Potluck Tomorrow!

Just a gentle reminder that it's "POTLUCK" tomorrow!

Hope to see you there...

March 2018 Lunch Menu

Easter Sale Open to Public!

Check out our Easter Sale that's going on Mondays & Wednesdays from 10 AM - 2 PM.  The Easter items are new!  We have some beautiful items that are very unique.  All our prices are reasonable, too!  We'll have one sale on Saturday, March 17th, for those who can't come in on a weekday.

Board Meeting 02/19/18

Board Meeting started at 1:00 PM on 2/19/18

Board of Directors:

Co-Chair:  Thela Stepp

Co-Chair:  Teena Scott

Treasurer:  Betty Howells

Secretary/Co-Treasurer:  Linda Johnson

Members at Large:  

Dave England

Shirley England

George Johnson

Olive Vincent

Board Members Attending:

George Johnson

Linda Johnson

Teena Scott

Betty Howells

Thela Stepp

Dave England

Shirley England

Board Members Absent:

Olive Vincent

Members Present:

Sue Watson

Kevin Watson

Angela Denman

Nadine Whitlock

The agenda was read by everyone.  George Johnson moved to approve the agenda.  Thela Stepps Seconded the motion.  The agenda was unanimously approved as distributed.

The minutes for the previous meeting were read by everyone.  George Johnson moved to approve the minutes.  Thela Stepp seconded the motion.  The minutes for December 2017 & January 2018 meetings were unanimously approved as distributed.  

Treasurer's Report:  

Betty Howells submitted the Treasurer’s Report for the last month.  Details of the savings andchecking accounts were discussed in detail.  

Communication:

We received a flyer in the mail about a trip to Mount Rushmore.  It will be scanned and posted on our blog.

Property Taxes:  We received our property tax statement last week, showing taxes are due April 30, 2018.  

New Business:

Put events into the calendar with the menu.  March 17, 2018 we will have an “Easter Sale” from 10 AM - 2 PM.  Volunteer sign up sheets will be at the front desk.

Workers from the City’s Public Works Department will come in and grade our parking lot.  We will ask Ron and his crew if they can do this on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, to keep it nice and make it easier for the seniors to walk in the parking lot.

George & Linda Johnson will make a new sign for the Senior Center.  The size will be

4’ x 4’.  

Old Business:

The cookbook is coming along.  Angela mentioned needing some “history of Rainier” articles in the cookbook.  We’ll contact Karen Creamer from the Rainier Historical Society and ask her for articles, pictures and information about Rainier to add to our cookbook.  Over 100 pages of the scrapbook have been scanned and are in digital files, so selected pictures and articles about he Senior Center will be added to our cookbook.  We have almost 70 recipes, so far, with many people who’ve committed to bringing in their recipes.  So far we have many people who want to order cookbooks, too.  Our goal is to have it ready by April to be online in digital and print on demand.The cookbook is coming along.  Angela mentioned needing some “history of Rainier” articles in the cookbook.  We’ll contact Karen Creamer from the Rainier Historical Society and ask her for articles, pictures and information about Rainier to add to our cookbook.  Over 100 pages of the scrapbook have been scanned and are in digital files, so selected pictures and articles about he Senior Center will be added to our cookbook.  We have almost 70 recipes, so far, with many people who’ve committed to bringing in their recipes.  So far we have many people who want to order cookbooks, too.  Our goal is to have it ready by April to be online in digital and print on demand.

Old Business that was tabled until next meeting.

1. Door Sign - letting people know that the entrance is on the side of the building
2. Open side door to the storage room.  Close off the door into the eating area.
3. 
   
   
   
   Adjournment:
   
   
   George Johnson motioned to adjourn the meeting.  LInda Johnson seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.Meeting was adjourned at 1:49PM by Thela Stepp.  The next general meeting will be at 1 PM
   on March 19, 2018.
   
