On Friday, May 2, the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center will be the center of excitement for seven talented senior ladies from the state of North Carolina. One of them will leave that day with the title and crown of Ms. North Carolina Senior America 2008.

This winner will then represent the state in Atlantic City, N.J., during the week of Oct. 19-24 at Harrah's Resort. She and other state queens will compete for the national title of Ms. Senior America 2008.

Candidates for this year's title are: Shirley Jones, Jeanette Wilkie, and Ida Brinkley, all of Thomasville; Carole Wunderlin, Pinehurst; Doris Milligan, Laurinburg; Ginger Foster, High Point; and Donna Merritt, Wilmington. The ladies will compete in four levels -- interview with the judges, 30-second philosophy of life, evening gown, and talent.

Al Mangum, station manager of Life 103.1 will co-host along with state co-directors Judy Kelley, Ms. N.C. Senior America 2000, and Beverly Wetherbie, Ms. Virginia Senior America 2005. Entertainment will include performances from two local groups: "Southern Connection" Barbershop Quartet and the "Sophisticated Ladies" dance group.

The event starts at 1:30 p.m. Contributions to the Ms. North Carolina Senior America Pageant will be used to send the 2008 winner to the national pageant. Seating is limited at the Center.

Call Bev Wetherbie at 910-944-8171 for information on admittance tickets.