Over in Jackson County, if you’re headed toward Tennessee and Georgia, you’ll find the small town of Stevenson nestled between Hollywood and Bridgeport.
If it’s in the morning, there’s most likely a group at the Senior Citizens Center laughing and enjoying a game of Rummikub. Center Manager Glenda Taylor says it’s a healthy competition among the regulars.
“Glenda would probably like us to do other things, but we’re obsessed with that game,” said Peggy Krause, who will turn 90 this year. “It gives your mind a workout.”
The game box reads “The Original Rummikub — Brings people together. It’s a fast-paced game of strategy and luck that reinforces skills like sequencing, pattern recognition and planning. In the game players take turns placing numbered tiles in runs or groups, Rummy style – the first player to use all of their tiles wins
“I enjoy the game, it’s fun,” says Betty Harris, 60. “I went and bought me one for the house and enjoy playing it with my family too.”
Betty’s first started going to the center before Covid and came back last year.
“I like talking to people and it gets me out of the house,” she added.
Peggy first started going to the center years ago with her husband, who was nine years older.
“When he retired, we started going and we went until he died about 14 years ago. Then I didn’t go for a while because I was still young enough to go out and shop own my own,” she said. “Then in the last year or so I realized I’m getting older and started going back and I enjoy it.”
She’s taken friends to the center for a cup of coffee and visit.
“I told her Glenda makes good coffee … so she went and loved it and wanted to go every day,” Peggy added. When a neighbor asked her about the center and the food, she explained that she likes seeing the people at the center and she enjoys the food.
“It’s not like Mama’s cooking, but I always eat something on my plate because I feel like the meal is good for you,” Peggy says. “So, I go in and have a cup of coffee in the morning, work on a puzzle and when someone else gets there we start a game of Rummikub.”
Betty said another important thing about the center is that you can talk about topics that others may not understand.
“Everybody here is polite and gets along together and we can talk about things here and you can leave it here. People don’t tell it anywhere else and that’s nice,” Betty added.
She laughed about the center to be a good place to get away from your spouse too.
“If you have a husband and want to stay away from him as much as you can, it helps to have a place to go,” she said jokingly. “My husband will say, “Ain’t you going to the center today or I thought you’d be gone by now.”
Glenda says puzzles and the pool table are also popular with the current regulars who come to the center.
“I’d say we’re creatures of habit here,” she says, but the group does enjoy going on outings together to health fairs, a movie, or out to dinner. Sometimes they have cookouts. But in all things their number one goal is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
According to the 2020 census, 1,955 people call Stevenson home, and 16 percent of those residents are 65 and older. The Senior Citizens Center there was established Sept. 27, 1973. It closed for a period during the COVID-19 pandemic, but since it reopened, there are 15 community members who drop in for lunch and other activities. Another 12 homebound seniors receive home delivered meals.
Glenda says anyone interested in learning more about the center may call 256-437-3015 or stop by at 280 City Park Road.
Elkmont Senior Center location in the old train depot building.
One thing you’re sure to find at the Elkmont Senior Center is good conversation.
Currently housed in the old train depot building, the center is waiting to move into the old town hall building next door in January. The building has been renovated to accommodate the center and its participants in this small Limestone County town of about 411 people.
Some say they’ll miss the old train depot building. The truth is, though, they don’t really care where they gather as long as they have a place to meet.
The center serves hot lunches and delivers meals to homebound as well. There’s exercise equipment, a pool table, games and puzzles. But a group of center regulars seem content to sit and visit with each other.
Sheila Vickers, Becky Proctor and Maxine Compton
Early in the morning, Maxine Compton, 90, sits with Sheila Vickers, center manager and Becky Proctor, a center assistant, talking about dishes to be prepared for an upcoming holiday.
2025 will bring a new location
The move to the new center comes up and Maxine jokes — “I’m afraid I’ll die out before we get there,” and laughs saying the move has been discussed for a long time.
“She keeps saying she’s going to check out on us but she better not,” Sheila added.
Dates have been set. The center will close on Dec. 20 and reopen in the new location, where the old Town Hall was located, within walking distance of the current location.
New Elkmont Senior Center location in the old Town Hall building.
Elkmont and the military
Maxine said she hopes to take a series of framed photos of community members who served in the military.
