Free Income Tax Help
Free help in preparing your federal and Massachusetts tax returns is available for low- and middle-income taxpayers, at no cost, by trained AARP Tax-Aide Program volunteers. The program is offered in conjunction with the IRS and you don’t need to be an AARP member or be a retiree to receive assistance from Tax-Aide volunteers. Taxpayers of all ages are welcome.
Tax-Aide volunteers will prepare most federal and Massachusetts tax returns. Sorry, but the program does not cover those who own rental property or those who operate their own businesses. All tax returns can be e-filed free of charge, to ensure that you get your tax refund as quickly as possible.
Appointments are available in many towns, including most senior centers and councils on aging. A complete list of locations can be found at www.aarp.org/taxaide. In Acton appointments are available at the Acton Public Library (978-264-9641 ext. 3) Ask for the Reference Desk. In Maynard, appointments at the Town Hall or Library can be scheduled by calling (978) 257-6054.
When you arrive for your appointment, please make sure to bring a copy of last year’s tax return, along with all tax-related documents for this year. As part of the Massachusetts health law you will need to provide proof of health insurance coverage in order to file your Massachusetts tax return.
Nursing Assistant Program Nashoba Valley Technical High School
100 Littleton Road, Westford. This Winter, Nashoba @ Night will be holding its Nursing Assistant training program in the evening two nights a week. The course lasts twelve weeks. Cost is $999. Participants will receive a Home Health Aide certificate and a Nurse's Assistant certificate at the end of the course For more information, call our office at 1-978-692-4711 X 1001, and leave a message for the Director or email us at:communityed@nashoba.tec.ma.us
Food Allergies: What Would You Do?
A discussion of “real-life” situations faced by families who live with food allergies will be held on Mon., Feb. 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the allergy and asthma support group that meets at the Children’s Hospital/Beth Israel Medical Care Center, 482 Bedford St., Lexington. The meeting will include time for informal group discussion and practicing how to handle various situations. The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.
“There are many dilemmas and decisions that come up with family members, friends, teachers, and others,” said Sharon Schumack, Director of Education for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter, which sponsors monthly educational support group programs. “For people with food allergies, some of these situations could be life-threatening.” Scenarios will be discussed that involve family and social situations. Participants are invited to bring their own scenarios for discussion.
AAFA New England organizes educational programs throughout the region, publishes a newsletter, and runs a telephone resource and referral line for people coping with allergies and asthma. For more information, or a free copy of “Eating Out with Food Allergies” or “Allergy Basics,” call (781)444-7778 or see www.asthmaandallergies.org.
AutoCAD 1 and 2 Classes Nashoba Valley Technical High School
100 Littleton Road, Westford. This Winter Nashoba @ Night will be holdin classes in AutoCAD 1 and 2 on Thurs., evenings. Cost is $275.For more information, call our office at 1-978-692-4711 X 1001, and leave a message for the Director
or email us at: communityed@nashoba.tec.ma.us
Wanted: Foster Homes for Labrador Retrievers
Are you a dog lover, with experience owning and caring for large, active breeds? Do you have a fenced-in yard? Do you have time to exercise and supervise a dog for a week or two?
Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. has immediate openings for foster homes for Labrador Retrievers that have been surrendered by their owners and are awaiting adoption by their "forever" homes. These dogs have been given up because of relocation, lack of time and/or training, and family changes (new baby, divorce). Foster homes provide a temporary residence where the dogs can be observed in a natural, family setting, pending adoption by previously screened applicants.
LRR, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to placing purebred Labrador Retrievers in suitable, loving homes. Since 1988, we have placed about 2,000 Labs in permanent homes. Our Labs come from, and are placed in, homes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine.
If you think you can provide a good foster home, or if you would like more information about fostering, please call our 24-hour hotline 978-356-2982 to request a foster home application. For more information about LRR, Inc., please visit our website: www.labrescue.com .
Groton Grange Beekeeping Class
Become a Beekeeper. Learn all about keeping Honeybees. Groton #7 Grange Hall, 80 Champney St. Groton, Ma. Thurs., Evenings 6:30 to 8:00 pm. 2010 Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 8. Single $70.00, Family $70.00. Includes text book and 2010 free membership to Middlesex County Beekeepers Asso. Taught by experienced beekeepers. Make check payable to: Groton #7 Grange. Mail To: Al Horton, 30 Oak St. Dunstable, Ma. 01827. For more information , please email Al Horton anhljp@aol.com
"Moose in Massachusetts"
For anyone who has ever seen a moose in their neighborhood or crossing the road ahead of them, it’s a memorable experience. A moose’s enormous size and unique shape is both startling and fascinating. There is no doubt that there are moose in our region, and if you’d like to learn more about “Moose in Massachusetts”, the Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) invites you to join us for our free public program on Wed., Feb. 24, 2010. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. at the NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main St (Rt. 119), in Groton. Come learn about moose biology, habitat use, management, and the wildlife conflicts that arise when moose are in living in suburban landscapes. Sonja Christensen, the current Deer and Moose project leader for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, will be our speaker.
