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.
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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
TARCOG’s longtime elder law attorney LaTanya Rhines has announced her retirement that will be effective at the end of September.
“It’s time,” LaTanya said. “I love what I do, and I am going to miss my clients and co-workers. I just feel like it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life, and I am excited to see what new adventures lie ahead.”
LaTanya will retire after 25 years with TARCOG, serving thousands of clients throughout northeast Alabama. Her accomplishments and contributions to her community and state are many. Highlights include in 2020, Governor Ivey appointed LaTanya to the Alabama Family Trust’s (AFT) Board of Trustees, she currently serves as the board’s secretary. She is a member of the Elder Law Section of the State Bar, and she serves as the chairman of the Guntersville Library Board, vice president of the Lakeview Community Civic Organization, and as clerk for her church.
Executive Director Michelle Jordan said the dedication and care that LaTanya has shown over the past 25years has been invaluable to the agency, but more importantly to the clients that TARCOG serves.
LaTanya will be missed, but to continue serving clients a search for a new elder law attorney is underway.
“We are in a hiring season, and this is just one of our openings,” Michelle said. “If you are a dedicated professional who enjoys helping others, TARCOG may have a job opportunity for your consideration.”
She said TARCOG eagerly welcomes problem solvers, creative thinkers, and service-minded team members to be a part of our mission and impact.
In addition to the elder law attorney, current job openings include:
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager
Grants Administrator
“At TARCOG, we do life-changing work every day,” Michelle said. “Our services improve the lives of over 700,000 residents throughout northeast Alabama.”
TARCOG strives for a supportive work environment dedicated to its core values:
Service
Initiative
Accountability
Transparent Communication
“We are striving to create a work environment at TARCOG that employees never want to leave,” Michelle says. Some of the benefits for all full-time employees include:
Health insurance that is 100 percent paid for employee. Family coverage options are available for an out-of-pocket cost.
Dental and Vision insurance options
Life insurance is 100 percent paid for employee
Retirement Plan options
Annual and Sick Leave
Flexibility for remote and hybrid work, eligibility varies
Ready to join a team where you truly make a difference? Explore our open positions and apply today on Indeed.com
The Limestone County Council on Aging and Limestone Manor will hold a free 2024 Health Fair — Treasure Your Health — on Friday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Central Church of Christ Gym, 320 Highway 31 N. in Athens.
As part of National Grandparents Month in September, St. Bartley P.B. Church will hold a National Grandparents Day Celebration at its Fellowship Hall, 3020 Belafonte Ave. NW in Huntsville on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Anyone with questions may contact Stephanie Daffin at daffinsr8@gmail.com or 256-468-2106.
The event is co-sponsored by TARCOG, AARP and the Alabama A&M and Auburn Extension Service. Click for more details.
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.
