Thursday, December 8, 2022

Railroad Trestle Accident

The Trestle on Minnesota Street (in Rainier) was hit by a concrete truck yesterday, so the road will be closed for about 5 days for the railroad company to make repairs.
The City of Rainier is waiting for the railroad to let them know when they've got the repair work lined up. Please give them a week or so to follow up on this.

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Senior Center Donation Letter for 2022

108 Michigan St

PO Box 67

Rainier, WA 98576

(360) 446-2258

December 1, 2022

Hi, I am writing on behalf of the Senior Center of Rainier.  Our Senior Center is completely run by an all-volunteer staff.   We became a 501(c)3 organization (#91-0973941) in 1977, so your donation is tax deductible.  In October 2020 we became listed as a charity with the Washington State Combined Fund Drive (#2004355).  Your donation will help us continue to provide healthy meals in a caring, pleasant, social atmosphere.  We receive small donations from the  Amazon Smile program when you place your order through our Smile link at: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-0973941  

Please do your part to help the Senior Center of Rainier this Christmas, as we are 100% self-funded.  Your donation will help feed senior citizens on low and fixed incomes. We provide nourishing, well balanced, home-cooked meals without the support from government agencies.  We serve an average of 35 - 45 lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Many seniors say these are the only hot meals they receive during the week.  Lunch is served on Mondays & Wednesdays at noon. (Beverage, soup &/or salad, main meal, and dessert.)  We serve special holiday meals as many seniors would spend their holidays alone.  

Our center is used by many community groups including:  AA, STEDI meetings, civic meetings, community activities, BINGO, Lending Library, Mini-Food Bank, We Love Rainier WA activities, as well as memorials and birthday parties.

Thank you for helping us help others.  We appreciate your donation.  Your donation will help us take care of our seniors and put smiles on their faces.  Every donation helps to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.  

Sincerely,

 

Linda J. Johnson

Senior Center of Rainier - Secretary/Treasurer 

(360) 446-2258 Senior Center Land-Line

(360) 292-5364 Linda Cell Phone

seniorcenterofrainier@gmail.com

http://www.seniorcenterofrainier.org  


Thank You for your donation.  We appreciate your caring & support! 

Please send your donation to:  Senior Center of Rainier, PO Box 67, Rainier WA 98576

Circle Donation Amount:  $25  $50  $100  $500  $1000  Other: ________ 


________________________________________________________________________

A copy is attached below (& emailed to our members) so you can print and share.

Please remember, we receive no financial support from the government.

Thank you!



 






























Thursday, December 1, 2022

Members Who Have Passed Recently

 Dear Seniors & Friends,

Several members have passed in the last couple of weeks:

Shirley Englund passed a couple of weeks ago.  She had been both a Senior Center of Rainier member and board member for several years.  We haven't seen her since the pandemic.  She stayed close to home because of her frail health.  She is greatly missed.

Sherry Adolphi passed away last week.  We had to wait until her family was notified to post the announcement of her passing.  She will be missed by family and friends alike.  

Dave Englund passed away yesterday morning in his home.  He was Shirley's husband.  They were both members and board members of the Senior Center for many, many years.  We miss them both greatly.  They were a joy to be around.

(We have no knowledge of memorials that may be planned).

December 2022 Lunch Menu

 


Thursday, November 17, 2022

Senior Services Home Share Program

Home Share is a simple idea; it enables two or more people to share housing for their mutual benefit. A Home Provider offers a private bedroom and shared common areas in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of the two. Every Home Share arrangement is unique depending on the needs of Provider and Seeker.

The Home Share Program is being managed by Rebecca Hutchinson.

If you are interested in learning more about their Home Share Program, please visit southsoundseniors.org/resources/home-share. If you are interested in becoming a Home Provider or Home Seeker please visit their website, call Rebecca at 360-586-6181 ext. 111 or email her at:  rhutchinson@southsoundseniors.org. 


Homeshare Article below:

https://www.southsoundseniors.org/post/home-share-program-officially-returns

Coffee with the New Thurston County Sheriff

 


Coffee with Our New Sheriff

Thurston County "Deputy Derek Sanders" in 2023.  


