Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Event: Minority Scholarship Fair

Minority Scholarship Fair
Downtown Marriott, 200 W. 12th St.
Start Date/Time: 02/16/2008 10:00 AM
End Date/Time: 02/16/2008 02:00 PM
Day: Saturday



Description: The Infinite Scholars Program and the urban league of Greater Kansas City present the 2008 MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP FAIR. Over two dozen state and regional institutions of higher learning will be present, including historically Black colleges and universities. Student loan workshops will also be presented, for both students and parents.

Admission is free, but please RSVP by contact Dawn Hickman or visiting http://www.ulkc.org/ to register online.

Students need to bring a copy of their transcript, ACT/SAT score (if available), and two letters of recommendations. Students who wish to apply for a scholarship other than an academic one need to bring a video/audio tape of what they do.
Community college transfer student scholarships may also be available. Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority will hold workshops on student loans and student loan forgiveness for students and parents.


Contact Person
Name: Dawn Hickman
Telephone: 816-471-0550, ext. 20

Do you have a good neighbor?

City launches Good Neighbor award to recognize residents

Quarterly award kicks off with ceremony Jan. 26

The City of Kansas City, Mo., 3-1-1 Action Center, a division of the City Manager’s Office, and the City’s Neighborhood Community Services Department are co-sponsoring the Good Neighbor award to recognize city residents for works that benefit the community.

The award will be given quarterly and will kick-off with a ceremony and recognition of five residents at 10 a.m. on Jan. 26 at the Robert J. Mohart Multi-Purpose FOCUS Center, 3200 Wayne Ave.

“We hope this award will encourage a greater sense of community and pride in the neighborhoods in our city,” said Earnest Rouse, 3-1-1 Action Center manager. “We want to let residents know that we appreciate the work they are doing.”

The inaugural award recipients are:

- Essye Bethel – Bethel has paid to keep an alley in her neighborhood mowed and cleaned for the past 20 years.

- Joseph McGee – Joseph is a 12-year-old resident who anonymously cuts his neighbor’s lawn. The neighbor said she just thought her grass wasn’t growing.

- Dr. Henry Johnson – Johnson initiated and organized the Benton Boulevard Revitalization project.

- Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Danzy – The couple maintained a vacant lot in their neighborhood for an entire summer.


The award is a nomination-based program that relies on input from residents. Nominations can be sent to ncs@kcmo.org or to actioncenter@kcmo.org, with a subject line of “Good Neighbor Award.”

The idea for the award came from former 3-1-1 Action Center Customer Service Specialist Venessa Wates, who is now with the Neighborhood and Community Services Department.

Media inquiries and information requests should be directed to Eric Hudson, customer service supervisor in the 3-1-1 Action Center at (816) 513-2008.

Construction of the new Metro Patrol police station

The City of Kansas City, MO Capital Improvements Management Office is holding an informational meeting Wednesday, February 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Research Medical Center, 2316 E Meyer Blvd to discuss the construction of the new Metro Patrol police station at 77th & Prospect.

As a members of the Walnut Grove neighborhood association, they hope you will be able to spread the word about this meeting to your neighbors. We'd like as many people as possible to show up! We will be explaining the project and how it will affect your neighborhood, during construction and for years to come.

Again, we look forward to seeing you Wednesday, February 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Research Medical Center, 2316 E Meyer Blvd.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Free Tax Preparation for Basic Federal and State Returns

The KC CASH Coalition provides Free Tax Preparation for Basic Federal and State Returns and Free Electronic Filing for Taxpayers with incomes less than $40,000 on a first come, first served basis.

Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri
299 Paseo, Kansas City
Open 2/2-2/27 Mon. 5:30-8pm Sat. 9am-2pm

Mid Continent Public Library-North Independence
317 W 24 Hwy, Independence
Open 2/1-4/12 Call 816-252-0950 for appt.

Penn Valley Community College
3201 SW Trfwy, Learning Resource Bldg, Rm 204, KC
Tues. 4:30pm-8pm, Open 1/29-4/15 Closed 3/18

The Salvation Army-Bellefontaine
3013 E. 9th Street, Kansas City
Open 1/26-4/12 Sat. 9am-2pm

St. Monica's Elementary School
5809 Michigan, Kansas City Open 2/2-4/12
Wed. 6pm-8:30pm & Sat. 11am-4:30pm &
4/14 & 4/15 from 6pm-8:30


United Way of Greater Kansas City
Belton Success by Six Resource Center
614 W. Mill Street, Belton
Open 2/6-4/9 Wed. 4:30pm-8pm

