All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

Wildfire smoke has become an unwelcome and unhealthy part of summers in the Puget Sound region in recent years. Health effects can vary greatly from person to person. The smoke’s tiny particles are bad for lungs, hearts, and sinuses, and people with underlying medical conditions such as asthma suffer the most.

Health authorities say people can make their homes as safe as possible from wildfire smoke by creating a clean-air room. This should be a room large enough for everyone in the household and comfortable for extended periods while windows and doors in the room are closed, keeping its air isolated from the rest of the house. And if you have an HVAC system, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a high-efficiency filter—MERV 13 or higher. You can also make an air cleaner by attaching a filter to the back (air-intake side) of a standard box fan.

Smoke from wildfires can particularly harm people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children, and pregnant women and the elderly. Other groups at higher risk include people who are obese, who smoke, have diabetes or COVID-19, or have prior history of heart attacks or strokes.

Counties declare burn bans to reduce the likelihood of wildfires when conditions make them most possible.

 Counties declare burn bans to reduce the likelihood of wildfires when conditions make them most possible. For instance, a ban for all of Pierce County except cities and towns took effect June 1 and was to continue until further notice. It was ordered by the county fire marshal.
A similar ban in Pierce County in 2023 lasted from June 6 to Oct. 3.
There are two types of burn bans:
  • Air-quality burn bans are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when air pollution is at unhealthy levels. The bans typically occur during fall and winter to address smoke from residential burning for heat.  
  • Fire-safety burn bans are issued by fire marshals when dry weather heighten the potential for wildfires, mainly during summer months.
The Senior Scene by — June 5, 2024 in News

Pierce County Library System is hosting “seed libraries” for gardeners to borrow seeds, plant and grow them, and then harvest new seeds from mature flower, herb and vegetable plants to return to a branch for others to use.

Library branches that are participating in the program, and when the program is available, include:

  • Anderson Island, every Wednesday year-round. 11319 Yoman Road, Lakebay. 253-548-3536
  • Fife, late summer to early fall. 6622 20th St. E., 253-548-3323.
  • Milton-Edgewood, until late summer-early fall. 900 Meridian E., 253-548-3325. 
  • Parkland-Spanaway, until late summer/early fall.13718 Pacific Ave., S., 253-548-3304. 
  • Steilacoom, until late summer-early fall. 2950 Steilacoom Blvd., 253-548-3313. 
  • Tillicum, open until late summer/early fall. 14916 Washington Ave. SW. in Lakewood 253-548-3314. 
  • University Place, open until late summer/early fall. 3609 Market Place W.,253-548-3307.
The Senior Scene by — June 5, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures
Taxes: Yes for fire protection, no for schools, cops and streets

Voters in Pierce County approved tax measures for two fire districts but rejected proposals for the city of Gig Harbor and Yelm School District in an election April 23.

Central Pierce Fire and Rescue’s measure passed with a 52 percent “yes” vote, reauthorizing a previous levy for fire protection and emergency medical services. A similar levy had the same result for East Pierce Fire and Rescue, which also includes part of King County.

69 percent of Gig Harbor voters turned down the city’s request to increase property taxes to pay for police, streets, and park maintenance.

The Yelm schools measure failed with a combined 51 percent “no” vote by voters living in Pierce and Thurston counties. The levy would have funded operations and education programs.

The Senior Scene by — May 16, 2024 in News
$80 for healthy food

(Pictured: Produce like this is available through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program).

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is providing fresh fruit and vegetables to lower-income seniors in Pierce County.

Online applications for the income-based benefit opened May 1. Beginning in June, qualified applicants will be mailed electronic benefit cards for $80 to spend at farmers markets and farm stores, according to Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. Additional information is available at piercecountywa.gov/653/senior-farmers-market-program and 253-798-4600.

Applicants must live in Pierce County and be at least 60 years old (or 55-plus for Native Americans) and have income that’s below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The income requirements include:

  • $27,861 per year or $2,322 per month for one person.
  • $37,814 annual or $3,151 monthly for two people.
  • $47,767 annual or $3,981 monthly for three people.
  • $57,720 annual or $4,810 monthly for four people.
  • For larger households, add $829 a month for each additional person.
The Senior Scene by — May 15, 2024 in News