New site leader for Olequa Senior Center

Rachelle Ireton

The Winlock Olequa Senior Center has a new site leader, Rachelle Ireton. She is not new to helping seniors and she is definitely not new to the area. Rachelle will bring love and laughter to the center along with programs that seniors want.

Rachelle went to college and is using her knowledge to help the senior center She stated, "I graduated from Washington State University in 1999. I have had a wonderful career in social work, primarily in the mental health field. My most recent position was at an independent living facility for older adults as their activity and event coordinator. All of my previous positions have included components of event planning and organizing, which is what I truly love!" She has the perfect personality to give the seniors what they want at their center.

Rachelle has deep roots here in South Lewis County. Rachelle stated, "When I found out there was going to be a site lead position available at Olequa, I knew it was a position I didn't want to pass up. The position encompassed so many responsibilities that I am passionate about and enjoy doing. I love south Lewis County and was eager to 'come home.'"

Rachelle has plans for her new position, she has such a big smile when she talks about what she wants to do. Rachelle stated, "My biggest priority is to fill the center and bring in as much enrichment activities and education as we can. I hope to bring back favorite events and new events! I plan to work closely with our local board members to support not only our older adults, but to offer another location for community events."

Rachelle is one of those rare breeds, you can tell she loves what she is doing. She is an incredible lady who will bring warmth to the center. She continued, "I have a heart for helping and supporting others. I have a lot of excitement and ideas that I am hoping to bring to fruition. Communication is very important to me, and my door is always open for discussion or idea sharing." She does have a big heart for helping others, you can see it when you talk to her.

In her first month, she will be providing meals to the seniors. She stated, "Tuesday and Thursday are Nutrition Day lunches. Nutrition days we are working with the Lewis - Mason - Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMT-AAA) to provide nutritious meals for all seniors. No one is turned away! Donations for meals are always gratefully accepted. Monday and Friday are Enrichment Day lunches, these days we have the opportunity to use our creativity in the kitchen. Wednesday we do not serve lunch, but we do offer breakfast."

Rachelle has very strong roots in the Winlock/Toledo area, her mother is Debbie Alvord Dobosh, her Dad is Ron Eichorst and her step dad is Steve Dobosh. She is related to many in the area, some have lived here for generations. She stated, "I grew up in Toledo/Winlock. I lived in Toledo with my mom, step-dad and siblings and lived in Winlock on the weekends with my dad. I have lots of family members still in this area, and look forward to seeing them at the center!"

There is absolutely no doubt that Rachelle will do a fabulous job for Winlock. She is a bright light when you walk in the room, she is happy to be here. Rachelle is ready for her new adventure and she is taking it head on to get the job done. Winlock Olequa Senior Center is fortunate to get a site leader who has a big heart and a great personality. We will see great things out of her!