   
   Minutes submitted by:  _______________________
   
   
   Approved by:  ________________________
   
   

2018 Native Plant Festival

Renewable Energy on your Farm

Open House in Grand Mound & Rochester

Coffee with a Commissioner

Save the Date:  March 5, 2018  10:30 AM at the Rainier Senior Center

Come have coffee, snacks and visit with Gary Edwards, our local County Commissioner.  He is very knowledgeable about  many of the issues and concerns people have in our area.  Please bring your questions and come visit with Gary.

Gary is serving his first term as Thurston County Commissioner and represents the Board on the following committees:

• Area Agency on Aging
• Emergency Medical Council (Medic One)
• Fire Commissioners Association
• Law and Justice Council
• Nisqually River Council
• Thurston 911 Communications (TCOMM 911) Administration Board
• Thurston Thrives Coordinating Council

To find out more about Gary Edwards, visit his page at: http://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/bocc/Pages/bio-district-2.aspx

Here's a picture of Gary - now:

Here's a picture of Gary, years ago when he visited the Senior Center for lunch, when he was a Thurston County Sheriff:

Location:    108 Michigan Street, Rainier, WA 98576  
Questions:  Ask for George Johnson(360) 446-2258  

Thank you for coming to "Coffee with a Cop"

Wonderful turnout for "Coffee with a Cop." started out with 30 people and ended up with over 40. Thank you all for supporting our local sheriffs!

Captain Gordon Phillips has been a deputy for over 27 years.  He answered questions members of our community had about fences, weapons, mail theft, how to report a tip or situation in our neighborhoods.  

He fielded questions about standards for becoming a sheriff.  The standards are high, yet there are many jobs available for people who can't pass the physical to become a deputy.  

Sheriff John Snaza shared details about the Thurston County Sheriffs Department (TCSC).  Both John and Gordon started out as reserve deputies, which is done on a volunteer basis.  You can't tell a reserve officer from a regular, paid deputy.  This is a demanding, volunteer position, so it can be very demanding on family life to be a reserve officer while working a full time job to support your family. 

• The (TCSC) serves Rainier, Bucoda, Rochester and Tenino (after hours).  
• They respond to 1600 - 1700 calls in Rainier alone every year.  
• Rainier pays yearly for the service of 2 deputies.  
• Thurston County has the same number of sheriffs as they did in 1995.
• The population has increased by over 100,000 people since 1995.
• It takes on average 
• 11 minutes and 32 seconds for a sheriff to respond to an "in progress call."
• There are only 7 sheriffs on duty in the morning, only 8 during the middle of the day to cover all of Thurston County.  This is why response time isn't instantaneous.
• The (TCSC) refunds money not spent on the cities they serve.  This year Rochester will receive a refund of $12,000 and Rainier will receive $9,000.
• There are 11 Police Academy classes every year.  The TCSD has six people waiting to go to the academy.   It is hard to recruit new deputies.
• Deputies on the TCSD are volunteers in their communities.  They are ministers, coaches and do a lot of other community service work.
• Law enforcement officers are more trustworthy than clergy.  Only one half of one percent deviate from the high standards set by their departments.

The new jail for Thurston County is open.  It was full to capacity after the second month of operation.  They have 408 beds and need 120 more beds, because violent offenders and people with mental health problems have to be in cells by themselves.  About 50% of prisoners have mental health problems, while 70% of prisoners have a drug problem.

Overflow prisoners go to jails in other counties.  Each county has different training and standards.  Thurston County no longer sends prisoners to the Nisqually jail.  The Nisqually Reservation is a Sovereign Nation and they can't be sued, but Thurston County could be sued.  The TCSD is hoping to pay for more beds in their new jail with a bond.  

A special "Thank You" to Captain Gordon Phillips, Sheriff John Snaza and everyone who attended "Coffee with a Cop" today!  We will do this again, soon!

Coffee with a Cop February 5, 2018

Coffee with a Cop:  Members from the Thurston County Sheriff's department will be at the Rainier Senior Center on February 5, 2018 at 10:30 AM.  The public is welcome to come for a free cup of coffee and snack.  This questions you have about our local community.  Coffee with a Cop brings members of the Thurston County Sheriff's Department and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other. 

