June 2007 Archives

I will be away until July 2nd.
Look for more news then.

Steve Klein

Meeting for family of dementia patients

"An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver-support group meeting for care partners, family members and friends of people with dementia is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Yelm Adult Community Center, 16530 S.E. 103rd St.

For more information, call facilitator Lydia Rogers at 360-664-3162, ext. 106,"
quoting The Olympian.

Now that Wal-Mart is opening its Superstore in this town, I guess it's time to stop calling it a town and start calling it the city it officially is. Life in the city comes at a cost. And while this city is growing at an unprecedented rate, the runaway home construction is focused more on the northwest side, whereas the majority of stores - including Wal-Mart - are on the southeast end of town (oops! - the city).

It is a fact that Wal-Mart is opening in July. It is a fact that there is thriving business throughout Yelm now. It is a fact that Wal-Mart will bring low prices - at least for a while. How long will those low prices last? Probably as long as the other shops in town do. Wal-Mart has a history of low-balling prices until the "competition" is gone, then raising them way up.

Here's an opportunity for everyone to learn - and perhaps even prove the "anti-Wal-Mart contingent" wrong. The experiment:
Drive from one end of Yelm to the other - preferably around 5:15pm on a weekday - and record all of the stores that are open for business. Estimate (or ask!) how many people work there and what kind of wages they're paid. Time how long it takes you to make your end-to-end journey. Use video if you want, but record things in one form or another. Then do this every six months for the next three years. Write back at the end of your study and tell us all how it turned out...

I would venture to say that there will be significant change, and not necessarily for the better. Wal-Mart's history is well-documented, and it's not very pleasant. Higher-paying jobs disappear while minimum-wage jobs replace them. Benefits go with them. The money that is spent at local shops spreads around, whereas Wal-Mart money makes a beeline for Arkansas. History is what has happened, and while it does not guarantee the same actions in the future, it does provide a good indicator - unless something significant changes. We haven't seen that with Wal-Mart.

Peace!
James Zukowski

"In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year (near June 22) when the Sun is farthest north. In the southern hemisphere, winter and summer solstices are exchanged. The summer solstice marks the first day of the season of summer," quoting Wolfram Research.

June 21, 2007 at 11:06am in Yelm.

Timberland Regional Library's Yelm branch

Timberland Regional Library announces the 2007 Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading 2007

Get started READING when school is out!

Sign up at your local Timberland Library or sign up online.

Pick up your start-up packet and bookbag at the library.

Favorite Summer Reads - Print a reading log to keep track of your favorite books this summer.

READ! Pre-readers can join in as listeners.

Turn in your coupon in July or August for prizes. Print a reading coupon.

Write a review of your favorite books this summer for other kids to see.

Find lists of great books to read.

Abe Clary Creative Portraits logo

Abe Clary Creative Portraits in Yelm
Abe and I love what we do. We specialize in on location portraiture where the world is the background. We have broken away from using artificial lighting and backdrops. By utilizing props and lighting in their natural surroundings the options are unlimited for stunning photos. Every portrait has a unique look, providing a lifetime of special memories.
We know how a picture can spark memories of life and how important those memories can be. Every memory is special. As photographers we love to capture natural beauty and this is what keeps us inspired.

[See these great pictures of John & Pam Keeslar. click here.
and their family portrait,
and the Keeslar children. ]

Thank you,
Abe & Stephanie
10640 Mill Road SE
Yelm, WA 98597

Call Us @ 360.458.2443

Prairie Hotel logo

The Prairie Hotel offers wonderful accommodations, whether you´re on vacation or a business trip. We are centrally located between the Tacoma and Olympia areas. This is a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful country surroundings, while only having a short commute to the city!

Conference / Party room available for up to 50 people.

Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave Photography

Sign-up for the Yelm Prairie Days Parade.

Thursday, June 28 - Prairie Days' Parade Lineup at 6:00pm
Parade starts at 7:00pm

Mayor Harding called this Yelm's "... signature celebration of the year"

Spirit of Washington Dinner Train
Photo from KING-5 News website

"The Spirit of Washington dinner train is moving to Tacoma.

The operator says work on I-405 this summer is forcing it to give up its route along the east shore of Lake Washington between Renton and Woodinville.

In August the tourist attraction will start running a 52-mile route between Tacoma's Freighthouse Square Station and Lake Kapowsin in Eatonville," quoting The Olympian.

