October 15, 2025

Two women from the TARCOG region have been inducted into the Masters Games of Alabama Hall of Fame because of their longtime participation. Roxie Wright, 89, and Wilma Shortt, 87, from Jackson County’s Scottsboro Senior Center are official legends following the state games held the week of October 6 in Trussville.

Roxie and Wilma participated along with 50-plus others from throughout the Masters Games District 2 region, which is made up of Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties.

This year’s games included Basketball Free Throw, Billiards, Bowling, Cornhole, Domino Doubles, Domino Singles, Frisbee Throw, Nerf Throw, Rook, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw, and Table Tennis.

We are proud of all of the participants from North Alabama area who won medals and we will provide a list of those winners in this post as soon as possible — so be sure to check back.

District 2 All Star Awards at the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama — From left, front row, Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) Board Member and DeKalb County Council on Aging Director Emily McCamy, MGA 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, Roxie Wright, 89, and Wilma Shortt, 87, from Jackson County’s Scottsboro Senior Center, MGA Board Member and Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments Area Agency on Aging Director Cindy Roberts, and MGA Board Member and TARCOG Community Services Coordinator Emmitt Davis. Second row is MGA Board President and Vestavia Hills Parks and Leisure Services Superintendent 1- Seniors & Programming Sandi Wilson.

Women’s Basketball, Ages 90+, at the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama 

Men’s Shuffleboard competition at the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama 

Men’s billiard’s competition at the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama 

Limestone County Council on Aging participants in the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama

Jackson County Council on Aging participants in the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama

Participants from DeKalb and Limestone counties at the 2025 Masters Games of Alabama

October 10, 2025

It was a telling “Gratitude Game” at the Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center on a recent Thursday morning as people shared who and what they’re most thankful for in their life at the moment.

“Being alive!”

“My daughter”

“I’ve still got my mother.”

“My most sweet husband.”

“All of my friends and the beautiful flowers.”

“I can still work on cars and call my friends”

And there were many more things shared in this small but closeknit group. Interestingly, while some were born in Paint Rock, you’ll also meet people from places like California and Wyoming at the center.

“We have a lot of fun here,” said Linda Atchley. She and her husband, Charles, “the hugger,” have been going to the center since they both retired about a year and a half ago.

“Everyone is friends here and I enjoy hugging everyone,” Charles laughed.

Dyan Bradley, 71, has lived in Paint Rock for the past 30-plus years, but she and her husband lived in Wyoming and other parts of Alabama for a while.

“I love to be involved in things,” Dyan said. “If you rest, you rust, and I don’t plan on doing that.”

Barbara Murray, 82, is from California but her daughter has lived in the area since she was 17. When Barbara’s husband died about six years ago, her daughter started encouraging her to move to Alabama.

“After three years, I realized what a big job it was to take care of a home by myself, and I decided to come here,” Barbara said. “Plus, it brought me closer to my daughter here and my other daughter who lives in Tennessee.”

It’s been a big change from living in the desert near the Salton Sea, but she’s enjoying it. Her daughter, Joanne Joiner, is the town mayor. And Barbara does what she can to help the small community by helping with festivals, beauty pageants, and she’s working on a new town history museum.

 “I call her the energizer bunny.” Dyan said.

Beth Derrick, 82, said if she wasn’t at the center that she’d be making peanut brittle for a friend. But she’ll do that later in the day.

Beth volunteered at the center for 20 years but now, she just enjoys going there.

“Now it’s time to set a good example for the younger people,” Beth said. “It’s something to look forward to and a good way to practice driving for me.”

She said it’s also easy to forget your worries when you’re with friends.

For Shelby Smith, 89, it’s something to do.

“I always have something to do, I cleaned my living room carpet before I came here today,” she said. “It’s important to stay busy.”

Shelby’s been driving about 20 miles to center for the past 18 years. When she started, family members were there. She made friends and has been coming ever since. Following the recent death of her husband, she said being at the center with friends has helped her.

Billy Maples, 72, said if he wasn’t at the center, he’d be home “watching whatever” was on TV.  He said he enjoys the friendships he’s made at the center and playing card games.

The oldest participant at the center is C.W. Boyd, 90. He lived in Paint Rock as a young boy in what he describes as his formative years. When he retired and checked out the senior center, he said there were a lot of “old-timers” who remembered him from when he was little.

“That was back when everybody looked out for everybody — and I may have even gotten a whipping from someone out of my household,” C.W. recalled. Playing a game of Skip-Bo, he said there’s always a winner, but nobody keeps up with it.

“We just play for fun,” C.W. said. If he wasn’t at the center, he said he’d be home on the couch doing nothing.

But he might be using colored pencils to color sheets the center manager prints out for him. It gives him something extra to do and keeps his mind sharp.

Joyce Anderson, 76, grew up in Paint Rock Valley and has been attending the center for about eight years. At home, she gardens and quilts, but she enjoys her time at the senior center being with friends. She volunteers to help get the lunches prepared to serve and be delivered.

“I like to be busy,” she said.

Paul O’Neal, 74, and Ivan Nash, 77, both stopped by to pick up “Grab and Go” lunches for themselves and their wives. Paul was once mayor for three terms and Ivan also served on the town council. They talked about being responsible for the first street signs going up in Paint Rock. And they reminisced about the school that was once housed in the building where the senior center occupies one part, and the Town Hall the other.

“We had the best cook in the entire world,” Paul said about his days at the school. “We had three classes going on at the same time in the same room … and we had excellent teachers”

From newcomers to old-timers, there’s something for everyone at the center.

Audra White has been the center manager for about a year and a half and grew up in Paint Rock.

“I’ve known you since you were knee high to a bullfrog,” Dyan said.

