TARCOG plans to submit a PRO Housing application for a $2,130,122 request from HUD to conduct a housing study across TARCOG and NARCOG regions to identify any barriers that may exist to affordable housing creation.
The request also includes implementation dollars for TARCOG and NARCOG to work with communities presenting barriers through planning resources/services. TARCOG and NARCOG will commit $784,147 of in-kind match for a project total of $2,914,269.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TARCOG Principal Planner Phoenix Robinson who has been elected president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association for the 2025-2026 term.
Before she takes office in 2025, Phoenix will be honored in October at the 2024 Mississippi/Alabama Fall Chapter Conference in Tuscaloosa after being nominated and selected to receive the 2024 Alabama APA Chapter Leadership award for her work on the chapter’s website for the past several years.
“We are so proud of Phoenix,” said TARCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Jordan, FAICP. “To be elected by her peers from around the state to lead this group, of which I’ve been a part of for 30 years, is quite an honor and well-deserved.”
Phoenix will be the second person in TARCOG’s history to serve in the statewide role.
TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry said he’s also proud of the recognition that Phoenix is receiving.
“We see day in and day out the hard work that Phoenix puts in and her commitment to the furthering of the planning profession. To see her rewarded in such a way for the things we see in her on a daily basis brings me great happiness for her,” Lee said. “Phoenix is a tremendous asset to TARCOG, and its member governments and partners and we are excited to see the bright future, that these accomplishments indicate, she has ahead of her.”
The American Planning Association is a national organization of diverse planning and planning-adjacent professionals that helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world.
“This simply means that my colleagues and I are dedicated to service in any applicable capacity that helps communities thrive in a sustainable manner in response to change,” Phoenix said.
She said she will be working with the Chapter’s Executive Committee to advance opportunities for planning professionals across the state. This ranges from budding professionals currently in school to those that have worked in the profession for decades.
She will take office in 2025 and serve a two-year term.
As chapter president, Phoenix will also represent the Alabama on the national APA stage, specifically on the Chapter Presidents Council, which advises APA on various matters of concern.
Phoenix said she joined the state chapter in 2016, while in the community planning graduate program at Auburn.
“As I transitioned into the professional side of membership, I discovered opportunities that the Chapter had not yet taken advantage. Some still exist, while new ones have since been revealed. I am stepping into this role to simply do what I do on a daily basis – help a community, in this case, a statewide community of planners – grow and thrive in response to a changing profession and a changing world.”
If variety is the spice of life, then the Boaz Senior Center has a popular recipe.
Veterans, a retired truck driver, and retail workers along with homemakers, a pastor, and even a local celebrity are among the 70 people who regularly attend the center.
Then, there’s the activities. Exercise classes are held every day. Movies are shown on Mondays. Bible study is in the morning and square dancing is in the evenings on Tuesdays. Bingo and grocery shopping trips happen on Wednesdays. There’s more retail shopping on Thursdays. And there’s also a day to celebrate birthdays for the month. That’s the regularly scheduled events.
On this month’s calendar there’s an NFL Kickoff party, popcorn day, game day with people from the community, Salsa and Chips Day, Tootsie Roll Day, a day for hearing aid checks, a City Singers sing along, Hershey Kiss Day, Silly Hat Day, Taste of Honey Day, a day to get flu shots, and Pop Tart Day.
“This is the best senior center in the state,” declared Linda Nichols, 73. “Pastoring churches, we’ve moved all around the state and all the centers don’t have all of the activities like we have here.
Linda Nichols shows her Bingo Money
“A lot of them just serve hot meals which is good. But the activities are important because it keeps your mind active and then there’s the exercise, dancing, pool and dominoes — anything you can ask for you’ll find it here.”
Providing a wide variety of activities that meets the senior’s needs is the master plan of Susan Duvall, the center manager for 17 years. The gym, library, arts and crafts and billiards rooms are all heavily utilized. Before lunch, a blessing is said over the food and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag is recited.
According to 2023 U.S. Census Data, the city named for Boaz in the Bible, has a population of 10,369. Of those, nearly 15 percent are aged 65 or older.
Susan has a knack for integrating community members of all ages with the seniors. That’s how the Bingo Store came to be.
