June 30. 2025
TARCOG held a public hearing for the Area Agency on Aging’s Area Plan for FY 2026-2029.
If you have questions please call TARCOG at 256-830-0818.
June 27, 2025
TARCOG is here to help with current transportation funding opportunities. Contact us soon as deadlines are in July!
Applications are open for the FY 2026 Local Road Safety Initiative (LRSI) Program. ALDOT will allocate federal funds in the amount of $4.5 million for the LRSI program to be paired with a 10% local match for a total program amount of approximately $5 million towards safety improvement projects for local agencies.
This initiative is available to cities and counties for both rural and urban non-State maintained roadways with significant safety risks. Applications submitted through this initiative must be in accordance with the most recent Alabama Strategic Highway Safety Plan and applicable Local Road Safety Plans if one has been developed by the county that the location falls within.
The High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Special Rule has been triggered for FY 2026.
Click here to read the full announcement
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), Local Transportation Bureau, is now accepting Applications for funding consideration through the Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides funding for transit services that assist the State’s population of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
The following organizations are eligible to submit an application for the Section 5310 program:
Federal funds administered through ALDOT are only extended to agencies providing transit services in the small urban and rural areas of the State.
Available federal capital funds for the Section 5310 program are approximately $ 1,908,558 for small urban areas and $ 2,551,285 for rural areas. A local match of 20 percent is required.
For more information or any questions or information requests about either opportunity, please contact TARCOG Economic Development & Planning Staff at 256-830-0818.
June 26, 2025
There are two important signs outside the Martling Friendship Center. One identifies the building and the other tells you about its focus.
When you open the front door, you understand why the “Quilts for Sale” sign out front is so important. The pulpit that served the Ephesus Primitive Baptist Church for years is there, surround by quilts on display.
To the left, quilts are on the exercise equipment but can easily be moved to use the treadmill or bicycles. Then to the right, a large bolt of batting is set up. And along one wall is an old church pew filled with quilt tops from people in the community waiting for the ladies at the friendship center to finish the quilts.
The quilting frame takes up a large portion of the right side of the room and stays in use daily.
“We’re more than just quilting here,” said Joyce Lambert, 81. “But we do a lot of it and enjoy it.”
On a recent Tuesday morning, there are five ladies working on a quilt. Along with Lambert is Eva Kelly, 86, Evelyne Shirey, 75, Mary West, 86 but soon to be 87, and Mary Germain, 82. There are four more ladies who regularly work on the quilts too, she added.
It’s a good thing because that bench is full of projects for them.
Denise Williams, the center manager said they quilt three to four a week, depending on the size.
The ladies paid tribute to Gail Hyde, who either helped teach them or invited them to the center to join the quilting bee. Gail died in December 2023, but she is not forgotten.
“She left a lot of good memories here,” Evelyn said. “She fixed clothes and hemmed them, made tops and donated a lot of things.”
Aside from the quilts, which is a big draw to the center, there’s also fun, games and food there. That’s the friendship part.
“They kidnapped me,” Joyce said joking. “No, they invited me here …”
Mary West said she’s been going to the center for years because she likes everyone there.
“We can be ourselves and we play with each other, have a good time,” she said. “And we all get along.”
At a nearby table, Lois Gilstrap, 85, is working on a puzzle, but her reasons for coming to the center are simple.
“I needed a place to play Rook!” Lois said. “And it motivates me to get up and get going. Otherwise, I’d probably sit at home in my pajamas all day.”
Bingo is another popular activity which took place today. And while waiting for lunch to be served, the conversations focused on everything from favorite restaurants to trips the group has taken together or are planning. Everyone is looking forward to taking a trip to Isom’s Apple Orchard near Athens on June 25.
“We have a lot of fun here,” said Lynn Christian, 67. She and her husband Dean, 70, have been going to the center a few years.
Bobby Rice, 88, said he’s been a regular at the center for about five years because he likes to play games, Bingo, and sometimes he goes on the center’s trips.
“There’s a lot of good comraderie here,” said JoAnn Richey, 83.