February 2018 Lunch Menu

Feburary 5th, at 10:30 AM member(s) from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office will be by for "Coffee with a Cop."  They will answer any questions you have about things going on in our area, as they serve coffee

There are two special things going on during lunch this month.  Since the menu is small, you'll see arrows pointing from notes to the special event and luncheons.

1. We're having a Special Valentine's Lunch of Chicken Cordon Blu, Scallop Potatoes, Pickled Beets & Chocolate Cake.  The cost of lunch will be $5.00 per pserson.  Bringh you sweetheart to lunch!
2. Potluck on February 26th.  If you don't bring a dish to our pot luch, you can join us & just pay the regular price for lunch.

Note:  Membership dues are $15.00 per year per person.  All members are welcome to attend the Senior Center board meetings, which are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at 1:00 PM.  Some of the benefits members receive are:

1. Free lunch during the week closest to their birthday.
2. Free used of teh Senior Center for private events, like memorials.  Contact Thela Stepp or Teena Scott for more information.l

Board Meeting Minutes 1/15/18

Board Meeting started at 1:00 PM on 1/15/18

Board of Directors:

Co-Chair:  Thela Stepp

Co-Chair:  Teena Scott

Treasurer:  Betty Howells

Secretary/Co-Treasurer:  Linda Johnson

Members at Large:  

Dave England

Shirley England

George Johnson

Olive VIncent

Board Members Attending:

George Johnson

Linda Johnson

Teena Scott

Betty Howells

Thela Stepp

Dave England

Shirley England

Board Members Absent:

Olive Vincent

Members Present:

Sue Watson

Kevin Watson

Angela Denman

Shirley Rodger

Callie Wattenbarger

The agenda was read by everyone.   The agenda was unanimously approved as distributed.

The minutes for the previous meeting will be read by everyone at next months meeting.  
Linda Johnson forgot to print them for this months meeting.   They will be read with this
months minutes.  
An abbreviated version of the minutes will be posted for members to read at the center.

Board Meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month.  They will be listed on the
lunch menu.  (BINGO is also held on the third Monday of the month.)

Treasurer's Report:  

Betty Howells discussed the Treasurer’s Report for the last month.  Details of the savings and
checking accounts were discussed.  

1. Betty paid the property insurance for the year starting in November 2017 and going
through November 2018.  Insurance is through Liberty Mutual.
2. Betty has all documents for 2017 in the office.  They are well organized and she will
turn them over to Linda Johnson to put the data into a spreadsheet, so it can be analyzed.
3. Everyone needs to pay for lunch.  If someone can’t afford lunch, then donations need to
be set aside to cover the cost of those lunches.

4. Christmas Bazaar brought in just over $1,600.00.Easter Sales have brought in just
over $160.00.  
5. We will advertise the Easter sale after Valentine's day.
6. Cost analysis and budget are being worked on.  
7. Once reports are completed, reports will be printed up to be reviewed at next
months meeting.

Security System Changes: Teena Scott and Thela Stepp are now the contacts for
our security system.

Membership:  As a general rule, our Board Meetings will be open to all members
of the Rainier Senior Center. We value their input and ideas.  

Member benefits have changed.  

Any member who needs to use the facility for a memorial, etc, can use it at no charge.

Only members will receive a “free” birthday lunch during the week of their birthday.  

• Note:  Thela Stepp made this suggestion.  
• George Johnson motioned we pass "free" birthday lunch change.
• Angela Denman seconded the motion.
• Unanimously passed by all voting members present.

Pending further discussion:  If we have to increase the price of lunches, members who pay

by the month will stay at the same rate, but no refunds will be given for missed lunches

Upcoming Events:

• Joy Goldman will be having her daughter's memorial at the Senior Center on January 24th, starting at 2 PM.
• Valentine's Lunch will be a "Special" lunch.  The price will be $5.00 per person.
• Rummage Sale will be held on May 4th & 5th.  Set up will be May 3rd.
• Bluegrass will be held August 24th, 25th & 26th.  We’re planning on having a bake sale, raffle (baskets), peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake.

A new 4’ x 4’ sign will be made, which will have a place to put in a Bazaar, Rummage Sale,
or other sales signs for special occasions.

