Tuesday, January 19, 2010

This afternoon the students from East and West High School host an event in support of Immigration Reform and the “DREAM” Act. It begins with a gathering at the Library Mall and march up State Street for a rally at the Capitol steps and will continue with a trip to the Humanities building to celebrate. This is at 4:30. Call 608-695-1016 for details.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and others provide income tax help to differently-abled, low income and elderly people through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. It is available by appointment on various dates. This is at 1302 Mendota Street. Participants may call 608-246-3140 ext 112 to schedule an appointment. Additionally they may call 1-800-829-1040 for VITA site locations or Taxpayer Counseling for the elderly (TCE) 1-888-227-7669 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to help elderly people to remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as snow shoveling and other household tasks. Call 223-3100 for more information.

Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program helps people pay for home energy costs including crisis assistance and weatherization. They are at 1225 South Park Street. They can be contacted via the web site heat.wi.gov or by phone at 267-3680.