File for FREE with MyFreeTaxes.com

It’s that time of year again. Time to file your taxes! But don’t worry; it’s not as bad as it seems. You can file your state and federal taxes for FREE using MyFreeTaxes.com if you made $57,000 or less in 2012. MyFreeTaxes.com is the perfect way to file online both easily and securely – and did I mention it is FREE?

Take advantage of helpful tools such as calculators, error checkers and online chats, plus a free help line if you have any questions. Software provided by H&R Block, plus MyFreeTaxes.com is available in both English and Spanish.

If you prefer to file in person with an IRS-certified tax preparer, just visit MyFreeTaxes.com or call 2-1-1 to find a location near you – still free if you make $50,000 or less. MyFreeTaxes is a great way to maximize your return and ensure you receive all the tax credits you’re eligible for, all while saving you money because you don’t have to pay a tax preparer. 

Thanks to the Walmart Foundation, in collaboration with Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute and United Way Worldwide, for making MyFreeTaxes.com available. The MyFreeTaxes partnership has helped more than 4.5 million families earn almost $6 billion in refunds and tax credits since 2009. So even if you don’t file using MyFreeTaxes, help spread the word with your network!

(Source:http://www.unitedway.org/blog/entry/file-for-free-with-myfreetaxes.com/)

Book Lists for All Ages

Sites for finding lists of books to read to different age groups:

http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists

http://www.readkiddoread.com/

http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Librarians%27_Choice:_100_Super_Summer_Reads_for_Teens

http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/booklists.htm

http://www.nea.org/grants/kids-top-100-books.html

http://www.nea.org/grants/50-multicultural-books.html

National Reading Month: Tips for Reading to Children

Tips for Reading to Toddlers and Infants:

• Snuggle with your child with her favorite blanket or toys as you read.
• Read with expression using different voices for different characters.
• Emphasize rhythms and rhymes in stories. Give your toddler opportunities to repeat rhyming phrases.
• Use pictures to build vocabulary by varying objects and their colors.
• Use pictures to develop speaking vocabulary by talking about what is shown.
• Encourage your child to repeat what you say or comment on it. Encourage your child to ask questions. Provide models of interesting questions and examples of possible answers. "I wonder what is going to happen next? I think the rabbit will get lost because he is not paying attention to where he is going. What do you think?"
• Look for books that are about things that interest your toddler. For example, does your child like cars, insects, or animals?
• Make reading a habit for bedtime, after lunch, or after nap time.
• Give your child a chance to choose his own books. If your toddler chooses a book that is too long to hold his attention, read some and skip some, discussing the pictures and how they relate to the story.
• Read stories again and again. Your toddler enjoys repetition and it helps him become familiar with the way stories are organized

  (Source: NEA, http://www.nea.org/grants/tips-for-reading-to-infants-toddlers.html)

Tips for Reading to School Age Children, Kindergarten through Third Grade:

• Keep reading to your child even when he can read. Read books that are too difficult or long for him to read alone.
• Try reading books with chapters and talk about what is happening in the story. Encourage your child to make predictions about what will happen next, and connect characters or events to those in other books and stories.
• Talk with your child about reading preferences that are beginning to develop. Ask whether she likes adventure stories, mysteries, science fiction, animal stories, or stories about other children. Encourage her to explain the reasons for preferences.
• Talk with your child about favorite authors and help him find additional books by those authors.
• Take turns reading a story with your child. Don't interrupt to correct mistakes that do not change the meaning.
• Talk about the meaning of new words and ideas introduced in books. Help your child think of examples of new concepts.
• Talk with your child about stories using the notions of the beginning, middle, and end of the story to organize thinking and discussion.
• Ask your child to tell why a character might have taken a specific action. Ask for information from the story to support her answer.
• Enjoy yourself and have fun. The most important thing you can do to help your child become a successful reader is communicate that reading is valuable and enjoyable.

 (Source: NEA, http://www.nea.org/grants/reading-to-young-school-age-children.html)

United Way Scholarships!

UNITED WAY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY LIVE UNITED SCHOLARSHIP

The United Way of Armstrong County has established a scholarship to benefit a graduating student residing in Armstrong County who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteer community service and the gift of helping others.

The United Way of Armstrong County LIVE UNITED Scholarship is a nonrenewable gift of $1000.

Download the Application

UNITED WAY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY EDUCATORS FOR A UNITED TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP

The United Way of Armstrong County has established a scholarship to benefit a graduating student residing in Armstrong County who plans to become an education professional.

The United Way of Armstrong County EDUCATORS FOR A UNITED TOMORROW Scholarship is a nonrenewable gift of $1000.

Download the Application

Happy New Year!

     HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we look forward and plan our 2013 year, please remember to give back to your local community and the United Way of Armstrong County.

As 2013 begins, it's time to think about setting goals for the New Year. Whether it's hitting the gym or calling your parents more often, the New Year is a new start and opportunity for self-improvement. As you set professional and personal resolutions for 2013, think about the ways that you want to make a meaningful impact on your community this year.

                 My personal New Years Resolution has two parts; to be a better and healthier person and also to improve the quality of life to my family, friends and neighbors.  I hope each of you thinks of a worthy and helpful New Years resolution, and I hope that you also include others in your thoughts. 

               It is easier than you may think to give back to others, simply donating your old clothes, buying food for a food drive or saving up your spare change in a jar and giving that to a local charity are all things that each one of us can do in 2013. 

              The United Way of Armstrong County is excited to start new community based programs this year, hold more fundraisers and connect with new businesses to help this community LIVE UNITED.

              We also want to thank everyone for their donations and support, we are still working on our $150,000 2013 goal and every cent helps!   Please consider giving to the United Way, either by sending a check or money order to 705 Butler Road, Kittanning, PA 16201 or by donating by debit or credit card HERE. 

United Way Holiday Raffle!

UNITED WAY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY HOLIDAY STOCKING RAFFLE WINNER!

 Julie Smith of Worthington, PA was the winner of the United Way Holiday Stocking Raffle.  She has three daughters, Cassie and Delaney (age 5) and Marlee (age 4), Julie was very excited to be able to give this giant 6 Foot stocking to her girls on Christmas morning! 

Marlee Smith stands next to the 6 Foot Stocking that she and her sisters will get to enjoy this Holiday Season!

Thanks to everyone that donated to the United Way to be entered to win this great holiday gift!

Collecting Donations for the Sandy Hook School Fund

The United Way of Armstrong County is collecting donations for the Sandy Hook School Fund. 

Check donations can be sent to:
United Way of Armstrong County

c/o Sandy Hook Fund

705 Butler Road

Kittanning, PA 16201

or by credit card HERE

Show your support and help all those affected by this tragedy.