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Next boost of Social Security likely 3 percent

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2024 may be about 3 percent, based on consumer price data.

The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), an advocacy organization for seniors, based the estimated increase on economic data in July. AARP, citing economic analysts at the Bipartisan Policy Center, has projected the same size COLA. 

Overall, the inflation rate in July was lower than a year ago. However, most older Americans report that persistently high prices still affect their household budgets, according to results from a new survey by TSCL.

July CPI data is important because the COLA is calculated based on inflation during the year’s third quarter (July, August, and September),as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Inflation for those three months is added together and averaged, then compared with the third quarter average from one year ago. The percentage difference between the two is the amount of the COLA, which would be payable for the check received in January 2024. 

A COLA of 3 percent would raise an average monthly benefit of $1,789 by $53.70.

For 2023, Social Security recipients received the highest COLA (8 percent) in more than 40 years. The year before that, the increase was 5.9 percent, according to TSCL’s survey in July.

srmedia by — September 23, 2023 in News

Help for families and individuals dealing with dementias will be the focus of the 18th annual Pierce County Alzheimer’s Conference Oct. 7 in Tacoma.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rainier View Christian Church, 12305 Spanaway Loop Road South.

Speakers and panels will cover topics including elder law, financial planning, hospice, caregiving, community resources, and medical equipment. One of the speakers will be Carolyn Birrell, author of “Walking with Fay,” which details her experience as an Alzheimer’s caregiver.

Registration and information is available from Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources, co-sponsor of the conference along with Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County, at 253-798-4600 and piercecountywa.gov/alzheimersconference.

srmedia by — September 23, 2023 in News
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad chugs again

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is set to resume train operations with a limited excursion schedule in September and October.

After a hiatus since 2019, the historic steam engine Polson 70 will pull two vintage passenger cars, an open-air car, and a specially outfitted baggage car serving as a concession and gift shop. The upcoming excursions will include express trips from Elbe to Mineral, as well as a series of whiskey tasting rides.

These excursions mark the first under the new ownership of Western Forest Industries Museum (WFIM), a local non-profit organization that assumed control of the railroad in August 2022 after being shut down by its former for-profit operator, American Heritage Railways.

Dating back to 1980, Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad has played a role in the economic prosperity of southern Pierce County, as well as in preserving the region’s rich local history while serving more than 1 million passengers. 

Looking ahead, WFIM officials said long-range plans involve extensive track restoration leading to Eatonville, further expanding the railroad’s reach and significance. Additionally, the organization envisions the construction of a new museum in Eatonville to house a collection of steam locomotives and logging equipment. Emphasizing a broader and more inclusive context, the museum would delve into local history and stories from long-ago logging camps, offering a lens into the human experience that shaped the rural west coast, according to Bethan Maher, executive director of WFIM.

In the spring this year, WFIM introduced RailCycle Mt. Rainier, describing it as a family-friendly way to explore the foothills of Mount Rainier. RailCycle riders pedal the historic railroad route, taking in forest and mountain views on WFIM’s four-seat RailCycles. Departing from Eatonville, the three-mile round trip operates in the summer and fall. More information is at railcycle.com.

Information on railroad operations, including tickets and updates, is at mtrainierrailroad.com.

srmedia by — September 13, 2023 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures
Retirement community now runs three Tacoma senior centers

The operations of two City of Tacoma senior centers has been taken over by Franke Tobey Jones, a non-profit retirement community that now has three centers to run.

Officials of Franke Tobey Jones, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, announced in July its successful negotiations with the city to start operating the Lighthouse and Beacon senior centers. Lighthouse is located at 5016 A St., near Pacific Avenue, and Beacon is in the downtown area at 415 S. 13th St.

Franke Tobey Jones also has managed Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center since 1998.

“We’re very excited to start operating two additional senior centers,” said Judy Dunn, president of Franke Tobey Jones. She noted the Point Defiance-Ruston center, which is a short drive from the retirement community, has been “in the capable hands” of director Kate Gray, who will also lead the Lighthouse and Beacon centers and their efforts “to serve more seniors with more activities and connections than ever before and continue to provide a vital link to the greater Tacoma area for all seniors.”

Gray said she “can’t wait to get to know the participants because, as I often say, we want the senior center to be their home away from home. I want to implement programming that enriches their lives, but my desire is that seniors at each of the centers help design the programming that will meet their expectations and needs. It’s their senior center, we just make what they want happen.”

Beacon Senior Center is undergoing renovations and improvements that officials said will enable it to function long-term as a senior activity center and an overnight shelter for young adults, while providing some crossover services and activities between the age groups.

Lighthouse Senior Centeroffers recreational and leisure programs, health and wellness programs, cultural programs, and classes. It also provides social services resources.

Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center,in operation since 1998, is located at 4716 N. Baltimore St.  It has been a community gathering place for thousands of adults 55 and older for events and activities.

Officials said all three centers provide:

  • Classes, programs and events to enhance quality of life and promote overall well-being.
  • Support for healthy nutritional and wellness habits.
  • Encouragement for members to be proactive in their own lives and in the community.
  • Meals through Catholic Community Services for a small fee.

“The goal of Franke Tobey Jones, both at our senior-living campus and at our senior centers, is to provide exceptional, compassionate, vibrant environments fostering physical, emotional and spiritual well-being,” said Bob Beckham, Franke Tobey Jones’ chief operations officer. “We are dedicated to promoting independence, dignity and a high quality of life for each senior served.”

Franke Tobey Jones’ campus has active and assisted living residences, as well as 24-hour healthcare and memory care.

srmedia by — September 13, 2023 in News