Blue River Community College
20301 E 78 Highway, Independence
Fri. 9am-1pm and Sat. 9am-1pm Open 2/8-4/12
Closed 3/1, 3/14, 3/15, 3/28 & 3/29

United Way Center for Success
4727 Logan, Kansas City
Open 2/5-4/15 Tues. 1pm-7pm

Northland Human Services – Maple Woods CC
3100 NE 83rd St., Suite 2250
Open 2/6-4/9 Wed. 4:30pm-8pm Sat. 10am-2pm
Closed 3/12, 3/15

UMKC Law School – Law Library
52nd and Oak, Kansas City
Tues. & Wed. 5:30-8:30pm, Sat. 10am-4pm
Open 2/2-4/12 Closed 3/25-3/29


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DON’T FORGET TO BRING:
• Photo Identification for Taxpayer and Spouse
• Social Security Cards for Everyone in the Household, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)
• Last Year’s Income Tax Return
• Income Documentation (W-2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, etc.)
• Daycare Federal ID #
• College Tuition Documentation
• Student Loan Interest Documentation
• Itemized Deductions
• Mortgage Interest
• Property Taxes
• Charitable Contributions
• If Elderly or Disabled, Paid Property Tax or Rent Documentation
• Bank Account and Routing Number for Direct Deposit (REFUNDS AVAILABLE IN 14 DAYS OR LESS, IF YOU USE DIRECT DEPOSIT)


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We do NOT Prepare:
• Any state returns besides Kansas or Missouri
• Any year other than 2007 (referrals available)
• Schedule C for self-employment
• Schedule D for capital gains/losses
• Schedule E for rental or royalty income
• Schedule F for farm income
• Business, estate and trust returns


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For additional information about sites and hours, call United Way (just dial 2-1-1 or 816-474-5112).


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KC CASH is a coalition of local businesses and community organizations that support working families in building financial stability. Free income tax preparation is available to taxpayers with income less than $40,000. For additional information about tax preparation days and hours, please call the United Way 2-1-1.

Monday, January 14, 2008

SEMINAR: Debt Collection and Your Rights

WHAT: Debt Collection and Your Rights
WHEN: Monday, January 14, 2008. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m
WHERE:Rockhurst University Community Center, 5401 Troost Ave
WHY: How to handle those pesky debt collectors

Please join InnerLight, Inc. on Monday, January 14, 2008 at Rockhurst University Community Center, 5401 Troost Avenue, KCMO, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. The seminar is FREE and refreshments will be served.

The seminar is titled: Debt Collection and Your Rights.The seminar will focus on how to handle those pesky debt collectors. Should you Ignore? Negotiate? Payup? Learn how to handle intimidating collectors.

Call or email your reservations: (816)763-0802 or innerlightnews@hotmail.comPeggy Brotherton-FordProgram AdministratorInnerLight, Inc.(816)763-0802 (Office)(816)738-3491 (Cell)

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Health Department offers free flu shots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 8, 2008
Health Department offers free flu shots

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department has made flu shots available at no cost while current supplies last.
Flu shots for children and adults are available at the Health Department, 2400 Troost Ave., during regular clinic hours from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.
“Even this late in the season, a flu shot can protect against the flu and flu-related illnesses,” said Ron Griffin, manager of the Communicable Disease Prevention Division. “Regular flu shots, covering coughs and good hand-washing have most likely contributed to the light flu season so far this year.”
Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu or decrease the length and severity of symptoms. Those who are vaccinated against the flu are far less likely to spread the flu to their family and friends.
Media inquiries about this issue should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

2009 Digtal TV hits the airwaves. Get your Coupon.

The Fedral government share coupons to help TV transition (AP)http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20080101/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/digital_tv

To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at starting Tuesday. The government also has set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).



More Information:

DTV Transition and the Coupon Program DTV Transition and the Coupon Program
What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:

1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.


Will the transition affect me?
You will need to take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition.


Below is a list of eligible TV converter boxes by brand name.
All eligible converter boxes are certified by the NTIA to meet Federal Coupon Program requirements.

* DigitalSTREAM D2A1D10
* DigitalSTREAM D2A1D20
* Zenith DTT900
* Magnavox TB100MW9
* Philco TB150HH9
* MicroGEM MG2000
* Sansonic FT300RT
* MaxMedia MMDTVB03
* Apex DT1001
* ECHOSTAR TR-40
* AMTC AT-2016

The list of Eligible Converter Boxes is available here. This list is updated regularly but may not be a 100% comprehensive list of all converter boxes that meet NTIA requirements and are eligible for the program.