Blog

A Beautiful Finish: Closing the Season with the Final Gardening Class

August 25, 2026 — Celebrate a Season of Growth and Gardening As summer begins to fade into fall, gardens take on a quieter beauty—rich colors, ripened blooms, and the satisfaction of a season well spent. This September, the Point Defiance–Ruston Senior Center invites you to celebrate the final chapter of its 2026 Gardening Series with one last opportunity to... Read More

Remember the Ladies: Abigail Adams Looks Back

August 25, 2026 — A Living History Performance by Karen Haas Please join us as Senior University presents “Remember the Ladies: Abigail Adams Looks Back.” Abigail Adams had a front-row seat for pivotal times in the United States: her husband, John Adams was in the Continental Congress, an ambassador to England and France and was our second President. But... Read More

2026 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Awareness Conference

August 25, 2026 — “Communication Is the Key” Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often means navigating difficult conversations, complicated healthcare systems, important legal decisions, and changing ways of connecting with a loved one. This September, caregivers and community members will have an opportunity to gain practical tools for each of these challenges at the 2026... Read More

FTJ Summer Concerts

June 18, 2026 — Join Us! They’re here…our Summer Concerts…and there’s no better way to spend an August evening than enjoying live music outdoors with friends, family, and neighbors! This August, the Franke Tobey Jones Summer Concert Series returns with four exciting nights of music on the front lawn, featuring an incredible lineup of talented regional performers and bands.... Read More

FTJ Summer Concerts

June 17, 2026 — Mark Your Calendar! As the warm days of summer settle into the South Sound, there’s no better way to spend an August evening than enjoying live music outdoors with friends, family, and neighbors. This August, the Franke Tobey Jones Summer Concert Series returns with four exciting nights of music on the front lawn, featuring an... Read More

Summer Concerts at FTJ

May 27, 2026 — Mark Your Calendars! A long-standing tradition at Franke Tobey Jones is hosting a concert every Thursday night in August.  Thanks to the generosity of FTJ resident Mary Anne Fray, the FTJ Summer Concerts Series is back again this year.  These concerts are open to the public and free of charge. Mark your calendars for every... Read More

Learn. Plan. Connect.

April 29, 2026 — Alzheimer’s Education Series in Tacoma Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alzheimer’s Association will present a four-part education series this spring at the Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center, offering valuable information, practical tools, and supportive resources for individuals and families. Why This Matters Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form... Read More

Learn. Plan. Connect. Alzheimer’s Education Series in Tacoma

March 30, 2026 — Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alzheimer’s Association will present a four-part education series this spring at the Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center, offering valuable information, practical tools, and supportive resources for individuals and families. Why This Matters Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an... Read More

Senior Living Tour April 29 and May 6

March 30, 2026 — Discover What Senior Living Really Looks Like Today Since 2014, the Tacoma Senior Living Tour has been opening doors—and changing perceptions—about what senior living is truly like today. Over the past decade, more than 1,500 seniors have participated in the tour, many stepping inside a senior living community for the very first time. For many... Read More

Bridging Generations: Time to Talk at Franke Tobey Jones

March 3, 2026 — We are delighted to host a special intergenerational experience in partnership with Lutheran Community Services Northwest. On Wednesday, March 4, Friday, March 6, and Monday, March 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the FTJ Wellness Center, we will welcome students from Annie Wright Schools for Time to Talk — a meaningful program designed to bring generations... Read More

Queen Time Entertainment proudly presents, Connection Cabaret!

January 30, 2026 — Join us for a joyful, community-centered drag experience featuring Miss Community Tacoma Melody MVP! The show celebrates connection, kindness, and joy—brought to life through the art of drag and designed to welcome audiences of all ages. Connection Cabaret is more than a performance; it’s an invitation to engage. Audiences are drawn into the music, stories, and... Read More

Music to inspire; Community to cherish

January 30, 2026 — Music has the power to bridge generations and stir the soul Symphony Tacoma invites you to join us at Franke Tobey Jones for an afternoon of live chamber music featuring harp, viola, and flute that will delight and inspire. Wednesday, March 18th 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. FTJ Wellness Center   Whether you are a lifelong fan of... Read More

A “Super” Souper Bowl with Love – The 6th Annual!

January 30, 2026 — With the combination of the rising cost of living and fixed incomes, many seniors are facing food insecurity.  Approximately 47% of the participants at the Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center live below the poverty level.  With its limited food bank, in 2025 the Senior Center distributed over 20,539 pounds of food to local seniors—a... Read More