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Author: Wendy Reeves

Meet TARCOG’s Leadership: Thornton Stanley II

Written on . Posted in Board of Directors, News.

Meet TARCOG’s Leadership:  Thornton Stanley II

September 25, 2026

Name/Title: Thornton Stanley II, President of Stanley Landscaping and Construction Company

How long have you been on the TARCOG Board? At least 15 years, but I’ve been attending meetings for 50 years or more because when I was a child, if I wasn’t in school, I went everywhere with my father, who was a board member starting in 1968. Since I’ve been on the board, I have served on the executive committee.

What has been your biggest professional achievement? Our company won the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year in 2001. At the time, my father was president and I was vice president, but my dad always said there’s no big you’s and little I’s, that everything we do is a team effort. So that was a great recognition for our company.

On a personal note, one of my greatest joys was when our company developed a subdivision and got to name the streets so that my mother and father’s names intersected each other. They both got to see it before they passed, and it gave them, and me, great joy.

What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? Eight hours work for eight hours pay is what my dad said, and it works from an employee or employer standpoint. From employer to employee, it’s that we’re paying you to work for eight hours but don’t want to take anything else from you. It’s something we’ve really taken to heart. And it applies when we’re working for someone. It means that we’re working eight hours for eight hours pay and at the end of a project, they see the value we bring and want us to work for them again.

What would be the theme song of your life right now? I don’t really have a song, but I do have a theme my mom instilled in us that comes to mind. She kept all the grandchildren after daycare or school. She had a room set up for them to study or work in with five computers, three printers and countless books. She had a saying she kept posted on the wall that we all continue to use to this day, even the grandchildren who are now all adults, and it was “Work hard, play fair, be nice to others and good things will come your way.”

Who is someone who’s made a big impact on your life? Why? My mother and father. The things they taught us, just like my mother’s saying. We did say it, think and believe it enough that three of four children in our family came back to work for our company and live in the city, all of us less than half a mile away from where our parents lived. They were two very accomplished individuals in different ways. My mother had a doctorate in English from Vanderbilt, and my dad started a construction company in 1961 in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, which could not have been easy. But they believed in working hard and playing fair, and we learned from both of them.

What is a fun fact that people probably don’t know about you. I enjoy the outdoors, used to be a horse man but I enjoy riding motorcycles now.

Where are you from? I am from Huntsville; and graduated from Huntsville High School.

Do you have any hobbies? It goes back to the outdoors. I enjoy motorcycle riding and spending times with my cows. It’s very peaceful.

Favorite place you’ve traveled? Las Vegas and not because it’s a gambling capital. We took a family trip there when the kids were young. We went between Christmas and New Year’s so there wasn’t the usual traffic. We did a tour and learned the history of the original casinos and the families behind them from the beginning, and it was interesting. We also went to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon as part of the Vegas trip, so it’s all of those things combined.

What’s one item you can’t live without? Mountain Dew. Not Mello Yello. Not Sprite. Mountain Dew.

 

TARCOG Board Member Thornton Stanley II

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Let’s talk about: Medicare Open Enrollment

Written on . Posted in Elder Care Facilities, News, Senior Center Facilities.

Let’s talk about: Medicare Open Enrollment

September 24, 2026

It’s time to prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which starts in just a few weeks, and TARCOG is here as a trusted resource for counseling and support to help you make an informed choice about your coverage.

In 2025, the Medicare Open Enrollment period had multiple challenges because of the federal government shutdown, but there are still 2,672 people in northeast Alabama who have been collectively saving more than $1.5 million throughout 2026 thanks to the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), administered through the TARCOG Area Agency on Aging.

SHIP Resource Coordinator Teresa Hazzard said open enrollment happens from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 this year. Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution in early September to prevent a shutdown on Oct. 1, so counselors expect the process will be easier for everyone this year.

Open enrollment is the time each year when someone can make changes to their Medicare Advantage plan, drug plan, or how they get coverage, Teresa said. The changes made during Open Enrollment are effective Jan. 1 of the following year, as long as the enrollment request is filed by Dec. 7.

TARCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan said SHIP is an important program because change is inevitable in people’s lives. Having an objective advocate to review plans and find the most cost-efficient coverage for needed medications can make a difference in household budgets.

Teresa said there are always many plans out there, and they all offer different coverage. Each company’s plan usually changes each year. That’s why it’s important to check coverage every year because the SHIP counselors in the region are able to compare a client’s medication list with the different plans and find the most cost-effective option to share with the client.

“These days, we know every penny counts,” Teresa said. “So being able to help people find plans that are within their budgets is important.”

Michelle said counselors and volunteers are dedicated to helping participants navigate the often-confusing world of health insurance benefits.

It’s easy to get help. SHIP provides free, confidential, and objective information about Medicare, health insurance, and low-income resources for seniors.

“If you haven’t already, now is the time to go ahead and start scheduling your appointments,” Teresa said.

What’s important to know about the Alabama SHIP program through TARCOG is that the counselors are not affiliated with an insurance company and will not attempt to sell insurance to Medicare beneficiaries, like the companies that consumers call in response to TV commercials featuring celebrities.

The TARCOG team responsible for answering questions and helping all TARCOG clients includes:

  • Teresa Hazzard, who works out of TARCOG’s headquarters in Huntsville can be reached at 256-830-0818.
  • Veronica Woodall, Jackson County Council on Aging, can be reached at 256-259-9911
  • Lynn Hixon, DeKalb County Council on Aging, can be reached at 256-845-8590, Ext. 2
  • Tammy McElroy or Sandy Bishop, Marshall County Council Aging, can be reached at 256-571-7805
  • Carla Sims, Limestone County Council on Aging, can be reached at 256-233-6412

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The holiday spirit is alive and well at TARCOG. What started out as a door decorating contest blossomed into a full blown decorating competition with staff coming in on their off time and over weekends to create some spectacular decorations. The Polar Express Team won the competition this year. Click here to view more of the incredible festive decorations!

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Honoring State Rep. Rex Reynolds

Written on . Posted in Board of Directors, News, Stories.

TARCOG honors State Rep. Rex Reynolds as “Difference Maker”

September 23, 2026

TARCOG recognized State Rep. Rex Reynolds as the first community recipient of its “Difference Maker” award for his efforts to support grandparents caring for children of drug-addicted parents.

Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan presented Reynolds the award during TARCOG’s Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22. She said Reynold’s advocacy and support for all of agency’s programs — from assisting the aging population to economic development efforts is appreciated. She also highlighted a relatively new program making a big impact on the lives of “grandfamilies” who are raising second families with little support.

“Two years ago, we got a call asking TARCOG to participate in a new pilot program in the state that would use a portion of opioid settlement funds to provide financial grants for grandparents and relative caregivers over 55 raising children impacted by the opioid crisis,” Jordan said. The pilot program was managed jointly by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

According to a 2022 report from Generations United, a national advocacy group, statistics show more than 2.5 million children in the U.S. are raised by grandfamilies — grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family members — when their parents are unable to care for them.

Parental substance use, especially during the rise of opioids, has been a key driver behind this trend, with other family members stepping in to prevent children from entering foster care – although many still do. Reynolds saw the impact firsthand while attending a meeting of a local nonprofit group called “Grandparents as Parents” at a church in his district.

“I was shocked by how many grandparents there were in attendance and I was shocked by the number of kids that were running around,” Reynolds said. “When I asked why the kids were there, they explained there was no one else to care for them. I realized very quickly there is a void in services that needed to be addressed.”

The pilot program was a success and is now being implemented across the state. At TARCOG, the new program is managed through the Alabama Cares Program, which assists all caregivers. The program’s funding is limited, Jordan said, “but a little can make an impact on meeting the needs that are out there.” Reynolds said he is committed to helping keep the program funded from a state level.

“We appreciate Rep. Reynolds for supporting all aspects of our work here at TARCOG, from our Area Agency on Aging to our economic development programs,” Jordan said. “He helps make sure that funds are available at the state level to support our efforts and keep northeast Alabama safe and strong.”

