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AUGUST NEWS:INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITYNARCOG has been busy planning for community events, attending conferences and meetings, and securing grant awards. Check out what we’ve been doing in August!Visit our Website

Trinity Secures $148k for Park Project

The Town of Trinity has been awarded $148,111 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support the renovation of Kimbrel Park, a well-loved community space in a residential area of town.This project will transform the existing 1.12-acre playground into a modern, inclusive recreational area designed to better serve local families. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Hike, Paddle, Climb, Play: NATR Fest has it all!

With cooler weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to hike, explore greenways, go camping, or cast a fishing line, all without the summer heat. Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit an old favorite, fall is the ideal season to get outside. To help you make the most of it, North Alabama Trails and Recreation (NATR) is hosting its Annual NATR Fest on Saturday, September 13, from 9 AM to 2 PM at Point Mallard Park in Decatur. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

EDAA Gathers State Leaders for Summer Conference

The Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Summer Conference from July 27–30 at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama.  The event brought together economic development professionals, public officials, private partners, and community leaders for a dynamic program centered on innovation, collaboration, and Alabama’s continued economic growth. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Stronger Together: Manufacturing Leaders Unite in Hartselle

The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Annual State of Manufacturing event, a gathering that offered an inside look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the manufacturing industry here in North Alabama and beyond.The event brought together industry leaders, educators, workforce partners, and policymakers to discuss the economic impact of manufacturing, workforce development needs, and the innovations driving the sector forward. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Governor Ivey Designates North Alabama STEM Center

NARCOG attended the Cook Museum of Natural Science’s special Gratitude Luncheon honoring Governor Kay Ivey and expressing sincere appreciation for her recent designation of the Museum as the North Alabama STEM Center.During the luncheon, the Cook Museum formally announced a $29.5 million expansion, with $20 million in private donations and $9.5 million from the state.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

In Memoriam: Celeste Stroup

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Celeste Stroup, retired Director of Finance at NARCOG, on August 1, 2025.  Celeste devoted 34 years of outstanding service to our organization, earning the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege to work alongside her. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

NARCOG Transit: Serving Decatur with Reliable Transportation

At NARCOG Transit, we’re committed to helping individuals across the City of Decatur get where they need to go safely, affordably, and on time. Our services operate Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM, offering reliable transportation for errands, appointments, work, and more. You might’ve noticed our new fleet hitting the streets! Our upgraded vans are not only modern and fully accessible, but they also feature a fresh, eye-catching wrap that makes them easy to spot around town. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Lawrence County Awarded a $290,000 ARC Grant

Lawrence County has been awarded a $290,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to add a second clarifier to the Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Mallard Fox West Industrial Park near Hillsboro.  The project will ensure that First Solar has access to high-quality wastewater for its operations, which is crucial for maintaining efficiency and reducing downtime, operating sustainably, and avoiding operational disruptions by meeting environmental regulations.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

NARCOG Gears Up for Community Events

As always, we’re excited to stay engaged and active within our community and look forward to participating in several upcoming events over the next few months. We’re continually working to fill our calendar with meaningful community events. If you or your organization would like to invite NARCOG to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Outreach Coordinator, Kylie Bolyard, at kbolyard@narcog.org or 256-606-4352. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Governor Ivey Announces $25.9M for Economic Development

Governor Kay Ivey announced that over $25.9 million in Growing Alabama funds have been awarded to support 15 economic development projects across the state. Over 27% of the funding was awarded to Targeted Counties, including Cullman, which received $750,000 for the Frank Research and Technology Park. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

NARCOG to Join Regional and Aging Leaders at SE4A & AARC

NARCOG is excited to be attending two major conferences this fall: the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) and the Alabama Association of Regional Councils (AARC). We’re proud to be part of those discussions and to continue contributing to the growth and well-being of the region. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

ALABAMA SENIOR CITIZENS. HALL OF FAME2025 Induction and Awards Ceremony honors several from TARCOG Region

Five outstanding senior adults from Madison, Jackson and DeKalb counties were honored on Aug. 10, at the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame 2025 Induction and Awards Ceremony in Prattville. Two of 10 permanent state inductees into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame includedDr. Zaheer Khan, of Huntsville and Betty D. Moore, of Grant. Several other seniors from North Alabama were recognized with a Special Award for contributions and service to their communities including: DiAnne Callahan of Fort Payne, who works for the DeKalb County Council on Aging was honored with an Area Agency on Aging Special Award for her outstanding achievements. Two of the 26 people honored for being 100 years or older were from Madison County, including Nell Lane Bradford and Howard Polin. “This is the one major event in Alabama each year where individuals are formally honored and recognized for their selfless advocacy and dedication to serving older adults in their community,” said Jean Brown, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services. “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of the Alabamians selected for the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame awards.”Read more

Helping People: Protect against fraud

About 175 people turned out to learn about the most common scams and how to outsmart fraudsters today at the TARCOG Fraud & Scam Summit. Held at the Sandridge Ballroom at Athens State University on Aug. 20, attendees learned How to recognize and avoid common scamsIdentity theft prevention tipsThe role of caregivers in spotting and reporting fraudSteps to take when you suspect financial abuseKey contacts and reporting agencies for immediate help

Attendees at TARCOG’s Fraud & Scam Summit 2025 responding by raising their hands to say they learned something valuable at the Aug. 20 event.

Read more and watch videos from the event

Let’s talk about: SenioRX

At TARCOG, we believe that access to life-saving medications should never be out of reach, especially for those in need.  Like one 67-year-old man from Madison County who needed medications that cost $15,000 a month. After he called SenioRx for help and worked with a program coordinator, now, his medications are free.  There are similar stories throughout the TARCOG Region of DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. Last year combined, the TARCOG Region SenioRx coordinators saves residents more than $9 million. “Prescription costs can be overwhelming, especially for those with limited income or no insurance,” said Emmitt Davis, community services coordinator. “But help is available through our SenioRx prescription medication assistance program.”

