news
TARCOG E-Newsletter for October
| Growing the Economy: The Importance of EDD and LDD |
| By serving as a bridge between communities and federal resources, TARCOG plays a crucial role in ensuring that Northeast Alabama continues to thrive with dual designations from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). TARCOG proudly holds the designation by EDA as an Economic Development and from the ARC as a Local Development District (LDD), says Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry, “This dual role not only enhances TARCOG’s capacity to serve the needs of Northeast Alabama but also underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and improving the quality of life in the region,” Lee says. Being designated as an EDD and LDD positions TARCOG as a vital player in regional economic planning and development initiatives. The EDA designation allows TARCOG to access federal funding and resources specifically aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. Meanwhile, the ARC designation provides TARCOG with additional resources focused on community and economic development, particularly in the Appalachian region. “This unique combination empowers TARCOG to tackle various challenges faced by local governments, from enhancing infrastructure to promoting workforce development,” Lee says. “By integrating these resources, TARCOG is better equipped to address the diverse needs of its member governments and the communities they serve.” |
| Serving People: Studio 60 Celebrates 50 Years |
| Studio 60 Senior Center celebrated 50 years of enriching the lives of Huntsville’s seniors with engaging activities, educational programs, and vibrant community events at a Golden Gala on Oct. 5. Special recognition was also given to the center’s longtime Executive Director Tom Glynn for his dedication to building the center and the partnership built along the way. Since 1974, STUDIO 60, formerly called the Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center, has provided unique programs for those age 60 and better. The mission is to reimagine aging through wellness, connection, and lifelong learning – all in a vibrant, inclusive community space.Read the story | Studio 60 Senior Center Executive Director Tom Glynn |
| Improving Communities: TARCOG Annual Board Meeting |
| Senior Center Spotlight: North Huntsville |
| Whether you want to take a walk, swim, unwind in a hot tub, use exercise equipment, socialize, or enjoy a nutritious meal, all of this — and more — is available to residents of North Huntsville at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center. The Harrison Center stands out as a unique senior center in North Alabama. Like other senior centers in the region, it offers free nutritious meals and informative programs, but it goes further with its wellness center. For just $15 per month, members have access to a gym, pool, hot tub, exercise classes, engaging activities, field trips, and special classes. With around 600 active members, the center is led by Deitrick Smart, who has served as director for the past year and a half. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the center sees an average of 150 to 250 visitors daily, with 35 receiving hot meals. On Soul Food Thursdays, meals are available for purchase at $5 each, though quantities are limited. Every month, the center hosts a birthday celebration and for October, Lela Crutcher was recognized as the “most seasoned” as she turned 85 on Oct. 19. “I feel good,” Lela said. “I’ve been coming here since they opened, we were on Blue Spring Road at first, but this is a place to come and socialize and be celebrated.”Read the story | Friends at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center in North Huntsville. |
| Employee of the Month: Leslie Wright |
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
| MORE NEWS |
SEARP&DC August News!
 | Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission AugustNEWSLETTERIssue 5 Edited by: Brittany McCree, Office Managerbmccree@searpdc.org |
 | Employee SpotlightMeet SEARPDC’s Associate Planner, Chris Rush, who has been with the company for just over a year. As the Associate Planner for Community and Economic Development department, Chris brings a unique perspective to the team.Click more to learn about SEARPDC’s Associate Planner. |
| Title V Senior Employment Program Availability |
| CurrentBarbour County – 4Coffee County – 3Covington County -1Dale County – 1Geneva County – 2Henry County – 1Houston County – 1 | Previous MonthBarbour County – 4Coffee County – 3Covington County – 1Dale County – 2Geneva County – 2Henry County – 2Houston County – 1 |
| Currently seeking individuals 55 years of age or older with limited income interested in job training. Please contact Gail Clark, Senior Employment Program Coordinator at 334-794-4093 Ext. 1421 |
| Community & Economic Development |
 |
Head Start and Early Head Start |
| Check out Head Starts Pre-Service training week and how they are getting ready for 2024-2025 school year! |
| Wiregrass TransitDothan and Enterprise |
 |
| Wiregrass Transit is proud to announce the addition of our new vans, with the majority already on the road and serving the community. These vans are designed to comfortably accommodate up to 6 passengers, including those with accessibility needs. In addition to our vans, we also have larger buses for up to 18 riders and smaller buses for up to 12 riders, which have been instrumental in ensuring the safe transportation of school children to and from their educational programs this academic year. Our transportation services cover a wide area including Houston County, City of Dothan, Dale County, and the City of Enterprise. While our current service is limited to specific regions, individuals outside our service area can still utilize our services by arranging pick-ups and drop-offs within our designated service boundaries. To make use of our transportation program, remember to call at least one day in advance, as seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability of seats and vehicles. Wiregrass Transit Authority in Dothan can be reached at (334) 836-5555. Our Enterprise Office can be reached at (334) 417-1217. |
Touring Montgomery Whitewater
AARC Directors toured Montgomery White Waters during our annual planning retreat.
