FREE Prom Dinner @ the Senior Center of Rainier WA

 Dear RHS Parents & Students: Free Prom Dinner, sponsored by WLRW on April 25th starting at 5 PM at the Senior Center of Rainier.

April 2026 Lunch Menu

 Dear Seniors & Friends,

We're serving spiral cut ham and scalloped potatoes for our Easter Lunch on April 6th.

Our Breakfast, the Wednesday before we will be serving blueberry waffles.

The Pastrami Sandwiches will be Reubens.

Remember, our menu items are subject to change.

Please feel free to sign up for the Living Well Thurston classes which are being held in the Senior Center dining room starting on March 31 from 10 AM - 12:30 PM.  These classes will be held for six weeks.  Snacks and beverages will be provided by the Senior Center.

The Well Rainier will be holding 2 Easter Sunday Service at 9 AM & 11 AM.

We Love Rainier WA will be meeting on the first Tuesday evening at 5:30 PM.

All my best,

Linda

Valley Heart Church Holy Week

 

Thurston County Health Department Classes Start in March 2026

Dear Seniors & Friends,

Leslie, from the Thurston County Health Department, came out Wednesday and made a presentation about classes they are going to offer senior citizens starting Tuesday, March 31st.

Theses are free classes, which will be held on Tuesdays for 6 weeks starting March 31st and ending on May 5, 2026.  

Leslie will be bringing registration forms with her on Monday, March 16th.  Please feel free to come and sign up for these free classes.  The flyer is below.  (I corrected the dates on the flyer.)

UPDATE:  This is the first class that has been presented to the public.  The other classes have only been presented to the State of Washington employees before.  We left the handwritten lists of the topics we discussed today (with everyone's permission).  We all enjoyed the class.  We were each given our own copy of the book on Living a Healthy Life.  

Next week will be the last time we can add people to this class, so if you're interested in taking this class, please join us next week!!!

 

March 2026 Lunch Menu

 Dear Seniors & Friends,

There's a Senior Driving Class on March 18th.  Please feel free to attend.  The cost is $20 for this class that Gerald Apple is holding.  

There is a Crab Feed Fundraiser for the Thurston County Fire Department that is being held in Tenino.  The cost is $45.00 per person for dinner with 2 crabs and 2 beverages.  This is an annual benefit for the fire departments in Thurston County.

The Well in Rainier holds services every Sunday in the Senior Center, starting at 10 AM.  This is a popular church service, so come early to get a good parking place and good seat.

Linda

WLRW Delivers Annual SMART Drive Supplies to Rainier Elementary School Teachers

Laura Immel (Left) Victoria Cooper (Right)

We Love Rainier WA Delivers Annual SMART Drive Supplies to Rainier Elementary Teachers

RAINIER, Wash. — Classrooms at Rainier Elementary School received a welcome boost this week as community volunteers Laura Immel and Victoria Cooper delivered hundreds of dollars’ worth of essential classroom supplies, purchased through the annual SMART Drive organized by We Love Rainier WA.

The SMART Drive—short for Supplies, Materials And Resources for Teachers—is a yearly initiative dedicated to ensuring educators have the tools they need to support student success. This year, We Love Rainier WA spent $1,400 to fulfill specific supply requests submitted directly by Rainier Elementary teachers.

Immel and Cooper personally delivered the supplies, which included classroom basics such as pencils, notebooks, art materials, organization tools, and other resources that often come out of teachers’ own pockets.  

Laura and Victoria are strong supporters of the Rainier School District. This project, along with the Dictionaries for Third Graders, means a lot to Laura and Victoria, as they both went to school in Rainier and graduated from Rainier High School.  Their mothers both attended school in Rainier as well.  Laura taught school in Rainier and Victoria worked for the school district.

“This is one of our most meaningful projects each year,” said Immel. “Teachers give so much of themselves to their students, and this is one way our community can give something back.”

The SMART Drive (Supplies, Materials And Resources for Teachers) reflects the organization’s mission to strengthen the community through direct, practical support. By purchasing requested items rather than collecting random donations, the program ensures every dollar goes toward materials teachers will use immediately in their classrooms.