Originally from northern Minnesota, Sonja graduated with a biology degree from Minnesota State University. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resou-rces as a wildlife biology research intern, focusing on the white-tailed deer. In 2006, Sonja began her Masters research through the Pennsylvania State University Wildlife and Fisheries Science program and the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Sonja led a research project investigating habitat use, movement, and survival rates of white-tailed deer and exotic sika deer at Assateague Island National Seashore, on Maryland’s eastern shore. In April of 2008, while finishing her Masters degree, Sonja accepted the Deer/Moose Project Leader position with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, where she is currently employed.
This program is free and open to the public, and is appropriate for adults and older children. Pre-registration is appreciated. To register or for more information, contact Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs and Outreach Director, at (978)
448-0299, or email AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org. The NRWA is an environmental non-profit organization that depends on memberships for support.
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
200 Groton Rd., Ayer, Ma. Diabetes Support Groups. The Diabetes Support Group / The Insulin Pump Support Group 2010, 1st Wed., of the month: Diabetes Support: 6:00pm-7:00pm, Location: Founder's Room. 2nd Wed., of the month: Insulin Pump Support: 7:00pm-8:00pm, Location: Room 109. Contact Pamela Massucco or Alice Vergados at 978-784-9452 to receive more information about this program.
Would You Like to Serve on Our Board?
Restoration Project is a non-profit vocational rehabilitation program for adults and adolescents recovering from mental illness and head injures. We currently have six board members, meet six times a year, and wish to add three additional members. Board members are asked to learn about the organization, contribute ideas for improvement, and work to achieve those initiatives. We are especially looking for board members who can reach out to veterans and returning soldiers with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Restoration Project is located at 40 Beharrell St, West Concord. For more information visit our web site, www.restorationproject.org, or call 978-263-0416.
Well Adult Clinic Groton
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Groton Board of Health, announces that announces that a Well Adult Clinic will be held on Wed., Feb. 24th from 11:30–1 at the Senior Center, 163 West Main St. Groton. Drop in for Blood Pressure, Pulse Screening and Diet Teaching. No appointment is necessary. For further information, please contact Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice at 978/425-6675 or 1-800-698-3307 or visit us at www.nashoba.org
Snow Birds Going South Leaving Cancer Patients in need
American Cancer Society seeks people to drive patients to treatment. Sometimes the biggest challenge in cancer treatment is getting there. Thankfully, the American Cancer Society is here to help with a committed group of individuals who drive patients to nearby treatment centers to get the care they need. But according to the Society, many volunteer drivers have headed south for the cold weather months, leaving many cancer patients without rides to the treatment they need now.
“There is a great need for people to help by picking up cancer patients from their home and transporting them to their nearby treatment centers,” said Lynn Basilio, Area Director for Health Initiatives with the Society.
The American Cancer Society is currently seeking volunteers from every town in Eastern and Northeastern Massachusetts to drive cancer patients to their treatment appointments. “If you have a car, and even one hour once a month, you can make a real difference in someone's life by becoming a driver," explains Basilio.
A cancer patient who needs radiation therapy might require between 20 and 30 trips to the clinic within six weeks. A patient receiving chemotherapy might report for treatment weekly for up to a year. Treatment can make a patient feel too sick to drive. In many cases, a patient is driven to hospitals and clinics by relatives or friends, but occasionally they need to seek alternative transportation. That's where Road to Recovery, an American Cancer Society community program, helps.
One Hour Once A Month. Volunteer drivers receive simple training and an orientation from the American Cancer Society, and are asked to volunteer for at least one hour, one day, once a month. The Society matches drivers' availability with the needs of patients who call.
"Some volunteers say driving patients is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do,” said Basilio. "Sometimes a driver will have the opportunity to bring the same patient several times, get to know them, and be able to offer support. For patients who have no family in the area, volunteer drivers really make a difference."
For more information, or to volunteer as a Road to Recovery driver, contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Groton Cultural Council Hosts Reception
The Groton Cultural Council invites all interested community members to a reception at the Groton Public Library's Sibley Hall o Thurs., Feb. 25 from 7 pm 8:30 pm to learn about the work o the Council and to meet the recipients of the 2010 awards.
