TARCOG and Neighborhood Concepts, Inc., sponsored a free, three-hour Funding Lab workshop on Dec. 5, for business owners seeking to grow their businesses.
The AssistAL informational workshop held at the TARCOG office on Old Madison Pike, provided details of Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) capital program, the application process, and how businesses can get support along the way.
During The Funding Lab, Reginald Smith, small business finance expert, covered details about a new SSBCI program, including how it can help businesses, how the process works, and what they may need to better their chances of success. Michelle Kloske, a business advisor with the Alabama Small Business Development Center at UAH, was also there to answer questions.
Harry Lawler, owner of Sunny Blues Barbershop in downtown Huntsville, said he learned a lot of “great information” that will help him grow his business. He started his own shop after cutting hair for 20 years and spending eight of those managing three shops for a company that served Redstone Arsenal.
He started his shop on Jefferson Street about three years ago.
Harry said his biggest takeaway from the Fund Lab was about how to present himself when going to talk to someone about a loan.
“Basically, I learned that I don’t need to talk too much, that the paperwork will speak for itself,” he said. “I’m glad y’all held this workshop and I’m glad that I came. I would come again if you had it.”
The Rebuild Alabama Act (RAA) Annual Grant Program for FY25 has been announced and is now accepting applications through February 7, 2025.
The ALDOT administered program awards funding to eligible projects annually based on a competitive application process. For FY25, a total of $15 million has been allocated for this program.
Of that $15 million, $10 million will be awarded with no cash match required on projects up to $250,000.
The remaining $5 million will be awarded with a 50/50 match required up to $100,000 for any amount requested over $250,000.
That means the maximum amount of RAA funding that can be requested per project this year is $250,000 with no match, or $350,000 with a local match of $100,000.
TARCOG is available to assist in determining project eligibility.
Applications will be accepted from now until no later than 5:00pm on February 7, 2025.
As always, if there is any way that TARCOG can be of assistance to you in applying for these funds or if we can provide more information about this opportunity, please reach out to the TARCOG Economic Development Staff at 256-830-0818.
TARCOG will be holding an Invitational Career Fair on Thursday, Dec. 19, to fill eight social work positions.
“Our agency is growing, and we need additional staff to meet the needs of our aging and disabled populations,” said Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan.
Resumes are currently being accepted through Indeed.com for four Medicaid Waiver Case Managers and four Personal Choices Case Managers.
Applicants selected for the Invitational Career Fair will attend either a morning or afternoon session in which they will have an opportunity to meet with key staff and the tour the agency’s office as well as participate in interviews.
“We expect some job offers to be extended on the same day, or soon thereafter,” Jordan said. “We’re very excited about adding new personnel to our team to carry out this very important work in our community.”
There will be two sessions on Dec. 19. The morning session will be from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.. The afternoon session will last from 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? Almost 3 years. I help with deeming applications for our Medicaid Waiver participants, billing, program slot management, help case managers, and work along side with the Medicaid Waiver program manager.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? Learn how to sit still and relax. Ha!
Who is your hero and why? My mom. Even though she has passed, I always admired her strength and determination.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Absolutely nothing!
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Whatever you choose to do, do it to the absolute best of your ability. Even if it’s something you don’t prefer or want to do.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? When I was younger, I was a street racer.
Who knows you the best? My husband.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Tell no one and carry on like it was just a normal day. I would try to save most of it.
Residents and visitors of Guntersville are enjoying an expanded recreation trail along the eastern portion of the U.S. 431 bridge that now connects to the new City Harbor development.
“Outdoor recreation is becoming increasingly more important to communities and a powerful tool for economic development and enhancing quality of life for residents, said TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry. “TARCOG is excited anytime we get to assist one of our communities with adding to their inventory of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents of northeast Alabama.”
Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar has said the riverfront trail has been well-received and that she saw people on the trail walking and running on the weekends even before the paving was completed.
She said she believes it will be a huge draw for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
The recently completed $400,000 expansion project began in 2018. TARCOG assisted on the project by helping secure $320,000 in Regional Trails Program funding. The City of Guntersville covered $80,000 of the cost.
Before construction start. the trail was 3.7 miles long. A two-phase extension project involved funding from Alabama Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Regional Trails Program.
From left in Mentone in DeKalb County are TARCOG Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright, TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry, ADECA Deputy Director Ashley Toole, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, Mentone Mayor Rob Hammond, ADECA Division Chief Crystal Talley, and Mentone Town Clerk Kristen Emory
When it comes to grant applications, planning is a crucial step that can benefit all parties interested in improving something in their community. In the small town of Mentone, home to about 325 people, city leaders recently took the opportunity to host officials with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and TARCOG to discuss a few projects, big and small.
A tour of the historic Moon Lake Village was a top priority. After Moon Lake Elementary closed in 2021, the Town of Mentone took over the school campus after DeKalb County deeded it to the town. It’s located on the eastern side of the city limits.
In 2022 they began developing the campus as Moon Lake Village, a collection of shops, offices, spaces for artists and galleries. Northeast Alabama Community College also holds classes there and a new restaurant is planned for the former lunchroom.