Audra said the center provides 25 meals each day, Monday through Friday. There are usually 14 who eat at the center, eight people in the community receive homebound meals and three people stop by the “Grab and Go” meals.

Several of the center participants like to garden and around the outside patio are gardening spaces that were brimming with tomatoes, okra, peppers, beans, lettuce and squash throughout the summer. There’s also flowers to keep things looking cheery.

She said the job is perfect for her because the schedule allows her to get her kids to school in the morning and be at home for them in the afternoon.

“Really, it doesn’t feel like a job to me because I get to come in here and hangout with people that I love,” Audra said. “It’s the best.”

Anyone interested in the Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center is welcome to stop by at 334 Church Street, just off U.S. Highway 72. The center is open Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. The phone number is 256-776-9874.

Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center Manager Audra White

Dyan Bradley and Barbara Murray walk through the site of the Paint Rock History Museum inside the Town Hall, located in the same former school building that houses the Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center. Barbara is a leading force in developing the museum.

C.W. Boyd enjoys using colored pencils to create beautifully detailed coloring projects that help keep him busy.

The Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center is located off U.S. Highway 72 at 334 Church St.

Friends gathered at the Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center.

Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center Manager Audra White shares a treat with Linda and Charles Atchley for their participation in the Gratitude Game.

The shirt says it all!

Beth Derrick

Shelby Smith

Billy Maples

C.W. Boyd

Joyce Anderson

Lunch preparation at the Paint Rock Senior Center

Lunch at the Paint Rock Senior Center, consisting on barbecue turkey, scalloped potatoes, greens, cornbread, and pudding.

Paint Rock Golden Age Club Senior Center Manager Audra White gives “Grab and Go” meals to Paul O’Neal, who was picking up the hot meal for himself and his wife. 

August 25, 2025

Lunch is served at the Fyffe Senior Center in DeKalb County

Senior adults who spend time at the Fyffe Senior Center say it makes their day better.

“When I don’t come, I miss everybody,” said Janet Bowman, 76.

“Me too,” added Ann McNemar, 71.

It’s a sentiment shared among the participants attending on a recent August morning.

We have a good time here,” shared Janet Hood, 78. “I lost my husband a few years ago and I had do to something. Those four walls were closing in on me and my sister was coming here at the time and invited me to come.”

Her sister is unable to attend now due to health issues, but she’d be there if she could. And Janet said she’s found that she would rather eat a meal with other people than alone.

“The food is better when someone is eating with you,” said Ann Troxtel, 71. “I suffer with depression and it’s good for me to be with other people and I enjoy coming here.”

Her friend, Teresa Harris, 63, invited her to come a few months ago because she said being with everybody at the center just makes the day go better.

“And it does,” Ann said.

J.D. Findley, 62, said he had heard good things about the center for a while and thought his mother-in-law would enjoy it after she moved to the area. He brought her a few months ago and found out that he enjoys it too.

 J.D. stops by daily and sometimes plays a few games but he’s also started picking up a hot meal to deliver to an elderly aunt.

Arleen Pardue, 85, lived just north of Nashville until a year and a half ago. She’s glad her son-in-law J.D. brought her to the center because she loves it.

“It’s wonderful here,” Arleen said. “I have friends and it’s a nice break in the day. At my age, it’s boring be at home alone all day and I don’t get out as much as I used too so I sure am enjoying coming here.”

J.W. Shankle, 63, has been coming to the center a few years and loves playing different games like Chicken Foot. There’s also a Billiards table, shuffleboard, cornhole, frisbee and nerf toss, puzzles, card games like Rook, dominoes and other games. And don’t forget the exercise equipment.

Just about anything associated with the Masters Games of Alabama can be found at the Fyffe Senior Center, except a basketball goal which is at the park next door. And a bowling alley that’s a short drive away

Over the years, James Manning, 88, and wife Dianne, 79, are among center participants who have helped bring home several gold, silver and bronze medals.

“We really enjoy the Masters Games,” Dianne said as the couple pointed out different winners from the center over the years. “We’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished here.”

But it’s the family atmosphere at the center that keeps them going back.

“The fellowship and being able to be around people is nice,” Dianne said. “It’s almost like a church family here every day.”

Charles Simmons, 86, and his wife Nellie have attended the center for years. He stopped by to pick up lunch because her health is keeping her at home right now.

“I come in the mornings when I can and play a few games, but I have to tend to my wife so I can’t stay long and then I come back to pick up lunch and leave again,” Charles said.

He said having the one meal each day helps out.

Dorothy Berry, 91, said she really enjoys having somewhere to go since she retired. Mary Chitwood, 88, said she’s been going to the center “a long-long time.” Playing games is a favorite activity for both of them.

Center Manager Brenda Womack, 80, says helping people keeps her motivated each day and she does see the participants as extended family. The center serves 27 hot meals each weekday, of which 13 are delivered by volunteers to the homebound.

Anyone interested in learning more about the center may stop by at 413 Paul Benefield Lane or call 256-623-2148.

Games are underway.

Games are underway.

Games are underway.

Exercise equipment at the Fyffe Senior Center

Dianne and James Manning looking over the Masters Games of Alabama Memory Wall

Ann McNemar enjoys working on a puzzle

Dorothy Berry enjoys working on a puzzle

J.W. Shankle

J.D. Findley

Arleen Pardue

Charles Simmons

James Manning

Janet Bowman

Dorothy Berry

Teresa Harris

Janet Hood

Mary Chitwood

Dianne Manning

Ann Troxtel

Ann McNemar

Fyffe Senior Center Manager Brenda Womack

One of the motto’s at the Fyffe Senior Center

Fyffe Senior Center

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.