Free Tax Help available!

The Internal Revenue Service has many tax breaks for families, homeowners, and other groups. In this economy citizens need all the help they can get. The IRS has a series of videos describing the tax breaks available. You can view these on YouTube or on Pasco County's e-government tools page.  Click on "E-Government Videos." Check these and other e-government videos brought to you by Pasco County Libraries.

The United Way of Pasco can help individuals and families file their income tax returns for free. It is as easy as dialing 211. Pasco United Way partnered with the IRS and has trained volunteers working at various locations in Pasco County to prepare taxes for citizens. Call 211 and the information referral specialist will arrange an appointment for you to have your taxes prepared at a location closest to your home.

If you really want to do those taxes yourself, remember you can file your return electronically (e-file). To e-file you log on to the IRS website, click on e-file and you will be directed to various websites which you can use to file your taxes. Read through the descriptions and pick the best agency that fits your circumstances. 

Senior Victim Advocate Service

Any victim of crime age 60 and over is entitled to receive FREE services from the Victim Advocate of the Area Agency on Aging. Victim Assistance Services include:

• Information and Referrals to Community Resources
• Crisis Counseling
• Transportation and Accompaniment to Court Related Activities
• Assistance with Property Return
• Criminal Justice Support
  

Anyone in need in Pasco or Pinellas County, Florida may contact:

Kathy Cornwell

Area Agency on Aging

727-861-5233

email: cornwellk@elderaffairs.org

For more information about this program, click here.

If you live in another county in Florida, you can click here to access the Victim Advocate Directory for Florida.

Baby Boomer Census Bureau Report

The U.S. Census Bureau has published its first report on Baby Boomers in 13 years. This report used data from the 2006 American Community Survey and it describes characteristics of Baby Boomers in 2006. Here are some highlights from this report:

• Baby Boomers were ages 42 to 60 in 2006.
• 26.1% of the U.S. population was a Baby Boomer in 2006.
• 65.6% of Baby Boomers were currently married.    
• 17% of Baby Boomers were divorced.
• 11.7% were never married.
• 74.1% were employed.
• The South had the highest number of Baby Boomers.
• California was the state with the most Baby Boomers and Florida was number four.
• Pasco County was the number five county in the entire U.S. in Baby Boomer growth rate from 2000 to 2006!

You can find more information by accessing the full report here.

Seniors' Crime Forum

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. Senior Victim Advocate Program will be organizing a free Seniors' Crime Forum at the New River Library on Wednesday, Jan. 27th, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
 

Presenters:

• Jody Ferguson-Hensler

The National Family Caregiver Support Program and other services.

• Ricard Zutell

SHINE and Medicare Fraud

• Kathy Cornwell and Jane Occiollini

Information on FREE Victim Services and FREE 911 cell phones

• David Dewey

FREE fingerprinting identification program for seniors.

• Little Horatio

Pasco County’s First Four Legged Victim Advocate. He was also the victim of a crime himself. Come and hear his amazing story.


New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, FL
(813)788-6375

AARP Driver Safety Program

New River Library will be hosting a 1 day AARP Driver Safety Program on January 15th from 10:00am to 5:00 pm. This class is a refresher course for drivers age 50 and many insurance companies provide a discount to people who complete the class. More information about the AARP Driver Safety Program can be found here. Registration is requested for this class. To register for the class, please call (813) 780-9168.


[New River Library is located at 34043 S. R. 54, Zephyrhills, FL.]

Senior Fun Fest

The Senior Connections and Mature Lifestyles magazines will be sponsoring a "Senior Fun Fest" on January 20th and 21st at the Harborview Center in Clearwater. Admission is free and the event will feature:

• Free Health Screenings
• Live Music and Entertainment
• Free Doughnuts and Coffee
• Prizes and Games
• Senior Friendly Exhibitors
• Travel Information
• Health and Wellness Information
• Restaurant Samplings
• Senior Lifestyles
• Home Improvement Information
 

 The Harborview Center is located at:
300 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL

For more information about the Senior Fun Fest, please call 813-653-1988 or 1-888-670-0040.

New Heart Disease Website

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched a new heart disease website. This website has information about coronary artery disease, heart attack, and about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.  In addition, they provide information about how to prevent heart attacks.  The CDC also has websites with information about stroke and high blood pressure.