The Bingo Store
It’s no secret that Bingo is popular. At the Boaz Senior Center, when Bingo starts, all other activities at the center are abandoned. Everyone who plays has a Ziploc bag with their name on it that holds their card and their “Bingo Money” that can only be spent at the Bingo Store.
Every Bingo win earns $1. Danny Hulsey, 73, goes to the center to use the gym and stay in shape, but during Bingo, he volunteers by handing out the Bingo Money.
“They keep it all in the bag and every three weeks, they can go shop in the store,” Susan said.
The store contains clothing, small furniture items, incontinence supplies, walkers, small appliances, purses, socks, jewelry, canned foods and more. Clothes are changed out seasonally and when things aren’t picked up after several months, the center then donates those items to a thrift store.
The Bingo Store
“We have a lot of good stuff,” Susan said. People in the community donate items to the Senior Center for the store as well as books and puzzles for the library.
Junior Civitan Club
For years, the Junior Civitan Club at Boaz Middle School has held a holiday canned food drive for the center’s homebound participants. Over the years, it has evolved into a competition between each grade with the winning class getting a pizza party.
“For the last five or six years, they started donating the money for that pizza party to us,” she said getting teary-eyed thinking about it. “Last year they brought us 500 cans of food. We packed it up for our homebound. Participants with extra healthcare products, shampoo and soap … a lot of the kids said they picked out things their MaMaw would like.”
Susan said she plans a special day with the kids who play Bingo with the seniors and have snacks.
“They just love it,” she said.
Anything left over goes into the Bingo store. All clothing items and canned goods sell for $1 and everything else is priced in increments of $5. Participants can earn up to $100 in Bingo Bingo Store shopping days are every three weeks.
An Active Center
Gail Williams prepares to deliver meals to homebound center participants.
The center has 70 active participants, 40 of those receive hot meals daily. Another 39 people receive home delivered meals from the center. TARCOG’s Director of Aging Programs Director Sheila Dessau-Ivey said the Boaz Center is one of the region’s most active centers.
“In Boaz, the nutritious meal orders are strong and overall, they have excellent participation,” Sheila said.
The Trouble Table
Liz Wrenn, 91, has been going to the center probably longer than anyone else. She’s one of the oldest attendees and she heads up what is known as the “Trouble Table” — but in a fun way.
“We enjoy ourselves,” she said with an infectious laugh. “Because we may not be here tomorrow!”
Lisa Grant, 75, moved to Boaz eight years ago to be closer to her daughter and joined the Senior Center to meet people.
The “Trouble Table” at the Boaz Senior Center includes from left, Liz Wrenn, Lisa Grant, Danny Hulsey providing Bingo Money, Jean Bouldin, Melba Cash and Gail Malone.
“I found the table where the most gossip goes on to keep me informed,” she said.
Liz said she provides all the headlines she knows.
“Look if you can’t laugh then stay at home,” Lisa added.
Gail Malone, 87, and Jean Bouldin, 82, have both been attending the center for the past year and a half. Jean said she loves the Tuesday night dancing. Gail said being around others after the death of her husband helped her out of her depression.
Liz said Gail is the prim and proper one at their table.
“Not really,” Gail said. “I just let them carry one. I sit and listen.”
Reasons to attend
Sam Hudgins wouldn’t reveal his age but said he lives alone and has about worn out his TV watching Westerns. That’s why he enjoys the center because he can socialize, play pool and Bingo.
Beecher Hyde, 92, just retired two years ago after 58 years on the air at WBSA 1300 AM Gospel. Throughout his career, a couple of highlights include interviewing Coach Bear Bryant and riding a horse in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena in 2003.
Beecher Hyde
“When I turned 90, I decided I didn’t want to get up at 4:30 in the morning any longer so I retired,” he said. For years, he talked to Susan on the radio about the happenings at the center, helping promote it to the community. “I didn’t really realize what it meant until I started coming here.”
Charlie Hawkins, 88, and his wife Gladys, 85, have been attending the center since Charlie retired.
“When he retired, he said he couldn’t just sit down and do nothing, so he came and had to talk me into it and I came and it’s a really good place to be,” Gladys said. The couple volunteers to help Susan count up the donations given for lunch each day. “It’s the least we can do to help Susan who does so much for all of us.”
Charlie and Gladys Hawkins count donations for lunch.
