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Ready for the Masters Games of Alabama

Written on . Posted in News, Senior Center Facilities.

Ready for the Masters Games of Alabama

July 11, 2025

Lillian Adell, of Athens, tries the Basketball Free Throw in the Age 80-84 category as TARCOG Volunteer Lina Barnett watches. Lillian won third place in Frisbee Throw and Shuffleboard in the regional games to qualify for the state games in the fall.

TARCOG is ready to cheer on 61 active North Alabama adults aged 55 and older who have qualified to compete in the Masters Games Alabama during October.

Throughout the month of June, 216 first, second and third place, medals were awarded, and 49 qualifications were made for those who participated in the regional games to qualify for the State Games, which will be held Trussville.

This year’s games include Basketball Free Throw, Billiards, Bowling, Cornhole, Domino Doubles, Domino Singles, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Rook, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw, and Table Tennis. Preliminary competitions were held at different locations throughout the region.

We are also excited to announce that Roxie Wright, 89, and Wilma Shortt, 87, from Jackson County’s Scottsboro Senior Center will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the State Games because their longtime participation. Both will be competing again this year, along with a strong representation from throughout the Masters Games District 2, which is made up of Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties.

We are proud of all the participants from North Alabama area who qualified including:

DeKalb County ribbon winners and qualifiers include:

  • Brenda Womack, Fyffe, second place, Frisbee Throw and Nerf Throw; third, Cornhole (age 80-84 category)
  • Brenda Pettry, Fyffe, third place, Softball Throw (age 75-79 category)
  • Carmie Pettry, Fyffe, first place, Nerf Throw and Shuffleboard; second, Frisbee Throw, third, Cornhole, qualified for bowling. (age 80-84 category)
  • Carol Logan, Fort Payne, first place, Cornhole (age 70-74 category)
  • Christine Ashley, Fort Payne, first place, Domino Singles, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis; second Basketball Free Throw, Rook and Softball Throw; third, Nerf Throw. Qualified for Domino Doubles (age 80-84 category)
  • Colon Daniel, Fort Payne, first place, Cornhole, Rook and Table Tennis; second, Basketball Free Throw, Domino Singles, Nerf Throw, and Shuffleboard. Qualified for Softball Throw (age 70-74 category)
  • Connie Green, Fort Payne, first place, Domino Singles; second, Domino Doubles; third, Cornhole, Frisbee Throw, Shuffleboard and Table Tennis (age 65-69 category)
  • Debbie Daniel, Fort Payne, first place, Nerf Throw, Rook, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis; second, Basketball Free Throw and Frisbee Throw; third, Softball Throw (age 70-74 category)
  • Debbie Busby, Rainsville, first place, Basketball Free Throw and Rook; second, Domino Singles and Frisbee Throw; third, Nerf Throw (age 65-69 category)
  • Dee Vaughn, Crossville, qualified for Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole, Rook and Softball Throw (age 55-59 category)
  • Denise Harris, Sylvania, first place, Domino Doubles, Nerf Throw and Table Tennis; second, Bowling and Cornhole; third, Basketball Free Throw and Billiards; qualified for Rook (age 65-69 category)
  • Dianne Manning, Collinsville, first place, Cornhole, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Rook, Softball Throw; second, Shuffleboard; qualified for Bowling (age 80-84 category)
  • Dorothy Berry, Grove Oak, second place, Rook (age 75-79 category)
  • Dot Twilley, Fort Payne, first place, Rook; qualified for Domino Doubles (age 50-59 category)
  • James Manning, Collinsville, first place Rook; second, Cornhole, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw and Shuffleboard (age 80-84 category)
  • Janet Hood, Henagar, second place, Rook (age 75-79 category)
  • Janine Sims, Fort Payne, first place, Basketball Free Throw, Rook and Table Tennis; second, Billiards, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard and Softball Throw (age 75-79 category)
  • Joann Carter, Fort Payne, qualified for Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole, Domino Singles, Domino Doubles and Softball Throw (age 55-59 category)
  • Patsy Griggs, Fort Payne, first place, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Rook, Shuffleboard; second, Domino Singles, Domino Doubles, and Table Tennis (age 65-69 category)
  • Wanda Henderson, Fort Payne, first place, Cornhole, Domino Doubles, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw; second, Basketball Free Throw and Table Tennis (age 65-69 category)
  • Wayne Henderson, Fort Payne, qualified for Basketball Free Throw, Corn Hole, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard and Softball Throw (age 75-79 category)

Jackson County ribbon winners and qualifiers include:

  • Barbara Brune, Section, first place, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw; second, Cornhole, Shuffleboard and Softball Throw; qualified for Basketball Free Throw ((age 60-64 category)
  • Roxie Wright, Scottsboro, first place, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard and Softball Throw; second, Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole, Domino Singles and Domino Doubles, Frisbee Throw; qualified for Rook (age 90+ category)
  • Sheila Gifford, Scottsboro, qualified for Table Tennis (age 60-64 category)
  • Wilma Shortt, Scottsboro, first place, Domino Singles, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard; second, Domino Doubles; third, Cornhole; qualified for Basketball Free Throw, Rook, and Softball Throw (age 85-89 category)

Limestone County ribbon winners and qualifiers include:

  • Babette Powe, Athens, first place, Cornhole, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw, Table Tennis; second, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw; qualified for Domino Singles (age 60-64 category
  • Betty Bolton, Athens, first place, Cornhole (age 85-89 category)
  • Claude Marks, Athens, second place, Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole; third, Softball Throw (age 80-84 category
  • Debra Collins, Athens, first place, Frisbee Throw, Table Tennis; second, Billiards, Shuffleboard and Softball Throw (age 65-69 category)
  • Faye Sangerman, Athens, second place, Billiards, Table Tennis; third, Frisbee Throw (age 70-74 category)
  • Lillian Adell, Athens, third place, Frisbee Throw and Shuffleboard (age 80-84 category)
  • Linda Black, Athens, first place, Billiards, Cornhole, Softball Throw; second, Basketball Free Throw; third, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard; qualified for Table Tennis (age 75-79 category)
  • Martha McWilliams, Athens, second place, Bowling; third place, Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole (age 70-74 category)
  • Mary Shoulders, Athens, second place, Cornhole, Domino Singles, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, and Shuffleboard; qualified for Billiards (age 85-89 category)
  • Patricia Southard, Athens, second place, Domino Doubles, Rook; third, Shuffleboard (age 70-74 category)
  • Regina Emerson, Elkmont, first place, Billiards, Bowling, Domino Singles, Frisbee Throw; second, Cornhole, Nerf Throw and Softball Throw (age 70-74 category)
  • Roger Bedingfield, Athens, first place, Basketball Free Throw, Domino Singles, Frisbee Throw; second, Billiards, Cornhole; third, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard; qualified for Table Tennis (age 70-74 category)
  • Teresa Suit, Athens, second place, Rook (age 65-69 category)
  • Willie Mae Baker, Athens, second place, Domino Doubles, Rook; third, Billiards, Cornhole; qualified for Table Tennis (age 75-79 category)

Madison County ribbon winners and qualifiers include:

  • Annette Jiles, Madison, first place, Billiards and Bowling; second, Nerf Throw and Softball Throw (age 65-69 category)
  • Bill Cooley, Huntsville, first place, Billiards, Nerf Throw and Shuffleboard; second, Frisbee Throw; qualified for Table Tennis (age 70-74 category)
  • Donnie Higgins, Huntsville, third place, Basketball Free Throw; qualified for Bowling (age 80-84 category)
  • Eunice Jett-Day, Madison, first place, Table Tennis; second, Shuffleboard; third, Billiards (age 70-74 category)
  • Eva Douglass, Madison, first place, Basketball Free Throw, Domino Doubles, Softball Throw; second, Domino Singles; third, Nerf Throw (age 70-74 category)
  • Frank Mazzone, Owens Cross Roads, qualified for Billiards (age 75-79 category)
  • Frazier Douglass, Madison, first place, Domino Doubles and Frisbee Throw; second, Nerf Throw, Rook, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw; qualified for Domino Singles (age 70-74 category)
  • Huey Anderson, Huntsville, first place, Billiards (age 85-89 category)
  • Preston Thomas, Huntsville, qualified for Table Tennis (age 70-74 category)
  • Wanda Higgins, Huntsville, second place, Cornhole; third, Basketball Free Throw; qualified Bowling (age 75-79 category)
  • Wayson Lee, Huntsville, third place, Frisbee Throw (age 85-89 category)
  • Willis McKinney, Huntsville, third place, Billiards (age 70-74 category)

Cullman County ribbon winners and qualifiers include:

  • Fred Ponder, Cullman, third place, Billiards (age 85-89 category)
  • Gay M. White, Cullman, first place, Basketball Free Throw; second, Cornhole; third, Softball Throw (age 80-84 category)
  • Rick White, Cullman, first place, Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole and Softball Throw (age 80-84 category)
  • Winfred Seay, Cullman, qualified for Billiards, (age 60-69 category)

Morgan County ribbon winners and qualifiers include:

  • Earnest Lee, Hartselle, first place, Cornhole, Domino Doubles, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw and Shuffleboard; second place, Billiards; qualified for Basketball Free Throw, Domino Singles, Softball Throw and Table Tennis (age 85-89 category)
  • Jean Porter, Decatur, second place, Domino Singles and Rook; third, Basketball Free Throw; qualified Domino Doubles (age 80-84 category)
  • Marjorie “Faye” Williams, Somerville, first place, Domino Singles; qualified Domino Doubles (age 75-79 category)
  • Rita Patton, Somerville, first place, Domino Singles; qualified Domino Doubles (age 75-79 category)
  • Sarah “Alice” Miller, Lacey’s Spring, first place, Basketball Free Throw, Cornhole, Domino Doubles and Frisbee Throw; second, Nerf Throw, Shuffleboard and Softball Throw; qualified for Billiards, Domino Singles and Table Tennis (age 90+ category)

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Funding Opportunities

Written on . Posted in Economic Development & Planning, News, Senior Center Facilities.

Funding Opportunities

June 27, 2025

FY 2026 LRSI and Section 5310       CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

TARCOG is here to help with current transportation funding opportunities. Contact us soon as deadlines are in July!

LRSI (Due 5 p.m., July 25, 2025)

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

Click here for the guidelines

Click her for FAQs

Click here for application

SECTION 5310 (Due 5 p.m., July 31, 2025)

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: 

  • Nonprofit organizations 
  • Public bodies/Governmental Authorities that certify to the Governor that no nonprofit corporations or associations are readily available in the proposed area to provide the service 
  • Public bodies/Governmental agencies approved by ALDOT to coordinate transit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities 

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. 

Click here for the application package, which provides specific information on eligible activities and match.

For more information or any questions or information requests about either opportunity, please contact TARCOG Economic Development & Planning Staff at 256-830-0818.

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Senior Center Spotlight — Martling Friendship Center

Written on . Posted in News, Senior Center Facilities.

Senior Center Spotlight

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.


















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Fraud and elder abuse awareness

Written on . Posted in Elder Care Facilities, News, Senior Center Facilities.

Fraud and elder abuse awareness

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

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Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Written on . Posted in Elder Care Facilities, News, Senior Center Facilities.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Everyone Can Prevent Medicare Fraud

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:

  • Medicare beneficiaries can monitor their insurance statements to make sure the products and services received match what is on the statements. They can request free My Health Care Trackers from AL SMP.
  • Caregivers can help by being on the lookout for items such as durable medical equipment (like boxes of knee braces) lying around the house that may have been shipped to the beneficiary without their or their doctor’s approval. They can remind their client or loved one to never give out their Medicare number or other personal information over the phone.
  • Families can help by talking to their loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. They can help their loved ones create a Medicare.gov account to access their Medicare statements online or remind them to open and review the statements when they come in the mail. They can also register their phone number on “do not call” lists and go to optoutprescreen.com to opt out of mailings.
  • Partners and professionals can help by sharing AL SMP information on social media, referring clients and consumers to AL SMP, and inviting AL SMP to speak at events.
  • Health care providers can help by talking to patients about healthcare-related scams such as those related to durable medical equipment and genetic testing schemes. They can remind patients that products and services should only be ordered by physicians they regularly see. Needed medical items should never be ordered through TV ads or unsolicited calls.
  • Community members can help by looking out for older neighbors. When in public, they can be aware of older individuals purchasing gift cards in large amounts. They can encourage those they know to talk to a trusted source about their Medicare questions and tell neighbors about the most recent Medicare scams they know of. They can also consider volunteering with AL SMP.

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.

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PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 30 AAA Area Plan FY 2026-2029

Written on . Posted in Elder Care Facilities, News, Senior Center Facilities.

PUBLIC HEARING — Area Agency on Aging Area Plan FY 2026-2029

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:

  • Older adults with limited income
  • Rural residents
  • Minority communities
  • Individuals with limited English proficiency

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.


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Senior Center Spotlight — Scottsboro

Written on . Posted in News, Senior Center Facilities, Stories.

Senior Center Spotlight — Scottsboro

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.

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2025 Senior Fun Fest!

Written on . Posted in Elder Care Facilities, News, Senior Center Facilities, Staff, Stories.

2025 Senior Fun Fest!

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.

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A new home for Mr. Kent

Written on . Posted in Elder Care Facilities, News, Senior Center Facilities, Stories.

A new home for Mr. Kent

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:

  • Currently lives in a nursing home or other qualified institution
  • The resident must have Medicaid for at least 100 days prior to transition
  • The resident must have some form of income

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.

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