Hodges Senior Center continues summer fun
HODGES — Senior center participants kept busy playing rook, dominoes and bingo. They also crafted a suncatcher garden, played island Olympics and did chair exercises.
“Bingo is always a big hit, as well as crafting,” said Alison Armstrong.
She previously served as the center’s full-time director but now works parttime handling reports and helping plan special events. Angela Chamblee manages daily operations.
Armstrong said the highlight of the week was attending the annual North Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) gala.
“Mrs. Zelma said after the gala that she hadn’t laughed that much in a while,” Armstrong said. “This year’s theme was ‘Golden Gala,’ and our group loves the photo booth they always set up.”
She said after taking pictures, they sat down to steak sandwiches, which was followed by dancing and socializing.
“I have two left feet, so I did more socializing than dancing,” Armstrong added. “It’s always a great time. NACOLG does such a good job of setting it up and making sure it’s enjoyable.”
While Armstrong said part of the fun is dressing up and attending a fancy event, she emphasized the people are what really make it special.
“It’s really good to socialize with other centers and the friends we have made along the way,” she said.
On Monday this week, they practiced for the Master Games, and on Tuesday they did a galaxy jar craft. Wednesday, they will enjoy “Music with the Selfs.” Thursday is bingo, and Friday is “Easy Recipes: Fudge in a Bag.”
Next week, they will do a fall wreath craft, have a foot spa day and enjoy a “Goodbye, Summer” ice cream social.
“We haven’t got all of September set yet,” Armstrong said, “but so far, we know we will have a barbecue at the park, a thrifting trip and a fall carnival day. We are looking at making a trip to the Dismals one day as well.”
Also in September, they will have a fundraising bake sale to help pay for the expenses of the two senior center participants who will be attending the Master Games. The fundraisers will be held along with the Hodges Fire Department’s Sept. 6 fundraiser at the fire department.
For information about the Hodges Senior Center, see the Facebook page, “Hodges Senior Center/ Community Center,” or call 205-935-5403.
NACOLG/Department of Aging Services operates 24 senior centers throughout the five-county region of Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties, along with the municipalities contained within those. Franklin County senior centers, in addition to Hodges, include Phil Campbell (205-993-4221), Red Bay (256-356-9450) and Russellville (256-332-8780).