Babes in Belts logo

One of the fastest growing sectors in the construction industry is “Insulated Concrete Forms” (ICFs). These forms, which are modular blocks made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) are used to build concrete walls, floors, and ceilings, for both residential and commercial applications (above and below ground).

We encourage women to attend, as ICFs are lightweight and easy to build with.

What?

* Footing Preparation
* Demonstration of Basics
* Above and Below Grade Applications
* Installation of Electrical and Plumbing
* Code Application
* Waterproofing
* Multi-Story Applications
* Interior and Exterior Wall Finishes
* Learn how ICF’s contribute to our Environment, Energy, Value and Safety

When and Where?

Saturday – July 14th 2007, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ the Deschutes Grange on the corner of Vail Road and 143rd, Thurston County, Washington. Make checks payable to: Diane Dondero. Questions? email to babesinbelts@fairpoint.net

Cost?

$20.00 per person pre-registration. Drop off at Lemuria. (Be sure to put your name and date of the workshop on the envelope.) Out of town? Mail to the Russian Hill address below.

$25.00 at the door, as room permits. Includes lunch. Participants will receive a Logix Field Manual and Installer Card.

Babes In Belts
Bridging the Future
Diane Dondero
Melinda Laine
16940 Russian Hill Lane
Rainier WA 98576
(360) 446-5746

babesinbelts@fairpoint.net

Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave Photography

All four of the incumbant Yelm City Council members up for election will run unopposed for their term this Fall for their seats.
"For Yelm City Council, incumbents Don Miller, John Thompson, Joe Baker and Russ Hendrickson filed early in the week.

Thompson and Hendrickson were appointed by Yelm City Council when council expanded from five to seven members in 2006," quoting the June 8 Nisqually Valley News.

Mayor Ron Harding issued a Proclamation on Tuesday, June 12 announcing that June 28 - July 1 will be Prairie Days in Yelm, calling this period "a signature celebration for our community."

The City Council was told Yelm's Wal-Mart will open July 18.

Photo courtesy of Elie Jewelry

"Jewelers of America (JA) is the national association for the retail jeweler. JA is both a center of knowledge for the jeweler and an advocate for professionalism and high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the jewelry trade," quoting the Jewelers of America website.

JA's Regional Affiliate, The Pacific NW Jewelers Association which represents retail jewelers in Washington & Alaska has announced that Yelm's Margarette Elie Jewelry Design as one of three leading designers in their annual Design Competition. The award came during the Pacific Northwest Jewelers annual Learning Seminar and Design Contest March 11, 2007.

CONGRATULATIONS MARGARETTE!

Thurston Highlands Logo
Photo from Thurston Highlands website

http://www.thurstonhighlands.com/story2.htm

Business Examiner
Photo from Pierce County Business Examiner website

The Monday, June 11, 2007 Pierce County Business Examiner ran an in-depth section all about Yelm and the growth here.
Researched and well-written by Hilary Maynard, her stories examine the "up-side" to all of this growth.
Ms. Maynard called this writer for comments that were quoted below and asked if she could call again for follow-up about issues facing the city and area because of all of thie city-approved unbridled growth.
[Ed. Note: I do hope to see those issues covered in a not-too-distant Business Examiner to provide a balanced report.]

These full articles are available for $1.00 each online:

A. Growth has yet to slow in Yelm
"The “Pride of the Prairie” is fast becoming the pride of the state. Although Yelm is already among the fastest-growing cities in the state, Community Development Director Grant Beck said he doesn’t see the city’s residential boom slowing anytime soon. And he expects retail to follow, making the city a residential shopping destination and keeping retail tax dollars in the northeastern Thurston County city, as opposed to handing them to another fast-growing city: Lacey."

B. Downtown growth reflects changes for Yelm
"And as the city’s population continues to grow, theater owner Margaret Clapp said she expects that more businesses traditionally found in larger cities will locate in the rural Thurston County community.

She said that in the more than six years since the opening, business in Yelm has grown slowly, but steadily. As a result, downtown businesses have become more plentiful and more inventive. Although Clapp said she has mixed feelings about the Wal-Mart store currently under construction on the east side of town, she concedes that her theater loses many customers to Lacey mega-retailers.

