Free assistance with filing income tax returns is available for low-income individuals and families, disabled people and senior citizens, thanks to AARP and Legal Services of Northern California.
These tax experts know the tricks of the tax trade, such as how to qualify for the earned income tax credit, which could reduce or even eliminate your tax liability.
Drop-in times and appointments with AARP’s tax-aide volunteers in Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake are available by calling (530) 223-6034. Assistance through the Legal Services office in Redding is available by appointment at (530) 241-3565 or (800) 822-9687.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what April 15 means.
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• Chapel dedication … A dedication ceremony for the new Veterans Memorial Chapel at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo is scheduled for 11 a.m. this Saturday, March 19. In addition to a ceremony conducted by veterans groups, the Shasta County Interfaith Forum and the Wintu Tribe, the chapel will be open for public tours.
• Spaghetti and elk? … As is often the case, the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson will be a busy place this weekend. A bunko and spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Anderson Explodes July 3rd fireworks show is scheduled for 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday evening, Anderson Rotary has its annual wild game feed, which always attracts a huge crowd. Racing season is scheduled to begin Sunday at the fairgrounds’ race track, with the first green flag flying at 4 p.m. The friendly folks at the fairgrounds can tell you how to get tickets for any of these events. Call them at (530) 378-6789.
• One man’s impact … If, like me, you never got around to seeing “No Impact Man,” you have a new chance at 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 19, when Art House Movies at the Redding Library screens the film. The movie is about, well … here’s the official description: “A guilty New York liberal decides to practice what he preaches for one year – turns off the electricity, stops making garbage, gives up TV, taxis and take out, and becomes a walking, bicycling, composting, tree-hugging, polar bear-saving, local food-eating citizen, all while taking his baby daughter and caffeine-loving, retail-obsessed, television-addicted wife along with him.” You get the idea – thought-provoking but in a humorous and self-effacing way.
• Learn to ride … A mountain bike, that is. You may know how to ride a bicycle, but can you pedal up a rocky trail, through the creek and around switchbacks? Redding Mountain Biking club is starting its annual beginner classes next Tuesday, March 22. The classes run for six consecutive Tuesday evenings at various locations in and near Redding. The instruction is free, but you must be a club member, which costs all of $20. Learn more on the RMB website.
• Downtown’s the place … There’s more happening in downtown Redding than you might realize. Get the whole scoop during the annual “State of Downtown” on March 25 at the Cascade Theatre on Market Street. The free event starts with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by Viva Downtown’s always clever presentation at 6 p.m.
Paul Shigley is senior editor of California Planning & Development Report, a frequent contributor to Planning magazine and longs for the days of the 1040-EZ. He lives in Centerville. Paul Shigley may be reached at pauls.anewscafe@gmail.com.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment.