The group discussed potential ways to do even more with the site to draw visitors to Mentone.
Mentone has applied for an Appalachian Regional Council grant to upgrade electricity plumbing, bathroom accessibility and other infrastructure across the former school campus. During the tour, the group discussed potential ways to do even more with the site to draw visitors to Mentone.
Monte San United Methodist Church volunteers Roger and Karren Crowson deliver one load of gifts to the TARCOG office on Monday, Nov. 18.
The TARCOG office is starting to look like Santa’s Workshop as sponsors are beginning to drop off donated gifts for our aging and disabled clients as part of the annual Winter Wishes campaign.
TARCOG Medicaid Waiver Program Manager Melissa Brinkley accepts a Winter Wishes package from Claire Aiello on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Melissa Brinkley, manager of the Medicaid Waiver Program, said all seniors aged 60 and older were adopted, however there are still about 30 on the list from our disabled programs who have needs. Those ages range from infants to 59.
“We are so appreciative of everyone in our region who graciously gives of their time and resources to help us make sure our clients have a bright spot during the holiday season,” Melissa said.
Sponsors range from individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups. They adopt a participant, purchase the gifts, wrap them, and drop them off at the TARCOG office. Melissa said each year there are additional sponsors who make monetary or gift card donations that staff uses to shop for those who are not adopted at the end of the campaign.
“We just try to make sure that everyone has a special gift because in many cases, it will be the only thing they will receive,” Melissa said.
She said there’s still time to participate. To sponsor someone, contact Amber Millimaki at amber.millimaki@tarcog.us or by calling 256-830-0818.
Sponsors will get a name and a list of up to three client wishes. We ask that gifts be wrapped and dropped off at the TARCOG Office, 7037 Old Madison Pike, Suite 450, by the end of November.
Right on Main Street, in the heart of Rainsville, the city’s Senior Center is located in the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center where a walking trail and other amenities provide additional opportunities for the aging community.
Jim Smith, 82, is a regular on the walking trail.
“Four laps is a mile, and I try to do four to six of them just about every day,” he said. “I enjoy walking.”
Margaret McSpadden, who will be 85 on Nov. 22, said keeping up with exercise is just one of the reasons she enjoys going to the center.
“I walk and do as much exercise as I can because you know, there’s going to come a day when we can’t do these things any longer so it’s important,” Margaret said. “If I had to stay home all day and watch TV where it’s who killed who or people fussing and fighting all the time it would drive me crazy.”
Instead, Margaret joins a group of the ladies at the center where they play games and laugh.
Chicken Foot Dominoes at the Rainsville Senior Center
Chicken Foot a Favorite
“We’re a noisy group but we’re the old standbys here,” said Eleanor Ammons, 87, as a fast-paced game of Chicken-Foot Dominoes is underway with Margaret, Gail Benefield, 86, Janice Thomas, 63, and Wilda Wilborn, 91.
Wilda said she’s been going to the center “forever.”
“Look, I’m learning to drive again,” she said pointing at her new motorized scooter. “I gave up my car keys to get some new wheels.”
Her daughters take turns driving Wilda to the center.
“We all have fun, and we work every day — playing Chicken Foot,” Wilda said with a laugh. “Then we eat lunch and go home.”
A supportive environment
The friendship and laughter at the center helps Janice through the struggles she faces as a caregiver and with her own health.
“I’ve learned so much from this group,” Janice said. “Everyone here has a sweet, compassionate way about them. I just listen sometimes, and everyone works hard to get on each other’s level to communicate. There’s a real sense of spirituality here and it means a lot to me.”
Seeing familiar and smiling faces also helps, Janice said.
Gail said she believes getting out of the house and talking to others is important.
“We like to talk, have fund and act silly,” Gail said.
Music and puzzles
Puzzles and games at the Rainsville Senior Center
At a nearby table, J.D. Ellis, 87, and J.R. Richey, 80, are working on a puzzle. Wilda said they also have a job.
“Yeah, to tell us to quieten down,” Gail added.
J.D. and J.R. are steadily working on their puzzle strategy. When putting together puzzles at the center, they separate the colors in different cardboard trays. Then they start working to put pieces together on top of a white piece of paper before placing them into the puzzle.
“Hey, I got a piece to fit,” J.D. announced.
Puzzles isn’t all they do. J.D. plays guitar with as many as 10-15 other musicians who turn out on Tuesdays and Thursday.
“We have big crowds on those days,” J.R. said. “I don’t play but I’ll sing along.”
J.D. said he taught himself how to play guitar at the center.
“I didn’t start playing until I was 79,” J.D. said. “I bought a guitar, a book and a CD … but coming here I figured out that learning how to play in a group helps you learn a whole lot faster.”
Playing five hours a week at the senior center is always a highlight for him. The group plays music from 8 to 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
Then there’s the games.
“We try to play where we’re needed if there’s not enough people to play a game,” J.D. said.
“And if it gets too quiet, we’ll make some noise,” J.R. added.
