'Tis the Season…
for mosquitoes and West Nile virus. West Nile virus first appeared in the U.S. in 1999, in the New York City area.  Since then, the virus has spread to other parts of  the country.
Most infections are the result of a bite from an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on an infected bird. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the virus is passed along and the person may become ill. West Nile virus may also be passed from person to person by blood transfusions, organ transplants, from mother to fetus and possibly through breast milk.
Most mosquitoes are not infected with the virus. Even if you are bitten by an infected mosquito, your chances of getting sick are low. Most people who are infected do not have any symptoms; about 20% of people who are infected have a mild illness and recover with no treatment. Less than 1% of people who are infected develop severe illness, like encephalitis or meningitis.
Even so, there is a greater risk of serious illness for people over 50, so it makes sense to do what you can to protect yourself by avoiding mosquitoes as much as possible. Come to the Bugbee Center on July 17th at 12:30 to hear a presentation on West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease by  Georgiana Spooner, RN,  from the VT Dept. of Health.

Changes that occur in your life affect whether you need to pay taxes and the amount you pay.  The following information was taken from a brochure designed by  the IRS and the American Bar Association Section of Taxation to answer some common questions. While it doesn't contain all the answers for you, it may make you aware of some issues and direct you to other sources of information. While your 2003 taxes won't be filed until after January 1, 2004, some of the information below may pertain to steps you need to take now to prepare for next year.

What is my filing status now? Do I even have to file? Your tax filing status is a category that identifies you, based on your marital situation on the last day of the year. When your filing status changes, the level of income that requires you to file an income tax return also changes. For more information on filing status, see IRS publication 501, Exemptions, Standard deduction and Filing Information.
What counts as income? Generally income is taxable unless specifically exempted by law. While life insurance proceeds are rarely taxable, part of your Social Security benefits and IRA distributions may count as income. See IRS publication 554, Older Americans Tax Guide for more information.
Should I pay estimated taxes? Changes in your filing status and income may mean that you owe taxes. You may need to pay amounts throughout the year if you will owe more than $1,000 when you file your tax return. By using IRS Form 1040-ES, Estimated Taxes for Individuals, you can pay your tax in four payments during the year. See IRS publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, for more information.
How do I deduct medical expenses? If you are able to itemize your deductions, you may be able to deduct amounts you paid for certain medical and dental expenses that were not covered by insurance. These expenses include amounts you paid for doctors, hospitals and prescription drugs. For a list of expenses you may be able to deduct, see IRS publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
What income tax issues do I need to know about the year my spouse dies? If your spouse died during the past year and you have not remarried, you may still file a joint return. A joint return will generally result in less tax. IRS publication 559, Survivors, Executors and Administrators, is designed to show you how to complete and file federal income tax returns and point out your responsibility to pay any taxes due.