Newsletter and Calendar

What’s New and Happening

Cancer and Older Adults

Matt Santelli with Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources will discuss breast and prostate cancer awareness Monday, February 3, at 1 p.m.

AARP Tax-Aide

Volunteer tax preparers are on site offering free assistance Fridays and Saturdays through Tax Day. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling (253) 756-0601.

Avoiding Romance Scams

Protect yourself from fraudsters that make promises which are too good to be true. Mari Ferrer with Seniors Helping Seniors shares tips Wednesday, February 5, at 1 p.m.

Friendship Valentines

Make art paper valentines with the Tacoma Arts & Crafts Group on Thursday, February 6, at 2 p.m. All supplies will be furnished.

Transitions and Downsizing

Learn how to get help with the challenge of downsizing. This workshop is presented Thursday, February 6, at 1 p.m., by the Washington chapter of the National Aging in Place Council.

February Birthday Party

The Roadside Attraction Band will play folk and vintage country while we celebrate this month’s birthdays. Join the fun Tuesday, February 11, at 11 a.m.

How to Live Without a Mortgage

Loan officer Janet Silvers provides advice on managing housing expenses Wednesday, February 12, at 1 p.m.

Estate Planning and Probate

Attorney Rachel Rolfs will explain legal options Thursday, February 13, at 1 p.m.

Tacoma History: Highways and Byways

Tyler Kaye shares some background behind the routes we frequently travel on Monday, February 24, at 1 p.m.

Crafts with Kathy

Design your own fabric collage — no sewing required. Kathy Weaver leads the class Thursday, February 27, at 2 p.m.

Thank You

Liz Ann Johnson Elder Law

Elder law attorney Liz Johnson has been a longtime presenter on many topics at the Point Defiance~Ruston Senior Center. We would like to thank her for the generosity of her time. Her practice specializes in estate planning, healthcare directives, Medicare planning, wills, probates, Medicaid appeals, trusts, powers-of-attorney, guardianships, and conservatorships.

She will be joining us again on Tuesday, February 25, at 11 a.m.

Future Travel

For more information on these trips please contact Tyler Kaye at (253) 756-0601 or email him at tkaye@franketobeyjones.com

June 4, 2025 – Iceland Explorer; 7 days

HIGHLIGHTS:
5 Nights at One Hotel in Reykjavik
Reykjavik City Tour
Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle Tour
National Museum
Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss/Golden Falls
Hot Spring Bread Experience
Thingvellir National Park
South Coast Tour
Skogar Folk Museum
Skogafoss Waterfall
Keflavik & Bessastadir
Viking Ship Museum
Lake Kleifarvatn

October 13, 2025 – Cuba Discovery; 6 days

HIGHLIGHTS: This is truly a cultural immersion and an inside look at life in Cuba. More than a travel destination, we have a special Person to Person tour itinerary that engages with the local artisans and industries. You will experience the food, music and life that makes this such a unique destination. This trip allows to you learn about the lives of Cuban while also sharing your perspective with them. Our goal is a mutual benefit for all involved as we learn from each other. Your participation supports the Cuban Entrepreneurs. Stops include: Museum of the Revolution, Old Havana Walking Tour, Artist Jose Fuster, Cigar Factory Tour, Colon Cemetery, Havana Club Rum Museum, Hemingway’s Farm, Habana Compas Dance Group Performance, Old Style Classic Car Club, Nacional Hotel Tour, Pinar Del Rio & Vinales Valley, Tobacco Farm & Farmhouse Visit

March 26, 2026 – Sunny Portugal; 10 days

Embark on a journey to Portugal, starting in Lisbon with a welcome dinner and a choice of exploring Portuguese sidewalks or the codfish trade. Visit iconic Belem and UNESCO sites before heading to Evora’s cork factory and the Algarve’s scenic coast, known for gin distilleries, wineries, and historic Lagos. Stop in Setúbal for a close look at azulejos tile-making, then explore the Portuguese Riviera, including a toast in Obidos and a visit to Sintra’s medieval wonders. You’ll come away with a taste of Portugal’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Tax Assistance

AARP Tax Volunteers are still available, even after April 15. If you still need your taxes done, Tax Preparers will be onsite the second Monday at 1:00 p.m. Appointments are required and can be made over the phone or by stopping by the Center (253) 756-0601.

New Senior Center Participants…

If you would like to participate and you’ve never been to the Point Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center, please download the following three PDFs, fill them out and bring them with you. If you are uncomfortable providing some of the information such as income, please leave those sections blank. The Wellness Release is only necessary if you plan on attending any exercise programs at the Senior Center. We can’t wait to meet you!

Photography Release Form Revised 2015 for Senior Center

Wellness Center Waiver & Release Form

Revised Emergency Contact Form 1.2017 (002)

Event Registrations

To register for any events/classes at Pt. Defiance~Ruston Senior Center, please fill out the form below and click on submit. Once we receive your request someone will contact you to confirm your registration.

To register for Beacon Events/Classes cl ick here.

To register for Lighthouse Events/Classes click here.