Cooper said the experience of delivering the supplies is always inspiring. “You can see the appreciation on the teachers’ faces,” she said. “It reminds us how much these small acts of support matter—not just for teachers, but for every student they serve.”

Teachers at Rainier Elementary expressed gratitude for the continued support, noting that programs like the SMART Drive help create richer learning environments and reduce the financial burden many educators quietly carry.

We Love Rainier WA has hosted the SMART Drive annually for several years, with funding made possible through community donations and local fundraising efforts. The organization hopes to continue expanding the program in the future to meet growing classroom needs.

As another school year begins, the delivery serves as a reminder of the strong connection between Rainier’s schools and its community—one built on shared commitment, generosity, and belief in the future of its students.  

Residents interested in supporting future SMART Drives or other community initiatives can learn more through We Love Rainier WA’s outreach and volunteer programs on our FaceBook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/weloverainierwa or.  Contact George Johnson (360) 292-5363 or email: weloverainierwa@gmail.com

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"Children may be 30% of our population, but they are 100% of our future."  Gary Edwards

Yelm Performing Arts Center Benefit Concert 2026

The Yelm Performing Arts Booster presents their 2nd annual Benefit Concert for

Yelm High School Choirs on Friday, February 27th, 2026 at 6:00 PM.  Doors open at 5 PM.

2026 Crab Feed

The South Thurston Firefighters Association is holding their Annual Crab Feed!

Valentine's Day Bazaar Flyer 2026

 Dear Seniors & Friends,

We will be serving a special lunch during this bazaar for $5.00.  

Hot Dogs, Chili, or Chili Dogs, chips and a beverage.

There will be many, many vendors! 

Linda

Senior Center of Rainier WA 2026 Board Members

 

Board Members 2026

George Johnson - Chairman

Retired General Manager (Retail). 

Former Lions Club King Lion. 

Founder & Chairman of We Love Rainier WA                            

Kevin Pettit - Co-Chairman

Retired Contractor (Residential & Business).

Manager of the Rainier Saturday Market.  Sells bird and bat houses                                                 

Cindee Day - Treasurer:    

CPA with an MBA in Business. 

Owns her own business: Cover Your Assets 

Works front desk. Membership Manage

Victoria Cooper - Co-Treasurer:

Retired Thurston School District & Lottery. 

Rainier Historical Society.  Works in our kitchen.

Linda Johnson - Secretary:

Retired Medical Biller and Credit Specialist -DaVita

Former Treasurer for the Rainier Lions Club

Diane Pettit - General Member:

Retired Retail. 

Sells jewelry at Rainier Saturday Market

Cherri Crafton - Building Use Manager:

Retired Registered Nurse.

Receptionist & Kitchen crew.

Tom Arnbristor - Building Security & Emergency Manager:

Worked in Waste Management.                                                                                      

Rainier City Council and heads up Emergency Preparedness for the City of Rainier.

Sue Velasco - General Member:             

Retired from DOT. 

Latter Day Saints member.

Dave Velasco - General Member:           

Retired from DOT. 

Latter Day Saints member.

Debbie Sorrells - General Member:     

Retired. Member Valley Heart Church.

Kathy Willette - General Member:         

Retired public schools (Military wife). 

Worked  with Special needs students. 

Mother of a deaf child, who is now an underwater welder.

Gold panning. 

Bill Willette - General Member:                 

Retired helicopter pilot (military).

Father of deaf child who is now an underwater welder. 

Gold panning.

Bill Koutrouba - General Member:

Retired building contractor. 

Non-profit business owner.

Sue Watson - Receptionist:          

Retired.  Fiber artist. 

Works front desk at Senior Center when available. 

Senior Center of Rainier Mission Statement 2026

Dear Seniors & Friends,

We have updated our Mission Statement:

"The Senior Center of Rainier is a warm, welcoming gathering place where older adults thrive—staying healthy, connected, and proudly independent. We nourish body and spirit with wholesome meals, vibrant activities, and meaningful learning opportunities in a safe, inclusive space that celebrates cultural diversity and bridges generations. Through our programs, we help prevent isolation, strengthen self-reliance, and foster lasting friendships that enrich our entire community".

