Senior Center Spotlight — Geraldine

Debra Whitten likes to exercise to stay in shape as she ages and serves as a caregiver for her husband. One of the places she depends on is the Geraldine Senior Center.

“I thank God for letting me get up and do what I do every day,” Debra, 67, said. “Sometimes it’s the simple things, like walking in the park and chatting with a friend that makes the day go better.”

It’s a common thread at the Geraldine Senior Center where about 15-18 people gather each weekday morning.

When Annette Rowell retired in 2012 from TS Tech Automotive, she and her husband Punkin were walking the track at the town park just outside the Geraldine Homemakers Building, where the Senior Center is located. He stopped to use the restroom and saw an aunt, a cousin and some friends inside. But that’s not all.

“I was out there walking, and he was in here getting me a part-time job!” Annette explained.

He found out the center needed a manager and thought it would be a perfect job for her and she decided to apply and give it a try.

“I had no idea what I was getting into,” she said. “I got there the first day and the person who was supposed to train me had hurt her leg and couldn’t come in, but she had left me a book to go by and the ladies here helped me.”

“I believe in rules and doing right by people,” Annette said. “It’s a weird story of how I got here but I am here, and I love it.”

Punkin, which is the only name her husband has ever gone by, is there by her side helping out each day too.

Everyone at the center is willing to help out and help each other as they journey through their golden years.

Larnell Merchant, 77, has been going to the center regularly for almost a year.

“This is a good group, and we all get along,” Larnell said. “We all look out for each other. We’re not in each other’s business, but we’re here if needed.”

Carolyn White, 84, thinks the center is a “wonderful place” and she knows it inside and out.

After retiring from the school system, Carolyn became the center manager about 20 years ago, taking over just before the death of her mother, who enjoyed going to the center for many years.

 “This place makes me get up and paint my eyelids, get up and go out every day. It keeps me motivated,” Carolyn said. “I could sit at home in my house coat all day, dry up and blow away or I can get up and come here and laugh and have fun and see friends.”

Azalia Grubbs walks in mid-morning with her service dog, Bonnie, a sweet-natured poodle. Azalia started participating at the Senior Center about a year ago after the “Grace Notes” group in which she played the accordion disbanded. She said the band had played at the senior center and Annette invited her to come join them.

“At first I committed to one day a week … but then I started coming more and more but I’ve met some new friends and get a decent meal,” she said. “I’m not one to just sit and I participate in the Homemakers Club, but I enjoy the senior center too.”

Kimberly Goforth, 50, brought her mother-in-law to the center and she enjoyed the atmosphere so much she began volunteering. It was because of the friends, fun and laughter.

Ruby Knight, 80, said she goes to the center for companionship and the food. She also volunteers to help open the center each morning.

“It gets me out of the house, and I hate it when I have to miss,” she added.

Annette said the center serves 27 meals each weekday. Of those 12 hot meals are served in the center and another 15 meals go out into the community through volunteers.

Phyllis Cornelius, 73, stops by to pick up a meal for her husband, Thomas, 74.

“I enjoy speaking to the ladies that I know here when I stop to pick up the meals,” she said. When she has time, she likes to work on a puzzle or play a game.

Years ago, Martha Jones, 84, brought her mother to the center and she liked it so much she started going herself.

“I like most of the games and socializing with the people.”

Jerry Wooten, 64, has been coming twice a week for about a year after his Bible study at a nearby church.

“I try to get Mom to come every day because it’s good to get out instead of staying isolated all the time,” he said.

Vara Reaves, 88, has been going on and off for four years. After her husband died in 2023, she started attending more regularly.

“I’m a people person and I like to be around people. It’s important to me and the fellowship and the chance to get out and with other people is a good thing.”

Several of the center’s participants have lost a spouse. Kat Henson, 73, said when her husband died about nine years ago, she started looking for something to do.

“I need friends, and I have them here,” she said. “It’s really special here.”

Melba Fincher, 70, is an Alabama football fan and said she enjoys going to the center where she volunteers when needed and enjoys playing games and working puzzles.

“I try to be good but sometimes I’m not,” she said with a laugh. “There’s good company here.”

Geraldine is home to 910 residents and a little more than 21 percent of the town’s population is aged 65 or older, according to 2020 U.S. Census records.

Annette said all are welcome and anyone interested can stop by the center for a visit at 152 Old Mill St. or call 256-659-4068 for more information.