The Richland Seniors Association is celebrating Richland's heritage
in a unique way.
Ornaments depicting some of Richland's alphabet-houses have been designed. Our local high school mascots are also commemorated on RICHLAND BOMBERS ornaments and HANFORD FALCONS ornaments.
Ornaments are made of light-weight "gold finish brass." These ornaments (for your window, souvenir, or Christmas) will be an unusual gift for parents, neighbors and friends, children, and grandchildren.
Ornaments may be purchased in our GIFT SHOP at the new Richland Community Center (8-5pm) for $5 each. Evening and weekend pick-up can be arranged (phone Sue, 946-9087).
Ornaments may also be purchased by mail. Richland Souvenir Ornaments - Including Mail Order Form
To do so, print out the order form. OR send a note, money, and order information (number of ornaments, which style, your address, etc.). Enclose $6 for each ornament (price includes shipping/handling)
Checks are payable to: Richland Seniors Assoc (or RSA).
SEND TO:
Sue Pritchett
1015 Perkins
Richland, WA 99352
Questions?
Sue (RHS-'58) 509-946-9087 or jgsue.p@worldnet.att.net
SECTION 2. RICHLAND SENIORS ASSOCIATION (RSA)
History and Purpose
ABOUT THE GROUP: The Richland Seniors Association (age 50+) was formed in 1995, with volunteers making up the Board of Directors and Officers. This "social" organization was originally established
to keep in contact with others in our age-group.
The RSA is incorporated in the State of Washington as a
non-profit organization, with IRS-501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
We have a monthly meeting at the Richland Community Center
(1 pm, third Thursday each month except July and August).
OUR PURPOSE: As our By-Laws specify, our purpose is to "… unite senior citizens in friendly fellowship… provide educational, recreational, economic, and community service programs… enable seniors to work together for their… needs, interests, and enjoyment." The senior population in Richland and the Tri-Cities area is growing rapidly, and we strive to accommodate a variety of interests.
FIRST COMMUNITY-SERVICE PROJECT: At a very early gathering of our group, it was recognized that it would be much more pleasant to meet in a new (or upgraded) facility. We also felt that more senior citizens would participate if we had a decent building in which to meet. The senior center was old (1940s vintage--originally a car maintenance garage; later a teen center; and then City Library).
We formed a Citizens Committee and worked for two years toward a new Richland Senior Center. A property-tax bond for the stand-alone facility failed, but we were undaunted. After much soul-searching, we decided to work toward a new Richland Community Center--"a place for all ages" (combining the current Community House and Senior Center
activities into one facility).
A property-tax bond passed May 18, 1999.
Seniors committed $100,000 to the project. Through a variety of fundraisers (dances, a chili feed, bazaars, fashion shows, and yard sales) and donations by individuals and local businesses, we met that commitment. The RSA presented a $100,000 check to the City of Richland during Grand Opening ceremonies on October 19, 2001.
WE DID IT..... The building is beautiful, and it was designed to hold the activities previously in the old Community House and old Senior Center. Rooms are also available for rental to Richland residents and community groups. We're proud of our accomplishments.
The RSA continues fundraising efforts on behalf of the new Richland Community Center. Additional money is needed for flagpole, property entrance signs, furnishings, a top-notch sound system, etc. These funds will not be used for building operating expenses.
SECTION 3. RICHLAND SENIORS ASSOCIATION
Membership
Located in the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco) in Southeastern Washington, the Richland Seniors Association is open to anyone who is interested in the welfare of Richland's seniors. Membership dues are $5 per person per year (January 1 through December 31). Although younger folks are unable to attend meetings due to school or work obligations, many have joined as a way to show their support for our activities.
Dues bring members 5-6 newsletters each year with information about activities. Dues also pay for postage, stationery, and necessary supplies for fundraisers (advertising, coffee/punch, plates/napkins, etc.).
Show your support by sending $5 per person to:
RSA Membership Dues
Attn: Stan Spohr, Treasurer
44 Galaxy Lane
Richland, WA 99352
NOTE: We intend that every Richland citizen who wishes to become a member can do so. If we learn of someone who cannot afford dues, we'll make them a member--no questions asked. Our treasurer, Stan Spohr, will be happy to discuss this with them.
SECTION 4. BUILDING FUND - RICHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER
A special Building Fund account has been established by the Richland Seniors Association for all donations. In a signed Trust Agreement, the Building Fund account is specifically designated for the new Center. Donations to the Building Fund are not co-mingled with membership dues, etc.
You can help with a generous contribution to the Building Fund. Donations of $25 or more will be acknowledged by letter, and the donor's name will be engraved onto artwork in the lobby. Large donations will be announced to the public (only if you wish); media events will happily be arranged.
MEMORIALS and HONORARIUMS are additional ways to show that you care. You can make a donation "in memory of [parent, neighbor, etc.]" You can even make a donation "in honor of [parent, teacher, or…]" who is still living. Memorials and honorariums will be engraved on the artwork in the lobby area of the new facility.
SEND ALL DONATIONS to:
RSA Building Fund
c/o Stan Spohr, Treasurer
44 Galaxy Lane
Richland, WA 99352
ABOUT THE ARTWORK: The Richland Seniors Association commissioned a Northwest artist to design and construct artwork that acknowledges donations of $25 or more. The artist developed a wonderful sculpture he titled STAFF OF LIFE. The metal sculpture is unbelievably beautiful and reflects our area very well. The sculpture depicts a silvery moon behind stalks of wheat (this description does not do it justice--you must see it to appreciate its beauty).
There are several levels of giving:
Level #1 - $10,000+ (single name per leaf)
through Level #7 - $25 (50-60 names per plaque)
For details, contact the RSA
Examples of donor name possibilities: John Smith, John & Mary Smith, Family of John Smith, Smith Tool Company, In Memory of Joe Block, Columbia River Dance Club.
