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Tonya Garrison loves people. That love is expressed publicly in her new role as director of the Rutherford County Senior Center. She began at the center as a program manager in 2025. Recently, in July 2026, she became the director.
Garrison also is an ordained minister, and serves as pastor of Lafayette Street Church in Shelby.
In both of these roles, Garrison builds relationships and inspires people to live abundantly.
A new Tribute Garden recently opened on the grounds of the Senior Center, which is located on Callahan Koon Road in Spindale. This Tribute Garden, Garrison says, will not only honor seniors who have passed, but will be a blessing to those who are living.
"We honor the past, and celebrate those legacies," Garrison said recently. "This garden is a place where people can meditate, talk with each other, or sit quietly with a book."
The Tribute Garden project was initiated by the Senior Center's former director Tammy Aldridge before her recent retirement, and cost approximately $20,000. It includes a water fountain, various flowers and plants and other landscaping, along brick pavers.
Brick pavers may be purchased as a memorial to a loved one, or to honor and celebrate individuals who still living. They can be engraved with a name.
Garrison often describes the Senior Center as a family. The Tribute Garden adds to the family atmosphere, providing a space to enjoy the outdoors with friends, or a space for an individual to simply sit and read or meditate.
Garrison is happy to see the Tribute Garden come to fruition. And she is excited as more people use it, and as it expands. More landscaping and other features may be added in the future.
The Senior Center is used by about 400 people each day. Approximately 100-120 meals are served at the center, while another 225 meals are delivered to homes through the Meals on Wheels program.
"Each month, we serve a total of 7,500 congregant and home delivered meals," Garrison explained.
As director of the Senior Center, Garrison is pleased when she hears people say the Rutherford County Senior Center compares favorably to others across North Carolina.
"There are many wonderful Senior Centers across our state, but so many people tell us we offer more programs than many," Garrison said. "People often point out that our center is very welcoming."
Garrison believes the Senior Center absolutely improves the quality of life of its participants.
"I like to think every human being deserves to live abundantly. Just because we get older doesn't mean we can't continue to live abundantly, live in community, and be physically fit. There are many elements to overall well-being: physical, mental, and spiritual," Garrison said. "Here at the Senior Center it is evident Rutherford County has invested in the older populations with the hope that we continue thriving. Older adults have so much wisdom and experience to share. I am so lucky to be a part of this fabulous 'family' here at the Senior Center."
Garrison says she understands that many people may still be unaware of the Senior Center's existence. And if they hear the term, they may mistakenly think of it as some sort of nursing home or care center.
"We are really more like a club for those who are age 55-plus," she said. "We offer top rate exercise and fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, line dancing, aerobics, tai chi, self-defense, and more."
"Daily activities and games," Garrison said, "...include cornhole, table tennis, billiards, and chair volleyball. We also have a horseshoe pit, bocce court, and soon our shuffleboard court will be restored along with a brand new pickleball court. People are often shocked by the amount, and variety, of activities we offer."
Garrison says the Senior Center enables seniors to live life more abundantly. She encourages members of the public to stop by for a tour, check out the Tribute Garden, and consider joining. Hours of operation are weekdays 7:30am-4pm.