In 2023 we will have a new Sheriff.  Deputy Derek Sanders was elected this month.  He will be visiting the Senior Center of Rainier on November 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM.  

Please join us after lunch to meet Deputy Sanders.  Feel free to bring your questions or concerns about our community with you. 


Sunday, November 13, 2022

Upcoming Events in November & December 2022

 Dear Seniors & Friends,

November 18th:  STEDI Meeting & Breakfast.  $15.00 each.  This meeting will be held at the Senior Center of Rainier.  Meeting starts promptly at 8:00 AM.  George Sharp, from EDC, leads the meeting of Thurston County Leaders.  I recommend coming, if you're available.  A lot of important information about the economic development in south Thurston County is discussed.  We share future plans in our area, project progress and local activities that are coming up.  Resources to help build our community are discussed, as well as opportunities for grants that are available.

November 19th:  Pumpkin Puree.  9 AM - 1:30 PM in the FFH Room.

November 21st:  BINGO & Medicare Presentation by Elizabeth Thunstedt:  

  • BINGO starts at 10:00 AM.  
  • Elizabeth will come and help people look at changes in the 2023 Medicare benefits.  Bring a list of for 2023.  She will also make arrangements to meet you at another time, if you need her to research something for you.
November 21st: Pumpkin Pie Baking in FFA room at RHS from 3:30 - 8:00 PM.

November 23th:  Thanksgiving Dinner Luncheon.  We will be cooking and serving a full Thanksgiving dinner for lunch. (Regular lunch prices).  Please sign up at the front desk to attend as space is limited.  RSVP.

November 24th:  Thanksgiving Day Dinner.   We will be cooking 2 more turkeys for Thanksgiving Day dinner.  (Regular lunch prices).  Please sign up at the front desk to attend as space is limited.  RSVP.

November 25th:  Christmas Bazaar for Kids at the Rainier Chapel.  The Saturday Market vendors will have a special event where they sell items for under $10.00 for the kids at the Rainier Chapel.  1 PM - 6 PM.

November 26th:  Saturday Market Christmas Bazaar at the Rainier Chapel.  The Saturday Market will be held in the Rainier Chapel from 10 AM - 3 PM.

December 1st:  Christmas Tree Lighting in Holiday Park.  This is an activity that takes a whole town to coordinate.  

  • We Love Rainier WA members decorated Downtown Rainier & Holiday Park.  
  • The Prairie Point Quilters Guild cut and sew the patchwork Christmas Stockings for the kids.
  • Members of the Senior Center of Rainier donate the candy and treats & fill the stockings for the Kids.
  • The UN's "Save the Children" gives away packages with books and treats for kids.
  • The South Thurston Fire Department comes and brings treats for kids.  Santa rides in the fire truck!
  • The "South Sound Reading Foundation" donated 500 books for kids.
  • The Girl Scouts are providing cocoa and cookies for kids.
December 9th:  RES Booster Club's Christmas Store for Kids.  Evening time.  

December 10th:  Lantern  Walk of Hope at the Rainier High School.  Afternoon, evening.

Farm to Table FFA Project

 


Sunday, November 6, 2022

Snow, Wind & Power Outages


Dear Seniors & Friends,

I just received a high wind warning from the Emergency Management Public Information Officer on NextDoor.com.  (Logo They expected winds of 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 miles per hour, when they sent out the notice.  Now the forecast is for snow on Monday.

For more information please check the local forecast at:  https://www.weather.gov/.  

You can sign up for local alerts so you know what roads are closed around you.  If you need assistance, they can help.  Go to:  https://mil.wa.gov/alerts.

To check the snow alerts on the mountain passes go to:  https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses.

Remember, the Senior Center of Rainier is a designated heating & cooling shelter.  If there is a lot of snow, or a power outage and you need to come into the Senior Center for shelter, please call George Johnson (360) 292-5363.  

Regardless of the weather, we are both planning on coming in tomorrow morning.  We are here to serve you.    

