LOXLEY, Ala. — The first thing you notice about Beryl Allen is that she never stops smiling.

“I have a good time,” said Allen, the coordinator of senior activities at the Loxley Civic Center.

Allen, who began her job in February of this year, works with a planning committee to come up with new, fun, and innovative activities for the seniors who call the Civic Center a second home.

”My job is to get these programs off the ground,” said Allen. “Part of my job is finding out what we can do.”

Allen also drives the 15-passenger town bus that shuttles seniors to activities. She says she grew up in Loxley and is a graduate of Robertsdale High.

“People arrive at the center, and we can take them to events,” said Allen, adding that some seniors prefer to take their own car and meet the group at the event.

The events are varied.

“We’ve seen the Blue Angels practice,” said Allen, “and we’ve gone to the air museum. We have been to Jefferson Davis’ home, Beauvoir. We’ve been as close as the new Bass Pro Shop. The idea is that we get to places we have never been before.”

The group also travels to an area eatery for a moderate-priced lunch afterward, Allen says.

The group also does things they never have done before. Allen is particularly proud of the ladies’ pool group she’s established at the center.

“My father (Buford Blackmon) taught us how to play pool,” said Allen, adding that her parents are part of the senior center. The “Ladies Pool Sharks” meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

Finding things to do is rarely a problem.

“Most everybody jumps right in,” Allen said. “One of the ladies showed us how to make pantyhose flowers and another is going to teach us Swedish weaving.”

Right now, Allen is marking her calendar for 2009.

“We are looking at all sorts of arts and craft projects,” said Allen.

If someone has an idea for an activity, they should contact Allen at 964-7733. Allen and her husband, Alton, has a son in Mobile, and a daughter in Birmingham. She says her strong point is “being able to listen.”

“That’s how you find out what the needs are,” said Allen.

Allen also keeps regular patrons of the Senior Center informed with a newsletter.

“Right now, I send about 250 newsletters out each month to seniors who are active in the area,” said Allen, explaining that as of now, there is no charge to become a center member.

“We want people to know what is coming,” said Allen, adding that center announcements are often made during the Tuesday morning breakfast at the Civic Center.

“We have a sign-up sheet at breakfast in the foyer of the Civic Center,” said Allen.

While it’s the “Loxley Senior Center”, area residents from any community can become a member.

She’s found that success has a way of breeding success.

“The more participants and programs we have, the more it leads to ideas and suggestions,” Allen said.