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Author: Wendy Reeves

TARCOG observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

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

TARCOG Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

June 5, 2026

Throughout June, TARCOG is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, by promoting dignity, respect, and compassion for older adults.

“We want to raise awareness about elder abuse, an increasingly important issue affecting our older population,” said TARCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan. “Elder abuse harms seniors and is often committed by people they trust.”

As older adults begin needing assistance with daily activities, they may struggle with concerns about independence and self-worth. Many fear that asking for help could lead to a loss of independence or placement in a long-term care facility. In reality, accepting assistance can help older adults remain safely and independently in their homes and communities.

“It’s important to know how to report abuse when it occurs and what resources are available. If you see something, say something,” Jordan said.

According to national statistics, approximately one in six older Americans experiences abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The World Health Organization reports that the global population of adults age 60 and older is expected to more than double between 2015 and 2050, making the protection of older adults increasingly important.

Elder abuse is most often perpetrated by family members, friends, or caregivers. Abuse can take several forms, including:

  • Physical abuse: Inflicting pain or injury through actions such as hitting, pushing, or restraining.
  • Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or activity.
  • Emotional abuse: Threats, humiliation, isolation, intimidation, or verbal attacks.
  • Financial exploitation: Misuse of an older adult’s money, property, or resources.
  • Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm or illness.

Preventing elder abuse requires community awareness and involvement, Jordan said. Listening to older adults, supporting caregivers, recognizing warning signs, and reporting concerns can help protect vulnerable seniors.

“Working together, we can raise awareness and take action to end elder abuse,” Jordan said. “Let’s work to keep everyone safe as we age.”

She said TARCOG provides and coordinates services that support older adults in maintaining their independence. Assistance is available by calling 256-830-0818.

If you suspect elder abuse or self-neglect, call the Alabama Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

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SAVE THE DATE: Fraud & Scam Summit set for Aug. 25, in Marshall County

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SAVE THE DATE: Fraud & Scam Summit set for Aug. 25, in Marshall County

June 4, 2026

WANT TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD AND SCAMS? Learn the latest at the TARCOG Fraud & Scam Summit 

TARCOG, along with the Marshall County Council on Aging will be hosting a Fraud & Scam Summit on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the RSVP building, 19272 US-431 in Guntersville.

To help the community prepare to defeat fraudsters, a representative from the Alabama Securities Commission will provide a comprehensive presentation called, “How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams.”

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. The SMP organizes the annual Fraud & Scam Summit to provide an overview of current scams and fraud in region, state, and country. Each year, TARCOG partners with a different Council on Aging in our region to host the event. This year’s summit will cover topics like:

  • Cyber security
  • Financial scams
  • Consumer fraud
  • Legal implications

After a sponsor-provided lunch, a panel of experts will also share information on timely topics and participate in a Question & Answer session with attendees. 

In addition, exhibitors from state programs, community partners, nonprofit and community organizations and area businesses will be there to share educational information and valuable resources to attendees.

The event is free, but registration is required. To reserve a spot, call 256-830-0818 by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18.

Participants at the 2025 TARCOG Fraud & Scam Summit held in Limestone County. Each year, TARCOG partners with a different Council on Aging in our region to host the event. This year the event is being held in Marshall County.

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Everyone Can Prevent Medicare Fraud

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

Everyone Can Prevent Medicare Fraud

June 3, 2026

Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year. It costs Medicare beneficiaries time, stress, medical identities, and health. It costs families, friends, and caregivers worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from falling victim to Medicare fraud.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is from June 1 through June 5. Take time this week to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from Medicare fraud.

“Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program,” said Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown. “Alabama Senior Medicare Patrol (AL SMP) teaches people how to avoid experiencing Medicare fraud. By preventing fraud from happening, AL SMP helps individuals and protects the Medicare program for generations to come.”

Everyone plays a part in the fight against fraud. During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week:

Medicare beneficiaries can monitor their insurance statements to make sure the products and services received match what is on the statements. They can also request free “My Health Care Trackers” from TARCOG’s SMP Teresa Hazzard.

Caregivers can help by being on the lookout for items such as durable medical equipment (like boxes of knee braces) lying around the house that may have been shipped to the beneficiary without their or their doctor’s approval. They can remind their client or loved one to never give out their Medicare number or other personal information over the phone.

Families can help by talking to their loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. They can help their loved ones create a Medicare.gov account to access their Medicare statements online or remind them to open and review them when they come in the mail. They can also register their phone number on “do not call” lists and go to optoutprescreen.com to opt out of mailings.

Partners and professionals can help by sharing TARCOG’s SMP information on social media, referring clients and consumers to an SMP, and inviting Teresa to speak during a shared event.