Why visit the senior center
Both said they’d like to see more people from the community join the fun.
“Some of us are getting older,” J.D. said.
“Well, we’re not getting any younger,” J.R. added. He said he started coming to the center after he got divorced in 2016.
“Being at home by myself was no fun, so I came by here,” J.R. said. “I think some have a misconception about it that this is a place to hook up, but that’s not what it is at all. We have a good time here.”
That doesn’t mean love doesn’t bloom from time to time.
Helen and Jim Smith met and got married at the Rainsville Senior Center.
Jim Smith met his wife Helen, 83 at the center.
“I’ve been coming here a long time, maybe 20 years,” Helen said. “I enjoy being with people. If you don’t associate with people you get to where you don’t want to be with nobody and that’s no way to live.”
She said she and Jim had known each other for years. After his wife died, his daughter brought him to the center to get him out of the house.
Eventually, Helen and Jim became a couple and had their wedding at the center.
A new manager
Denise Sharpley has been the manager at the center since April and already considers all of the people she serves at the center her family.
Denise Sharpley, manager of the Rainsville Senior Center
“For me, this job was heaven sent,” Denise said. “I’m a praying person and I really, really love socializing with the people here. I never thought I’d get so attached but everyone here is so sweet, you can’t help it.”
She’s excited about implementing some changes in the coming year that she hopes will engage more community members to check out the center. She already started by taking a group of 15 to the DeKalb County Health Fair in recent weeks. They had a Halloween party and are now getting ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
“We’re looking to do a yard sale with the proceeds going to fund a group trip to the Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens,” she said.
She’s thinking about a painting class and talking with participants about what new activities they would enjoy.
“They are family to me, and we’d like to see our family grow,” Denise said. “Anyone interested or who knows someone who might enjoy the center should just stop by. I will welcome them with open arms and encourage them to join our family.”
A first-time visit
That’s exactly what 80-year-old Peggy Pruitt did on a recent Friday.
“We’ve talked about doing it for so long and just haven’t done it until today,” Peggy said of visiting the center. “We moved here five years ago, and I’ve found it hard to meet people here.”
Visitors Michael Hagans and Peggy Pruitt talk with Denise Sharpley at the Rainsville Senior Center.
Her son Michael Hagans, 57, woke up to make it happen on this day.
“I told her today is the day and here we are,” Michael said. He plans to visit with her, much like Wilda’s daughter’s do.
“This is a great resource, especially for people who may not have family in the area,” Michael said.
Peggy said she enjoyed her first visit.
“We met a few people and had lunch,” Peggy said. “I’ll be back.”
Rainsville is a city of 5,000 residents on top of Sand Mountain in DeKalb County.
Denise said anyone interested may stop by at the center, located in the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center, 115 Main St. W, or call 256-638-4343.
Jim SmithEleanor AmmonsJanice ThomasWilda WilbornMargaret McSpaddenGail BenefieldJ.D. EllisJ.R. RicheyHelen Smith
A new cookbook is in the works by the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) and all 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) throughout the state aiming to showcase delicious recipes from each county.
“We are excited about this cookbook that will highlight some of the best cooks and recipe collectors in the TARCOG region,” said Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey. “I love to cook, and I know many in the region do as well so we’re looking forward to seeing some great recipes and the stories behind them.”
What kinds of recipes?
Judging will occur at local and county levels to determine which recipes will make it into the new cookbook. Then at state level, a final judging will determine the best recipes in the state for the following categories:
Breads, Loaves & Muffins
Main Dishes
Side Dishes
Desserts (Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Bars & Candy)
This & That (Miscellaneous)
How to submit
In the TARCOG region, Sheila said submission forms will be available at senior centers in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties, where each center will have its own competition to determine which recipes win in each category for the first round of judging.
From there, a countywide judging is anticipated through each Council on Aging, in which one winner in each category will be selected for inclusion into the cookbook. The TARCOG region will have up to 25 featured recipes in the cookbook, Sheila said.
Two “feature” recipes will be highlighted from each AAA. These recipes will include additional information on the recipe, the originator of the recipe and its legacy. Photos and stories will be published in the cookbook.
A state event
And there’s more. There are plans for those who make it into the cookbook to have an opportunity to prepare their recipe for an ADSS event in Montgomery for the members of the State Legislature, who will vote on their favorite recipes to determine state winners.
When it will be ready for sale
The cookbook will be ready for sale during Older Americans Month in May 2025, Sheila said. The name of the cookbook has not yet been revealed.
“This is a great way to capture some of our family traditional recipes that have been handed down through generations to those which were put together by creative cooks,” Sheila said. “We’re looking forward to seeing all of them.”
Submission deadline
Deadlines for submission will be set in each individual county until mid-December. Anyone with questions may contact TARCOG at 256-830-0818.
The Rebuild Alabama Act (RAA) Annual Grant Program for FY25 has been announced and is now accepting applications through February 7, 2025.
A new cookbook is in the works by the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) and all 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) throughout the state aiming to showcase delicious recipes from each county.