Denise started working at the center in 2018 as the bus driver before she became center manager when the job opened up. But her history with the center goes back to her childhood.
She said her grandmother was the first manager of the Martling Friendship Center, and she attended the old Ephesus Primitive Baptist Church, the building in which the friendship center is now located.
“When I was a kid I came to the center a lot in the summer,” Denise recalled. “I guess even when I was young, I was old.”
Her love for the center and its participants shows.
Denise said the center serves 25 hot meals daily each week and delivers nine meals to homebound participants. Rides to the center are available by calling the center at 256-878-5751.
More recently, the community is sometimes called MAPS – to include Martling, Asbury and Poplar Springs. Everyone knows about the quilting and the center’s raffle held every three or four months. This month a patriotic quilt featuring an American Eagle and American flag is up for grabs in honor of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. For $1 tickets, stop by the center.
Denise said the funds raised from the quilts help pay for the center’s day trips or special group outings to eat.
“Anybody can join us here,” Eva Kelly said.
“That’s right. We’re more than happy for anyone to sign up,” Denise said. “These ladies will teach you how to sew or you can play Rook or have fun playing Bingo and any of the other activities we have here.”
The center is located at 4059 Martling Road outside of Albertville in Marshall County.
June 16, 2025
During June, around the U.S., awareness is placed on Medicare fraud prevention and elder abuse. At TARCOG, Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey said the observances are an opportunity to expand the conversation to include all types of fraud and scams because it is so prevalent among the aging community.
“These are all very important topics all year long,” Sheila said. “We try to highlight national observances through community and staff education and awareness, but these are issues that we are constantly tracking and working to let our seniors know what to be mindful of when new scams start showing up because unfortunately, it’s an ongoing crime.”
On the front lines to educate and provide tools and tactics to safeguard against becoming a victim is Teresa Hazzard. She is TARCOG’s Senior Medicare Patrol coordinator. Her name may be familiar because she’s also the coordinator of the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) helping clients with Medicare Open Enrollment.
In recent weeks, she’s been upset with herself because for the second year in a row, she’s been targeted by scam artists.
“I teach this, and I know how it works, but let me tell you, when someone is on the phone telling you that they’re calling from the police department and if you don’t do what they say you will be going to jail if you don’t give them money, it rattles you. It did me.”
Teresa has never even had a speeding ticket. She had no idea why she might be in trouble and could not recall anything in her past that might lead to a warrant being issued for her arrest. After talking to the caller, she decided that she would turn herself in.
“I picked up my purse and went to a coworker’s office on my way out the door and told her I was going to turn myself in … I told her the whole story, and she helped calm me down and realize that it was a scam,” Teresa said. “This is embarrassing but it just goes to show how convincing these people can be when they’re trying to con you out of your money.”
Last year, her bank account got raided because of a Netflix offer that turned out to be a scam.
“I’ve wondered if I should be the person doing this job, but look, it really goes to show you how convincing they can be and why it’s important to remain vigilant,” Teresa said. “And never, never give out your personal information over the phone or agree to give someone you don’t know money.”
Sometimes as you get older, you also have to be concerned about giving people you do know money because there are unscrupulous people among us who will take advantage. For older people, it is one form of elder abuse.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed on June 15 each year to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
In addition to special presentations on elder abuse in the community throughout the month, TARCOG staff also participated in a training class for elder abuse awareness. The training was called: Not On Our Watch: Recognizing Abuse, Responding with Action
“At TARCOG, we are here to support our aging population,” Sheila said. “Promoting awareness days for the issues that we all need to be reminded of as we age are among the small ways that we offer assistance.”
For more information contact TARCOG at 256-830-0818.
TARCOG staff participates with their hand prints for a special staff training event for World Elder Abuse Awareness.The training was called: Not On Our Watch: Recognizing Abuse, Responding with Action
TARCOG staff training on elder abuse awareness called: Not On Our Watch: Recognizing Abuse, Responding with Action
Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse cost people money, time, and well-being. The TARCOG Senior Medicare Patrol, which is part of the Alabama Senior Medicare Patrol, of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, wants to empower the community to learn how to prevent Medicare fraud from happening.