Health care providers can help by talking to patients about healthcare-related scams such as those related to durable medical equipment and genetic testing schemes. They can remind them that products and services should only be ordered by physicians they regularly see. Needed medical items should never be ordered through TV ads or unsolicited calls.

Community members can help by looking out for older neighbors. When in public, they can be aware of older individuals purchasing gift cards in large amounts. They can encourage those they know to talk to a trusted source about their Medicare questions and tell neighbors about the most recent Medicare scams they’ve heard about from credible resources.

TARCOG’s SMP, Teresa Hazzard, helps educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against healthcare fraud. Teresa can help with questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. She also provides information and educational presentations. For more information, call 256-830-0818.

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TARCOG Announces Tri-County Career Fair in June

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TARCOG announces Tri-County Career Fair in June

May 28, 2026

TARCOG is taking a new approach to hiring in DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall counties to better serve older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan says a Tri-County Career Fair is planned throughout the month of June to recruit candidates for case manager positions who want to work where they live. The events will also welcome older adults ages 55 and up who are interested in the agency’s senior employment program.

“We want to make the most out of the onsite opportunities in Jackson, Marshall and DeKalb counties,” Michelle says. “We’re looking for case managers who are interested in teleworking with our Medicaid Waiver program without the commute to Huntsville every day.”

Michelle says TARCOG is looking for an easier path for case managers to reach clients in some of the agency’s far-reaching counties because of the Area Agency on Aging’s continual growth.

“By providing an opportunity to work in proximity to where they live, we hope we can attract dynamic individuals who value service, initiative, accountability, and transparent communication,” she added.

Case managers are responsible for implementing the Medicaid Waiver Home and Community-Based Services Program within the TARCOG region in accordance with Medicaid Waiver guidelines. Duties include client assessments, annual redeterminations, home visits to monitor services and assess client needs, verification of contractor billing, and completion of daily service logs.

When and where?

Human Resources Manager Melonie Gurley says screenings and interviews will be held between 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the following locations and dates:

  • Jackson County — Thursday, June 4 — Impact Learning Center, 23123 John T. Reid Parkway, Scottsboro
  • Marshall County — Thursday, June 11 — Guntersville City Hall, 340 Blount Ave., Guntersville
  • DeKalb County — Thursday, June 25 — Northeast Alabama Community College Entrepreneurial Center, 246 McCurdy Ave. N., Rainsville

Case manager candidates can expect to spend up to three hours at the event. Those who complete an online application ahead of their hiring event date may go through screenings and up to two rounds of interviews for a potential same-day hiring decision. Candidates may also attend the Career Fair with a copy of their resume.

Older adult employment

Michelle says the other part of the hiring event is for those ages 55 and older who are looking to learn new job skills through TARCOG’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

The SCSEP program provides paid job training opportunities where individuals can learn new skills or enhance existing ones, with the ultimate goal of securing permanent employment. Participants can remain in the program for up to four years.

To qualify, applicants must be 55 or older, unemployed, and have a monthly income under 125 percent of the national poverty level. This year, the income threshold is $19,562.50 for one person or $26,437.50 for a family of two. However, other factors may affect eligibility. For example, disability income is not counted as income for the senior employment program.

Job placements are with public agencies or nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Michelle says individuals interested in participating in the senior employment program should attend the event closest to them or call 256-830-0818.

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Meet TARCOG’s Leadership: Connie Spears

Written on . Posted in Board of Directors, News.

Meet TARCOG’s Leadership: Connie Spears

May 27, 2026

Name/Title: Connie Spears, Community Volunteer

How long have you been on the TARCOG Board, and are you now or have you previously been on the executive committee? I’ve been on the board since 2020, when I served on the Madison City Council. I’m the immediate past president and have served as secretary, treasurer, and vice president.

What has been your biggest professional achievement? Helping Madison City Schools become a world class school system and co-chairing the Madison City 12 Mil Property Tax for Education Campaign. I also have received three State Legislative Proclamations for Education Advocacy.

What career advice do you live by and who gave it to you? I did not have a traditional career path. I went where I felt that God was leading me. I took this advice from the Bible — “God will direct your steps.”

What would be the theme song of your life right now? Trust and Obey by John H. Sammis and Daniel B. Towner.

Who is someone who’s made a big impact on your life? Dr. Dee Fowler. Why? He helped me learn how to focus on doing what’s right for children and to advocate for them.

What is a fun fact that people probably don’t know about you? I started kindergarten in Asmara, Eritrea, previously part of Ethiopia.

Where are you from? Army Brat: Texas; Virginia; Eritrea; Huntsville; Center Point; Izmir, Turkey; Sausalito, California and back to Center Point in Alabama.

Where did you go to/graduate high school? Erwin High School in Center Point.

Do you have any hobbies? Reading, cooking, traveling — and I’ll add spoiling my grandchild in November!