For more information on the grants, please contact TARCOG at 256-830-0818. TARCOG is a community partner with the local grandparent’s group. More information on the Grandparents As Parents program is available at www.gapalabama.org

TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan presented State Rep. Rex Reynolds, D-21, as the first community recipient of the TARCOG Difference Maker Award during the Annual Board Meeting on Sept. 22

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TARCOG Board elects new officers for FY 2027

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TARCOG Board elects news officers for FY 2027

September 22, 2026

 The TARCOG Board of Directors elected its new slate of officers for FY 2026-2027 at its Annual Meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 22, including:

President, John Myers, Guntersville City Council

Vice President, Bob Joslin, Mayor of Arab

Secretary, Lester Black, DeKalb County Commission

Treasurer, Douglas Smith, resident of Madison

Ex-Officio,  James E. Lucas, Athens City Council

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Winter Wishes 2026 — Sponsors Needed

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2026 Winter Wishes — Sponsors Needed

September 9, 2026

As we inch closer to the official beginning of fall, the TARCOG staff is already thinking beyond pumpkins and turkeys to what can be one of the loneliest winter holidays for its aging and disabled clients. That’s why TARCOG is already working on its annual drive called Winter Wishes and asking the community for help.

What is Winter Wishes?

This will be the 24th year the TARCOG holiday campaign has been used to provide joy to the aging community. Since the beginning, generous sponsors have helped fill thousands of wishes for TARCOG clients in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. TARCOG serves more than 1,000 clients in the region, including a small percentage of veterans.

How it works

Throughout September, TARCOG is seeking sponsors for this year’s Winter Wishes campaign. At the same time, case managers are collecting up to three wishes from clients.

Sponsors range from interested individuals to churches, social groups, clubs, neighborhoods, and more. Most provide gifts wrapped in colorful holiday paper bags. Some people provide gift cards or financial donations, which staff uses to complete any unfilled wishes. To participate, all it takes is an email or phone call to TARCOG.

Starting in October, the Campaign Coordinators Kaleka Jones and Sanfunee Edwards will begin sharing those wishes with interested sponsors.

A special campaign

“In this campaign, we ask interested sponsors to fill at least one of the wishes on a person’s list,” said TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan. “In the past, we’ve had amazing sponsors who have fulfilled every wish and then some. It is always a beautiful and uplifting time of year to see how giving our communities are to those who truly may not receive any other type of gift during the winter holiday season.”

Sponsors begin dropping off their donations in November at TARCOG. This year, drop-offs will be at the agency’s new and permanent home in the MidCity District at 4976 Corporate Drive NW. Gifts are delivered by case managers during client visits throughout December.

How to participate

Anyone can be a sponsor. Jordan encourages anyone interested in participating in Winter Wishes 2026 to provide their contact information and how many clients they are interested in sponsoring by email to Medicaid.Waiver@tarcog.us, or call 256-830-0818.

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Employee of the Month — September 2026

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Employee of the Month — September

September 3, 2026

Name: Danasia Sowers     

Title: Medicaid Waiver Case Manager II

How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? I have been at TARCOG for five years and I am a Medicaid Waiver Case Manager II. I provide direct training, support and guidance to the newly hired. We typically carry a caseload of 25-30 clients and take on additional cases during periods of staff turnover.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a choreographer.

What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? I hope to take my Licensed Master Social Worker exam and pass it. 

Who is your hero and why? My Nana is my hero. She adopted me out of foster care and gave me one of the best childhoods a girl could ask for. She is my rock and the reason for everything I do. Despite how difficult I was growing up; she never gave up on me. I owe her everything.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Travel to a town I have never been and trying different foods and shopping at local shops.

 

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Over-explaining is begging. 

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Have a baby.

Who knows you the best? My Auntie Lori and my best friend Jalyn.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Take a year-long vacation and travel the world.

TARCOG Medicaid. Waiver Case Manager II Danasia Sowers is the Employee of the Month for September 2026.

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Free small business finance training being offered

Written on . Posted in Economic Development & Planning, News.

