Headland’s Betty Rowland captures Ms. Senior Wiregrass 2009 title

For many senior citizens, staying active after the age of 60 can be a challenge. For others, it is a daily routine to get up, exercise, visit with their neighbors and still enjoy being employed.

Betty Rowland, of Headland, is a prime example of someone staying active and enjoying life after the age of 60.
Rowland still enjoys her job and takes pleasure in whatever enjoyment she brings to someone’s life. That is why Rowland decided not to retire but to become the director of the Newville Senior Center.

Rowland is known by her friends and family as a caring and giving individual.

Although Rowland is known as a giving and outgoing individual, last year she suffered a loss that could have very easily made her turn into hermit - the death of her husband, Bobby. Instead, she found an outlet. She participated for the first time last year in the Ms. Senior Wiregrass Pageant.

“I was asked to participate, and it was probably the best thing I could do,” Mrs. Rowland said. “I made new friends, and I also ended up the second runner-up as well as winning the Spirit of the Wiregrass Award.”

Rowland had decided not to participate in the 2009 pageant. She tried to promote the pageant with participants with the Newville Senior Center.

After several attempts she could not find anyone to participate.

Rowland was approached by a representative of SARCOA, Melinda Glover. After several discussions with Glover, Rowland decided once again to participate in the event.

“I am glad I participated in the event once again,” Mrs. Rowland. “After expenses, the funds raised will benefit the CARE and Alzheimer’s program available through SARCOA.”

The pageant represents the Age of Elegance, where women 60 and over demonstrate successful aging through intelligence, wisdom, talent and poise. The event was held March 5 in the Dothan Opera House. The event was open to women living in the seven counties that SARCOA, Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging, serves. Those counties are Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston.

This year’s pageant was done as a “Hee Haw” theme. Contestants let their hidden country talents come alive during the entertainment section of the pageant.

Each contestant participated in the talent division, interview, evening gown and philosophy of life interview.
Rowland performed the comedy skit, Edith Ann.

“I truly enjoyed the talent part of the pageant,” Mrs. Rowland said. “The whole pageant was a true blessing. I not only got to meet new friends I got to have fun. When they announced the winner of the pageant I was truly amazed, I could not believe I had won. I also took home the Spirit of the Wiregrass Award.

“Although I am very grateful for the opportunity to complete and help raise money for the CARE and Alzheimer’s Program provided by SARCOA, I am also grateful for the friendships I made. I hope we can all keep in touch now that the pageant is over.”

Rowland is grateful to everyone who supported her during the event, but especially her family. Rowland is the proud mother of four children. She is also a proud grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of one granddaughter.

“If I could say anything to anyone to get them to compete in next year’s pageant, I would say do it to make friends and just have fun,” Mrs. Rowland said. “You will help SARCOA in the process. It is really just a great event to participate in.”

In June, Rowland will represent the Wiregrass area in the Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant in Birmingham.

“My goal now is represent the area and SARCOA to the best of my ability,” said Rowland. “I plan on having fun as I do it. Life doesn’t end at 60.”