'I’m sorry in some ways to lose some of the innocence of a small town. It takes that special edge off, but I’m curious to see if that will happen,' Clapp said.

Community advocate and avid blogger Steve Klein said that while many business owners have acknowledged the positive side of Wal-Mart’s Yelm location, a healthy opposition still exists, made up mostly of residents living outside the city limits.

Klein, who ran for mayor in Yelm two years ago, keeps city officials on their toes — attending council meetings, requesting documents and blogging, in an effort, he said, to make Yelm the best community it can be. Although he acknowledged there are several governmental issues he is currently fighting, Klein said he cannot fault the generosity and pluck of the city’s business community.

“What is amazing here is the number of small businesses that participate in the Yelm Chamber of Commerce,' Klein said. “Members of the business community here are givers. It’s very impressive that a small town like this gives so much to its student and adult community.'

Across the highway from Yelm Cinemas, Michelle Jones and Cozette Fyrst have spent several years cultivating a customer base for their company, The Blue Bottle Espresso. Armed with the knowledge that coffee stands are a dime a dozen, even in rural communities, the previous owner’s innovative approach led Jones and Fyrst to buy the cafe and make it their own

C. Yelm becomes haven for tech businesses
While the South Sound’s major cities have proven to be a haven for high-tech businesses since the dot-com boom of the 1990s, a smattering of businesses specializing in Internet and other Web-based services have chosen Yelm and many other rural communities as home.

Louise Oliverio
Photo courtesy Stephany Ray Photography

Louise Oliverio, who has been Thurston County Democrats' Precinct Committee Officer Proxy (PCO Proxy) in Yelm for Tim Lancaster over the last year, was recently confirmed as Yelm's newest PCO when the boundary lines for Precincts in the area were changed last month, and Tim Lancaster found himself no longer a resident within the boundary of Precinct 702 #2.

Louise Oliverio is a dynamic local author, mother of 3, and grandmother of 4. She has lived in the Yelm area for 18 years.

Louise has been an involved political action volunteer for years in both Yelm City and Thurston County, giving her time to support the Nisqually Land Trust, and attend and participate in the Thurston County Democrats' various events, including Lakefair Burger Booth, in addition to her volunteer work and support of former Candidate JeanMarie Christenson in her '06 campaign for State Representative.

Some of Louise's primary duties as PCO will include:
- hold precinct caucuses at certain selected times for the purpose of adopting resolutions and selecting delegates to legislative,
- county and state conventions,
- encourage the voters in her Precinct to register,
- getting the voters out in the Yelm area for both the '07 and '08 voting seasons,
- and support local Democratic candidates win their elections.

In that regard, expect to be hearing from Louise with the continuing call to let your voice be heard. Louise intends to hold local get-together's to give all who wish a chance to voice their wants and needs as it relates to the Democratic Party issues and policies. This will also help her to get to know her Precinct neighbors, and helps to make sure everyone is registered to vote in Precinct 702 #2, and an opportunity to participate and let their voices heard.

Congratulations on your appointment, Louise.
I, along with the Thurston County Democrats applaud your confirmation,
and look forward to working with you as we go forward into the '07 and '08 election cycles.

JeanMarie Christenson
1st Vice Chair, LD2

Children at Rainier's Day Camp for Kids
Photos courtesy of Karen Murphy-Beers

COME JOIN US FOR LOTS OF FUN!!! WE'RE ALL HAPPY CAMPERS!!

Two, week-long day camps offered in Rainier ~for ages 5-15 (ALSO DAY CAMP, EVERY TUESDAY, BEGINNING JUNE 12TH ALL SUMMER! see below)
~Engaging Body, Mind & Spirit through Nature & Play~
* DRUMMING & drum making (includes 10” drum to keep)
*WISDOM COUNCIL
* WEAVING - community project-on a loom & individual projects–Navajo style *arts & crafts *campfires * Nature learning *writing our camp song, *volleyball *Badminton
*STORY-TELLING * Loving dogs *beautiful birds *snow cones *labyrinth *TIPI *hammocks
*ARCHERY * fairy house building *Learn about HORSES & their care, *bubbles!! *quiet time & lots more! ***also possible: digital PHOTOGRAPHY (working one/one with Karen & her camera), airbrushing & video making!! Ending Friday evening with story telling and sharing with parents around the campfire 5:00-6:30PM!!

