help in

the "getting dolled-up" process. Volunteers are needed to help the

ladies do their make-up and fix their hair, pick out the right outfit

and jewelry, get dressed, pin on corsages and escort the contestants

to the event and other "pre-event" activities. Thus far

Virginia McClain and Ann Gerrick with Mary Kay Cosmetics have

volunteered for "make-overs," but others are needed to help make

the day go smoothly. The nursing home staff is also hoping a

local beauty salon or hair stylist will volunteer to assist with fixing

the contestants hair.

Judge Chris Edwards will be the emcee for the pageant. Judges

will include Debbi Lenox, Andy Carden, director of Fayette

Senior Services; County Commissioner Greg Dunn and Mary

Lee Marshall, Fayette Community Hospital.

Last year's pageant had an overflow attendance of more than

150 guests. This year Southland is hoping the weather will allow them

to hold the pageant outdoors.

The public is invited to join the residents and their families for

the event. For more information, or to volunteer to help, please call

Angie Brown or Lyn Williams at 770-631-9000.

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