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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Senior Center created intentional community with multiple unforgettable trips in the spring season.

A sunny day in Tupelo, Mississippi on Monday, April 21 was the first of the batch of trips provided by the Senior Center. The trip consisted of a visit to the birthplace of Elvis Presley, exploring the modest two-room house where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll began his legendary journey.

Senior Center members also visited the church Elvis attended as a boy, where a moving gospel presentation connected his music to his deep Southern roots. At the Elvis Presley Museum, members delved deeper into his life and cultural legacy, before wrapping up the day with a stroll through downtown Tupelo, complete with unique shops, local eats, friendly faces and even a mural scavenger hunt.

The Senior Center then took a trip within Alabama to the Auburn Raptor Center on Wednesday, April 30, where members took an up-close look at various birds of prey and learned about their care and training. Later that day, the group visited the town of Waverly and tried tasty treats from Wild Flour Bakery and Espresso and shopped at Fig and Wasp, with a dinner at the Waverly Local.

The spring trips concluded with a three-day excursion to the Bluegrass State, as the Senior Center visited Kentucky from Monday, May 12 to Thursday, May 15. The trip consisted of a visit to the National Corvette Museum, a dinner at The Ramsey Diner in Lexington and the group visiting the life-size biblical replica of Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter.

The Senior Center also took in some of the state’s notable equestrian landmarks, including Old Friends Farm, which features a number of retired race horses, including past Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winners. The trip concluded with a visit to the Keeneland Race Track, where the seniors got to see horses and jockeys practicing in real time.

Katie Augsburger, Pelham Senior Center’s supervisor, discussed what inspired the selection of these particular destinations for this spring’s outings.

“Our spring trips were inspired directly by the interests and requests of our members,” Augsburger said. “We chose Tupelo, Mississippi because many of our seniors are longtime Elvis fans and loved the idea of visiting his birthplace. The trip to Kentucky was also based on member input—visiting the Ark Encounter and Keeneland Racetrack had both come up in past conversations. We try to plan trips that not only offer unique experiences but also reflect what our members truly want to see and do. It’s all about making memories together and giving them something they’re excited about.”

Augsburger further elaborated that trip planning always starts with listening to the Senior Center’s members—what they’re curious about, what they find enjoyable and what destinations are manageable for them physically.

“From there, we choose locations that offer a mix of historical or cultural learning, light activity and opportunities to relax or socialize,” Augsburger said. “We also factor in accessibility, such as walkability, transportation comfort and dietary needs. It’s about creating a meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Augsburger discussed why trips like these are so valuable for members of the Pelham Senior Center—not just socially, but emotionally and mentally.

“These trips offer our members a chance to connect, laugh, learn and break from routine,” Augsburger said. “Traveling together strengthens friendships and gives a sense of adventure, which can be incredibly uplifting. It keeps minds sharp, spirits high and gives everyone something to look forward to. The shared experiences create lasting memories and a real sense of belonging.”

Augsburger said that what she enjoys most about leading and organizing these experiences for the Pelham Senior Center is seeing the members light up with excitement, whether they’re discovering something new or revisiting a cherished memory.

“I love knowing that I’m helping create moments they’ll talk about for years,” Augsburger said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to play a role in bringing joy and connection to their lives.”

The Pelham Senior Center is planning a trip in the fall to Memphis, Tennessee, as well as Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas. David Lee is performing on Tuesday, June 10 from 6-8 p.m. as Conway Twitty for the center’s “Dinner and a Show” evening event.

For more information on the Pelham Senior Center, visit Pelhamalabama.gov/641/Senior-Center.