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VALLEY — Valley Senior Center played host to a full house on Wednesday morning. More than 50 seniors were present for a pre-Fourth of July celebration. Everyone took part in an honor America program. There was a large inflated eagle at the door, and every table inside the Donald Perry Williams Activity Room was covered with red, white and blue table cloths and with many tiny U.S. flags on display.

Senior Center Manager Kelsey Overby welcomed everyone and led the big crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior Center member Ruby Holloway followed with a very good rendition of the National Anthem, and Don Butler said an opening prayer. Everyone then watched a “God Bless the USA” video on the center’s big-screen TV before a group of senior center veterans were recognized for their past military service. Then it was to the fun event for the day, a costume contest with winners being chosen based on their patriotic look.

Those nominated for consideration came all decked out in red, white and blue. They included Wanda Phipps, Christine Collins, Sherry Knowles, Don Butler, Diane Sanders and Elbert Sanders. A panel of judges including Chambers County Commissioner Debra Riley and Alabama Department of Senior Services Board Chairman Ray Edwards selected an overall winner and two honorable mentions.

Elaine Heath was the winner. She was most impressive as Lady Liberty. Just like the one in New York harbor, she had a spiked crown and held a torch. Her shirt, crown and torch all depicted the U.S. flag. Her red shoes and white pants completed the perfect look for any Independence Day celebration, even for one that’s one day early.

The honorable mention winners were most impressive as well. Margie Robinson wore a red shirt with USA in huge white lettering on the front. Dark blue pants and red shoes completed the look, but what was really eye catching were the red, white and blue beads she wore around her neck, some really cool USA sunglasses and crown with one big red star and a big blue one.

The other honorable mention winner, Ann Bullock, also wore some really cool Independence Day sunglasses along with a red and white hat with a blue field with lots of stars at the top. Her shirt had red and white horizontal stripes. Her shoes were red, white and blue and her Pippy Longstockings-style red and white socks completed her look.

Edwards thanked Valley Parks & Recreation Director Laurie Blount and Senior Center Manager Overby for what they do in running the city’s senior program. “They do a great job, and we thank them.” he said.”I want to thank the contestants,” Commissioner Riley said. “All of you did a great job, and we appreciate it.”