Senior Center Spotlight – Madison Crossroads

Senior Center Spotlight — Stevenson

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“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.

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 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

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

Deitrick said anyone interested in more information may call 256-519-2040, or email harrisoncenter@madisoncountyal.gov

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.

She encourages members to register for activities on www.myactivecenter.com

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.