We may look into getting grants for improvements to our building.  Places to apply for grants:

Nisqually Tribe
Lucky Eagle Casino

JZ Knight

Walmart

Twin Star

Timberland Bank

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by George Johnson & seconded by Teena Scott.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:00 PM by Thela Stepp.  The next general meeting will be at 1 PM

on February 19, 2018.

Minutes submitted by:  _______________________

Approved by:  ________________________

Board Meeting Agenda 1/15/18

Rainier Senior Center

Monday, January 15, 2018
1 PM
Rainier Senior Center

Agenda

I.    Call to Order

II.   Roll Call

III. Approval of Last Meeting's Minutes

IV. Chairperson's Report

      a. 

      b.

V.  Treasurer's Report

      a.  Bazaar Proceeds

           i.  Christmas

          ii.  Spring

       b. Bank Balances

       c. Deposits

       d. Debits

VI. Old Business

       a.  501-c3

       b.  Property Taxes

VII. New Business

       a.  Budget

       b.  Cost Analysis

       c.  Birthday Lunch

VIII. Correspondence

       a.  Received

       b.  Sent

IX.  Calendar

X.   Adjournment

BINGO Tomorrow!!!

Correction:  BINGO will be held tomorrow, as it's the third Monday of the month.  I realize there are 2 holidays in January.  If people want, we can hold another BINGO next Monday because of the confusion.

January 2018 Lunch Menu

Rainier Senior Center Board Meeting Minutes 12/18/2017

Board Meeting started at 1:30 PM on 12/18/17

Board Members Attending:

George Johnson

Linda Johnson

Teena Scott

Betty Howells

Thela Stepp

Board Members Absent:

Dave England

Shirley England
Olive Vincent

Members Present:

Joy Goldman

Angela Denman

Heinz Denman

Nadine Witlock

The agenda was read by everyone.  George Johnson moved to approve the agenda.  Linda Johnson

Seconded the motion.  The agenda was unanimously approved as distributed.

The minutes for the previous meeting were read by everyone.  Thela Step moved to approve the
minutes.  George Johnson seconded the motion.  The minutes of the previous meeting were
unanimously approved as distributed.  

Treasurer's Report:  

Betty Howells submitted the Treasurer’s Report for the last month.  Details of the savings and
checking accounts were discussed in detail.  

Communication: 

Olive Vincent gave her verbal resignation as Vice President the Board of Directors for the Senior Center of Rainier.  Joy Goldman mailed a letter of Resignation, dated October 7, 2017 to Rosemary Sanders, who turned it over to us after she returned from vacation in December.  Both resignations are accepted and noted.  Olive wants to remain on the Board of Directors, but just not in a leadership role.

Joy Goldman will be having her daughter's memorial at the Senior Center on January 24th, starting at 2 PM.

Open Issues:

Vote taken on new board members for 2018.  Unanimously passed.  

Board of Directors:

Co-Chair:  Thela Stepp

Co-Chair:  Teena Scott

Treasurer:  Betty Howells

Secretary/Co-Treasurer:  Linda Johnson

Members at Large:  

Dave England

Shirley England

George Johnson

Banking: We’ve moved all funds from the bank in Olympia to Twin Star Credit Union in Yelm.

It's much more convenient. There is $35.00 left in the old account, which Betty will ask them

to mail a final check to the Senior Center.

501-c3: Subcommittee formed by Thela and Linda to work on 501-c3. They will meet 12/19/17 to

work on reinstatement.

Status of Property Insurance:  Paid.  Policy mailed out today and is retro to application in November.

Property Taxes:  Due in April

New Business:

Put events into the calendar with the menu.

Old Business was tabled until next meeting.

1. Install Doors - back room and front to create storage areas for Rummage Sale & Christmas Bazaar items.
2. Build Sign - Purchase Marque Letters
3. Door Sign - letting people know that the entrance is on the side of the building
4. Order checks from the bank
5. Re-key the PO Box because we need 2 keys.  We only have one.
6. Open side door to the storage room.  Close off the door into the eating area.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:38 PM