×

Experience Inc. asking for VITA volunteers to help with tax filings

Photo provided to the Times Observer VITA volunteers Cherry McIntyre, JoAnn Greenawalt, Greg Burkett, Mike McAvoy and Beverly Callahan watch one of the many required webinars just so they can better help you with your taxes.

TAX HELP AVAILABLE AND NEEDED

Tax season is on the horizon and the ACC will be offering free tax services. The service – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – is available both virtually and in person to anyone making less than $65,000 per year. As the name implies, anyone willing to offer their expertise to provide this service should contact the ACC.

COVID-19

PROTOCOLS

Experience Inc. wishes to remind everyone that masks are required at all senior centers for the protection of seniors and staff.

RECEPTIONIST NEEDED

A volunteer receptionist is needed for Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Allegheny Community Center. Duties are answering the phone, signing in people that come to the center, making copie and giving out information on what’s happening at the centers.

3G SHUTDOWN COMING

From Troy Dunson with the Pa. Department of Aging: 3G wireless networks are scheduled to shut down next year, which will prevent older cell phones that utilize these networks from making or receiving calls or using data services. In addition to cell phones, other connected devices such as certain medical devices, alert systems, and security systems that use 3G network services will be impacted. Although most people have devices on 4G or 5G networks, the shutdown will likely disproportionately impact older adults and low-income individuals, who may be using older phones, life alert systems, and other devices still on 3G. For people with limited resources, this change could present challenges if they have to spend money on new products. Some carriers are offering free or discounted replacement phones. Older adults and low-income individuals may qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which could help them get discounted, updated devices. Advocates play an important role in outreach and education, particularly to communities who may be most impacted by this change, including older adults of color, those living in rural areas, and other marginalized groups.

TRANSPORTATION OFFERING

The Transit Authority of Warren County offers \shared ride door-to-door bus service for persons 65 and over that will pick you up at your door. Reservations are needed to utilize this service and must be called in at least a day in advance. The bus will take you to senior centers, medical appointments, visiting, shopping or just for a day out. TAWC buses are available to the handicapped. The buses are lift-equipped for passengers in wheelchairs or who have difficulty with steps. Give TAWC a call at (814) 723-1874 for more information.

CLOSURES

The county’s senior centers will be closed Dec. 24 and 27 for Christmas.

TIA CHI FOR ARTHRITIS

The Allegheny Community Center is offering a Tia Chi for Arthritis class this winter. Classes are held at 10 a.m. every Monday at the center.

UPCOMING MEALS

Here’s a look at the meal calendar for November which is, unfortunately, subject to change due to supply chain issues. Remember that you must order meals two weeks in advance. Please call your local center to order or – if needed – cancel meals.

Dec. 20: Baked meatloaf with gravy with baked potato, green beans, white bread and sliced peaches.

Dec. 21: Chicken marsala with rice pilaf, broccoli and cauliflower, wheat bread and mixed fruit.

Dec. 22: Pineapple glazed ham with whipped sweet potatoes, peas and carrots, wheat bread and fresh fruit.

Dec. 23: Hawaiian pork chop with rice pilaf, island blend vegetables and strawberry shortcake.

Dec. 28: BBQ pork ribette with sweet potato bites, green beans, wheat bread and pineapple delight.

Dec. 29: Bacon bleu cheeseburger with creamy potato soup, roll and fresh fruit.

Dec. 30: Salmon cake with white wine cream sauce, white rice, broccoli, wheat bread and mixed fruit.

Jan. 3: Potato crusted fish with macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, wheat bread and fresh fruit.

Jan. 4: BBQ pulled pork sandwich, creamy coleslaw, baked beans, sandwich roll and pineapple tidbits.

Jan. 5: Creamy chicken divan with white rice, tossed salad, breadstick and mandarin oranges.

Jan. 6: Swiss steak with onion gravy, cabbage and noodles, diced carrots, wheat bread and blushed pears.

Jan. 7: Chili with cheddar cheese, tossed salad, cornbread and applesauce.

Jan. 10: Chicken bruschetta with pesto pasta, mixed greens, island blend vegetables, dinner roll and angel food cake.

Jan. 11: Pot roast with mashed potatoes, coin carrots, Italian bread and a cookie.

Jan. 12: Roasted pork with vegetable rice pilaf, green beans, wheat bread and fresh fruit.

Jan. 13: Spaghetti and meatballs with tossed salad, garlic breadstick and mixed fruit salad.

Jan. 14: Egg omelet with cheese, sausage patty, breakfast potatoes, English muffin and fresh fruit.

HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Allegheny Community Center, Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (814) 723-4180.

Endeavor, Tues, Wed., Fri., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; (814) 463-7774.

Marienville, Tues.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m.; (814) 927-6607.

Sheffield, Mon., Thurs., Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (814) 968-5667.

Tidioute, Mon., Tues., Thurs., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; (814) 484-3020.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today