Favorite place you’ve traveled? All of them.

What’s one item you can’t live without? Besides my family … my Kindle.

TARCOG Board Ex-Officio Connie Spears

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HOMECOMING at Senior Fun Fest 2026

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HOMECOMING at Senior Fun Fest 2026

May 14, 2026

On Tuesday, May 12, nearly 900 older adults from across North Alabama gathered for a day of fun and fellowship as TARCOG hosted its annual Senior Fun Fest.

The celebration featured a tailgate party, pep rally, parade, games, entertainment, food, and a Homecoming court representing communities throughout the region. The annual event, organized by TARCOG’s Area Agency on Aging, serves older adults in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties.

Held at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center in Huntsville, the event opened with the Buckhorn High School JROTC presenting the colors and TARCOG Case Manager Camaryn Ward singing the national anthem.

Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan welcomed attendees and recognized TARCOG’s 39-year partnership with the Madison County Commission in hosting the event, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the contributions and well-being of older adults.

“This truly is the class of forever young,” she said.

District One Commissioner Tom Brandon announced that Senior Fun Fest is expected to return next year to Sharon Johnston Park in New Market, where the event was held for 36 years prior to a weather-related venue change. A new community center at the park will allow for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Andrea Carter of the Elderly Nutrition Program with the Alabama Department of Senior Services spoke briefly about the importance of celebrating Older Americans Month and shared greetings from Commissioner Jean Brown.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed vendor booths, Bingo, line dancing, cake walk, a recipe swap, photo booth, classic cars, health resources, and live entertainment from the District One Band, FB & JD, and a Tina Turner tribute group. A group of TARCOG employees also made their singing debut as the “COG Notes.”

The celebration concluded with door prizes and wishes for a happy Older Americans Month from Michelle and Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey.

Michelle said ticket sales and support from local businesses helped offset event costs. In addition to the Madison County Commission, major sponsors included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, VIVA Medicare, The Goldton at Athens, Merrill Gardens Madison, and Secure Benefits.

Additional financial support was provided by State Representatives Laura Hall, Rex Reynolds, Marilyn Lands, Phillip Rigsby, James Lomax, Andy Whitt, and Senator Arthur Orr.

See more photos from Senior Fun Fest

TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan got a great selfie shot of the crowd at Senior Fun Fest on May 12, 2026.

The TARCOG Senior Fun Fest Homecoming Court 2026 included, from left: Limestone County King James Murrah, 77, and Queen, Dorothy Malone, 82; Madison County Queen Helen Oliver, 91, and King Junior Sebright, 93; DeKalb County King James Manning, 88, and Dianne Manning, 79; Marshall County Queen Betty Booth, 93, and King Beecher Hyde, 95; and Jackson County Queen, Roxie Wright, 90, and King Jose Miranda, 87.

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Meet the Senior Fun Fest 2026 Homecoming Court

Written on . Posted in News, Senior Center Facilities.

Meet the Senior Fun Fest 2026 Homecoming Court

May 14, 2026

Before this year’s Senior Fun Fest officially began, a lively pre-event pep rally helped kick off the celebration.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Huntsville Community Drumline  — “Gran-Masters” — energized the crowd with upbeat performances to start the day. A special performance by the Guntersville Senior Center’s Zumba Gold group also had attendees up and moving, while a Homecoming parade featuring kings and queens from each county was made possible through escorts provided by area law enforcement agencies.

This year’s Homecoming Court was selected by each county’s Council on Aging. Representatives included:

DeKalb County

James and Diane Manning were recognized for their 18 years of active participation at the Fyffe Senior Center. James, 88, and Diane, 79, have earned numerous medals through the Alabama Masters Games and are known for their kindness and willingness to help others.

Jackson County

King Jose Miranda, 87, and Queen Roxie Wright, 90, represented the Scottsboro Senior Center. Wright has been active at the center for 25 years, volunteering in the kitchen and competing in the Alabama Masters Games. Last year, she was inducted into the Alabama Masters Games Hall of Fame.

Miranda has attended the Scottsboro center for the past six years, enjoying opportunities to stay active and socialize. He and Wright were selected as the oldest participants from Jackson County attending this year’s event.

Limestone County

Homecoming King James Murrah, 77, and Queen Dorothy Malone, 82, were nominated by their peers at the Tanner Senior Center, where they enjoy playing SkyJo and other card games with friends.

Madison County

Homecoming King Junior Sebright, 93, and Queen Helen Oliver, 91, both attend the Madison Senior Center. They were selected as the oldest attendees from Madison County participating in this year’s Senior Fun Fest.

Marshall County

Homecoming King Beecher Hyde, 95, of the Boaz Senior Center, and Queen Betty Booth, 93, of the Guntersville Senior Center, were honored as the county’s oldest active senior center participants.