Karen Murphy-Beers~ Play Master Extraordinaire, Camp Director, Photographer, Film Maker, Weaver, Story-teller & more!!
8:30-4:30 M-F~ June 25-29,& July 23-27 come one or both weeks- call Karen @ 360-446-1876 $175.00 per week/camper, discount for 2 or more in family call for info~
email: kmurphy_beers@yahoo.com

DAY CAMP~~8:30-4:30 every TUESDAY (& possibly other days) beginning June 12th play, arts & crafts, photography, archery, & lots more! $30.00/day $5 Cash discount

Kellie Petersen, Gordon's Grange owner
Photo courtesy of Mark Vicente

A. Yelm's own Gordon's Garden Center is hosting
An Afternoon with Luke Simson
Sunday, June 10
2 - 4pm
Gorgon's Grange
$10 at door
"Luke Stimson travels the world to share his passion for David Aistin Roses."

B. While the City of Yelm would not grant a permit to establish a Farmer's Market,
the City of Tenino did!

For the 2nd year in a row, the Tenino Farmer's Market is open.
This Farmers Market is starting out small yet has the potential to
become a Summer Saturday fixture in the area.

No need to drive all the way to Olympia for a quality Farmer's Market.
Let's shop locally!

The Tenino Farmer's Market opened June 2nd. Click here for the 2007 Calender of Events .

EXCLUSIVE TO THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG:

CSE's 2007 graduates:
Juan Jose Ocampo, Sarah Morgan, Alexandria Miller, AJ Horton, Randi Kulych, Oak Hygaard
Photo courtesy of Mary Haskins Photography

Rainier-based Children's School of Excellence (CSE) honored their 3rd graduating class on Thursday, June 7 at 5:30pm with a ceremony & refreshments for parents, families, donors and faculty.
JZ Knight, Channel for Ramtha the Enlightened One and the Founder/President of Ramtha's School of Enlightenment was the keynote speaker.

"The Children’s School of Excellence is a K-8 coeducational non-profit private school, where young people prosper in thought and imagination, develop genius and sovereignty in character, and explore all possibilities as individuals and as members of a school community.

At the Children’s School of Excellence we engage the greater potentials of the brain as early as possible so that students realize their greatest abilities and achieve academic excellence in an environment supportive of their growth.

The Children’s School of Excellence provides the building blocks for a well-rounded, healthy, productive, and joyful life. The Washington State approved curriculum is fostered by a love and passion for learning through the integration of knowledge and experience," quoting their website.

Thurston County Commissioner Candidate Sandra Romero visited Yelm on Wednesday, June 6th.
Twenty-Two people were in-audience to hear here stands on land use issues, unbridled building
with little regard for the infrastructure (roads, water resources, etc.) to keep up for the future, and
other hot-button issues for the County.

Bettye Johnson said this of the evening:

"I remember years ago... hearing something to the
effect that when you live in Caesar's land then you obey Caesar's
laws. If you don't like the laws - change them. Many of us have
attempted to change a few of the local laws and I know some
became disheartened and perhaps gave up or have chosen to
be inactive. I know, because I became one of the inactive ones.
However, there is a warrior within me and I can only be inactive
for a short time.
It was disheartening when Steve Klein ran for mayor of Yelm and
lost... Of course, the winning side claimed it
was a large margin. Steve ran an impeccable campaign and it
has now led him to still be vocal and he has a popular blog
that even the Yelm officials read.
We also have JeanMarie Christenson who ran for WA State Rep,
District 2 on the Democratic ticket. JeanMarie shocked the members
of the Democratic Party. She was a 'dark horse' and at one point she
was ahead. Unfortunately her opponent won by a small lead and she
accomplished what others thought was the impossible. She ran her
campaign impeccably and on a shoestring.
I am realizing that it is never too late unless one gives up. What I
am seeing is an awakening in the communities of Rainier, Tenino
and ever so slightly Yelm. Could this be from seeds planted over the
past 18 years? I would like to think so.
Last night (Wed., June 6) I attended the Meet and Greet meeting for Sandra Romero
sponsored by Steve Klein and JeanMarie Christenson. Sandra is running for
Thurston County Commissioner for the position Diane Oberquell is
relinquishing. Sandra was once [on the City Council] of Olympia and served in the
State Legislature for 12 years. She has a terrific track record.
Romero is an awesome lady. She is knowledgeable - powerful -
pro-environment - pro-people and so much, much more. I was enthralled to hear her
replies to questions. When she returns for another evening, I urge
you to attend and hear this great woman."
Bettye

