The
Center was back to normal - open for the whole week without any cancelled
classes or delays. And with the three snow storms that I’ve counted so far this
winter season, I’m hoping the snow forecasted for later this week never occurs.
Because
this Friday, February 3rd, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide starts
downstairs at the Center. Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation help for low and
moderate income taxpayers with a special emphasis on older adults. The cadre of
dedicated volunteers have been training for weeks to be ready for all your
questions, so they can prepare and file your taxes electronically.
AARP
Tax Aide help is available at several locations in the area.
At the
Center the hours are from 2:00 – 6:00 on Fridays and 9:00 – 1:00 on Saturdays.
It is first come first serve, but you will know when you arrive if one of the
volunteers will be able to see you, so you won’t have to wait around for hours
and not receive any help.
The
Tax-Aide location in southern Wasco County is at the Tygh Valley Community
Center on Thursdays from 8:00 – 12:00 pm. There is also no appointment necessary.
In
Sherman County, you will need to call (541) 993-1054 to schedule a Saturday
appointment at the Rufus Community Center.
To
save yourself an extra trip, you will need to bring proof confirming your
identification, income, and deductions such as the following documents. (For a
full list of the documents you should bring, you can call the Center or go
online to www.AARP.org.)
Identification:
last year’s tax return(s), Social Security cards or other official
documentation for yourself and every individual on your return; photo ID; and your
checkbook or a voided check if you want to direct deposit.
Income:
W-2(s), SSA-1099 Form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you
for the year, and a 1099-R Form if you received a pension, annuity, or IRA
distribution.
Deductions:
if you are itemizing your deductions, you’ll need to bring documents for any
deductions such as your 1098 Form showing any home mortgage interest; and a summary
of contributions to charities.
The
first weeks are usually very busy, so if you can wait, it won’t be as crowded.
The last day will be Saturday, April 15th, so you do have some time.
Continuing
the countdown of “40 Great Things about Growing Older”. # 15 – You can take the
classes you really want – such as classes at the Center, The Dalles Art Center
or CGCC where adults 65 or older are eligible for a 50 percent tuition discount
on tuition for many credit and non-credit classes. And there are online courses
for little or no cost at Couresa, the Khan Academy and other websites.
Is it
a lie if you said what you thought what was going to happen, but it didn’t?
Because the last three weeks, I have written that there will be live music at
the Center on Tuesday nights, and yet each Tuesday you would have found the
doors locked and the lights off.
But I
promise, on my 1966 high school yearbook, that this coming Tuesday, February
7th, there will be live music at the Center with Andre, KC and Joe playing for
your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30
and donations are appreciated.
I
remember watching the movie African Queen
for the first time and getting shivers when Humphrey Bogart climbed out of the
river covered with leeches. So, I can easily remember the quote, "If
there's anything in the world I hate, it's leeches - filthy little
devils!" (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Lucille Stephens,
Tina Castanares, Marcia Lacock, Sandy Haechrel and Mary Davis.)
I’ll
close out the month with one last movie quote from the1967 American
comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols. For this week’s “Remember When”
question, in what movie did a recent college graduate receive the following
career advice "I just want to say one word to you - just one word....
'Plastics.'” Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message
at 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of the movie’s soundtrack that included
the song “The Sound of Silence”.
Well,
it’s been another week, looking forward to seeing the green grass of spring.
Until we meet again, take your time, because really there isn’t a reason to
rush.
"To
shorten winter, borrow some money due in spring." W.J. Vogel
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