The Groton Cultural Council, a group of nine volunteers appointed by the Selectmen, distribute grants annually which support artistic endeavors in Groton or serve the people of Groton. The grant money comes from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, through the Loca Cultural Council Program which is the largest grassroots cultura funding network in the nation.
Statewide, the program supports thousands of community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences annually and each year, local councils award more than $2 million in grants to more than 5,000 cultural programs statewide. The program promotes the availability of rich cultural experiences for every Massachusetts citizen.
The grant amount for Groton varies each year; for 2010 it is $4000. In the past few years, the grants have funded many programs such as musical presentations at the Senior Center, film nights at the GrotonGrange, and art workshops for both adults and children at the Groton Public Library. All Groton residents with an interest in art, music, theater, science or humanities are encouraged to attend the program and learn how to apply, share information, enjoy refreshments, and meet the committee members. This year's committee includes Harrie Slootbeek, Ray Ciemny, Lindsay Commons, Frank Conahan, Iva Gardner, Lili Ott, Owen Smith Shuman, Madeleine Walsh, and Susan Wiggins. Please rsvp to chairman Harrie Slootbeck at harrieslootbeek@gmail.com.
Haiti Relief Benefit Supported by Rotary District 7910
As nations and organizations around the world respond with aid and assistance, local non-profit organizations are likewise stepping into the battle. Two local groups are at the forefront of that action.
Mission E-4, headquartered in Hubbardston, is led by Scott Long and focused in three Haiti locations: Leoganne, Laquile. and Fauche. Mission E-4 oversees three schools with over 800 children, an orphanage and medical clinic in Leoganne.
Due to the devastation, Mission E-4 has begun work immediately establishing emergency refuge camps complete with food, water, tents and medical help. They will also be in the process of rebuilding.
The second local organization working in Haiti is "Forward in Health" based in Gardner and is working to bring a permanent health clinic to Fond Frede, Haiti. This medical team of doctors and nurses is being lead by Dr.John Mulkeen his wife Paula and Dr John Harrington of Gardner, MA. In the past 2 years Forward in Health purchased 31/2 acres of land and has begun construction of a medical clinic. A well has been dug to provide clean drinking water.
Both of these organizations will be a channel to reach out to Haiti as a result of the upcoming benefit concert to be held at
the "Dukakis Auditorium" Monty Tech Rte 2A Fitch-burg/Westminster Line. Sat., Feb. 27th at 7:00PM.
Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at the door or at "City Hall Cafe" which is located at 695 Main Street Fitchburg across City Hall. The event is being supported by Rotary District 7910.
The "Maverick Street Band" who has done a two night concert in 2008 to build an orphanage for the children in Haiti will be the performing band. If you love Country Music you will love this band. And your donation of $20.00 for the ticket will go to Mission E-4 and Forward in Heatlh so they can get the proper supplies needed to help the poorest of the poor in Haiti. God bless you for your help.
MA High School Students Can Compete for Scholarships in MBA's 2010 Video Essay Contest
MBA to celebrate Law Day with “Diversity in the Law” theme. In celebration of Law Day this May, the Massachusetts Bar Association is holding a video essay contest open to Massachusetts high school students. Contestants will compete for scholarships by submitting videos up to three minutes in length on the subject of “Diversity in the Law.”
“We chose the Diversity in the Law theme because it likely means different things to different people. We are excited to review the submissions of the various interpretations of this year's theme,” said Norfolk Probate and Family Court Associate Justice Angela N. Ordoñez, co-chair of the association’s Diversity Task Force, which is providing funding for the winning scholarships.
The contest is open to students in grades nine through 12 who live in Massachusetts and attend schools in the state. To enter, students must complete
an online entry form at www.MassBar.org/videocontest, post their original family friendly video (no copyrighted material) of one to three minutes in length to www.YouTube.com by 5 p.m. April 1, and mail a high-quality copy to the MBA.
“The contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to expound upon their understanding and interpretation of the law,” said Marc C. Laredo, who serves as co-chair of the MBA Law Day Committee with Michael P. Sams. “Far too often youth are not exposed to the legal community’s role in society until late teenage years or beyond. This contest will be a positive introduction for many,” Sams said.
A panel of four judges, including MBA President Valerie A. Yarashus and Ordoñez, will select the winning entries based on originality, creativity, adherence to the theme and overall quality. The following scholarships will be awarded: $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for honorable mention.
