LOXLEY, Ala. — After 14 years in the banking industry, working for the town of Loxley is a change of pace for Beryl Allen, the town’s new senior activities coordinator.

“I’m really enjoying it,” the Loxley native said. “I really enjoy working with the clients, some of whom I’ve known for years.”

A graduate of Robertsdale High School, Allen got married and moved to Mobile soon after graduation where she raised her two children, Michael Wayne and Niki, who are now grown and have children of their own.

She and husband Alton L Allen, moved back to Loxley eight or nine years ago and was hired by the town in February after working for Regions Bank for the last several years.

“I’ve spent the last month or so acquainting myself with the schedule of programs already established,” she said. “I’m taking several of the classes myself and am working to see how we can expand those programs and others.”

The town has between 30 and 50 active seniors, including her father and his wife, Buford andLavon Blackmon, who are both active members. Activities, which are held at the Loxley Civic Center, range from painting classes to the Red Hat Society, a social gathering for mature women.

Allen has sent out a questionnaire to see what types of activities the members want and will also eventually be writing grants to fund senior programs.

For the future, Allen wants to get a cookbook started. Other activities include a competitive game day, a movie day and organizing short day trips for the seniors. The questionnaire also covers classes such as glass etching, painting, stitch work, wood crafting, and jewelry making, among others.

“We also want to do ‘Cooking for One’ or ‘Cooking for Two,’ which will also touch on nutrition as well as proportions,” she said. “We really hope to expand both inside and outside activities.”