“This was a special project we did,” Maxine said. “It wasn’t tied to any special occasion, we just started asking people in the community to bring in photos of their family or friends from the town who served in the military.”
It took longer to get the pictures than it did to put them together, she said.
“Let me show you my husband,” as she points to Harold “Hoot” Compton in a Navy uniform. He was 17 at the time. She said he got his nickname as a small boy because he went around hooting like a hoot owl all the time.
Maxine Compton points to a photo of her husband, “Hoot.”
Did he still do it as an adult?
“Until the day he died,” Maxine added with a smile. “No one knew his real name; everyone knew him as Hoot.”
“He lied about his age when he joined the Navy, and they were on a ship headed to Japan when they figured out, he was only 17,” Maxine recalled. “They were going to send him home, but he wouldn’t get on a plane, he just wouldn’t do it, so they ended up letting him stay.”
She said he never got on an airplane at any time during his life. The pair married 1953. He died in 2007.
Fun and Games
As more people arrived, Madison Herron from North Alabama Hospice is among them, ready to play games and give away prizes. The group discussion continued about popular places to shop and the differences between area stores.
Madison Herron with North Alabama Hospice plays games and gives out prizes at the Elkmont Senior Center.
Back to the new building, Sheila mentions they will be grateful for a new three compartment sink and new upgraded kitchen equipment, where 12 to 14 hot meals will be served in the center each weekday. Another 20-plus meals are delivered to homes thanks to volunteers who help.
Sheila Vickers and Angie Holt
As meals arrived for the day, the group disbursed as volunteers got busy finishing preparations for home delivered meals.
Volunteers deliver meals
Glenn Turner, who turns 76 in January, has been delivering meals for years.
“I just like to help people,” Glenn said.
His caregiver, Angie Holt, has been going with him for the past two years to help out. Bobby and Wanda Emerson also volunteer to deliver meals.
Jim Johnson
Why come to the Senior Center?
Jim Johnson, 79, said he’s been a regular at the Senior Center for the past 14 years after he retired as postmaster and school bus driver.
“All the people here are the reason I like to come,” Jim said. “It’s a nice bunch of folks.”
Born in Nebraska, Jim’s family moved to Elkmont when he was 13. When his dad was transferred back to Nebraska five years later, Jim decided to stay here. He eventually met and married his wife, Linda.
“She’s volunteering at the library today but normally she comes here when she’s not volunteering or we don’t have a doctor’s appointment,” Jim said.
Charles Christensen, is 86 but says his age “keeps changing every minute, every second really.” He and his wife, Peggy, who also owns a local antiques shop, have been coming to the center for 15 years “for the lunches and comradery.”
He also likes to use the exercise equipment.
“It’s good to have around because it encourages us as we get older to do something,” he said. “Taking trips as a group are also enjoyable.”
Charles brought up the bike and walking trail behind the old depot building. On what was once the train boarding area, a large Santa Claus and “the Elkmont Elk,” overlook the town’s Tinsel Trail set up for the Christmas holidays, right along the trail.
Charles Christensen
The biking and hiking trail winds from Veto through the heart of Elkmont to Mitchell-Coffman Park at Piney Chapel in Athens. It’s a little more than 10 miles and it used to be part of the old L&N railroad line.
Senior employment
Becky Proctor, 68, is part of a TARCOG senior employment program and works at the center to help clean up after lunch and willing to do anything else that’s needed.
“I did fall in love with this center,” Becky said. “I think everyone here is closer, it’s smaller and because we’re together most every day everyone is open.
Becky Proctor
Sharing and caring
“We all know everybody’s whole life,” Maxine added. It’s like a counseling center
“At the new center we may get a couch and let people take turns laying on it, Sheila joked.
“Or a recliner,” Charles added.
“Hey, what about a nap room?” Jim suggested.
Snakes and other critters
From there, the conversation turned to snakes, partly because of a recent episode of the popular TV series Yellowstone was discussed in which rattle snakes played a prominent role.
There was mention of rattlesnake rodeos held in Opp in south Alabama and Georgia
Charles talked about the generous population of rattlers near the Elk River in the western part of Limestone County.
