Volunteers needed to assist taxpayers with forms

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When February rolls around, some very special people volunteer to help others prepare their federal and state income tax returns.

For the past 14 years, Richard Peer of Hampden has been one of those special volunteers.

Working as an administrative specialist, Peer volunteers through the AARP Tax-Aide program that provides training, computers and printers at electronic filing sites.

Peer reports that the program is looking for new Tax-Aide volunteers. Those volunteers will receive training in tax law beginning in January and will begin assisting taxpayers the first of February at sites throughout Maine such as libraries and senior centers.

And on the last day for filing returns in April, Tax-Aide volunteers will offer their services at the post office in Bangor, where they will help people fill out and file extensions, which gives taxpayers more time to file their tax forms.

Among those helped by this program, Peer explained, are “seniors, disabled, non-English-speaking people and others who cannot afford professional tax assistance.”

In addition to individuals, local civic and fraternal organizations, schools, churches and social groups are being asked to participate as volunteer groups or to host a site where taxpayers and volunteers can meet, Peer said.

More than 12,000 Maine people were helped through the AARP Tax-Aide program last year.

If you are interested in volunteering or want more information about the program, call state coordinator Catherine Kelly at 285-0192, toll-free at (800) 227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Here is an unusual request from Andy and Ruby Maliszewski of Bucksport.

They are asking the other three married couples who marched with them during the Bangor-Brewer Veterans Day parade last month to call them “as soon as possible,” because they have a message for those folks from Galen Cole, who is wintering in Florida.

“We talked with them as we walked along, but I never got their names,” Ruby Maliszewski said. “I hope, if they see this, they will call.”

You can reach the Maliszewskis at 469-6186 or write them at P.O. Box 1631, Bucksport 04416.

Speaking of veterans, Avery and Estelle Chipman of Birch Harbor wrote to thank publicly the schoolchildren of Gouldsboro “and all who were involved” in a recent program and dinner honoring veterans.

“It was a lovely program, with songs and recitations” from all the grade-school children, they wrote. “The dinner was delicious, and the service was the best we have ever had!”

We have learned from Thelma Weymouth of Abbot that her daughter, Polly Collier of Bar Harbor, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Collier was Miss Guilford during Guilford’s sesquicentennial celebration.

Weymouth said her daughter’s “spirits would be lifted if she received cards from old friends and relatives.”

Collier’s address is 139 Eden St., Bar Harbor 04609.

The family of Rick Roy of Otis has written to “extend a very special, heartfelt thank-you to Dale and Mattie Treadwell and everyone who participated, donated and assisted with a recent benefit dinner for Rick.”

“Your caring, sharing and prayers have been greatly appreciated,” the family wrote. “The outpouring of love from Otis and Mariaville, as well as the surrounding communities, has been tremendous. Your generosity has eased the financial pressure faced by this family” during a most difficult time.

Roy, who is suffering from heart problems, will be returning to the veterans hospital in Roxbury, Mass., on Thursday, Dec. 19, for further treatment.

Female college students home for the holidays might want to apply for one of three scholarships offered by the Maine Federation of Business and Professional Women clubs through the BPW-Maine Futurama Foundation.

Each scholarship provides $1,000 for school expenses. Applications must be received by April 20.

One scholarship will be awarded a high school senior or recent graduate who will attend college next fall.

Application forms for this scholarship are available at guidance offices of area high schools, or by calling Bangor BPW scholarship chairwoman Julie Antworth at 947-4915 or writing her at 1453 Union St., Bangor 04401.

A Career Advancement Scholarship is awarded to a woman 30 years old or older for an accredited college or training program of study.

Applications for this scholarship may be obtained from college financial aid offices or Antworth.

A Continuing Education Scholarship is awarded to a woman whose postsecondary education is in progress. Applicants must have completed at least one year of schooling and need to be enrolled for at least one more year before completing her educational program.

Applications are available at college financial aid offices or from Antworth.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.