Free small business finance training being offered in September

August 30, 2026

Got a great business idea but not sure how to make it a reality?

Whether you are a new entrepreneur or want to expand an existing business, funding is a critical piece to the puzzle. TARCOG and Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. (NCI) may be able to help.

That’s why a new free Small Business Financing course is being offered, beginning in September.

Mary Ellen Judah, NCI’s executive director, said the NCI staff has developed a series of trainings to prepare small business owners for the journey. She said registration is now open for a two-part training series.

The first session, “Small Business Financing,” will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at TARCOG, 4976 Corporate Drive NW, Huntsville.

“People can expect to discover business financing options, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Revolving Loan Funds, and learn what lenders want to see in an application,” Mary Ellen said.

The second session, “Becoming Loan Ready,” will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., also at TARCOG.

This class will explore how credit, balance sheets, cash flow, resumes, business plans and other documents impact loan decisions, Mary Ellen said.

“We believe these classes will be extremely beneficial for those looking to start a new business or expand an existing one,” Mary Ellen said. “Helping entrepreneurs secure the capital needed to start a business is the very reason that we exist.”

She said that by attending both sessions, participants will have their application fee waived if they apply for financing through the loan fund.

For example, she said TARCOG has a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and partners with NCI to administer its RLF through the North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund, LLC.

The RLF provides loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in north Alabama. Eligible uses include machinery and equipment; working capital; leasehold improvements; real estate acquisitions or rehabilitation; business acquisitions; and the refinancing of higher-interest business debt.

TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry said the flexibility of the RLF program can be a game changer for small businesses.

Mary Ellen said the program helps strengthen the community by providing small business owners with access to flexible financing and a lending partner that can work alongside them as their businesses grow and their needs evolve. This relationship-based approach allows the program to tailor financing solutions to the borrower’s circumstances while supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of the business. It’s one example of how start-up or existing businesses can potentially meet their funding needs.

Click here to register by Friday, Sept. 18.

For more information, contact Migdalia Gomez, NCI community and economic initiative coordinator by email or at 256-534-0075 ext. 409.

To help turn dreams into reality, TARCOG and Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. (NCI) are presenting a new free Small Business Financing course, beginning in September.

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2026 Fraud & Scam Summit

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2026 Fraud & Scam Summit

August 28, 2026

The 2026 TARCOG Fraud & Scam Summit drew a record-setting crowd of about 300 people on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the RSVP building in Guntersville.

“This is the largest number we’ve ever had to attend this annual event,” said Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, as she welcomed the crowd.

Alarming statistics make it easy to see why so many people are interested in learning as much as possible about frauds and scams — especially those targeting older adults.

According to the FBI’s 2025 IC3 Annual Report, Americans age 60 and older reported losses of $7.7 billion — a 60 percent increase from 2024.

People of all ages filed more than one million internet crime complaints with the FBI last year, with reported fraud losses climbing to $20.9 billion — a 26 percent increase over 2024. The alarming increase is one reason TARCOG holds an annual Fraud & Scam Summit to help the community learn about the most common scams and how to outsmart fraudsters.

TARCOG and the Marshall County Council on Aging hosted this year’s event. Tammy McElroy, director of the Marshall County Council on Aging, emceed the event and said she was happy to see so many people attend.

During the summit, attendees learned:

  • How to recognize and avoid common scams
  • Identity theft prevention tips
  • Steps to take when you suspect financial abuse
  • Key contacts and reporting agencies for immediate help

Attendees also had an opportunity to participate in a virtual AI fraud simulation exercise to test their knowledge and skills.

This year’s featured speaker was Alabama Securities Commission Communications and Public Relations Manager Nick Vonderau. During his presentation, “Self Defense Class: Learn How To Protect Yourself And Others From Fraud,” he said Alabama ranks 14th in the nation for fraud reports—  and 16th for identity theft reports.

Among the Top 10 fraud reports categories, Vonderau said recent statistics show investment-related scams caused the largest losses with 118,960 victims reporting a median loss of $9,000.