“My wife and I taught our kids not to be scared of snakes,” he said. “We bought a book so they could learn the different types.
He recalls one day seeing his daughters walking around outside with speckled king snakes wrapped around their necks and handling them.
“They’re very docile snakes,” he said, “And they knew that from the book.”
Sheila said in her home, with four boys growing up, instead of flowers on her kitchen table she had snakes, frogs, turtles and lizards.
“One time we had a babysitter and when we got home, the boys had taken bullfrogs in the bath tub with them and then had a frog jumping contest down the stairs. The babysitter said they told her they did it all the time,” she recalled. “I told her, no, they don’t.”
Something for everyone
Paul Cluxton
“Mr. Paul” Cluxton, 88, starting coming to the center when he moved in with his son several years ago.
“Nice people here,” he said. “They bring me coffee with salt, something I picked up going to school.”
He has a stack of word find books that he enjoys working on to keep his mind sharp.
“I got to coming here and started doing these (word find puzzles) and the more I do, the more they give me and now I have a pile of them, but it keeps me busy,” Mr. Paul said. “I do three or four a day.”
Larry Nichols, 74, is a fixer of small things like flashlights.
“This is a great place for company,” he said. “There’s good friendship here and everybody tries to help everybody.
Larry Nichols
Concern for friends
Conversation continued about people who weren’t there – with reports on who was at a doctor visit, with family or recovering from an illness or surgery.
Larry described Elkmont as friendly place filled with helpful people in general. He recalled giving directions to a man looking for the local pizza place.
“I told him to be careful that he could get killed around here – with kindness,” he added.
Sheila says anyone interested in visiting the center should stop by or give her a call at 256-732-4777.
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.
We know how dedicated our staff works to — enrich the lives of those who are aging and disabled in our community — AND assist municipal and county governments to make our area an even better place to live.
You can vote for TARCOG at the link below in the Services Section..
Friends gather at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Senior Center in North Huntsville.
Whether you want to take a walk, swim, unwind in a hot tub, use exercise equipment, socialize, or enjoy a nutritious meal, all of this — and more — is available to residents of North Huntsville at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center.
The Harrison Center stands out as a unique senior center in North Alabama. Like other centers in the region, it offers free nutritious meals and informative programs, but it goes further with its wellness center. For just $15 per month, members have access to a gym, pool, hot tub, exercise classes, engaging activities, field trips, and special classes.
With around 600 active members, the center is led by Deitrick Smart, who has served as director for the past year and a half. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the center sees an average of 150 to 250 visitors daily, with 35 receiving hot meals. On Soul Food Thursdays, meals are available for purchase at $5 each, though quantities are limited.
Every month, the center hosts a birthday celebration and for October, Lela Crutcher was recognized as the “most seasoned” as she turned 85 on Oct. 19.
“I feel good,” Lela said. “I’ve been coming here since they opened, we were on Blue Spring Road at first, but this is a place to come and socialize and be celebrated.”
On a sponsored lunch day, Mary Cable, 90, is taking up lunch tickets in the buffet line because she likes to keep her hands busy.
“I enjoy the people here and meeting new people,” Mary said. “I like to exercise and play Bingo. I’m old but I’m still doing what I can.”
From left, seniors participate in exercise class and strength training at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center.
Keeping seniors active
Deitrick said he likes to focus on keeping seniors active, which is right in his element since he has degrees in health education, recreation and sports.
“Research continues to show that staying fit provides a better quality of life in the long run,” he said. “Strength training is important as you age to keep you strong and to build muscle.”
Deitrick Smart, director at the Bob Harrison Center.
Deitrick said keeping a healthy mindset is important. He’s talked to people who think once you retire you stop. “But not here. People are coming every day when the center opens at 7:30 a.m. to go to the gym.”
People enjoy playing Bingo and cards and participating in Arts and Crafts like sewing, but from walking to working out, staying fit stays top of mind.
Elisha Wynn, 77, and his wife Jennifer Wynn, 76, love the center being five minutes from their home.
“We enjoy the walking track,” Elisha said.
Eutiquio Martinez, will be 91 on Halloween Day. He and wife Alicia, 85, have been members for three years.
“We use all of the facilities to work out and stay fit,” he said. “And then there’s the friendships we have with so many people. We have so many commonalities, we’re the same age and we communicate very well.”]
