| Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan captured the Older Americans Month celebration from the stage.On Tuesday, May 12, nearly 900 older adults from across North Alabama gathered for a day of fun and fellowship as TARCOG hosted its annual Senior Fun Fest. The celebration featured a tailgate party, pep rally, parade, games, entertainment, food, and a Homecoming court representing communities throughout the region. Held at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center in Huntsville, Senior Fun Fest is organized by our Area Agency on Aging, which serves older adults in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties. Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan officially welcomed the crowd and said TARCOG has been partnering with the Madison County Commission for 39 years to provide this day of fun. It’s important, she said, that together everyone can recognize the contributions, independence and well-being of older adults. “This is truly the class of forever young,” Michelle said. District One County Commissioner Tom Brandon welcomed the crowd on behalf of the entire commission, and announced to a big round of applause, that next year, Senior Fun Fest will be able to move back to Sharon Johnson Park in New Market. Read more and see the photos |
| Meet the Senior Fun Fest 2026 Homecoming Court |
| Before this year’s Senior Fun Fest officially started on May 12, a pre-event warmup got the celebration going with a lively Pep Rally. DJ Jammin’ Jeff Kirby started with hit music from the 1950s to 1980s and the Huntsville Community Drumline’s — “Gran-Masters” energized the crowd with upbeat performances to start the day. A special performance by the Guntersville Senior Center’s Zumba Gold Ladies group also had attendees up and moving, while a Homecoming parade featuring kings and queens from each county, made possible through escorts provided by area law enforcement agencies. This year’s Homecoming Court was selected by each county’s Council on Aging. |
| Improving Communities: Tri-County Career Fair in June |
| Employee of the Month: Sarita Chaloupka |
| Sarita Chaloupka is a helpful, nonjudgemental team player who brings joy to the workplace, according to co-workers. Nominations for Employee of the Month included one example of a time that Sarita assisted a fellow team member with her first client assessment. Sarita “made sure to provide explanation before and during the assessment.” Then she provided feedback after the visit. Another coworker said, “Sarita has gone above and beyond in assisting me and my training group with initial assessments and all other TARCOG related duties.” By shadowing Sarita during her end of the month home visits, the employee added, “Sarita was extremely patient with me, answered all my questions and still remained attentive to her clients,” the nominator said. “Sarita exemplified best practice throughout each engagement.”Read more | TARCOG Medicaid Waiver Case Manager II Sarita Chaloupka |
| Meet TARCOG’s Leadership: Connie Spears |
| Name/Title: Connie Spears, Community Volunteer How long have you been on the TARCOG Board? Are you now or have you previously been on the executive committee? Since 2020. I’m the immediate past president and served as secretary, treasurer, and vice president. What has been your biggest professional achievement? Helping Madison City Schools become a world class school system and co-chairing the Madison City 12 Mil Property Tax for Education Campaign. I also have received three State Legislative Proclamations for Education Advocacy. What career advice do you live by and who gave it to you? I did not have a traditional career path. I went where I felt that God was leading me. I took this advice from the Bible — “God will direct your steps.”Read more | TARCOG Board Ex-Officio Connie Spears |
| MORE NEWS |
 | ALDOT GRANTS DEADLINE The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is soliciting applications for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP) for FY 2027. The deadline for submitting applications to TARCOG for review and endorse- ment is 5:00 P.M. on June 15, 2026. READ MORE |
| INPUT NEEDED TARCOG is assisting the Alabama Department of Trans-portation (ALDOT) by requesting feedback from local officials in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. Comments on the effectiveness of the cooperative planning process should be submitted to ALDOT — no later than July 6, 2026. READ MORE |
| SAVE THE DATE The TARCOG Fraud & Scam Summit will be held in Marshall County this year on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. More details to come. |
| DO YOU NEED HELP WITH AN AGING ISSUE?CALL TARCOG AT 256-830-0818 |