Linda

P.S.  Comcast (Xfinity) will be working on updating their internet equipment tomorrow.  We may be without internet & phone for up to 2 hours at a time tomorrow.  I apologize for the inconvenience.  LJJ

November 2022 Lunch Menu

Dear Seniors & Friends,

Here's a copy of the November 2022 lunch menu.  Please note that BINGO will be on November 21st (the third Monday of the month) and the Senior Center Board Meeting will be on November 28th (the fourth Monday of the month).  I haven't figured out how to edit the menu on a Chromebook.  My apologies.

We look forward to seeing you for lunch.  

There will be Church in the Park on the third Saturday of the month at 4:00 PM.

There will be game night on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM.  We play Mexican Train Dominoes.  You're welcome to join us, bring friends and play other games as well.

See you at the Center!

Linda


Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Operation Christmas Child 2022

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Our mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.


Why shoebox gifts?

Shoebox gifts demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. By partnering with the local church worldwide, each shoebox gift is a powerful tool for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.


Below are several files related to the Valley Heart Assembly of God OCC activities this year. We are looking for volunteers and support from the community.  We can use help with gathering/packing/delivering them to the central collection point in Olympia. 


Also, one of the file explains the opportunity to fill a shoebox on-line for yourself or someone you want to bless by having them 'pack' it on-line.

There is additional info such as time lines on our website: valleyheart.org

Questions?  More info?  Talk to me or Sam (Dickerson).

Eric Dickerson
(360) 446-2626 Valley Heart Assembly of God Church


Medicare's Open Enrollment Presentations in Thurston County October 2022

Medicare's Open Enrollment Presentations 

in Thurston County October 2022


To make an appointment for a personal consultation Contact:

Elizabeth Thunstedt, MBA
Licensed Insurance Broker
Insurance Answers Washington
Phone:  (253) 226-0806
Fax"  (360) 252-6509

Elizabeth@InsuranceAnswersWA.com


Good afternoon everyone,

Happy Autumn officially.

It is hard to believe but fall is here and Medicare's Open Enrollment is rolling out in a few weeks.  Medicare's Advantage and Part D plans will be available on Medicare's official website starting October 1, but enrollment options do not start until October 15.  We are geared up to help beneficiaries with their questions, whether they are new to Medicare or already enrolled.

Below is a list of our  Zoom and in person presentation options for beneficiaries, their friends or family members or anyone interested in understanding Medicare a little better.

Contact our office to obtain registration information on any of our Zoom options. During the month of October we will include a segment on Open Enrollment during those presentations.  If your organization wants our standard flier for any of these events, please let me know, (previously sent with my monthly emails).  Our outreach in Yelm has a flier attached as this is a new event.

Here they are listed in no particular order:

"Welcome to Medicare"

October 5 10am to noon
October 18 1pm to 3pm
October 20 10am to noon

Learn how to prevent Medicare fraud: October 6 1pm to 2pm
Learn about programs that help pay for Medicare's out of pocket costs:  October 13 11am to Noon

In Person options:

Welcome to Medicare:
Olympia Sr Center 222 Columbia St:   October 12 11am to 1pm (no registration is needed)

Welcome to Medicare:
Mason County Sr Activity Center, 190 Sentry Dr, Shelton WA October 20 11am to 12:30  No registration required but space is limited (MCSAC still requires folks entering their establishment to be vaccinated)

Open Enrollment presentation:
Yelm Adult Community Center 16530 103rd Ave SE, Yelm October 18 12:30 to 2pm

Happy Autumn.  As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.

Janis Rich


Sunday, September 25, 2022

October 2022 Lunch Menu

 Robbi Currey created the October 2022 Lunch Menu!  Thank her, when you see her!  She does a great job on the menus!  Thank you, Robbi!



Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Privacy Notice September 21, 2022



Personal Privacy Matters!

Dear Seniors & Friends,

We respect the rights of everyone who attends our events, public and private.

Although we have public events, we must advise you that there are people who attend these events who cannot have their pictures taken.  We have people who have foster children, or belong to the military who are NOT ALLOWED to have their pictures taken whether or not they're posted online.  

