PUD Announces 2015 My Fair Lady Court

June 1, 2015 – Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) has announced the members of the 2015 My Fair Lady Court. This year’s princesses are: Dena Chesney, representing St. Helens; Carol Davis, representing Vernonia; Sandra Davis, representing Clatskanie; Amy Everman, representing Rainier; and Eleanor Hansen, representing Scappoose.

The My Fair Lady Pageant is held during the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo each year to recognize senior women for their outstanding service in our community. This year’s pageant will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, July 15, as part of Senior & Veteran’s Day. Columbia River PUD, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Northwest Apparel are sponsors of this year’s pageant.

Dena Chesney, St. Helens – Dena was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Venice CA. She first moved to Columbia County in 1984, then returned to stay in 1999. As a single parent, Dena raised three children and said she learned to advocate for herself and others. She loves it when she works with students, adults and people with disabilities and helps encourage them to gain confidence, reach goals, and not give up. She started volunteering in Jr. High as a Candy Striper at Santa Monica Hospital, and received an award for volunteering. Dena is a very active RSVP volunteer, spending her time as a school tutor and mentor at McBride Elementary, Lewis & Clark Elementary, and St. Helens Middle School. She also volunteers for Day Breakers Kiwanis, at the Courthouse reception desk, and for Community Meals. Her main hobby is volunteering, but when she’s not spending time helping others, she enjoys knitting. Dena has 7 grandchildren.

Carol Davis, Vernonia – Carol was born in Portland and raised in Port Orford and Seaside, OR. She moved to Columbia County in 1984. Carol was a busy wife and mother raising two children. She worked at JJ’s Marketplace and Vernonia School District. She has 4 grandchildren. She loves her dogs and has four: two are rescues, and one is a foster dog through the Columbia Humane Society. Carol feels that volunteerism is very important to creating a kinder and more gentle world. She has volunteered in many capacities involving humans, but her passion is animals. She works to keep families – including their animals – together. She volunteers at two emergency pet food banks: The Pongo Fund in Portland, and Bailey’s Pantry in Vernonia, which she started in 2010 as a tribute to a wonderful lab named Bailey. She’s also an active member of PEO, and the City of Vernonia Cemetery Committee. In the past, she has also volunteered for the Pioneer Museum Board, the Booster Club, Vernonia Youth Baseball, and The Ford Family. In her free time, Carol enjoys reading, gardening, scrapbooking, and crocheting.

Sandra Davis, Clatskanie – Sandra was born in Ft. Bragg, NC and raised in Pennsylvania, California, and Oregon. She moved to Columbia County in 1970, and graduated from Rainier High School in 1971. Sandra was a busy mom raising 6 children and working as a teacher for multiple school districts, and as Director for Turning Point Community Service Center. She has 13 grandchildren. Her most treasured memories are the many trips they have taken as a family, especially the camp outs and the softball tournaments. Sandra’s ‘bucket list’ includes visiting every state and camping at least a week in each one. Sandra has a long history of volunteering for places like the Girl Scouts, Clatskanie Girls Softball Association, and Clatskanie Anti-Drug Coalition. She’s been a Kiwanis member for the last 15 years.

Amy Everman, Rainier – Amy was born and raised in Mankato, MN. She spent time living in Kodiak, AK and moved to Columbia County in 1985. Amy worked in Alaska as a bartender and commercial fishing. She’s also been self-employed doing domestic housekeeping, and yard work. Amy spent many years as a care giver for her in-laws. In the past, Amy has volunteered for Bantam Club and Northwest Old English Game. She currently volunteers for Rainier Senior Center and you can find her there on Fridays serving meals with a smile. Her most treasured memory is friends and family returning to port after fishing the king crab opening in the Bering Sea in 1989. She says she made a pact with God never to do it again! Amy’s interests include gardening, birding, hunting, fishing, and keeping her mini Australian Shepherd, “Olly” entertained.

Eleanor Hansen, Scappoose – Eleanor was born in Vancouver, WA and raised in Portland, OR. She had a long career with Nabisco spanning 35 years. She moved to Columbia County in 1999 where she started volunteering for the Scappoose Senior Center. She is very active there helping in the office, the kitchen and dining room. She also enjoys helping with their bingo fundraisers, serves on the Board of Directors, and even helps deliver food to the Meals on Wheels recipients. In her spare time, she enjoys gambling, playing pinochle & poker, and visiting family. Her most treasured memory was her trip to Africa in 1999. She traveled on a mission with her brother and sister-in-law’s church in Kelso, WA. She lived and worked in a compound for almost three weeks helping to improve living conditions.