Logo from Citizens for Fire Protection website

A local group has been formed called Citizens for Fire Protection - Rainier & Yelm
to educate the public simply about the deteriorating ability of proper fire response
and the need for the upcoming levy passage.
This is very simply stated:

This website has been created for Citizens for Fire Protection. We are a group of Yelm and Rainier residents that are very concerned about improving and maintaining public safety in our community. Our current fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) are often unable to respond in a timely manner, especially when two or more calls occur within minutes of each other. This is happening more frequently as our area rapidly expands with new housing developments, commercial establishments, traffic and population.

On August 21, 2007, voters will be asked to support the fire department and it's emergency services personnel by restoring the levy rate to it's authorized amount.

Without your affirmative vote and with the ever increasing call volume and operating expenses our emergency services will suffer as their crews will not be able to handle the expanding call volume.

WHY THE LEVY MUST PASS!

Response Time facts:

The chance of survival from cardiac arrest diminishes 7%-10% with every minute after collapse.

After 10 minutes a victim"s chance of survival drops to less than 5%.


Annual call volume and expenses:

There has been an increasing call volume every year and from 2005 through 2006 the increase was 10% (2727 to 3031).

State Law requires a minimum of four (4) firefighters on scene prior to engaging in any firefighting activity or high hazard event as defined by the National Fire Protection Association.

The cost of operating the fire department increases 6%-10% each year due to the costs of fuel, equipment, repairs, utilities etc. This does not include hiring more firefighters/EMTs.

State Law mandates a 1% budget increase limit without an affirmative vote of the citizens. (I-747)

Are you willing to wait 30 to 40 minutes for help if you or a loved one is having a heart attack or are in a serious motor vehicle accident?

Please Contribute or Volunteer
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Click Here

This is now being spread on the interent and of interest:

ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

In WWII, there was an advisor to Prime Minister Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America.

If you would like to participate: Each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United
States, our troops, our citizens, and for peace in the world.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we would be speechless. Our
prayers are the most powerful asset we have.

Ed Wiltsie
Photo courtesy of Mr. Wiltsie

Ed Wiltsie's talk "Climate Change & Your Community" will be this Thursday, June 7
from 6:30pm until 8:30pm at Yelm's Middle School Commons.

His talk is open to the public for a $10 admission at the door.

"I just finished reading through the Legal Notices in the May 25, 2007 issue of the Nisqually Valley News. (I'm a few days behind the locals because snail mail takes a little time to get to Chicagoland.) Netting out at nearly one full page of teeny-tiny type were four notices of "Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance". Yes, Yelm is on a building spree, the likes of which hasn't happened in this area before.

First: SEPA # 05-0755, by Windshadow LLC c/o Trinity Land Development Company. Their proposal: 56 multi-family units and 163 single-family homes on 24 acres (30 less 20% open area) on Berry Valley Road.

Second: SEPA # 07-0094, by Regent Mahan, LLC. Their proposal: 66 townhome units on 4.4 acres (4.89 less only 10%) on the corner of Durant Street and SW Berry Valley Road. Durant Street is being considered the open space on this project.

Third: SEPA # 07-0097, by Petra Engineering, LLC. Their proposal: 61 multi-family units on 3.68 acres (4.6 less 20%) on Berry Valley Road.

Fourth: SEPA # 07-0128, by Windshadow II Townhomes, LLC, c/o Trinity Land Development. Their proposal: 24 townhomes on 1.95 acrea (2.43 less 20%) on (you guessed it) Berry Valley Road.

The totals: a combined 370 units on 34.03 acres (maximum). That's an average of about 4006 square feet per "home" - including the land!
[Ed Note: This compares to the record 217 Housing Starts (SFD & Duplexes) reported for 2005 on City Development Director Grant Beck's presentation to the Yelm Planning Commission on March 19, 2007. There were 178 Housing Starts last year. Looks like another record year!].

Oh yes...the traffic. The City indicates that these combined proposals will generate an average of 2895 trips per day, including 291 during the "PM Peak Hour". That's a mess of cars. They figure that having that many trips will take the Level Of Service (LOS) at Longmire Street and Yelm Avenue West (SR 510) from "C" or "D" (depending on which paragraph you read) to "E". By ordinance, the lowest permissible LOS at that intersection is "D".

