FTJ Spring Tea May 22nd - An Annual Tradition Since 1922
The image above is from the Tacoma Daily Ledger, May 1938
Spring Tea – To Celebrate Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones Birthday
Spring Tea is a long-standing tradition at Franke Tobey Jones. Starting in the 1920s, it’s been held annually on May 22nd to celebrate Mrs. Jones’ birthday, nearly always in the Tobey Jones Solarium. Until about the early 1970s, the Franke Tobey Jones Circles planned and hosted the Tea, often as a benefit for the Home. It was a much-anticipated affair, with residents, family, friends and trustees attending with great enthusiasm. Starting in the 1970s, the FTJ Activities and Marketing Departments would host the Tea, sometimes including an open house for guests to view the beautiful buildings and apartments. The only years that Spring Tea was not held was 2020-2023 due to COVID restrictions.
It was a delight to bring back Spring Tea on May 22, 2024, with an appropriate Centennial 1920s Gatsby’s theme. A local woman, Karen Haas, who does reenactments of historical women, attended the tea AS “Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones,” thanking everyone for coming to her birthday party and mingling from table to table! The silver tea set, donated in the late 1940s by the FTJ Circles, was on display, and the Tobey Jones building Solarium and dining room were decorated with large feather bouquets and small rose arrangements reminiscent of the 1920s. Many resident and team members had fun dressing in 1920s attire too. As always, delicious food was prepared by the FTJ chef and dining team which was enjoyed by all!
Spring Tea Planning Committee 1940
Spring Tea 1959
2024 Spring Tea - FTJ Team Members
Bottom Row: Carole Velez, Community Liaison; Shelley Harris, Director of Philanthropy; Heidi White, Director of Life Enrichment; Franchesca Thomas, Philanthropy Coordinator; “Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones,” guest; Terry Allman, Admissions Team member.
Back Row: Holly Elton, Assisted Living Care Supervisor; Shirley Robbins, Admissions Team member; Bob Beckham, Chief Operations Officer and Administrator; Christine Hall, Sr. Director of Marketing and PR; Michelle Olafson, Director of Admissions and Resident Relations and Tyler Kaye, Admissions Team member.
The Power of Women Still Resonates Today!
From left to right:
Phyllis Gill, former FTJ Board Chair: Nancy Cook, 2024 Resident Council President; Pat Mail, FTJ Resident Board Member; Judy Dunn, FTJ President and CEO; Claire McCaffery Griffin, FTJ Resident Board Member and Marcie Lazzari, 2024 FTJ Board Chair.
"Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones" joined us at our Centennial Spring Tea, thanking everyone for coming to "her birthday party" and mingling with the guests.
The Mission of Franke Tobey Jones
To enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community. As a not-for-profit organization, we provide senior residential services, a supportive continuum of care and innovative community outreach.