The entire first week of June is recognized as Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. TARCOG used social media posts on its Facebook and Instagram feeds to share information each day about ways to safeguard against fraud.
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 has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program,” said Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown. “Alabama Senior Medicare Patrol 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:
Senior Medicare Patrol is ready to provide information to PROTECT individuals from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT concerns. The program can help with questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information and educational presentations.
Contact TARCOG’s Senior Medicare Patrol at 256-830-0818 or the state SMP may be reached at 1-800-243-5463.
May 30. 2025
TARCOG’s Area Agency on Aging is hosting a public hearing to gather input from older adults, caregivers, service providers, and community members across our five-county region that includes Dekalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties.
The meeting will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, June 30, at the North Huntsville Public Library, 3011 Sparkman Drive.
This hearing is a critical part of developing our comprehensive Area Plan for FY 2026-2029, which guides the delivery of coordinated, supportive services, nutrition programs, and senior center activities in our region.
Feedback gathered during this hearing will help us shape programs and services that reflect the real needs of our communities. All voices are welcome, and multiple ways to participate will be provided to ensure accessibility.
We’re especially looking for input from:
Can’t attend in person? You can still share your input via:
Please join us and help shape the future of services for older adults in the TARCOG region.
May 23, 2025
A group of ladies participate in the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) class at the Scottsboro Senior Center.
A group of ladies participate in the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) class at the Scottsboro Senior Center.
Ed Holcomb
Kylan and Ann Lewis
Marie Doss
Wilma Shortt
James Goolesby
Barbara Brune is the office manager at the Scottsboro Senior Center
Mary Lou Bell
Timothy Allen
A group of ladies participate in the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) class at the Scottsboro Senior Center.
A group of ladies participate in the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) class at the Scottsboro Senior Center.
Putting puzzles together at the Scottsboro Senior Center are from left, Ed Holcomb, Eddy Justice, Wilma Shortt, and John Hazel
Playing games and enjoying each others company are from left, Marie Doss, Cynthia Clement, Jean Arnold and Mary Lou Bell
It’s 9:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, in a room overlooking the Tennessee River at the Scottsboro Senior Center. A group of ladies warm up and prepare to SAIL – Stay Active and Independent for Life.
SAIL is an evidence-based strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chances of falling, said Brenda Walls, the nutrition program manager and SAIL class leader.
She said the entire curriculum of activities in the SAIL Program can help improve strength and balance, if done regularly. At the Scottsboro Senior Center, the SAIL class is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays and has good attendance.
This year, Brenda and members of the class will be presenting a SAIL class to help fellow seniors from around the warm up before the 2025 TARCOG Senior Fun Fest in Huntsville.
“I wouldn’t do it if I was at home,” Teresa Riddle, 84, said of the exercises. It’s easier to do it with friends.
Delora Morgan, 85, said her cardiologist encouraged her to start doing balance exercises and that’s why she joined the class.
Mary Lou Bell, “Ms. Bell,” 96, recently hurt her leg and can’t lift it too high right now, but said she enjoys the class and continues to do the best she can.
Grace Sealy, (need AGE), said she loves the class.
“It’s easy to do and I enjoy coming to the Senior Center because it keeps me out of the recliner,” Grace said.
Linda Fleming, (need AGE), said she believes moving is important and that’s why she enjoys the class.
“It keeps me moving,” Linda said.
Marilyn Goosby said exercise has always been important to her.
“Since I retired last September, this is a good place” to participate.
Pattie Sharp, 80, soon to be 81, also enjoys the class.
“Brenda is great … she keeps me on my toes and that’s nice because I can do these exercises from my wheelchair and it’s exercise that I enjoy.”
In addition to the SAIL class, there’s games, puzzles, activities, lunch, and group outings available too.
The center also works to make sure special holidays are commemorated like Mother’s Day, celebrated in May. A special Father’s Day event will be held in June.