The City's "mitigation" is to add a traffic signal to the intersection. Their simulation suggests that this will bring the LOS back "up to the accepted LOS D." Whether LOS D is acceptable to Yelm residents is irrelevant; this is what the ordinance says is the minimum requirement, so that's as far as they need to take it.

By the way, traffic mitigation for the first proposal is dependent upon the completion of migitations from another development - Berry Valley I - at the intersection of Berry Valley Road and Tahoma Boulevard.

That's right! I'd forgotten that Tahoma Terra is building Tahoma Boulevard, which empties its hundreds of homes and thousands of daily trips out to a signalized intersection at the corner of Killion Road and Yelm Avenue West. Not to worry...that's at least a couple hundred feet down the road.

Welcome to the Big City."

James Zukowski

This from Yelm's Bar Cinco emailer on upcoming activities in store for this unique enclave in our town:

Saturday, June 2 Paul Rodriguez. Paul rocks the house with his wide repitoire of vocals and guitar numbers. 8:30 pm

Thursday, June 7 Carol Banach Playing showtunes, rock and classical favorites on the keyboard. 7:30 - 9:30 pm

Saturday, June 9 TBA

Saturday, June 16
Join us for Bar Cinco's One-Year Anniversary Party.
Music, raffles, giveaways. Celebrating our first year of tapas and drinks.
Happy Hour all day long! A great line-up of live music is in the works starting at 5:30 pm:
Andy Carroll,
Local artist with heartfelt vocals and hot-licks on the guitar. 5:30 pm
&
Croon Ella,
Beloved local rock 'n roll band is back! Starts at approximately 9 pm

Saturday, June 23 TBA

Saturday, June 30
Michael Harrison and Friends 9 pm

Noteable Notes:
Overflow parking available at the medical arts building next door

Happy Hour - Tuesday thru Friday, 3 - 6 pm.
Discount on beers and specialty drinks

All Day Tuesdays - 25% discount on all bottles of wine

Need a venue for a special event?

Bar Cinco is available for private parties on Sundays and Mondays.
We've hosted weddings, wedding receptions, birthday, anniversary and holiday parties,
a CD release party and many other special events.

How may we help to make your gathering special? Call us @ 400-9000 to make arrangements.

Check out our website at www.barcinco.net

CONGRATULATIONS BAR CINCO ON YOUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Yelm Mayor Ron Harding
Photo from the City of Yelm website

Yelm Mayor Ron harding asks for community support for the Yelm Adult Community Center:

"In a community as generous as ours, the needs are ongoing for those who can benefit from the assistance of others.

I try to help whenever I can. It's important to send, whenever possible, the message of the many ways in which residents can contribute to a brighter community through charity....

The Yelm senior citizen center, or Yelm Adult Community Center, is a self-supporting, nonprofit organization that provides a community for seniors to come together. This organization houses opportunities for services and activities that reflect their experiences, respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their health and dignity, support their independence, and encourage involvement in, with and for our community.

Programs at the center include; preparing daily meals at little or no cost, and providing group activities such as games, watching movies or going on outings with a group and so much more.

Over the past couple of years the center has experienced several changes and with those changes has come an equal number of challenges. The previous center was located downtown next to True Value Hardware.

The building's upkeep was becoming unmanageable, and as a result the seniors were prompted to consider taking the center down a new avenue. With the help of a community block grant and the sale of the old building, the new center was built across Yelm Creek on 103rd Ave. Though the structural improvements are completed, there is a substantial amount of work to be done and support to be given in order to supply our seniors with a comfortable environment in which they can personalize their community.

This center is a renewed environment for the patrons to interact in; however, the new location has also brought some added expenses and reduced revenues.

Most of the money the senior citizens center operates on is donated, and to offer advanced programs and security, the center could certainly use our help.

The easiest way for you to help our Senior Citizen Center is to donate money.

Even just a small donation from each of us could go a long way in supporting the center and making the lives of our seniors just a little bit easier. If you are unable to make a monetary donation, they could also use your help with the promotion or assisting with some of their many programs. If you would like to help please call the center at 360-458-7733, " quoting the Mayor's monthly column in the May 25 edition of the Nisqually Valley News (Subscriber access only).