SenioRx Coordinators Kenyatta Bynum and Lina Barnett from Madison County meet with TARCOG Community Services Coordinator Emmitt Davis.

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Senior Center Spotlight: Fyffe

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.”Read more

Lunch is served at the Fyffe Senior Center in DeKalb County.

Employee of the Month: Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson has been at TARCOG three years this month and has worked her way from being a case manager to case manager supervisor. She says she changed her mind a lot growing up about what kind of career she wanted, but she always knew she wanted to help others. In the near future, she’s hoping to go back to school to complete two classes to earn her master’s in social work. One of the best pieces of advice she ever received was don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. “It reminded me that progress matters more than perfection, and that waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment or outcome can often hold us back from achieving great things,” Ashley said.Read more

TARCOG Medicaid Waiver Case Manager Supervisor Ashley Johnson.

MORE NEWS

UPDATE ON NEW OFFICE Windows are being installed, and the exterior walls and roof are nearing completion. Interior walls are underway! 

TARCOG AREA AGENCY ON AGING’S Area Plan for FY 2026-2029 is available for review and comment until Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. Review the planTARCOG WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION TARCOG is being recognized nationally for efforts to make it safer to travel throughout northeast Alabama with a new Regional Safety Action Plan for area roads. Read more

News from CARPDC: Better Water, Better Parks, Better Places: 3 Local Projects in the Running for 2025 CDBG Funding

Area Agency on Aging PUBLIC HEARING ONArea Plan FY 2026-2029A public hearing will be held this month to gather input from older adults, caregivers, service providers, and community members across 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,” said TARCOG’S Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey. She said feedback gathered during this hearing will help the agency shape programs and services that reflect the real needs of our communities. This meeting is for the entire community, not just those who receive TARCOG services. All voices are welcome, and multiple ways to participate will be provided to ensure accessibility. TARCOG seeks input from:Older adults with limited incomeRural residentsMinority communitiesIndividuals with limited English proficiency For those who can’t attend in person, there are still ways to share your input via: Online or paper comment forms. Click here to complete Needs Survey. Phone calls to 256-830-0818Email to info@tarcog.us Written comments mailed to: TARCOG, PO Box 1087, Huntsville, AL 35807$1.5 million brownfields grant underway in Fort Payne, Gurley and AthensTARCOG appreciates Alabama House of Representatives Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter for highlighting a Fort Payne project that will impact six vacant warehouses over two blocks and three acres along Gault Avenue. The site is the focus of an environmental evaluation to prepare the section of Gault Avenue for redevelopment.  Ledbetter, who was guest speaker at TARCOG’s June Board Meeting and Picnic, announced the $1.5 million grant on Tuesday, June 24, that includes the DeKalb County project, as well as projects in Limestone and Madison counties. The $1.5 million Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Assessment Grant will be the starting point for the transformation of the selected sites. In the past, the connected warehouses on Gault Avenue in Fort Payne held cotton or machining operations. For years, they have remained vacant and because of potential environmental contamination, the site hasn’t been attractive to developers. This grant will also cover projects for the Singing River Trail in the Town of Gurley and another one in the City of Athens. The grant includes the three cities as coalition partners in this funding opportunity with TARCOG, who helped secure the funding for these important projects. TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gillaim Jordan said the whole purpose of this type of brownfield grant is to take unproductive properties due to real or perceived contamination and make them usable again. This process is the first step toward making these sites attractive to developers again.Read the story

Growing our economy: Sylvania is ready for new business

The Town of Sylvania now has in place a new Zoning Ordinance designed to help guide future development of the municipality. “We want our town to grow,” said Mayor Terry McClendon. “We’re looking to attract anything and everything that’s revenue based.” He called the new Zoning Ordinance a tool to help attract new businesses, especially along Alabama Highway 75). “All the other towns around us have done it and are benefitting and it’s been tried before in our town, but we made history by doing this … and it’s a good thing for our future generations.” TARCOG worked with Mayor McClendon and other town leaders and residents for a year holding meetings and discussions to determine what the town needed and wanted in an ordinance to help spur commercial development along its section of Alabama Highway 75.

TARCOG helped the Town of Sylvania develop a new Zoning Ordinance

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Let’s talk about: Fraud and elder abuse

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.  In recent weeks, she’s been upset with herself because for the second year in a row, she’s been targeted by scam artists.

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

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Senior Center Spotlight: Martling Friendship Center

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 and 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.”Read more

There’s always a Quilting Bee at the Martling Friendship Center

Employee of the Month: Ruby Banks

Ruby Banks has been named Employee of the Month for June. It’s the second time since TARCOG began the recognition program last year that she’s been honored. She was employee of the month in May of 2024. It’s no surprise because Ruby is one of our “go to” people at TARCOG. She keeps our operations running smoothly whether it’s a computer, phone, printer, or any other number of technical situations. She remains calm no matter the problem and always finds a resolution as quickly as possible. Read more

TARCOG IT Specialist Ruby Banks

MORE NEWS

UPDATE ON NEW OFFICE Walls are going up! At this point, we are on schedule at the new space on Corporate Drive with hopes to be in the new building by Spring of 2026! 

MASTERS GAMES REGIONAL COMPETITION Seniors across the TARCOG and NARCOG regions make up District 2 for the Masters Games of Alabama competition. Throughout the month of June, the seniors have been competing to qualify for the state games that will be held Oct. 6-9, in Trussville. The results from the District 2 competitions will be released in early July.

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