Susan said her hard-working and dedicated staff are critical to the center’s success. That includes Gail Williams, Linda Muse, and Melissa Stephens.
“It’s not just a job,” Linda said. “It’s a calling to be here and love on people.”
Anyone in Boaz interested in joining can stop by the center at 112 Church Street or call 256-593-1107 for more information.
Before long, the leaves will start turning from green to gold, red and brown, SEC football Saturdays will be in full swing, and if you’re an avid TV watcher, commercials related to Medicare Open Enrollment will appear.
You know the ones. In the past, they’ve been dominated by former NFL star Joe Namath, actor William Shatner, and comedian J.J. Walker.
While TARCOG staff may be fans of the paid spokesmen, that doesn’t mean we encourage you to listen to them to find the best options for you or your loved ones, said Executive Director Michelle Jordan.
TARCOG is available to assist people in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties with the open enrollment process which starts in October, she said. Open enrollment is the opportunity for participants to compare health and prescription drug plans or add extra benefits. If they haven’t done so already, Jordan encourages all participants to review their plans before the deadline in December.
IMPACT
It’s a move that impacts people’s bottom line and potentially the economy, said Lee Terry, TARCOG’s director of Economic Development and Planning.
“Anywhere we can save money related to our healthcare gives us more income we can spend in other areas to boost the economy,” Lee added.
HOW IT WORKS
Teresa Hazzard is TARCOG’s resource coordinator, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) coordinator and Senior Medicare Patrol counselor. She is the agency’s subject matter expert on all things Medicare-related. And she’s someone you can count on to help you make an unbiased and informed decision. Her goal, along with other SHIP counselors in the region, is to save you money.
“By letting SHIP do a free comparison, you have the opportunity of substantial savings in premium and drug cost,” Teresa said.
For those who have never asked for help from a SHIP counselor before, she encourages them to schedule an appointment for an in-person interview. For those who are repeat clients, a worksheet and telephone appointment will suffice.
She is already scheduling appointments for the enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is the only time of the year that Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Part D Prescription plan or Medicare Advantage Plan.
“As the Medicare Open Enrollment period approaches, seniors will most likely notice an increase in mail from insurance companies offering a variety of plans,” she said. “I always like to advise the community to beware of possible scams.”
TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS
It is important to remember the following:
No one should knock on your door to sell you a policy. They should only come to your home if you have made an appointment.
Never sign paperwork unless you are 100 percent sure that is the plan you want.
Never give out your Medicare number unless it is a Medicare provider. Protect your Medicare number as you protect your Credit/Debit cards and your Social Security cards.
Medicare will NEVER call you on the phone. They will always send a letter requesting that you call them.
Disclaimers from Advantage Plans agencies must be given within the first minute of conversation.
SHIP must be mentioned by agencies who are calling potential clients about commercial content.
All calls must be recorded.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Teresa at 256-830-0818 or at teresa.hazzard@tarcog.us
TARCOG’s longtime elder law attorney LaTanya Rhines has announced her retirement that will be effective at the end of September.
“It’s time,” LaTanya said. “I love what I do, and I am going to miss my clients and co-workers. I just feel like it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life, and I am excited to see what new adventures lie ahead.”
LaTanya will retire after 25 years with TARCOG, serving thousands of clients throughout northeast Alabama. Her accomplishments and contributions to her community and state are many. Highlights include in 2020, Governor Ivey appointed LaTanya to the Alabama Family Trust’s (AFT) Board of Trustees, she currently serves as the board’s secretary. She is a member of the Elder Law Section of the State Bar, and she serves as the chairman of the Guntersville Library Board, vice president of the Lakeview Community Civic Organization, and as clerk for her church.
Executive Director Michelle Jordan said the dedication and care that LaTanya has shown over the past 25years has been invaluable to the agency, but more importantly to the clients that TARCOG serves.
LaTanya will be missed, but to continue serving clients a search for a new elder law attorney is underway.
“We are in a hiring season, and this is just one of our openings,” Michelle said. “If you are a dedicated professional who enjoys helping others, TARCOG may have a job opportunity for your consideration.”
She said TARCOG eagerly welcomes problem solvers, creative thinkers, and service-minded team members to be a part of our mission and impact.