We serve lunch on Mondays & Wednesdays. We arrive around 9 AM and open for visitors at 10. When we have soup, it's served at 11:30 AM, with lunch following at noon. We usually stay open until 2 PM. Sometimes later if we have a computer class, or other event.

The Senior Center of Rainier is a Multi-Purpose Community Center. Many other community organizations use the building in our "off hours".

• AA meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. They've been meeting here for decades.
• Girl Scouts meet on Thursday evenings upstairs.
• Prairie Point Quilters Guild meet every Thursday - all day.
• Judy's Club meets to quilt on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
• We Love Rainier WA meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM. They come and go when they have holiday events (Christmas Tree Lighting, Halloween in the Park & Easter Egg Hunt), or have items to donate to the Rainier Elementary School. (Dictionaries, school supplies, Paws Store supplies and clothing).
• Church in the Park meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 3 PM.
• The Well-Rainier meets every Sunday for services at 10 AM. They have use of the building from 8 AM - 10 PM. They may come in Saturday evenings to get set-up for Sunday services.
• Other groups like Junior Wrestling, Saturday Market Bazaars, activities for children, Anywhere Library, Senior Citizens Safe Driving Classes, special speakers are, Celebrations of Life, Birthday Parties, etc. are fit into our regular schedule.
• Emergency Heating and Cooling Shelter. Designated Emergency Shelter in extreme emergencies.

Please contact Cherri Crafton to make arrangements to use our building. She's been doing a great job scheduling events.

Building Use Manager: Cherri Crafton:

                                       ccraftonrn@hotmail.com (208) 602-2730

Please contact Tom Arnbristor if you have any Building Security or Emergency issues.

Building Security & Emergency Manager: Tom Arnbristor:

                                                                    tbristor@msn.com 360-763-2257

We are grateful to be able to serve the greater Rainier area. Thank you for supporting the Senior Center of Rainier. We appreciate you!

Linda

 

The Well - Rainier February 2026

Dear Seniors & Friends,

Please join us in welcoming Samuel Yount, pastor of The Well Rainier, to the Senior Center community. Sam is retired from the Fire Department, where he served as an Assistant Chief of Medical Services. He’s known as a bridge builder, friendly, approachable, and always ready to connect.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out, you can contact him at sam@thewellrainier.com

Mailing address:

The Well: A Foursquare Church

PO Box 687 Rainier, WA 98576

"The Well - Rainier" church is affiliated with the Four Square Churches.  Their services will start at 10 AM promptly.  They will also hold youth groups in the evenings.

They focus on the family and serving our local community.  He has a team of 10 people and their families.  They expect about 50 people to attend church here.  They have a large youth group that will be attending church here, as well.  Right now their youth pastor is away on a mission in a foreign country. 

They have a new website:  https://thewellrainier.com.   

You can watch Sam's sermon's on their YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/@TheWellRainier.

They have other social media accounts, as well.  You can find links to them on their website.

They helped us clean the upstairs to get ready for youth today. Their Children's Ministry Director, Jessica Hancock, is excited about having a special place to host their youth group. Their Youth Minister, Jetta Watkins, is away on a mission in a foreign country. Her fiancé, Kyler Jackson, is on a mission in a different foreign country.

Please welcome Sam and his church family to the Senior Center of Rainier.

Linda

February 2026 Lunch Menu

Dear Seniors & Friends,

Below is the lunch menu for February 2026.  You'll notice our calendar for February is busy.  

A special "welcome" goes out to Pastor Sam Yount and members of The Well - Rainier!  They will be holding services in the Senior Center starting on Sunday, February 1st. Welcome!  Services start promptly at 10 AM.  Please feel free to join them.  

We Love Rainier WA will have their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 2nd.  The meeting starts at 5:30 PM.  

There will be a Valentine's Day Bazaar on Saturday, February 14th.  The Senior Center will have $5.00 lunches.  Hot dogs or chili, or chili dogs for $5.00.  Please stop in and support the Senior Center.  We'll have a couple of tables where people can sit and eat.  We look forward to seeing everyone!

