Learn about the environment at Westborough fair

WESTBOROUGH – Sustainable Westborough and the Rotary Club of Westborough will sponsor the Environmental Action Fair on Saturday, May 13, at Westborough High School.

Exhibits will be open from 1 to 4 p.m.

The keynote presentation at noon will be “Climate Emer- gency: Feedback Loops” with Melanie Wallace, an Emmy award-winning producer formerly with the PBS series “Nova.”

The presentation is meant to raise awareness about natural warming loops that have scientists alarmed.

In addition to Wallace’s talk, some short films will be shown and Sandra Kearney, Rotary Club president, will facilitate a Q&A engagement with the audience. There will be two other speakers, including Robert Gegear, professor of biology, discussing the plight of pollinators, and a panel of Mill Pond students who will provide their perspectives on climate change.

There will be around 40 exhibitors, including state and regional agencies and nonprofits. There will also be an interactive art project that encourages attendees to participate in the art and in environmental actions; and 20 student exhibitors representing all of the schools in town showing their work on a wide array of environmental topics. Have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery from a cell phone, laptop, tablet, electric toothbrush, wireless headphones or power tool batteries? Bring them to the fair, where a collection will take place from noon to 4 p.m. For information, visit www. sustainablewestborough.org.

Caring For Your Skin Is Not Vain

Practicing proper skin care as we age is about more than just looking good. It can also help us avoid problems such as skin cancer, severe itching, and bedsores. We all know that staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer, but this becomes truer are we age and our skin becomes more delicate and vulnerable. We also lose oil glands as we get older, causing our skin to become dry and itchy. Consistent, daily moisturizing everywhere can help prevent this discomfort. If you are regularly confined to a bed or chair, you can keep bedsores from forming by changing positions frequently, standing up whenever possible, and keeping your skin dry. Keeping indoor humidity between 45 and 60 percent can reduce dry, itchy skin. You can easily measure the humidity in the air with a hydrometer, which you can buy at a hardware or home-improvement store. Working around your house and in your garden can expose your skin to harsh chemicals, sunlight, and other things that can irritate and dry your skin. At NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER, we can provide the necessary care to help residents maintain the best quality of life possible. To learn more, please call (508) 852-3011. You can also schedule a tour of our facilities at 559 Plantation Street.

P.S When choosing and using moisturizers, be sure to use products that are appropriate for the different skin on your face, body, hands and feet.

MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Health Care Center, Inc. Long Term Care Center 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 508.852.3011

Notre Dame Health Care

Iget it, dealing with your taxes can be emotional. Add the IRS stating that the average tax refund paid out was 9.8% less than 2022. Ugh.

You’ve had some separation, it’s time to return for an honest conversation. Maybe even bring in some outside help.

A CFP’s goal with tax planning is to help clients take proactive steps to save money on their taxes now and help reduce liabilities in the future. Aspects include lowering your AGI (adjusted gross income), leveraging tax deductions, taking advantage of tax credits, tax deferrals and timing of large purchases, sales and realization of income.

Consider potential ways to make impact for 2023:

Exercising Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Sold some RSUs and get a large tax bill? Connect with HR to discuss withholding options before your next exercise. Also, learn of the benefits and drawbacks of concentrated positions as well as short-term versus long-term capital gains.

Adjust your W-4. If you got a large refund, lower your withholding and do more with your money, like ~4% money market interest. Also, if both spouses work and one is self-employed, consider raising your W-4 withholding to avoid potential penalties for underpaying estimated taxes on a growing small business.

Track Your Side Hustle - Government announced Venmo and payment apps report income for goods and services worth $600 or more annually — a sharp drop from previous $20,000 threshold. Panic and confusion followed, so the IRS postposted by a year.

Whether you receive a 1099-K form or not, you’ve always been obligated to report income. To help offset, get up to speed on potential deductions including expenses, amortization, and dedicated home office space.

Revisit Work Benefits. You can impact your adjusted gross income (AGI) through 401k contributions as well as funding a HSA funding, FSA for