Directors Corner

Spring is just around the corner, I hope!! In my last message to you, I wrote about some of our upcoming trips that we "rolled out" in our last newsletter. So far interest has been good and, if you saw something you would like to be a part of, I would encourage you to sign up early. There is still some time left for suggestions, so do not hesitate to let us know your thoughts if you have any sites we could consider. And as always, do let us know of speakers and other program ideas for our Center based  activities. Some of our offerings have been so well received that we will be offering continuing programs. For instance, our computer "tutorial" program with students from the Hartford Career Center is so popular we will be offering that again in April and May. Given the interest, we are talking with the school folks about running this program in the fall too. And our "Pastels" course will start a new six-week series starting on March ninth.

Periodically, I walk around the building to see how it is weathering the elements, and whether there are things that need attention. As I do so in this relatively low snow winter we are having, I am imagining how our grounds will be looking this spring and summer. As you may recall, last summer we made some improvements to the rear grounds, including the planting of a perennial garden. This was done later in the summer so we really did not get to see the fruits of our labor, but I have high hopes for this coming spring. Do come by to see how it is doing and to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors here at the Center. And while you are here, come on in and enjoy lunch with those same friends.

As always, if there is something you would like to see us doing that we are not, or something we could do better, let me know. And to those who took the time to fill out our survey in last month's newsletter, thank you for your input. They are still coming in, but when I have a chance to tabulate the feedback we received I will share the information for our readers.

        Len Brown

A limited number of appointments are still available for seniors who need assistance filing their uncomplicated Federal income tax returns, VT state income tax returns and rebate forms.
When you meet with the tax assistance volunteer, you will need to bring:

1. A picture I.D. (driver's license, passport, etc.)
   
2. Social Security card or Social Security statement. (If you have dependents who receive social security payments, bring their documentation also.)
   
3. Copy of last year's tax returns.
   
4. Proof of all sources of income (W-2 forms if you were employed, 1099-R if you have a pension, 1099-SSA if you receive Social Security; interest and dividend income statements, IRA income, etc.)
   
5. Copy of your 2009-2010 property tax bill or signed landlord's certificate. If you are filing for Renter Rebate, Homeowner Property Tax Rebate or Act 68 School Property Tax Payment application, you will need to bring proof of income for everyone in your household.
   
6. Recent phone bill if filing for Lifeline telephone service credit.
   
7. Medicare Card if applying for Vpharm (a VT program that helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for prescription medications