Being a senior brings many challenges, but it’s also a gateway to rewarding opportunities.

Throughout Cullman County, seniors have a wealth of inspirational stories and experiences to share with people of all ages.

In a partnership between the Cullman County Commission on Aging (COA) and The Cullman Times, Cullman County Senior Magazine debuts and will continue quarterly, with the next edition publishing in April.

“We are excited about this new opportunity to honor Cullman County seniors who are so important to this county,” Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker writes in the magazine’s introduction. “Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

The magazine is the second aspect of the partnership of the COA and The Times. In the third Saturday edition each month, The Times is also highlighting COA information on two pages.

“It’s great to expand our association with the COA by producing and distributing Cullman County Senior Magazine,” Times Publisher Terry Connor said. “Our print edition’s largest demographic is seniors, and we are glad to provide information tailored for them, but also of interest to their families and neighbors.”

In this issue, several area familiar faces and other content can be found, including:

· Dot Gudger tells the uplifting story of how her family has dedicated their lives to the community and the motivation that drives them to continue that journey, even after the loss of Garlan Gudger Sr., who served as a dean at Wallace State Community College and founded the widely acclaimed architectural salvage business, Southern Accents.

· Florene and Pascal Gaddis should be encouraging for anyone as the story of how 80 years of marriage not only worked for them, but flourished through love and respect.

· Cullman County Senior Magazine has an update on the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program and other relevant information important to health and services.

In addition to being available to Times subscribers in Thursday’s edition, the magazine will be available at the COA centers, strategic locations throughout the county and at The Times office.