Senior Center Spotlight — Owens

On a cold February morning, balloons bobbed gently above a table at the Owens Senior Center while laughter carried across a room filled with dominoes, card games, coffee cups, and longtime friends.

At the center of it all sat Thomas “Pappy” Griggs, a birthday headband perched over his well-worn ballcap as he prepared to celebrate 95 years of life — even if, as he reminded everyone, the official moment wouldn’t arrive until 1:30 p.m.

“I’m 95 and holding,” Pappy said with a grin. “This will be one birthday I’ll never forget.”

Outside, temperatures hovered at 36 degrees under cloudy gray skies. Inside, the room felt warm — not just from the heaters, but from the people who gathered to celebrate a man many consider the heart of the center.

Joan White, 78, baked a coconut cake for the occasion because it’s Pappy’s favorite. Her husband, Milton, joined others at the domino table, one of Pappy’s favorite daily traditions.

“I waited until I was 86 to start coming here so I was old enough,” Pappy joked. “I didn’t want to get kicked out for being underage.”

His son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Pam Griggs, bring him to the center each day. They returned for the birthday luncheon with their 4-year-old granddaughter, Hallie Clem, whose hug brought one of the biggest smiles of the afternoon.

“Coming here is good for him,” Bradley said. “It gets him out of the house and gives him something to do. It gives him a purpose.”

That sense of purpose — and fellowship — is what keeps many participants coming back.

John and Sandra Alfrey, who also volunteer delivering meals to homebound residents, say the center feels like family.

“We have fun,” Sandra said. “We don’t have to do anything but laugh, and that makes you feel good.”

Across the room, dominoes clicked steadily as players teased one another. Lawrence Benford said the friendships are just as important as the games.

“We laugh and have fun,” he said. “Look at Pappy — he is well blessed and looks good. I hope I can make it that long.”

For Pappy, the games provide mental stimulation and companionship among people who understand this stage of life.

“You get to be my age, and you outlive your contemporaries,” he said. “I always have a good time being around everyone here.”

Jimmy Owens, a newer participant, said the welcoming atmosphere stood out immediately.

“I’m a rookie at dominoes,” he said, “but I enjoy being around the good people here.”

Over lunch, Pappy reflected on growing up during the Great Depression, a time that shaped his belief in honesty, independence, and hard work. Asked about longevity, he paraphrased Shakespeare:

“This above all else: be honest to thine own self,” he said. “If you don’t like something, try to change it.”

Still, he credits something greater for reaching 95.

“I’m still here because the Good Lord wants me here,” he said.

Center manager Cathy Robertson said that spirit of connection defines the Owens Senior Center every day — not just during milestone celebrations.

“This group is so much fun,” she said.

The center serves 12–15 hot meals each weekday and delivers another 43 meals to homebound residents. Participants gather for dominoes, card games, bingo, musical guests, and monthly outings that often end with ice cream.

For many, it’s more than a place to spend the morning — it’s a community.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Owens Senior Center in Limestone County may visit 20011 Alabama Highway 99 in Athens or call 256-230-2753. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.