Summerlin Area Neighborhood News, Jan. 8-14, 2015

COALITION SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PREPARE TAX RETURNS

The IRS in partnership with the Nevada Free Taxes Coalition is looking for volunteers to assist in preparing tax returns next year at various sponsored sites throughout Southern Nevada. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. All volunteers receive tax training. Individuals with good computer skills are especially needed to assist in preparing and transmitting returns electronically through the IRS E-file program.

Volunteers can help in three separate capacities: as a return preparer, who will actually prepare tax returns; as a site coordinator, coordinating and supervising all aspects of a free tax site and acting as a site manager and perhaps preparing returns; and as a greeter, greeting taxpayers, answering questions and providing forms.

To sign up, contact Pat Smith at 702-338-0434 or patsmith@nvfreetaxes.org or Deborah Brooks at dbrooks@hapinv.org.

COUNCILMAN TO MEET WITH RESIDENTS JAN. 22

Ward 2 Las Vegas City Councilman Bob Beers plans to meet with residents during Beers with Beers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Bonefish Grill, 8701 W. Charleston Blvd. The event is for those 21 or older to talk about their concerns or just about what’s happening in Ward 2.

For more information, call 702-240-0532.

RED ROCK CANYON SEEKS ARTISTS FOR 2015 RESIDENCIES

Applications are being accepted for the spring 2015 artists’ residencies at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. All artists working in any field, including writers, musicians, sculptors, painters and performance artists, are invited to apply for residencies lasting two or three weeks in March, April or May.

The Red Rock Canyon Artist-in-Residence program will select three artists, with each receiving a $1,000 stipend for developing their work in response to Red Rock Canyon and leading a community engagement project of their design. Artists will be selected by a panel of arts professionals, community members and Bureau of Land Management staff members.

Applications are being accepted with a postmarked deadline of Jan. 31. For more information, visit rrc-air.org.

AARP SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR FREE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM

The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program plans to offer free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income. In its 46th year, the program is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. The service is offered in conjunction with the IRS and is open to anyone, not just AARP members.

Last year in Nevada, 260 volunteers helped more than 12,700 people file federal tax returns and answered tax-related questions. The program is offered at senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

The program needs volunteers. Tax volunteers must complete a tax preparation workshop from the IRS before working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grass-roots leadership, on-site greeters and those who can provide language assistance in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/4r34r8v or call 888-227-7669.

USTA-NEVADA OFFERS FREE TENNIS LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

The United States Tennis Association-Nevada is offering free tennis lessons to people of all ages. Participants are asked to visit ustanevada.com to complete the registration form. They will be emailed a certificate to take a free tennis lesson at any of the participating facilities.

Free loaner tennis rackets are available through USTA-Nevada’s Racquet Recycle Program. Everyone who registers will receive a free Nevada Tennis Association membership, which includes a newsletter and special invitations to community tennis events.

For more information, email freetennis@ustanevada.com or call 702-792-8384, ext. 101.