Volunteers needed to provide free tax help
The Internal Revenue Service is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.
Volunteers are needed to prepare returns, coordinate and supervise sites and act as greeters. Volunteers will be provided with free training materials on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and, in most cases, how to file them electronically. Instruction will cover both federal and Hawaii state tax returns.
Training is usually held between November and January and volunteers study online to obtain their volunteer certification. Once certified, volunteers spend as little as three to four hours per week volunteering between the months of February and April. Last year, millions of people received assistance through the programs.
To volunteer, send an email to taxvolunteer@irs.gov or contact AARP Foundation Tax-Aide at aarp.org/taxvolunteer. Volunteers may also contact Susal at Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development at 381-0881 or hawaiitaxhelp.org; Legal Aid Society of Hawaii at 527-8076, elvondo@lashaw.org or legalaidhawaii.org; or Goodwill Industries of Hawaii at llau@higoodwill.org.
More information about the IRS volunteer tax preparation programs is available at irs.gov, keywords tax volunteer.
Volunteers needed for Hawaii Island Humane Society Keaau shelter
Those who need help or advice while making emergency plans for their pets during the impending lava flow in East Hawaii should contact the Hawaii Island Humane Society Keaau shelter at 966-5458.
In the event of an evacuation, the shelter will contact volunteers for assistance.Those who are interested in volunteering or are feral cat caretakers, are requested to call the Keaau shelter. Donations are also being accepted for emergency kits. Items needed include plastic waste bags, crates, tents, pet food and bowls, cat litter, litter boxes and cable ties.
Radio-controlled model sailboat club forming
A yacht club is being organized by area seniors who have sailing experience but find it difficult to handle a full size sailboat.
The club will focus on radio-controlled model sailboats. The future Tippecanoe RC Yacht Club will sail and headquarter at the new south Kawaihae Harbor and offer instruction in sailing, racing regattas, model making and various nautical subjects of interest.
The present steering committee consists of Dick Medve, Carl Miller and Tommy Tinker. For more information, contact Medve at dickmedve@aol.com, 889-1636 or modelsailboat.com.
Care package items sought for wounded soldiers
The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 12122 Kona are mailing holiday care packages in late November to an Army hospital in Germany for wounded soldiers returning from the Mideast. Items needed are: new socks, slippers, pajamas, DVDs, batteries, travel-size games, crossword books and magazines. Get well, thank you or holiday-themed greeting cards are also welcomed. Donations for postage are tax-deductible. Items may be dropped off at the VFW Post at 74-5543 Kaiwi St., Suite 185A behind Kona Locksmith.
For more information, contact Beverly Skarnes at 329-6261 or email Bevskarnes@yahoo.com.
Hawaii Wildlife Center celebrates anniversary with educational programs
The Hawaii Wildlife Center wildlife hospital will host educational programs in November in conjunction with its third anniversary.
All events are free and open to the public; all ages are welcome. For more information visit hawaiiwildlifecenter.org/happybirddays.html. Events held at the Hawaii Wildlife Center at 53-324 Lighthouse Rd. in Kapaau.
A native wildlife community doodle project will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Attendees will draw native birds, bats and their habitats on a long paper banner to be displayed at future Hawaii Wildlife Center events.
“Wildlife Response 101” with the center’s wildlife team will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Attendees will learn what to do if they find a sick or injured bird and how to identify the five types of birds in Hawaii.
Caren Loebel-Friedis will give a presentation of her native bird block prints from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 15.
A native bird painting party with Patrick Ching is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 22.
A talk by wildlife biologist Robert Shallenberger titled, “Amazing Seabirds!” will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 29. Attendees will hear about his experiences with Hawaii’s native seabirds and test their ability to make seabird calls.
Cemetery cleanup scheduled at St. Benedict Church
St. Benedict Church is conducting a cemetery cleanup at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at 84-5149 Painted Church Road in Honaunau. Those who have a loved one buried at this cemetery are encouraged to help. Lunch and drinks will be provided. Participants should bring sunscreen, hats and gloves.
For more information, call 328-2227.
Free yoga classes planned
Big Island Yoga Center will conduct a free yogaclass from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday at 81-6623 Mamalahoa Highwayin Kealakekua. The free, beginner level class is held on the first Sunday of each month and is open to everyone over age 16. For more information, call 329-9642.
Federal employee meeting and lunch scheduled
All active and retired federal employees are invited to attend a meeting at 11 a.m. Nov. 8 at the Waikoloa Kings Grill.
The 2014 holiday party and upcoming meetings will be discussed. Questions regarding health benefits, annuities, pensions or pending legislation will be addressed. Lunch from the menu to follow the meeting. Guests are welcome. RSVP by Monday to Marcia 882-7959, mwishnick@earthlink.net or Mary 883-9363, kekoa815@yahoo.com.