Members of the Homecoming Court were escorted in the parade to the stage by law enforcement leaders from across the region. TARCOG expressed appreciation to the Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety, AAMU mascot BUTCH, DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden and deputies, Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen, Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner, Public Information Officer Brent Patterson, Sgt. Patrick Silver, Detective Pete Roth, Deputy Richard Izzi, Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles, Capt. Tony McElyea, and Sgt. Michael Barre for their assistance with the parade.

Pictured in front from left, Marshall County Homecoming Queen Betty Booth, 93, from the Guntersville Senior Center, and Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen. Back row, from left is Jackson County Homecoming King Jose Miranda, 87, and Queen Roxie Wright, 90. Both are from the Scottsboro Senior Center.

Pictured in front from left, Marshall County Homecoming King Beecher Hyde, 95, from the Boaz Senior Center, escorted by Huntsville police Sgt. Michael Barre. Back row, from left, Limestone County Queen Dorothy Malone, 82, and King James Murrah, 77.

Representing DeKalb County was King James Manning, 88, and Queen Dianne Manning, 79, from the Fyffe Senior Center. They were escorted by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Representing Madison County as Homecoming King was Junior Sebright, 93, from the City of Madison Senior Center. He was escorted by Madison County Sheriff’s Investigator Pete Roth.

Representing Madison County as Homecoming Queen was Helen Oliver, 91, from the City of Madison Senior Center. She was escorted by Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Izzi.

The Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety took the lead in the Homecoming Parade held during Senior Fun Fest 2026 held at the AAMU Agribition Center.

The Guntersville Senior Center Zumba Gold Ladies perform during the Pep Rally at Senior Fun Fest 2026.

The Huntsville Community Drumline — “GranMasters” perform during the Senior Fun Fest Pep Rally.

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Employee of the Month — May 2026

Written on . Posted in News, Staff.

Employee of the Month — May 2026

May 5, 2026

Name: Sarita Chaloupka

Job Title: Medicaid Waiver Case Manager II

How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do?  I have been at TARCOG for approximately one year and nine months. I am currently a Medicaid Wavier Case Manager II. I provide direct training, support and guidance to the newly hired (and to anyone else that finds us at our desks); we typically carry a caseload of 25-30 clients; and we take on additional cases during periods of staff turnover.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

In 4th grade, I wanted to be a paleontologist. In the 5th grade, I wanted to be an astronaut (despite having a fear of heights and a deep appreciation for gravity.) As a freshman in high school, I wanted to be a newspaper reporter. By 10th grade, I had changed my aspiration to that of a child psychologist. The Career Inventory Assessment told me to find a job in agriculture, that I would excel as a farmer (I have brown thumbs and kill plants). Needless to say, I actively explored various opportunities that fit my passions. In the end, I still wanted to help people and found that social work was the perfect fit for me.

What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? Submission of paperwork ahead of the deadlines. Writing brief HCBS summaries. Cutting the irrelevant information from my home visit tools. Completing home visits in under 45 minutes. All I can say is that I’m a work-in-progress.

Who is your hero and why? I have more than one. My maternal and paternal grandmothers, who made to do with so little for themselves and managed to raise so many children with a strong work ethic. And my mother, cousin and brother, who have experienced so many challenges in their lives and careers and still continue to persevere. My father, whose experiences have taught me that people are capable of change, you just have to give them time to do so.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

To learn Polish and Czech cooking and cook my husband his favorite foods.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? “The only control you have is over the changes you choose to make.” From my mom.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Nothing yet, I’m a homebody.

Who knows you the best?

My husband, Jim and my cousin-sister, Kavita.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

If it’s a big payout lottery, pay some of my family’s bills, diversify my financial portfolio, start a scholarship fund and throw the rest into trusts for my parents, nieces and nephew.

TARCOG Case Manager II Sarita Chaloupka

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ALDOT seeks input on Cooperative Process with Non-Metropolitan Local Officials

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

ALDOT seeks input on Cooperative Process with Non-Metropolitan Local Officials

May 19, 2026

In accordance with 23 CFR 450 planning guidelines, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is required to review its consultation process with local officials every five years.

The process is in ALDOT’s Public Involvement Plan (PIP). Click here for the link to ALDOT website where the PIP is located. 

TARCOG is assisting ALDOT by requesting feedback from local officials in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. Comments on the effectiveness of the cooperative planning process should be submitted to ALDOT — no later than July 6, 2026.

Please submit comments to Ms. Toni M. Arrington, Office Engineer Bureau, by email at arringtont@dot.state.al.us or postal mail at 1409 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, AL  36110, .

If you have any questions, please call Ms. Arrington at 334-242-6085.

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