Kindergarten Readiness Fair set for March 25

TORRINGTON >> The tenth annual Torrington Early Childhood Collaborative (TECC) Kindergarten Readiness Fair will take place Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at Torringford Elementary School, 800 Charles St. The snow date is April 1.

All children entering kindergarten for the 2017-18 school year, and attending any school in Torrington (not just Torringford School) are invited to this free event. Children must be 5 years old on or before January 1, 2018.

Children will be able to work at hands-on “stations” to help support the development of early literacy, math, gross motor and fine motor skills, find out what school they will be going to, meet teachers and enter raffles for fun children’s prizes. Craft time with special guests including local and state officials, and interactive activities will be scheduled throughout the day. Note: This is not a registration event.

All Star Transportation will provide shuttle service for parents and children to the event on a school bus from TJ Maxx (9:30 & 10:30), Price Rite (9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.), and Woodland Hills at the “big rock” (9:50 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. ) and will depart Torringford School at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to run stations and set up. Contact Donna Labbe torringtonearlychildhood@gmail.com or 860-806-1410.

Kindergarten Registration at all elementary schools 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. will take place March 27-31 and April 3-7. When parents register their child, they must bring a completed registration form, a proof of residency (ex: current utility bill, a signed lease or a mortgage statement), copy of immunization form, and original birth certificate.

VITA tax service available

TORRINGTON >> The United Way of Northwest Connecticut is offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program to the public for the upcoming tax season. The VITA program offers free tax preparation services to individuals and families with a total household income of $54,000 or less, in addition to offering service to individuals with disabilities or limited Englishspeaking abilities. IRS-certified volunteers will work with families and individuals in need of assistance, including help with filing tax returns, claiming refunds, and utilizing additional tax credits to benefit those filing.

Those seeking to utilize this program must first meet the following qualifications: a total household income of $54,000 or less; must file either 1040EZ or 1040-A tax form; cannot own a home; cannot own a small business; cannot have itemized return; cannot complete prior year’s tax returns at this appointment. Anyone who has income between up to $64,000 and does not meet the above qualifications can visit MyFreeTaxes.com. This site is a partnership between H&R Block and United Way. For additional information on the VITA program or My Free Taxes please contact our office at 860-489-4131.

At the time of an appointment, an individual should bring with them: valid picture ID; copies of all W-2, 1098, 1099, and 1095B forms and the amount of other income received; tax identification number (SSN) for yourself, spouse, and anyone else listed on tax return; provider’s address and tax identification number for child/dependent care credit; and a copy of prior year’s tax return (if possible).

Appointments are available on Thursday evenings from 5-8 p.m. continuing through April 6 at the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, 333 Kennedy Drive in Torrington. Call 860-489-4131 to schedule an appointment.

Free Live Well Workshops start March 20

LITCHFIELD >> Spring is right around the corner, and 2017 is the right time to add a little spring to your step and take control of your health!

The public is invited to attend a free, interactive six week Live Well Workshop to learn new skills to help you take charge of your ongoing health conditions. The Live Well workshop will be offered at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road on Monday afternoons from 12:30 – 3 pm, beginning on March 20 and finishing up on April 24. Participants with ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and other chronic illnesses will learn better ways of dealing with health concerns such as pain, fatigue, difficult emotions, anxiety and stress. You will learn easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy and ways to improve your nutrition. You will also learn appropriate use of medications and more. Live Well Workshops are also bene-

eficial for caregivers, family and friends of those with chronic conditions. Live Well is sponsored by The Western CT Area Agency on Aging, State of CT Dept. on Aging and CT Dept. of Public Health through a grant from the Administration on Aging. All are welcome.

Call today to register for this very interactive and fun class! Participants who attend at least four of the six sessions will be entered in a drawing to win a gift card. Class size is limited and preregistration is required. To sign up, stop by the registration desk or call 860-5678302.