ASHLEY TERRY
For many local seniors, the Azle Senior Activity Center at 601 Southeast Parkway in Azle is the go-to place to connect with friends, share a meal or sharpen their bingo-playing skills — but for Glenda Shearman, it became something much more.
“When I walked through those doors, it saved me,” she said.
Shearman — who shared her story Wednesday, June 24, during the senior center’s 40th anniversary celebration — described the difference the center has made in her life ever since her husband’s passing.
“At the time, I lived in an apartment all by myself,” she explained. “I talked to nobody. I went nowhere. I sat in my apartment with the shades drawn, and I barely got out of my car. The only time my neighbors saw me was when I would go to my mailbox and back home.”
While Shearman was encouraged to “seek help” and socialize with others, she initially refused and insisted she was “doing great” on her own. Over the next few weeks, however, the idea of visiting the Azle Senior Activity Center began to feel less daunting.
“It took me weeks and weeks to even gather up the courage to come here,” Shearman said. “But the day I walked through those doors, I was immediately welcomed and loved.”
Shearman said she has never felt alone since that day — even during a recent health crisis.
“I am still a little overwhelmed, but with the love and support I received, I did not have to go it alone,” she said. “This is more than a place for seniors to come; it is family.”
Teresa Davis, Shearman’s “bingo sister,” also spoke from the heart about just how much the senior center means to her.
“Most senior centers are just a place for seniors to grow old — where lunch is served, programs and activities are held, and seniors come together to get out of their house — but not here,” Davis said. “Here at the Azle Senior Activity Center, the mission is clear: to empower seniors by promoting independence, enhancing quality of life and encouraging community participation.”
From engaging in activities like art, music, crafts, Bible study and — of course — bingo, to going out in the community on various field trips, Davis explained that the goal of the center is to ensure that everyone who visits feels welcome and included.
“We want to create an environment where seniors stay engaged, remain active and continue building supportive and meaningful connections,” she said. “The sense of belonging is what makes this place special.”
BUILT ON A VISION
The Azle Senior Activity Center was founded 40 years ago when a group of dedicated citizens came together in January 1986 with a vision.
According to a proclamation read by Mayor Randa Goode, Roy Winnett, Darlene Holmes and a group of other caring and committed individuals recognized a need in the community, believing that older adults deserved a place where they could “gather, laugh and enjoy fellowship.” That vision officially became a reality Feb. 17, 1986, when the center opened its doors.
“From the start, providing meals and companionship was a top priority,” Goode read. “Hot lunches brought people together and quickly transformed the center into a place of connection and friendship. As it grew, so did its offerings, expanding to include crafts, dances, exercise programs and educational services. The original officers and volunteers devoted countless hours to building something meaningful — driven by the belief that growing older should never mean growing isolated. Their efforts created a place defined by purpose, laughter and a true sense of belonging.”
Over the years, thousands of seniors have benefited from the programs, meals, activities and friendships found within the walls of the senior center. Even today, new members continue to walk through the doors — proving that the mission that began in 1986 remains just as important in 2026.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the pioneers who started it all: the volunteers who gave their time, the staff who thankfully served, as well as the dedicated volunteers and staff today who continue to bring that vision to life, and the members who have made this center a family,” Goode said. “On behalf of the city of Azle, thank you for 40 incredible years of serving your seniors and strengthening our community. May we continue building on this remarkable legacy for generations to come.”
ROCKIN’ THE CENTER
To celebrate that legacy, the center transformed from “A Little Less Conversation” to a lot more rock ‘n’ roll — because what better way to honor a 40-year legacy than with an Elvis tribute artist?
With the center decked out in true Las Vegas-style décor, attendees rocked out to Elvis favorites like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” — proving you’re never too old to fangirl over the King.
“I wanted to bring big-energy entertainment to our 40th anniversary celebration and attract a large crowd so the community could see how the Azle Senior Activity Center is changing lives. What better way than to have Elvis perform?” Amanda Scott, the center’s special events and activities coordinator, said. “For people who may not be familiar with what we do, it was a chance to showcase the friendships, support and belonging that happens here every day. Our seniors deserved the very best celebration possible. They do so much for one another, and I wanted this event to be something special that honored them and all they contribute to our center.”
As the Elvis tribute artist continued his signature moves — swiveling his hips and shaking his legs during performances — the smiles and laughter throughout the room were enough to prove to Scott that Elvis still gets Azle residents “All Shook Up.”
“It turned out exactly the way we had hoped,” Scott said. “We welcomed new and familiar faces, and everyone had a great time. The energy in the room was incredible, and it was wonderful to see people laughing, singing, dancing and making memories. It was a perfect way to celebrate 40 years of serving our community.”
‘BETTER TOGETHER’
While Elvis brought the entertainment, the anniversary celebration also highlighted what has kept the center thriving for the past 40 years: the people.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the center was forced to close its doors, leaving many without a place to socialize — but a few determined seniors refused to let that stop them.
According to Davis, Bible study leader Sharon Johnson opened her house to the community to allow seniors to continue studying God’s Word in a group setting. While several others took turns dropping off boxes of food, the city of Azle also got involved and opened the fire station as a meal distribution site to ensure seniors continued to receive support during the pandemic.
“They took care of us because that’s who we are here in Azle,” Davis said. “We support each other within the center and outside as well. We are better together.”
‘A SECOND FAMILY’
From sharing in life’s joys over lunch to helping one another through hardships, Scott told The Azle News the senior center is much more than just activities and lunch.
“During our celebration, we heard from seniors whose lives have been changed because of the connections they’ve made here. What starts as a place to visit becomes a second family,” Scott said. “The center is a place where people support one another through life’s challenges, celebrate each other’s successes and build lasting friendships. We see members checking on each other, offering encouragement and making sure no one feels alone. That sense of community is what makes this place so special.”
In fact, the center’s strong, community-minded atmosphere is part of what keeps residents coming back — even four decades later.
“Celebrating 40 years is very special,” Scott said. “It reminds us of all the people who have walked through these doors, the friendships, memories and support that have been built here over the years. It’s amazing to see how much the center has grown and how important it has become to our community.”
As the Azle community looks ahead to the next 40 years, Scott said she and her staff will continue doing what they do best: provide a place where seniors can feel like they truly belong.
“We hope to continue finding new ways to serve seniors, provide programs that inspire and create a place where everyone feels welcome,” she said. “It is definitely more than just a place to come and have fun. We are truly a family.”
