Blog

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

Congratulations to the FTJ “Fish Nerd!” May 27, 2026

From FTJ Server to Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture   Over 11 years ago, when she was a teenager and her grandparents were living at FTJ,  Chandra “Chany” Cockrill applied for a job as a server in the dining room. She started her part-time after-school job serving supper. Bringing her enthusiasm,... Read More

Parkside View ~ The Value of Living Well May 27, 2026

Does exploring the next chapter make sense? For many people exploring their next life chapter, the question isn’t just whether a place feels right, but also whether it makes sense. It’s a practical question — and an important one. Because while lifestyle, location and community matter deeply, so does understanding the value behind the decision.... Read More

Pride Month: Celebrating Belonging, Inclusion, and Community May 27, 2026

At FTJ everyone is welcomed with dignity, respect, and the freedom to be authentically themselves. As Pride Month is celebrated across the country each June, it offers an opportunity to recognize the importance of inclusion, dignity, authenticity, and belonging for people of all backgrounds and identities. At Franke Tobey Jones, these values are not simply... Read More

Point Defiance – Ruston Senior Center May Program/Class Highlights April 29, 2026

From Tacos and Margaritas to Calligraphy to Brain Health…join us! Tacos & Margaritas Friday, May 8, noon Shake your maracas and join us for our annual fundraiser!  We’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style with tacos and margaritas at noon and line dancing with Maryanne at 1pm. Registration is required and your cost is $10.... Read More

Senior University – May Class Highlights and June Sneak Preview April 29, 2026

In May learn about wearable art, resilience and aging, intermittent fasting and much more!   Thursday, May 7 Wearable Art with Kristin Tollefson Come learn about the work of artist Kristin Tollefson, which encompasses jewelry, wearable art, performance and sculpture. Stay and explore materials she’s developing for her latest body of work and contribute feedback... Read More

Holistic May Class Highlights April 29, 2026

From forest bathing, hula, Chinese food and so much more…join us in May! Can You Hear Me Now? Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Friday, May 8 2pm FTJ Wellness Center Faculty and students from the Speech and Hearing Department at the University of Washington will deliver an insightful presentation on hearing loss. The... 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

From Managing Decline to Unlocking Potential April 29, 2026

A New Vision for Aging—A Legacy at Franke Tobey Jones For generations, society has framed aging through a lens of decline…a gradual slowing down, a narrowing of possibilities, a quiet retreat from the vibrancy of earlier years. Too often, older adults have been “bubble wrapped,” protected rather than empowered, managed rather than challenged. But that... Read More

Advice for the Younger Generation April 29, 2026

From the Collective Wisdom of Franke Tobey Jones Residents As we honor Older Americans Month, we wanted to share the collective wisdom of several Franke Tobey Jones residents. They were born into a world without the internet… and some before television. They remember when letters were handwritten and long-distance calls were rare. They lived through... Read More

Parkside View Project Update April 29, 2026

Exciting New Information Strong Sales & Marketing Momentum Since Spring 2025, interest in Parkside View has continued to grow through a robust, full multimedia marketing campaign. The team has hosted eight offsite informational events in several cities welcoming hundreds of attendees.  This strong engagement has helped garner nearly 450 leads and 155 Expression of Interest... Read More

Senior University May Class Sneak Preview March 30, 2026

Learn about wearable art, resilience and aging, intermittent fasting and so much more! Thursday, May 7 Wearable Art with Kristin Tollefson Come learn about the work of artist Kristin Tollefson, which encompasses jewelry, wearable art, performance and sculpture. Stay and explore materials she’s developing for her latest body of work and contribute feedback and design... Read More