TARCOG describes Madison Senior Center as friendly, engaging locale
MADISON – The people at Madison Senior Center have found a positive, nurturing ‘home away from home,’ according to Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG.
During TARCOG’s visit in December 2025, member Louise Webb quickly crossed the parking lot to be on time for a chair exercise class. After that session, she would attend choir practice with fellow members.
“I’ve met more friends than ever here,” Webb said. “Everyone here is so nice, and I just enjoy coming on a regular basis.”
At choir practice, laughter and music notes fill the air, where teacher/musician/entertainer Elaine Rice, 71, leads a growing group of vocalists. Rice volunteered in 2024 to help organize a Christmas program; the musicians now meet year-round.
“We sounded so good we decided there needed to be a choir,” Rice said laughing. “We started with about 12 people, and we’ve grown to 25.”
“That sense of belonging is a common refrain among members — including the center’s most unusual regular,” according to TARCOG. A white rooster wandered onto the center’s property in 2025 and decided to stay.
With a name contest, members chose “Cluck Norris,” a play on karate/acting celebrity Chuck Norris. “The beloved feathered mascot often (is) near the front door or peering through windows, keeping an eye on the activity inside. And those inside keep track of his movements.”
For Christmas 2025, John Terry, 80, and his wife, Denise Crosby, 72, served as Santa and Mrs. Claus. John and Denise have been married for 54 years. They delivered homemade cookies and candy to fellow members.
In early 2025, Madison Senior Center moved from its longtime home at 1282 Hughes Road to a much larger home in Madison Community Center, 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road.
The center expanded from 11,000 square feet to 37,000 square feet. The space allows new programs, more activities and growing participation, Senior Center Superintendent Levoneia ‘Bonnie’ Ayers said.
Before the move, the center had more than 2,000 members. Another 1,200 new members have enrolled since October 2024, Ayers said. “It’s a wonderful thing. When one door closes, another opens.”
The center serves more than 9,000 meals annually. Volunteers deliver more than 5,500 meals annually to homebound seniors.
Madison Assisted Ride System or MARS provides transportation — one morning pickup, two afternoon drop-offs. Roberto and Anna Maria Vrayer, 75, ride the bus three times weekly.
The center is transitioning to a SilverSneakers fitness location. Each month, new programs are added, like support groups for caregivers, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those experiencing grief.
“We ask everyone when they fill out an application, ‘What are your interests?’” Ayers said. “We want people to come in and stay. We do that by trying to match their interests.”
“We’re excited about what 2026 will bring,” Bonnie said. “People are finding community.”
For more information, call 256-772-6242, or visit madisonal. gov/235/Senior-Center or tarcog.us/senior-center-spotlight- city-of-madison.