In addition to the elder law attorney, current job openings include:
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager
Grants Administrator
“At TARCOG, we do life-changing work every day,” Michelle said. “Our services improve the lives of over 700,000 residents throughout northeast Alabama.”
TARCOG strives for a supportive work environment dedicated to its core values:
Service
Initiative
Accountability
Transparent Communication
“We are striving to create a work environment at TARCOG that employees never want to leave,” Michelle says. Some of the benefits for all full-time employees include:
Health insurance that is 100 percent paid for employee. Family coverage options are available for an out-of-pocket cost.
Dental and Vision insurance options
Life insurance is 100 percent paid for employee
Retirement Plan options
Annual and Sick Leave
Flexibility for remote and hybrid work, eligibility varies
Ready to join a team where you truly make a difference? Explore our open positions and apply today on Indeed.com
Let’s talk about cooler weather. Or even cold weather. How about snow? Have you started thinking about your holiday plans yet?
Here at TARCOG, the holidays are top of mind for our aging and disabled populations because while the weather may be colder, the season can be lonely and depressing.
“That’s why we started our annual Winter Wishes,” said Medicaid Waiver Program Manager Melissa Brinkley. “TARCOG provides care to a growing caseload more than 1,000 clients and starting this month, TARCOG case managers are talking to clients about their needs and wants to create wish lists for those clients.
“While the majority of TARCOG’s clients are older, case managers who work with disabled clients may be working with infants, teens, and even middle-aged populations as well,” Melissa said.
This year, Melissa is putting out the word early that more sponsors will be needed this year to help fulfill the wishes.
“In this program, we ask interested sponsors to fill at least one of the wishes on a person’s list,” she said. “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.”
Sponsors range from interested individuals to churches, social groups, clubs, neighborhoods, and more.
Anyone can be a sponsor, Melissa said. She encourages anyone interested in participating in Winter Wishes 2024 should contact Amber Millimaki at 256-830-0818 or amber.millimaki@tarcog.us
As we enter September, the TARCOG staff has its eyes set on the 2024 Huntsville Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease in October.
TARCOG’s “The Top Team” will again be walking for a cure and we hope you, your family and friends will join us in this endeavor.
This year’s theme is “Fighting for a Different Future.” For those who work or live with the aging population, we all understand how this disease impacts lives each and every day.
This year, TARCOG wants to raise $3,000 for the walk, which will take place on SATURDAY, OCT. 26 at Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville. Registration and check in begin at 9:30 a.m.. The opening ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the walk.
We would love to have as many people as possible to show up and walk with us.
TARCOG invites you to join our team either as a walker or fundraiser. Follow the link to sign up or to make a donation to The Top Team!
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? I’ve been here nine years and nine months. I process the payroll for TARCOG and the Senior Employment Program — and all other things accounting related.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Exactly who I am now, working in the accounting field, wife, mother and grammy. I have been so blessed and I love my life.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? To spend as much time with my three grandbabies (and their parents) and maybe gain another baby or two!
Who is your hero and why? My high school sweetheart AKA my husband. He continues to support me in everything I do. He’s a good listener and gives the best advice. We love spending time together and now that our children are grown, it has been a blessing watching him be a “Poppy” to our grandbabies.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Probably just doing a much-needed project around my home. Checking things of my “to-do” list makes me happy.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? I actually have two that I try to live by. The first one is if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right the first time and the second one is never put off doing something tomorrow that you can do today. Both of those can apply to my personal life and my professional life.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? This was not intentional, but while picking blackberries in a cow pasture several of us were chased by a Brahman bull, we had to wade a creek and cross under a bob-wire fence to return to our vehicle. I’m a farm girl and usually this type of thing does not scare me, but that day was very frightening!
Needless to say, we left our buckets of blackberries in the pasture and never returned for them!
Who knows you the best? I would say my husband of 40 years, we share everything.
What would you do if you won the lottery? You must play to even dream about winning and I’m too frugal to do so. I think I will just keep what I have worked for.
Congratulations Susan! Thank you for all that you do!
The Limestone County Council on Aging and Limestone Manor will hold a free 2024 Health Fair — Treasure Your Health — on Friday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Central Church of Christ Gym, 320 Highway 31 N. in Athens.
If variety is the spice of life, then the Boaz Senior Center has a popular recipe.
