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BRIDGING THE GAPS FOR GROWTH

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.”

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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

At its annual meeting on Sept. 24, the TARCOG Board of Directors voted unanimously to retain its executive board for an extra year for continuity in preparation for the construction of a new office building. That means continuing in their leadership role for another year will be, Madison City Councilwoman Connie Spears as president, Athens City Councilman James E. Lucas as vice president, Guntersville City Councilman John Myers as secretary, and Arab Mayor Bob Joslin as treasurer. The ex-officio is Larry Chesser, a citizen of Fort Payne. During the meeting, the Alabama Department of Transportation provided an update on road and bridge projects across North Alabama. Rodney Ellis, pre-construction engineer for the North Region, shared updates on completed projects, those under construction in the TARCOG Region, and highlights on what’s to come next year to keep traffic moving. Sometimes, that means slowing traffic down a little while construction is underway, he said, talking about the planned lane expansion of Interstate 565 between Huntsville and Decatur. The project is scheduled to begin in 2025 and take about two and a half years to complete. The board’s next meeting will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the TARCOG office, 7037 Old Madison Pike, Suite 450.

TARCOG Board President for 2024-2025, Connie Spears

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

Leslie Wright has been at TARCOG for two years and she manage the economic development side of the Economic Development and Planning Department. Her job includes keeping track of all of the open grants as well as working with our member governments and local nonprofits on project development and funding applications.  Leslie also oversees TARCOG’s Revolving Loan Fund.

Leslie WrightEconomic Development Coordinator

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UPCOMING EVENTS

FREE HEALTH FAIR IN DEKALB COUNTYThe DeKalb County Council on Aging will hold a free Community Health Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the VFW Fairgrounds, 151 18th St. NE, in Fort Payne.

MORE NEWS

TARCOG Principal Planner Phoenix Robinson has been elected president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association for 2025-2026. Read more

TARCOG”S Winter Wishes campaign for 2024 to deliver holiday gifts to aging and disabled clients is underway.Read more

Madison Senior Center has moved to a new location on Brownsferry Road as Hughes Road location closes. Read more

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

Town of Cottonwood Receives CDBG Grant.

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.