TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens

HUNTSVILLE – Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input.

Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting a public hearing to gather input from older adults, caregivers, service providers and residents in Dekalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties.

“This hearing is a critical part of developing our comprehensive ‘Area Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2029,’” Sheila Dessau-Ivey said. Dessau-Ivey works as Director of Aging Programs with TARCOG.

The area plan will guide the delivery of coordinated, supportive services; nutrition programs; and senior-center activities in the TARCOG region, Sheila Dessau-Ivey said.

The meeting on June 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. will convene at the North Huntsville Public Library, 3011 Sparkman Drive NW.

“Feedback gathered during this hearing will help the agency shape programs and services that reflect the real needs of our communities,” Dessau-Ivey said. “This meeting is for the entire community — not just those citizens who receive TARCOG services.”

“All voices are welcome,” Sheila Dessau-Ivey said. “Multiple ways to participate will be provided to ensure accessibility.”

Residents’ input is vital for the Area Plan, FY 2026-2029. TARCOG employees are accommodating individuals’ lifestyles and hope to receive comments from a cross-section of the population: • Older adults who live with the constraints of a limited income.

• Residents who live in rural areas of North Alabama.

• Communities with a minority population.

• Individuals who can speak the English language only with limited proficiency.

See TARCOG Page 8A Anyone who cannot attend in person still has ways to share their input. TARCOG will accept online communication or comments that are written on paper forms. Call with comments to 256-8300818.

In addition, people can email their thoughts to info@tarcog.us. Anyone who writes their comments can (postal) mail to TARCOG, P.O. Box 1087, Huntsville, AL 35807.

For more information, call 256-8300818, email info@tarcog.us or visit tarcog. us.