Saturday, July 13, 2019

Update on Renovation & Emergency Preparedness Project

Senior Center June 21, 2019 - Picture by Valentin Fyrst


Capital Improvements

The Senior Center of Rainier is one of 4 facilities that's been designated as an emergency shelter in Rainier.  Knowing this, we've worked hard to make changes so our facility can be utilized in the event of a serious emergency.

We've had tons of left over rummage sale items and other stuff removed from the premises.  We've cleaned up and organized the kitchen, pantry, dining room and lending library areas, as well as upstairs, closets and offices.  We hired someone to fix the gutter and roof.  He inspected it to make sure all repairs were made.  Someone even went into the attic to check to make sure the roof has no leaks.  It's good for another 2 - 3 years.

We've had the septic tank pumped, wiring and plumbing repaired, LED light bulbs installed and carpets cleaned.  As improvements were made, people started donating items for our center.  

We now have the following:
  • A projector & screen
  • Flat screen TV; VHS player & Blu-ray player; movies and VHS tapes.  
  • Judy Smith donated a 3/4 size pool table in honor of her late husband, John.  
  • Deni & Chris Hanson donated a huge clock and 12' display cabinet
  • Marna Keller donated a chair and couch
Darla Lamar prepped and painted the lending library area in front, dining room and entry way.  

What is in process

Someone has applied for grants to make the needed improvements to the Senior Center, so we can accommodate people when the need arrises.

The JZ Knight Humanities Foundation donated $10,000 to pay to have the building painted on the outside.  A special "Thank You" goes out to JZ Knight and Terri Stuart for our first grant.  We had several bids to have the work done.  The bid to paint the ourside of our building was awarded to the WE Davis Co.  They should start prepping and painting the building soon.  

What remains to be done

We need to make several changes/upgrades to our building to meet the needs of our seniors & community in the event of a serious emergency.  Grants have been applied for to do the following:
  • Install a shower that will work for handicapped
  • Install Washer & Dryer hookups
  • New heating & cooling system
  • Commercial gas generator
  • New, 5 - 6 burner gas range with double oven
  • New, steele roof
All in all, we've made a lot of progress in this last year.  This has taken a lot of work to do.  We still need to get bids for the work that remains to be done.  If anyone has contacts, or can give a bid on any of this work, please contact one of the board members and let them know.  All bids have to be itemized and from a licensed, bonded and insured business.


The Senior Center of Rainier is a 501-c3 organization.  Your tax deductible donation can be made for this project:

Senior Center of Rainier
ATT:  Building Fund
PO Box 67
Rainier, WA  98576

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Senior Center of Rainier at:  seniorcenterofrainer@gmail.com or (360) 446-2258.  

Thank you,

Linda Johnson

The Senior Center of Rainier is a 501-c3 organization.  



We Love Rainier WA Meetings!



Please remember "We Love Rainier Wa" will have meetings this week at the Senior Center of Rainier. 

Wednesday the the 17th at 1:30 and Thursday the 18th at 6 pm. 

Our meetings are fun and we never know what exciting topics that may come up. 

We also have a guest speaker at the Wednesday meeting. Krosbie Carter from Thurston Thrives will be telling us a little of what is happening in our area. (She is also with the Olympia Chamber.) 

Hope to see you all this coming week!!!

August 2019 Lunch Menu