Eddie Turner, 79 and ¾, said he holds member number 29. Or maybe it’s 35, but he remembers Bob Harrison recruiting him to come to the center when it first opened.
Card games like Big Whist and socialization are important.
“And exercise doesn’t hurt anyone,” Eddie added.
Beverly Bryant Redrick, 75, has been a member since it first opened but she didn’t really start visiting the center until she retired.
“I’d get up and didn’t want to come and I’m still that way but once I get here, I’m fine and I enjoy it,” Beverly said.
She goes to the gym every day, plays Bingo on Tuesdays, does chair aerobics on Mondays and Wednesdays and line dancing on Fridays.
“We have a wonderful (line dancing) teacher and I’m not the youngest but I’m not the oldest and it’s a lot of fun,” Beverly said.
Rebecca Bradshaw, 71 years young, has been coming over a year for her health and she encourages everyone she meets to join her.
“I don’t get paid or get any stock to help promote the place,” she laughed. “But I love this place and like to encourage others to come because I try to come five days a week, do yoga, strength training, Tai Chi, circuit training, water aerobics and the meals.”
Amenities
Nestled in the picturesque Cedar Point neighborhood off Pulaski Pike, at the foothills of the Wade Mountain Nature Preserve, the 20,000 square foot center sits on about 48 acres. It lives up to its name with the following amenities:
Heated swimming pool and hot tub with handicapped access
Water aerobics
Water yoga
Basic swimming classes
Indoor rubberized track
Outdoor nature walking trail
Strength training
Exercise equipment including:
pneumatic strength-training machines
treadmills
exercise bicycles
upper body recumbent cycles
total body recumbent steppers
elliptical trainers
Chair exercise
Chair yoga
Flat-screened televisions members can watch as they exercise
Arts and crafts studio with classes including:
basic sewing
needlecraft
crocheting
quilting
drawing
water coloring
gardening
Computer lab
Nutritional Lunch Program
TARCOG presents programs geared to helping seniors in connect with senior services
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System teaches enrichment programs on health, education, and finance.
An outdoor pavilion
From left, seniors are happy to be at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center, enjoying a Soul Food Thursday and working in the Arts and Craft Room.
The center’s history
The center’s founder, Bob Harrison, who died in 2017, served as the Madison County Commissioner for District 6 for several years. He had a vision for the “graying” community of Northwest Huntsville and worked to obtain funding for the namesake 20,000 square foot center, which officially opened in February 2013.
Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards, District 6
In 2020, Violet Edwards was elected to the Madison County Commission for District 6, and she took the torch and assumed the leadership of sustainment and progression for the center. She procured 21.53 acres of land adjoining the center’s property to enlarge the campus’ footprint, bringing the total acreage to approximately 48 acres.
“Before I came here for the first time, I was told it was a magical place,” Violet said. “And you know what, it was true. From the minute you walk through the front door, there is no depression or sadness but there is friendship and fellowship.”
Anyone living in District 6 qualifies for free transportation to and from the center, all that’s required is a stop by the center’s front desk to get on the list.
The District 6 boundaries are primarily North Central Urban District that includes Alabama A&M. Primarily Governors Drive and University Drive, north on Rideout Road to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, Bob Wade Lane to the north and then south along the Alabama A&M University ridge to Meridian Street to Holmes Avenue
Wellness center members are allowed to bring guests, age 40 and older, who must sign a waiver each visit and pay a $5 fee. They must sign a waiver and pay $5.00 for each visit.
The Madison Senior Center is preparing for its official ribbon cutting in the coming weeks after moving from its longtime location at 1282 Hughes Road to 1329 Brownsferry Road.
The center closed the Hughes Road location on Friday, Sept. 27. Center Director Levoneia Ayers said her staff has been busy packing, unpacking, and working to set up the new center to open on Monday, Oct. 21.
“Our new center is absolutely gorgeous with plenty of room to grow,” Ayers said, noting that there will a limited activity schedule at first.
If interested in membership, contact the center at 256-772-6242, seniorcenterinfo@madisonal.gov, or visit the new location and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
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
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.
If variety is the spice of life, then the Boaz Senior Center has a popular recipe.