Contact Tom Arnbristor about Church in the Park.  It is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month and starts at 3:00 PM.  

Linda

PSE Energy Assistant Applications for 2026

Dear Seniors & Friends,

One of our members brought this application into the Senior Center to give to share with our members.  If you need assistance, PSE is willing to help you.

Below are applications for the PSE bill assistance program.

Please feel free to call them if you have any questions or concerns about their program.

Senior Citizen "Safe Driving Class" March 2026

SENIOR DRIVING CLASS IS SCHEDULED IN RAINIER

A senior driving class for those 55 years or older is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th from 9 AM to 3:00 PM at the Rainier Senior Center.  Lunch will be provided for a minimal fee.  The cost of the class is $20.  Gerald Apple, a traffic safety education teacher in Mason, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Lewis county will be instructing the class.  Gerry has taught Traffic Safety Education for 55 years and was named the national traffic safety education teacher of the year at the ADTSEA (American Traffic Safety Education Association) conference in Billings, Montana this past summer.

The class is sponsored by the AAA, Washington Traffic Safety Education Association, Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Washington Department of Licensing.  The class will include such topics as driving in bad weather, handling emergencies, texting and driving, road rage, roundabouts, reference points, good seeing habits, new traffic laws, prescription drugs, stop positions and pedestrians/bicycles.  

Completion of this six hour class will provide a 5 to 10 % reduction on automobile insurance rates for individuals fifty -five years or older for a two to three year period.  Participants need to register by calling the Rainier Senior Center (360-446-2258) or texting/calling Gerald Apple at 360-480-5330 or sending him an email at GeraldAppl@yahoo.com.  This class will be a very educational, fun and interactive experience.

In Memory of Carol Jenkins Ramsay

The Rainier community is saddened to share the passing of Carol Jenkins Ramsey of Rainier, Washington.

Carol was a valued member of our community, and her presence will be deeply missed by friends, neighbors, and all who knew her. She touched many lives through her kindness, generosity, and connection to Rainier.

The Senior Center of Rainier extends its heartfelt condolences to Carol’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We honor her memory and the impact she had on our community.

Dennis McVey Passed Away

Dennis McVey

Dennis McVey, age 84, of Rainier, passed away peacefully. Dennis proudly served the City of Rainier as a City Council Member, holding Position #5, where he was committed to public service and the well-being of the community.

His dedication to civic engagement and his steady presence on the City Council left a lasting impact on Rainier and its residents. Dennis will be remembered for his service, leadership, and commitment to his hometown.

Further information regarding services or memorial arrangements will be shared at a later time.

January 2026 Menu Change

 Dear Seniors & Friends,  

We have a menu change for January.  Instead of Chicken Wings on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The Kitchen Staff have been cleaning and organizing the kitchen including the pantry, freezers & fridge.  I think the Christmas decorations will be changed out to "Valentine's Day" decorations soon.

There will be a "Valentine's Day" sale at the Senior Center on February 14, 2026.  Kevin will have vendors in the dining room and the front room.  There will be a couple of open tables in the dining room for people to sit at for lunch.  

We will be serving hot dogs &/or Chili with your choice of the trimmings, as well as beverages and chips/crackers.  Please let me know if you have any other ideas of things you'd like for lunch.

Linda

New Food Pyramid in a Healthy Plate Infographic 2026

The MAHA Food Circle (Simple Guide)

MAHA Food Circle

Bigger sections = eat more often

🟢 Fruits & Vegetables

Eat the most — colorful, fresh, and daily

🟡 Whole Grains

Energy for your body and brain

🔵 Healthy Proteins

Build strength and stay full

🟠 Healthy Fats

A little goes a long way

🔴 Treats & Processed Foods

Enjoy only sometimes

The MAHA Food Circle shows how much of each food group to eat each day.

