May is Older Americans Month and Earth Day - jhitchen
April 23, 2026
Good morning neighbors,
Raise your hand if your allergies have kicked in? My hand is up, in case you were wondering. Flowers all over, and the pollen is everywhere, but the sun is out, so I am not complaining—just keeping tissues nearby.
Today I want to talk about two things. The first is just some simple reminders about the services that the county provides for seniors. The second is a reminder about Earth Day | Week | Month as we look at how we help keep our community healthy by caring for the natural world around us.
"There is no 'Planet B'"
Senior Services
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is "Champion Your Health." Not every community I represent has access to a senior center that can help support health. However, for those with transportation, most senior centers will welcome anyone. A couple of nearby ones are:
One of the greatest things you can do is to stay involved with the community. These four communities offer skill-building, fun activities, and a chance to connect with other people. Take a look at their options and see if something appeals to you.
Our Human Services Department is interested in feedback on the services provided and what is actually needed. They are currently seeking feedback through a survey on the Aging and Disability Resource Area Plan. If online doesn’t work for you, please call 253-878-0041, and they can arrange to mail you a paper survey to complete.
Click the image or scan the QR code to take the survey
Often, one of the hardest things to do as an adult is to ask for help. The team at Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center has a person at the end of the line or email who can help you navigate complex resource needs. As you age, your ability to do things changes. Your family changes, young people move away, or there may be the loss of a partner.
The county has skilled employees who are ready to help. While they cannot solve every issue, they are a compassionate voice that can help you think about options. Please reach out if you have unmet needs or worries; they just might have an answer.
Aging & Disability Resources | Pierce County, WA - Official Website
Email: ADRC@piercecountywa.gov
Phone: 253-798-4600 or 1-800-562-0332
Senior and Disabled Property Tax Relief
The State legislature has recently made changes to this program. The changes have expanded the income range, which means more people could qualify. If you were already a part of the program, nothing changed. To qualify for the program, you must meet the following:
Residency: Live in your home for at least six months in the previous year.
Age or disability: Be at least 61 years old or a veteran with at least 40% disability rating. Taxpayers with a disability who did not serve in the military may also qualify.
Income: Earn no more than $85,000 plus $7,500 of deductions for a total of $92,500 for single tax filers or no more than $100,000 for joint filers.
This program is for 2027, but you will be eligible based on this year. Learn more so you can think about what information you collect and be prepared.
If you have questions, please contact the Assessor Treasurers’ Exemption Department at PCATRexm@piercecountywa.gov or 253-798-6111.
2026 Earth Day Proclamation
Earth Day
There is no “Planet B,” so when we celebrate Earth Day, it is a great reminder that all of us can do our part to help protect our home. In Pierce County, there are always opportunities to help, and you can start right at home.
For those residents who have residential yard waste, please make sure you are collecting your food waste and putting it in your yard waste bin. Personally, that meant finding an airtight container that I leave on my counter, and that is where those scraps go. The rule is, “if you can eat it, we can compost it.” I have found that I am taking out my garbage a lot less, which has a net positive of fewer bags going out. You can also be thoughtful about how you reduce food waste. We have some great resources here: How to reduce food waste.
The county also provides educational opportunities for adults and young people. Find ways to improve the environment from: composting at home, understanding plastic recycling, gardening for food or critters, and much more. Take a look at the “Earth Matters” programming and find something you can do this spring to help improve and protect our home.
I mentioned this in my last newsletter, but this Saturday (April 25th) in the cities of Lakewood and DuPont, you can Pitch in for Parks and volunteer to spend a couple of hours helping our neighborhood parks look a little nicer.
DuPont Information: Catalog - City of DuPont WA Parks & Recreation
Lakewood Information: Parks Appreciation Day - City of Lakewood
Community Connections
District 6 Library Events: Pierce County Library events and classes at Anderson Island, DuPont, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Virtual libraries.
Wards Lake Park Grand Opening: Saturday from 12 to 2 p.m. with the formal ribbon cutting scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Events begin at 8 a.m.
Charter Review Commission In-District Meeting: Monday, April 27, starting at 6 p.m. at Harrison Preparatory School – 9103 Lakewood Dr. SW. You can join your District 6 Charter Review Commissioners, along with the rest of the commission, for a formal Commission meeting. This will be a chance to meet the commissioners and listen to discussions on proposed amendments. They will also take public comment.
Hunger Walk: Saturday, May 2, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. You can still sign up and bring some non-perishable food with you that morning.
Arivva Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP): Register by May 20th to learn more. Please visit the site to learn more about eligibility.
Clover Park School District 2026 Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative: The Health Care Authority is seeking community input to improve prevention programs. There is a short survey for you and your family.
I hope to see some of you at the many different events and programs happening during this busy time of year! Not to be confused with Charter Review, I want to formally invite you to my Council District 6 meeting, to be held on Thursday, May 7th, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the James Sales Elementary School in Parkland.
We have a packed agenda and are excited to have the full Council out to Parkland to learn about some of the programs happening in Parkland and across the county related to young people experiencing homelessness. It will be a powerful conversation, and I am sure we will all learn something. In addition, there will be a chance to provide comments to the full Council on any topic, just like a regular meeting during the community forum.
Hope to see you there!
Jani