Please respect the privacy of our members and their families.  If they tell you "NO PICTURE" that's just what they mean.  Simply refrain from taking their pictures.

No questions or comments.  

NO EXCEPTIONS!  

Linda Johnson


Thursday, September 8, 2022

Coffee with Sheriff John Snaza September 28, 2022

Join us for Coffee 

with John Snaza



September 28, 2022

at 1:00 PM 

This is our quarterly 
"COFFEE with a COP"
meeting

Please feel free to ask John questions.

The "Coffee with a Cop" meetings usually last
1 - 1.5 hours.  

Held in the Senior Center of Rainier
108 Michigan Street S
Rainier, WA 98576
(360) 446-2258


Sunday, September 4, 2022

Vivian Eason Town Hall to be held on September 7, 2022

Vivian Eason


Town Hall to be held at the Senior Center of Rainier

Wednesday September 7, 2022

Vivian Eason will be speaking at 1 PM at a Town Hall forum about her candidacy for County Commissioner.  Vivian will also be joining the seniors for lunch.

Vivian is a fiscal conservative and believes that the people of Thurston County are entitled to know where their taxes are being spent. She began working for Thurston County in 1987 and worked part-time while attending and graduating from The Evergreen State College. She returned to full-time employment with Thurston County in 1992. She feels strongly that she can make a positive difference in the leadership of Thurston County.   



Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Monday, August 29, 2022

Santa Needs Elves...

Hi Seniors & Friends,

It's time for all of Santa's Elves to come together and work on the kiddie Christmas Stockings.  Everyone is welcome to join the Quilters Guild on October 22, 2022 at the Senior Center of Rainier from 10 AM - ?.  Bring your sewing machine and thread.  (Any color will do).  

We have September and October to get over 200 patchwork stockings made for the kids.  

Fabric donations are needed with solid color and/or small Christmas prints on it.  Any color of satin fabric, too.

Thank you in advance for helping make Christmas Tree Lighting in Holiday Park special for the kids.  Santa will be handing out 230 Christmas Stockings to the kids this year.

We will be giving books to the kids while they're in line this year, rather than have Santa distribute them.  This will help the line move faster and the kids will not be distracted when they visit with him.  

Let's make this Christmas Merry for one and all!!!

Shhhhh.....
Just One of Santa's Little Helpers

P.S.  Candy donations can be dropped off at the Senior Center Monday's & Wednesdays from 9 am - 1:30 pm.  Thank you for your donations!

A Special Message from Tammy Meyers and the PPQG:

The guild has 3 sewing machines to share. Plus, no sewing skills are needed. PPQG* members will teach people how to make the stockings. All hands are needed. Plenty of task to do other than sewing stockings. 

Again, thank you for your help in this project! 

NOTE:  *PPQG - Prairie Point Quilters Guild

Friday, August 26, 2022

Medicare Open Enrollment Information



Happy August everyone,


I hope everyone is doing well.  Medicare's Open Enrollment season is fast approaching, so if you would like a speaker to present to your organization, either via Zoom or in person, please reach out to me soon, as we fill dates very quickly this time of year.

As always, if you have questions about Medicare or the program in general, our trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) are here to help.  Call to get free, unbiased help from one of our trained volunteers through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner at 1-800-562- 6900 or through Senior Services for South Sound at 360.586.6181, ext. 134 or email jrich@southsoundseniors.org to get in touch with one of our trained volunteers. 