The bigger the section, the more often you should eat those foods

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🟢 Biggest Section – Fruits & Vegetables

Fill most of your plate with fruits and vegetables

• Help your body stay strong and healthy

• Good for your heart, brain, eyes, and digestion

• Try to eat many colors every day
  Examples: apples, berries, bananas, carrots, broccoli, spinach

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🟡 Medium Section – Whole Grains

Eat every day for energy

• Give you energy to move, play, and think

• Help keep your tummy healthy

• Choose whole grains when possible
  Examples: oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta

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🔵 Medium Section – Healthy Proteins

Build muscles and stay strong

• Help muscles, bones, and immune health

• Choose lean and easy-to-digest options
  Examples: fish, chicken, eggs, beans, nuts, yogurt

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🟠 Small Section – Healthy Fats

A little is just right

• Help your brain and joints

• Use small amounts each day
  Examples: olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds

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🔴 Tiny Section – Treats & Processed Foods

Enjoy only sometimes

• Fun foods, not everyday foods

• Too much can hurt your health
  Examples: candy, cookies, soda, chips, fast food

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Healthy Habits Around the Circle

• 💧 Drink water often

• 🚶 Move your body every day

• 🍽 Eat slowly and enjoy your food

• 🥣 Seniors: choose softer foods if needed

• 🧒 Kids: try new healthy foods

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Easy Way to Remember:

“Most fruits and veggies, some grains and protein, a little healthy fat, and treats once in a while.”

Note:  The new MAHA Food Pyramid was difficult for me to understand, so I asked ChatGPT to create a Healthy Plate Infographic for me.  I thought I'd share what ChatGPT created.

Please remember to thank our Kitchen Staff.  They strive to provide you with healthy, wholesome food that is both tasty and nutritious.  They do it because they care about you and your well-being!

DSHS Mobile Office Coming to Rainier FoodBank at Valley Heart Church

Public Service Announcement:

The DSHS Mobile Office will be in the Valley Heart Assembly of God parking lot on January 14, 2026 for anyone who has questions about SNAP, or needs to sign up for help in these challenging times.  You can ask questions about getting help in the privacy of their mobile office.  

Valley Heart Church Letter of Gratitude

Valley Heart Assembly of God
11318 Vail Cutoff Rd SE
PO Box 450
Rainier, WA 98576

​Phone: 360-446-2626

January 8, 2026

Dear Rainier:

On behalf of the Valley Heart Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rainier community and surrounding areas for your generous support throughout 2025.

Because of your kindness, we have been able to continue serving individuals and families in need with dignity, compassion, and hope. We are deeply grateful for the many private donations we received this year—each gift, whether large or small, made a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors.

We would like to give special recognition to Rainier High School’s FFA and Leadership classes for their dedication, service projects, and ongoing commitment to helping others. We are also thankful for the Rainier Elementary School students and parents whose generosity and enthusiasm remind us that caring for our community begins at a young age. In addition, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Rainier School District faculty and staff for their ongoing support, encouragement, and willingness to partner with us in serving our community.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Rainier Community Garden for providing fresh produce, to Dollar General for their support through the toy and food drive, and to the many local businesses, organizations, churches, and volunteers who contributed time, resources, and encouragement throughout the year.

Your compassion and willingness to help reflect the true spirit of our community. Thank you for standing with Valley Heart Food Pantry and Clothes Closet and for making Rainier a place where neighbors truly care for one another.

With gratitude,

Valley Heart Food Pantry and Clothes Closet

Pictures of Lunch with Rodney Mitchell at Rainier City Pizza & Burgers!

 Dear Seniors & Friends,

Rodney Mitchell made arrangements to meet at Rainier City Pizza & Burgers while the Senior Center was closed during the holidays.  Everyone had a wonderful time visiting together.  People stopped by at the Senior Center to pick up food from our mini-foodbank on Mondays after lunch.

A special "Thank you" goes out to Jenny and her crew for good food, service and wonderful atmosphere!  We enjoyed spending time together at Rainier City Pizza & Burgers!

Below are pictures that Miles St. Germaine took of one of the lunches.  The last 2 pictures are of his service dog, Joy.  One is at the restaurant.  The other is where Joy meets a deer.  She didn't know what to do because the deer wasn't running away from her.

Enjoy the pictures.  Thank you to everyone who showed up for lunch!

Linda