“We kept saying we would come and never did,” said Brenda Potter, 74, of she and her husband. “Then one day, about a year ago, we finally came, and I like the exercise classes and talking to different people.”
Bernie Arnold, 89, said he enjoys the atmosphere provided at the center.
“I like to associate with people and food here is OK. It’s a good place to get out and see friends,” Bernie said. “I don’t know everybody by name, but we all get along and have fun.”
After the exercise class, Ms. Bell and many of the others move to a large community room. Ms. Bell is chatting and playing a card game with Jean Arnold, Cynthia Clements and Mary Doss.
Ms. Bell has been coming to the center longer than anyone else. She’s known around the center for great memory her thoughtfulness in remembering everyone’s birthday with a greeting card.
“I like keeping up with everybody,” Ms. Bell said.
Jean said she starting coming to the senior center after her husband died to keep from being so lonesome, while Cynthia said games like Bingo are fun for her.
Mary said she’s been going to the center for 20 years.
“I enjoy the fellowship and food,” Mary said. “It’s a good clean place with a good bathroom, exercise, just everything about it is good.”
Brenda said the center actively holds yard sales and auctions to fund their field trips.
“This year we’ve a yard sale and two auctions and raised $541.50 to help fund a trip,”
One senior participant sure to be on the trip is Wilma Shortt, 87. She’s been going to the center “a long time” because she loves being with people.
“At my age and being a widow, I just can’t do without it,” Wilma said. “When it was closed during Covid, I missed it so much.”
When she tells friends about the center, she tells them by not going they “don’t know what they’re missing.”
Brenda said anyone wanting to learn more about the Scottsboro Senior Center can call 256-574-6733, or stop by between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The center is located at 146 Rita Williams Drive.
Jean Arnold
Mary Lou Bell gives Bernie Arnold a birthday card signed by friends at the Scottsboro Senior Center while Cynthia Clement looks on.
Scottsboro Senior Center Manager Brenda Walls
Billy Dunn
Jeanine Lawson
Staff and volunteers preparing lunch at the Scottsboro Senior Center
Linda Miller and Jerry Miller
There are many nice views at the Scottsboro Senior Center
Pathway connecting the Scottsboro and Jackson County Senior Center/Council on Aging office.
May 14, 2025
About 850 seniors from northeast Alabama turned out Tuesday, May 13, to celebrate Older Americans Month at TARCOG’s Annual Senior Fun Fest in Huntsville. People got there early to participate in line dancing and Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) classes before the day’s festivities got started
During the opening ceremony, TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Jordan talked briefly about how thankful TARCOG is for the funds that have always allowed the agency to provide services to the aging community through our Area Agency on Aging (AAA). She said with potential federal budget cuts on the table, she and AAA Vice President Lane Delaney involved attendees to record a video to send to federal legislators to let them know how important the services are in their daily lives.
Then, the fun continued with the western Rodeo Roundup theme. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center in Huntsville.
The 38th Annual Senior Fun Fest featured a talent show with entries from DeKalb, Jackson, Madison and Marshall counties.
From a Western swing ballad, a country classic and a HEE-HAW blast from the past, everyone enjoyed the performers in the Western Showdown Talent Show as part of the 2025 Senior Fun Fest.
Thanks to contestants:
Mike Ball, who performed “Miles and miles of Texas,” representing the Huntsville-Madison County Council on Aging
Wilma Shortt, who sang “Hey, Good Lookin’ ” accompanied by Jimmy Ray Weatherby – representing the Jackson County Council on Aging- Alabama
Paying homage to the HEEHAW Gossip Girls was Deva Day, twins Sherry and Terri Landers and Sharon Culpepper from the Ider Senior Center representing DeKalb County Transportation and Council on Aging.
And the winners, the Guntersville Senior Center Zumba Gold Ladies representing the Marshall County Council on Aging.
There was BINGO, photo booths, music and live entertainment. Service providers from throughout the region set up in an Exhibition Area to provide information and giveaways. A Masters Games area was also available allowing attendees to play horseshoes, corn hole, Nerf ball throw, and basketball.