Here is a list of our SHIBA/Medicare virtual and live presentations for you or your clients for September with fliers attached for more information:

"Welcome to Medicare" virtual Presentations:

● Wednesday Sept 7, 10am to 12pm  Webinar with Zoom
● Tuesday, Sept 20, 1pm to 3pm Webinar with Zoom
● Thursday Sept 15, 10am to 12pm  Webinar with Zoom

In Person Seminar "Welcome to Medicare" at Senior Services, 222 Columbia St. Olympia
(this event is subject to change due to Covid restrictions) No pre-registration is required.
● Wednesday Sept 14, 11am to 1pm

Or

*In Person Seminar "Welcome to Medicare" at Mason County Senior Activities Center, 190 Sentry Dr. Shelton WA
(this event is subject to change due to Covid restrictions or inclement weather)
Thursday Sept 15,  11am to 12:30 pm

Virtual webinar with Zoom:  "Take Charge, Help Prevent Medicare Fraud and Abuse":
First Thursday of each month 1pm to 2pm
We have added another special presentation:

Virtual webinar with Zoom:  Learn about Medicare Programs that might save you money.
Second Thursday of each month 11am to noon
September Registration Link:  https://tinyurl.com/2zrkd69a

"Prevent Medicare Fraud" Bingo game will be held in person at Senior Services for South Sound on Sept 21 from 11am to 12:30.  No registration is necessary.  Have fun and learn how to prevent Medicare Fraud and unscrupulous practices. 

A volunteer will also be at the North Mason Library in Belfair on Sept 29 from 4pm to 6pm for a general presentation on Medicare.  No registration is necessary to attend.

Take care everyone. As always, if you want to be taken off this distribution list, please drop me an email or give me a call.

Janis


--
Janis Rich
Volunteer Coordinator/SHIBA program Manager
222 Columbia St NW
Olympia WA 98501
Ph:  360-586-6181 ext. 134
Fax: 360-586-7408 
(Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs 9-3 pm)


You may need to print the flyer above to read it.


Saturday, August 20, 2022

Sonya's Street Dance Specials August 26th

 


Sonja has 2 specials you can order during the street dance. 

The first special is $15.95 

Your choice of Sweet & Sour Chicken or Chicken Teriyaki. 

Both are served with Steamed Rice and Tempura Vegetables 

for $15.95



The second special is $10.95

Chicken Teriyaki served with Steamed Vegetables

Steamed Rice & 1 egg roll.


Come Join us for fun & dinner!


 

Friday, August 19, 2022

Put on Your Dancing Shoes!

 


Get ready to kick your heels up!


Whether you're feeling like dancing slow, or rock & roll rodeo...

to The Randy Band!



Bring the whole Family!

Join us at the 2nd annual Rainier Round-up Day's Street Dance!

Friday, August 26th from 6 - 9 PM on the street across from Holiday Park!

You can bring a blanket or chair and lounge on the grass in the park, 

or dance in the street.

What a Wonderful Way to Celebrate Rainier &
Dance the Night Away!

The Randy Band

Brought to you by:   Bo Foster & Signature Realty




Thursday, August 18, 2022

Dr. Mary Gumbo with INtegrated Health-Wellness Clinic


Integrated Health-Wellness Clinic - Dr.Mary Gumbo

Dr. Mary Gumbo; a Board Certified Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner founded Integrated Health-Wellness.  She will be visiting the Senior Center of Rainier this coming Wednesday, August 24th.  She will be consulting we patients who have health questions after she makes a brief presentation prior to lunch.  Please bring your questions or concerns.  She can make arrangements to talk privately to patients afterwards. 

Please email your most burning health questions.  Important changes you have experienced as you age, or do you want to have a home visit.  Mary wants to target the health topics of interest for discussion on her visit with us at the Senior Center.  You can email your questions to Mary at:  info@integratedhealth-wellness.com (Attention:  Mary Gumbo).

If you are unable to meet with her, Mary does house call visits and telemedicine for homebound patients.  She's in our area (Yelm) during the week, too.

Integrated Health-Wellness is a primary care facility for adults and geriatric patients. They are offer preventative care for patients from 49 years - 65+ years of age.  (all screening updates, health risk assessments and blood work.

We asked about medical insurances that they accept at Integrated Health-Wellness.  They work with people on Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, Premera Blue Cross, LifeWise of Washington, Cigna, Medicaid and VA patients.  They are working on a contract with Humana.  

Mary is a caring, compassionate healthcare provider.  Healing is her calling.  She helps with preventative healthcare as well as healthcare problems.  Visit her website at:

https://www.integratedhealth-wellness.com/

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