PUD Announces 2007 My Fair Lady Court

June 11, 2007

Columbia River PUD has announced the members of the 2007 My Fair Lady Court.

(Pictured: Front Row: Lydia Arthur, Tessie Aldrich.  Back Row: Betty Karsten, Mary Ann Dahlgren, Marian Nolin)

The My Fair Lady pageant is held during the Columbia County Fair each year to recognize senior women for their outstanding service in our community. The PUD organizes the pageant each year in conjunction with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and Columbia River Fire and Rescue.

This year's My Fair Lady Princesses are Tessie Aldrich of Vernonia, Lydia Arthur of Clatskanie, Mary Ann Dahlgren of St. Helens, Betty Karsten of Scappoose and Marian Nolan of Rainier.

Tessie Aldrich - Vernonia 

Tessie was born in Sumrall, Mississippi and moved to Vernonia in 1950. She is widowed and has four children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She has been a waitress, a grocery store clerk and, most importantly, a housewife. She is active in her church and at the Vernonia Senior Center. Flower gardening and yard work are her favorite hobbies, and she bakes wonderful pies and cakes. Tessie was nominated by Bill James.

Lydia Arthur - Clatskanie

Lydia was born in the south of France. She is the youngest of 10 children and moved with her entire family to the United States when she was six years old. She has lived in Columbia County for 17 years. She's married and has one daughter, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. She has been a cook, a waitress, a hostess, a cashier, a care taker and a book keeper, and ran her own cleaning service for many years. Her community service includes the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Veteran's Memorial. Lydia was nominated by Delores Clark.

Mary Ann Dahlgren - St. Helens

Mary Ann was born in Los Angeles, California and has lived in Columbia County for 52 years. She is widowed with three children and three grandchildren. She and her husband worked together in the building supply business. She belongs to Home Extension, the Nile Club, RSVP, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Helens and Scappoose Senior Centers. Her hobbies include playing pool, line dancing, swimming, gardening and reading. Mary Ann was nominated by Sally Ann Marson.

Betty Karsten - Scappoose

Betty was born in Yakima, Washington and first moved to Columbia County in 1942. She was a teacher, a realtor, a tax consultant and also ran a greyhound kennel. Her volunteer service includes serving on the boards of the Scappoose Senior Center and the Realtor's Association, and participating in the Warren Grange, the Mizpah Chapter of Eastern Star and St. Helens Senior Center. Her hobbies include traveling, dancing, knitting and sewing. Betty was nominated by Evelyn Hudson.

Marian Nolin - Rainier

Marian was born and raised near Yakima, Washington and moved to Rainier two years ago. She is widowed with seven children, 25 grandchildren and 40 great grand children. She is active in the Rainier Senior Center where she is the Vice President of the Board of Directors. She often works at the center 7 or 8 hours in a day and is always willing to help out wherever needed. She and enjoys camping, fishing and crocheting. Marian was nominated by Linda Howard.

Free Transportation to Fair on Senior Day
The PUD is also sponsoring free round-trip transportation for seniors to the fair on Wednesday. Rides will be provided from the senior centers in Vernonia, Clatskanie, St. Helens, Scappoose and Rainier. Contact your local senior center to sign up.