There was popcorn, cotton candy and lunch before the finale with door prizes. The annual is named Fun Fest for a reason, and according to several participants – it lived up to the name because it was used repeatedly to describe it.
This event would not be possible without the generous help of our sponsors AND this year’s event co-coordinators Emmitt Davis and Lydia Weeks. What an incredible job they did leading the TARCOG staff to put on this year’s Fun Fest.
Comments from Fun Fest attendees around the TARCOG Region:
Jackson County
Wilma Shortt, 87, of Scottsboro, sang a Hank Williams classic, “Hey, Good Lookin’ “
In the Western Showdown Talent Show. While she didn’t win, that didn’t bother her. She enjoyed representing Jackson County and the day to celebrate seniors.
“Just being amongst everybody has been fun,” Shortt said. “I love it.”
Mary Ruth Yon, 70, of Scottsboro, said she comes every year and loved “all of it!”
“It was very much fun. I enjoy coming to these and absolutely encourage others to come,” Yon said. “It gets you out of the house, you learn a lot of things, meet a lot of people, play games and it’s fun. It’s a lot of fun!”
Fun is also how Eddy Justice, 76, of Scottsboro, described the day.
“I enjoyed the shows and had a lot of fun,” Justice said.
DeKalb County
Patsy Griggs, 79, of Lookout Mountain, said she enjoyed everything at Senior Fun Fest.
“I really loved all of it,” Griggs said. “I came because I thought it would be a lot of fun and it was and we’re involved with Masters Games, so it was good to participate in that. Plus, she won a prize in Bingo.
It was the second time Denise Harris, 69, of Fort Payne in DeKalb County attended a Senior Fun Fest.
“We enjoy Masters Games a lot, so we got to practice our cornhole and nerf today and we played Bingo,” Harris said. “It has been a fun day.”
Lynn King, who is the manager of the Fort Payne Senior Center said it was good to see all of the seniors having a great time at the event.
Rickey Garner, 68, of Ider, said he liked seeing all the people, and walking around to see everything.
Sherry Landers, 42, of Ider, also enjoyed walking around and meeting new people. She also performed in the talent show with three others from the Ider Senior Center.
Madison County
Richard Garner, 71, of Madison County, said he enjoyed festivities fellowship and all of the excitement.
“I like the Tina Turner Show, what they done, really everything has been great. The staff has been so humble and shown a whole lot of courtesy, and I’ve enjoyed it from beginning to the end.”
Carolyn Jackson, 73, of Madison County, said she and her husband truly enjoyed it.
“This is an excellent setting, there’s room to move around,” Jackson said. “I got to visit with the vendors and play some games then got in here and got my Coke, walked around and then sat down. It’s been great, I look forward to next year.”
Former State Representative Mike Ball represented the Madison County Council on Aging in the Western Showdown Talent Show playing a guitar and singing a western ballad, “Miles and miles of Texas.”
“I always enjoy playing,” Ball said. “I would’ve loved to play more.”
Carolyn Wilson, 75, of Huntsville, said it was good to see so many people truly enjoying the day.
“I worked in the Bingo game and it was sensational – I brought some of Bingo cards with me because they were just fantastic,” Wilson said. “Before I went to the Bingo Room I went to booths and got all of the wonderful things they provided to let us read and do … This is a great event and I loved this for the seniors.”
Emma Pride, 78, of Madison County, attends Senior Fun Fest every year.
“I enjoyed it,” she said. “First of all, I won tons of prizes and got great information for seniors. Overall, it’s been a great experience.”
Arlene McDonald, 67-years-young, of Madison County said she loved it.
“TARCOG put on a great show, did a great job and I thank you,” she said.
Marshall County
Joyce Davis, 76, of Boaz, was a first-time attendee.
“It has been a wonderful day,” Davis said. “I’ve enjoyed it very much and all of the fellowshipping with different people. It’s just been a great day and I look forward to the next one.”
Be sure to check out the video here!