A simple call to the ASC can help people from becoming a victim, he said. “Before you invest, check it out,” Vonderau said. “Call our office at 1-800-222-1253.”

Other speakers who participated in a question-and-answer panel included:

  • Bryan Andrews,elder law attorney, Legal Services Alabama
  • John East,deputy chief, Guntersville Police Department
  • Robert Fann,investigator, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office
  • Maya D. Martin,DSW, outreach coordinator, Alabama A&M University Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program
  • Karen Reeves,president and CEO, Better Business Bureau of North Alabama
  • Tyler Young,fraud investigator, Emblem Credit Union

Several exhibitors were on hand to provide resources to attendees, including Alabama A&M University, Alabama Securities Commission, As Close As Family, Ashley Collier Agency, Inc., Better Business Bureau of North Alabama, Better Health Group, CASA, Cornerstone Caregiving, Community Action, Emblem Credit Union, RSVP, TARCOG, United Way of Marshall County, and VIP Care.

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at TARCOG empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, errors and abuse.

Videos from the summit will be posted to TARCOG’s YouTube channel. Anyone wanting more information about preventing fraud and scams may contact TARCOG’s Senior Medicare Patrol at 256-830-0818.

The 2026 Fraud & Scam Summit was held at the Marshall County RSVP building in Guntersville on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

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Meet TARCOG’s Leadership: Mike Ashburn

Written on . Posted in Board of Directors, News.

Meet TARCOG’s Leadership: Mike Ashburn

August 28, 2026

Name: Mike Ashburn

Title: Scottsboro City Council, District 3

How long have you been on the TARCOG Board?  Since October 2017. I was on the executive board when we hired Michelle Gilliam Jordan and during the Covid pandemic. 

What has been your biggest professional achievement? Being appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to be the chairman of the Jackson County Commission.

What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? My Dad told me when I was young, “Son, if you’re going to have anything you’re going to have to work for it.” He grew up very poor and came from poverty and through hard work, allowed his son to have a better life than he did.

What would be the theme song of your life right now? “I Keep Forgettin,’ ” by Michael McDonald.

Who is someone who’s made a big impact on your life? That would be one of my uncles. While my father only understood work, my uncle understood that a little boy needs some pleasure and he took me hunting, fishing and to ballgames and different places.

What is a fun fact that people probably don’t know about you? I try to see humor in everything and try not to take things, or myself, too seriously.

Where are you from? Where did you go to/graduate high school? I was born in Scottsboro and graduated high school here. I lived most of my adult life in Skyline but moved to Scottsboro about 15 years ago.

Do you have any hobbies? Traveling. My wife recently retired and she enjoys traveling, we both do.

Favorite place you’ve traveled? Maine in New England. New Hampshire. And I liked Montana and Alaska. While visiting Glacier National Park we were on a boat ride and hit a dip in the water sending me and another lady overboard … A guy on the boat had a GoPro camera and caught us flying in the air and hitting the water … I helped her get back to the boat; life jackets help. But I’ll tell you that the water off a glacier is a different kind of cold!

What’s one item you can’t live without? TV. If I don’t have TV, I’m in prison.

TARCOG Board Member and Scottsboro City Councilman Mike Ashburn

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ATRIP II Applications Open

Written on . Posted in Economic Development & Planning, News.

FY 2027 ATRIP-II Program Applications Open

August 28, 2026

The Alabama Department of Transportation has announced ATRIP-ll applications for transportation projects costing up to $2 million are now available online. 

ATRIP-II is an ALDOT administered transportation infrastructure grant program for projects of local interest created in the Rebuild Alabama Act of 2019. Transportation projects which improve any state-maintained highway system are acceptable projects eligible for grant funding. Local roads and bridges are not eligible except for incidental work that is necessary in order to complete the improvements to a state route. 

Who may apply? Any local county or municipal government within the State of Alabama is eligible to apply.  Local governments can apply for only one project. Multiple submissions will not be accepted.

Information, application and instructions are available on the ALDOT website

All applications must be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.

Anyone needing guidance may reach out to the TARCOG Economic Development & Planning staff at 256-830-0818.

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