NARCOG July News
| JULY NEWS:FOSTERING COLLABORATIONSNARCOG has been busy working on submitting CDBG grants, participating in senior events, and working to serve the community. Check out what we’ve been doing in July!Visit our Website |
| NARCOG Foundation WORX Team Participates in Serve Day 2024 |
| The NARCOG Foundation WORX team participated in Serve Day 2024, partnering with local churches in and around the City of Hartselle. NARCOG appreciates Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Shelton Sign for being partners of NARCOG Foundation WORX. This was the first official project, and we anticipate many more in the future while we serve the Cullman, Lawrence, and Morgan communities.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| SCSEP Digital Certification Program |
| The Center for Workforce Inclusion is offering a Digital Certification Program (DCP) to Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) participants! DCP was created by the Center for Workforce Inclusion (CWI)to combat ageism and prepare older adults for a modern workplace. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| Decatur-Morgan County Port Authority Warehouse Expansion |
| The Decatur-Morgan County Port Authority’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Warehouse Expansion Grant Project is now complete and closed out. The project was partially funded by a $1,000,000 ARC Grant Award administered by NARCOG. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| NARCOG Transit Office Hiring Drivers |
| NARCOG is currently hiring part-time drivers to join our dedicated team. This position involves providing reliable and safe transportation services to seniors and individuals with disabilities in our community. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| Cullman Cornhole Baseball Tournament |
| Fifteen teams of competitive senior citizens competed in the inaugural Senior Cornhole Baseball Tournament at Cullman Christian School on Friday, July 26. The Rowdy Bunch team from the Hanceville Senior Center emerged as the champions, while the Cullman Senior Center players were runners-up. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| Planning Team Submits Nearly $1.3 Million in CDBG Grants! |
| The NARCOG Planning and Grants Team was pleased to assist three of our communities with submitting nearly $1.3M in CDBG grants to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) this year. These grants will help with the funding needed to make infrastructure improvements for their low and moderate-income residents. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| NARCOG Attends Summer EDAA Conference |
| NARCOG Executive Director Robby Cantrell and Director of Administration Kim Dove attended the 2024 Summer Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) Conference to continue working alongside other professionals, legislators, and agencies focused on promoting programs, policies, businesses, and quality-of-life activities in Alabama. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| Thank you To Our Transit Drivers! |
| With this extremely hot weather the last couple of weeks, we are grateful for our Transit team and their dedication to providing an essential service to the City of Decatur. As a thank you, each driver received a goodie bag with little treats, including a gift card to Chick-fil-A and a notepad from Renasant Bank, both provided by their respective companies. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| Meals on Wheels Receives Nearly $2,400 From Hartselle Health Fair |
| NARCOG recently participated in the Hartselle Health Fair hosted by The Cottages. Through sponsorships, a total of $4,450 was collected. $2,083 was used to fulfill senior center wish list items, and the remaining $2,367 was donated to Meals on Wheels. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |
| Alabama SenioRx – Free and Low-Cost Prescriptions |
| Alabama SenioRx is a program designed to assist seniors and those of any age with disabilities in obtaining the prescription medications they need but may be unable to afford. The program offers a lifeline to those without prescription drug coverage, those underinsured, or who fall into the Medicare Part D “donut hole.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE |  |