2025 TARCOG Senior Fun Fest Co-coordinators – Community Services Coordinator Emmitt Davis and Alabama Cares Coordinator Lydia Weeks.
May 7, 2025
In late March, Donald Kent transitioned from a local skilled nursing facility to his own apartment in thanks to TARCOG’s Gateway to Community Living (GCL) Program.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Mr. Kent said as he was settling in a few days after the move from a nursing home where he lived the previous three years. The transition was made possible with the help of GCL Coordinator Alexis Baker.
She said the whole process starts with a person who can be deemed eligible to live independently with services available from Alabama’s Home and Community-based programs through TARCOG.
Mr. Kent agreed to an apartment off of Whitesburg Drive, which is close to medical services, restaurants and grocery stores.
Then, Alexis continued working on his transition by paying a utilities deposit and submitting the documentation to the apartment complex, purchasing furniture scheduled its delivery. She also met with Mr. Kent, and they worked together to develop his Person-Centered Care Plan.
Next, Alexis went shopping again. This time for basic supplies needed to set up the new home, which she also did once the furniture was delivered.
On Monday, March 31, she did some grocery shopping and put some last-minute touches on the apartment assembly so that when Mr. Kent walked in, he was set up with all of the basic necessities to live on his own again.
Mr. Kent was looking forward to having his own space and quieter surroundings.
The GCL is an initiative of the Alabama Medicaid Agency that helps Alabamians who are aging or have disabilities live at home in their own communities.
Alexis said the process starts with someone in a skilled nursing facility getting a referral to the GCL Program from the facility’s social worker.
“I then receive the referral from the facility and complete a Return to Community Assessment (RCA),” Alexis said. This requires medical records, speaking to the facility staff, family, friends and paid service providers.
“Once the RCA is completed it is sent to the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) for review. The ADSS nurse review will either deem the resident appropriate or not appropriate for the Gateway to Community Living program.
“If the resident is found appropriate for the program, I begin to assist with looking for housing within their preferred area, making deposit payments once housing is obtained, purchasing furniture, and accessories,” Alexis said. “Once the participant is transitioned from the skilled nursing facility into their own living space the resident then becomes a participant on the Alabama Community Transition Waiver (ACT).
Mr. Kent now has a TARCOG case manager who checks on him and makes sure he is thriving in his new home.
Who qualifies for the program? Someone who:
What services can a person get through GCL?
Gateway to Community Living lets eligible people who currently live in a skilled nursing facility enroll in one of Alabama’s Home and Community-based Waiver programs so they can still get the services and supports they need at home.
If you are interested in moving to the community, a trained transition coordinator, like Alexis, can help you find out if you are eligible and talk with you about the available services that would best suit your needs for safe and healthy community living.
Are there any other services that will help someone make a successful transition?
Yes. People who want to return to community living often have some extra needs, such as help with planning the move, obtaining housing or even just some one-time financial help to make utility deposits or purchase basic supplies for the home. At TARCOG, that person is Alexis.
Currently, Alexis is working with a client who will transition into a new home in Scottsboro at the end of May. The TARCOG Region includes DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties.
For more information, contact TARCOG at 256-830-0818.
From left, Donald Kent and Gateway to Community Living Transition Coordinator Alexis Baker at his new apartment.
April 8, 2025
Sometimes, it’s the simplest of reasons people have for visiting their local senior center. Take Dan Champion, 83, for example.
“I’m hungry. It’s the middle of the day and I’m here,” Dan said while sitting with a table of friends who couldn’t agree more including Beecher Griffitts, 86, Bill Self, 82, and Hans Riveros, 86.
“It’s all good, some are better than others, but I don’t complain because I don’t have to cook it and the price is right,” Beecher added.
Across the room, Faye Sangerman, 73 and Debbie Collins, 64, have their own card game going. They love the socialization the center offers.
“I don’t want to stay at home all the time,” Debbie said. “I was a substitute teacher for a while and for a while I just wanted to stay at home all the time but then I realized how important is to get out and be around other people.”