Scholarship winners and their families will be invited to attend a special ceremony and screening of their videos during the MBA’s House of Delegates meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Dedham on May 19. The event and contest celebrate Law Day, recognized nationally each May 1 to reflect on the importance of law and its effect on the country and society.
For full details on the contest, including a video and the rules, visit: www.MassBar.org/videocontest.
“Uncorking the Possibilities!” A night of Wine Tasting and A Cappella Song!
The Blanchard Parents, Teachers, Friends (PTF) organization cordially invites you to “Uncorking the Possibilities!” on Sat., March 20, 2010, 7-11pm at the beautiful Wedgewood Pines Country Club, 215 Harvard Rd, Stow. This event will feature wine tastings and food pairings, mini-seminars led by local experts, a silent and live auction and a special performance by MIT’s famed a cappella group, the Logarhythms. The auctions will benefit many programs at the Blanchard Memorial School in Boxborough, including arts and science enrichment, community service projects, Destination Imagination, special events and more. The auctions will feature tickets to sporting events, kids camps and playspaces, and lots of fun items—there’s something for everyone! Tickets are on sale now for $30 at http://www.blanchardptf.org/auctiontickets.html or contact Joanne Mills at 978-635-1752 or via email at millshse@verizon.net. Join us for this wonderful event and support the students at the Blanchard Memorial School!
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Statewide Against the Tide
The Premiere Event to raise money for BREAST CANCER PREVENTION!
Dates and venues for the 2010 Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide one- mile recreational or competitive swim, two-mile kayak, three-mile fitness walk, and 5K run:
18th Annual Metro Boston, 7:00am- 12:00pm, Sat., June 19th. DCR’s Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton, MA.
11th Annual Cape Cod, 7:00am- 12:00pm, Sat., Aug. 21st. DCR’s Hopkinton State Park, Brewster, MA.
“Against The Tide” is a one-mile recreational or competitive swim, two-mile kayak, three-mile fitness walk and 5k run to benefit Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC). This fun and inspirational statewide event brings swimmers, kayakers, walkers, and runners of all ages and abilities together with MBCC in efforts to stop the breast cancer epidemic.
Deborah Shields, Executive Director of MBCC, says “It is empowering and uplifting to know that MBCC and all of its supporters are contributing towards a healthier future; one in which our partners, friends, mothers and daughters will not have to fear that they will be diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Please join us in MBCC’s Not One More campaign- Not One More Woman, Not One More Generation should be
affected by breast cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control, a woman living in the U.S. is estimated to
have a 1 in 7 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, as compared to that of a 1 in 11 chance in 1975. Massachusetts has one of the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the country. Massa-chusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, the largest breast cancer organization in Massa-chusetts, is a statewide grassroots advocacy that challenges all obstacles in the way of eradicating breast cancer. MBCC educates and advocates for policies and programs that will remove the cause of breast cancer from our environment so that not one more person will face this disease. Your support makes these programs possible. Register on-line at www.mbcc.org/swim or call 617-376-6222. Donations may be sent to the following address: Against the Tide c/o MBCC, 1419 Hancock St, Suite 202, Quincy, MA 02169.
DIRECTIONS TO DCR HOPKINTON STATE PARK: Route I-495: Take I-495 to (North or South) exit 21A. Rte 135 East to Hopkinton Center. Turn left, traveling North on Rte 85 (Cedar St). Entrance 2 miles on right (do not enter the Field Office on the left). Swim will be held at Upper Beach, Hopkinton Reservoir in the park.
DIRECTIONS TO DCR NICKERSON STATE PARK:
From Boston: Take Rte. 3 south to the Sagamore Bridge. Take Rte. 6 to exit 12 in Orleans. Turn left off the ramp onto Rte. 6A West towards Brewster. Continue for about 2 miles. Park Entrance is on left.
Dental Radiology Program Nashoba Valley Technical High School
100 Littleton Road, Westford. Nashoba @ Night will be holding its forty-hour Dental Radiology Certification program in the evening two nights a week. Participants will receive Massac-husetts Radiology Certification at th end of the course. High School Diploma or GED required. For more information, call our office at1-978-692-4711 X 1001, and leave a message for the Director or email us at: communityed@nashoba.tec.ma.us
Well Adult Clinic Shirley
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Shirley Board of Health, announces that a Well Adult Clinic will be held free of charge for the general public on Thurs., Feb. 4th from 10-11 at Town Hall Senior Drop in room and Tues., Feb. 16th at Shaker Meadows community room Harvard Rd. Drop in for Blood Pressure, Pulse Screening and Diet Teaching. No appointment necessary. For further information, please contact Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice at 978-425-6675 or 1-800-698-3307 or visit us at www.nashoba.org
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