January 27, 2005

NEWS BRIEFS

Free tax assistance for lower-income adults

Free tax preparation from IRS-certified volunteers is available for lower-income clients in San Jose, with preference given to those over 60.

Tax counselors are available to assist clients in many languages. The Office on Aging can direct eligible older adults to the appropriate site. Languages spoken include English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Burmese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Tagalog, French, Hindi, Vietnamese, Polish, Armenian, and Persian.

There are 17 public sites where the service will be offered throughout the city of San Jose and meetings will be set up Monday through Saturday Feb. 1-April 15, 2005. Times will vary according to location. Call (408) 277-4790 to locate a site that fits your needs. You may then contact that site and make an appointment. Be prepared to bring with you: last year’s tax returns, this year’s forms with mailing label and all income verifications (W2 or WP2 forms), interest/dividend information (1099s) and total amount of Social Security or Disability payments for calculating credit.

New Wine Bar opens at Almaden Roasting Company

Come raise a glass and say a toast with a complimentary glass of wine as Almaden Roasting Company celebrates the grand opening of their wine bar this Thursday and Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. Almaden Roasting Company is located at 6055 Meridian Avenue, at the corner of Meridian and Redmond.

YMCA of Santa Clara Valley offers complimentary memberships
to National Guard, reservists and their families

The YMCA of Santa Valley is offering complimentary six-month memberships to families whose head of household or employed spouse have been called to active military duty in the National Guard or Reserves.

“This program was initiated following the tragedies of 9/11 and we want to continue this special service to support those serving in the National Guard or Reserves,” said Dave Thornton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Santa Clara Valley. “The sacrifices being made by the families of active duty reservists deserve the support of the entire community.”

The YMCA has a long history of service to military personnel and their families dating back to at least 1861, when President Abraham Lincoln praised the YMCAs for their service on the battlefields of the American Civil War, caring for soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

For immediate consideration, applicants must present a copy of active military orders for the National Guard or Reserves to any local Santa Clara Valley YMCA or telephone 408-351-6415 or 408-288-YMCA for information.