Faye said she likes that it’s easy to be at the East Limestone Center.
“I don’t feel like it too structured, it’s very comfortable here,” she added.
At another table, Marianne Montgomery, 70, Sylvia Vann, 69, and David Mobley, 86, are playing Rummikub – with their rules. They don’t keep score so whoever runs out of tiles first wins.
“I like to go when we go out to eat together or go to a movie,” Marianne said. “I like the social activities because I live by myself, and I enjoy the company here.”
David was NASA engineer who worked with Wernher Von Braun and had a career that could be stressful and frustrating, but never boring. In retirement, he says he likes playing the games, but he primarily comes to the center to exercise and “get out of the house for a while.”
Sylvia said she enjoys the social aspects of the center, and especially enjoys the games, as she wins another round of Rummikub.
There’s a fierce dominoes competition at another nearby table where Brooks Hickman, 63 but soon to be 64, Irene Butler, 91, Carla Watson, 68, and Hans are playing.
Brooks said he’s semi-retired and likes to keep himself occupied by visiting the center.
“It keeps you from being depressed,” Carla said.
Irene said she likes having somewhere to go and appreciates the bus because without it, she couldn’t go anywhere since she’s blind and can no longer drive.
And Hans, he’s focused on “winning dominoes,” he says with a laugh.
Laughter can be heard throughout the center as participants enjoy their conversations and competitions.
The quilting room is no exception. The room is a little emptier than normal on Tuesday, April 8, because the team of six quilters just gave 12 of them to Project Linus in Huntsville last week. The Project Linus group provides blankets to mostly kids in need whether it be in the Natal Intensive Care Unit at a hospital, first responders at a disaster, or social workers who know where there’s a need. In return for their donations, the project provides them with materials to make even more quilts.
The quilters say they love their craft and giving them away.
They also made bags to hold school supplies for children in Africa as part of the Malawi Early Literacy Team program.
Today, Elizabeth Tenniswood, 67, and her sister Kay Atwater, 65, and Debi Trumbull, 67, are at work on different projects.
“We could do this at home but there’s something about doing it together and learning from each other,” said Debi said.
“We love the company and the friendship,” Kay added.
Reda Davis has been filling in this month for Center Manager Johnny Smith who is currently on medical leave. The center serves 16 to 19 hot meals each weekday and volunteers deliver another 33 to homebound seniors in the community.
John Lilly and his wife just started volunteering to deliver meals as a way to “give back” to the community following a recent move to the area from Iowa.
Liz Ross also delivers 11 meals each day. She started a year and a half ago with her kids, ages 9 and 6, to teach them the importance of giving back. “And I’ll be old one day and I hope there will be someone who will be there to help me!”
She said they have the same route and have gotten to know the people and “they’re always happy to see us – and us them.”
Sarah Ennis, 79, used to work here part-time assisting with opening up and anything else that needed doing, but retired when she turned 79.
“It’s something to get up and do. I enjoy playing the games and I know everyone here, so I stay until I decide to go home,” Sarah said.
Reda invites anyone interested in learning more about the center to simply stop by and visit at 25820 Nick Davis Road in Athens
Faye Sangerman and Debbie Collins playing cards.
Faye Sangerman
Debbie Collins
Sarah Ennis
Volunteer John Lilly talks with Reda Davis and Sonya Berzett at the East Limestone Senior Center while picking up meals to deliver to homebound seniors.
Volunteer Liz Ross picks up meals to deliver at the East Limestone Senior Center.
Beecher Griffitts
Friends talking over lunch at the East Limestone Senior Center.
Dan Champion
Hans Riveros
Bill Self
Friends playing Rummikub at the East Limestone Senior Center.
Sewing and quilting at the East Limestone Senior Center.
Good conversations happing in the Quilting Room at the East Limestone Senior Center.
Kay Atwater
Debi Trumbull
Marianne Montgomery
Dominoes at the East Limestone Senior Center.
Reda Davis is helping out at the East Limestone Senior Center.
East Limestone Senior Center