Make an appointment to file income tax for free this week

GOLDEN AGE FOUNDATION EVENTS

IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and e-file tax returns for full-year California residents. This AARP program is sponsored by the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) and has appointments available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon. Sign-in and verification of forms will be held in Clubhouse 3 Lobby.

Appointments are required. people can call 562-596-1987 and leave a full name and telephone number. A volunteer will return the call to schedule an appointment.

The intake/interview sheet required for the appointment can be picked up at the LW Library and should be completed prior to the appointment. Note that individuals with rental property or a net loss from selfemployment are out-of-scope for this program.

••• Ralphs Community Rewards Sign Up Feb. 18 The GAF will host in person sign ups for the Ralphs Community Contribution Rewards Program on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Clubhouse 6 Hospitality Center from 9-11 a.m. The GAF board will be there to assist the GAF’s membership drive too.

The Ralphs Community Contribution Program is an easy way for residents to raise money for the GAF.

In the previous quarter, the GAF received $1,578.99 from 457 shareholders who shopped at a Ralphs grocery store.

An account is needed to participate in the program. Once linked to a Ralphs Rewards card, each time a person shops and uses the rewards card at a Ralphs

AARP and Golden Age Foundation tax filing volunteers grocery store, the GAF will receive a donation at no addition cost to the shopper. This is currently the only active fundraising project the GAF has and is presently supported by over 650 residents.

Sign-ups will last around 5-10 minutes to complete the transaction. People will need to bring their Ralphs membership card or number, email information, and a cell phone to receive a code to complete verification.

••• Battery and E-waste Recycling on March 14 On Saturday, March 14, the GAF will collect e-waste and batteries to recycle in the Amphitheater parking lot from 10 a.m.-noon. GRF ID is required.

The GAF will partner with Teens Against E-waste, a student- run,501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, for this event. Teens Against E-waste will send a group of six students and 4-5 parent volunteers to collect ewaste and batteries alongside GAF volunteers.

The GAF will accept household batteries only, no business batteries. The GAF asks residents to separate lithium from the alkaline by placing them in a separate bag. Hearing aid batteries should also be placed in an additional separate bag to help volunteers keep the event running smoothly and efficiently. The students will wear the yellow vests for visibility and the GAF will wear red vests.

Accepted e-waste items include computer monitors, televisions, laptops, CRT monitors, DVD players, scanners, fax machines, copy machines, printers, radios, stereos, speakers, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, mini refrigerators and other small house hold electronics.

The GAF will not accept equipment containing mercury, light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, aerosol cans, liquids, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers or dishwashers.

The GAF believes it is important to keep the planet clean and resident costs low by recycling batteries and old e-waste instead of throwing them in the dumpster.

••• Multicultural Event Application Open Now The GAF has open applications for its multicultural performance. It is currently seeking Latin, Greek, Dutch, Scottish, British, Indian, German, or any other authentic cultural group to perform.

On Saturday, July 18, the GAF will host the multicultural performance to showcase the beauty of the diversity of cultures in Leisure World on the Amphitheater stage.

About 11 years ago, the Multicultural Council hosted a similar event showcasing six different groups including the Filipino Association of Leisure World, Hui O Hula, India Club, Korean American Club, Leisure World Cloggers Club and Vietnamese Club. The GAF is currently accept applications from cultural groups who will be able to put on a show for at least 15 minutes, showcasing their culture’s clothing, dances, songs and musical instruments by July 18.

This is a new 90-minute program sponsored by the GAF, which is looking at least six groups to perform for 15 minutes each on the Amphitheater stage. GAF is excited to provide an opportunity for residents to learn about their friends and neighbors backgrounds and cultures on this special night. It hopes that such activities will enhance mutual understanding and respect for each other. This in turn will promote a peaceful, caring and harmonious community.

For more information about these events or to volunteer with the GAF, text 562-301-5339. —Anna Derby The GAF is not affiliated with the Golden Rain Foundation or LWSB in any way.

The American MahJong Club recently donated $400 to the Golden Age Foundation in support of its work benefi t- ing the community. Club members said they are pleased to support the important work of the GAF. President Anna Derby (center) expressed appreciation for the contribution. Pictured from left to right are Jane Copeland, Lilly Hughes, Derby, Franca Yeske and Barbara Rockwell.