4-H program seeks volunteers

school administrators, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), local higher education institutions, and behavioral health providers, focused on youth mental health concerns identified by school district superintendents. One of these concerns led to establishing a family and community partnership workgroup, led by the CCIU, whose focus included ways to lower the risk of depression and promote faster stress recovery.

Chester County has a large number of outdoor resources and activities across the whole county that everyone can tap into, and all are free to use. The many trail, park, preserve, and outdoor activity resources available in Chester County can be found at www .chesco.org/fresh-air.

The Chester County 4-H Program is seeking new volunteers and 4-H clubs. 4-H is a youth development program for people ages 5 to 18. Volunteers are essential to the program and allow adults to share their hobbies with interested youths.

Projects vary widely and include sewing, arts and crafts, cooking, animal science and outdoor adventures. 4-H volunteer opportunities range from coordinating monthly club meetings to leading one-time activities and projects.

A signature Penn State

Extension program, Pennsylvania 4-H provides 78,800 youth participants with learning opportunities designed to help them develop the life skills they need to contribute to their communities as children and adults. This effort is supported by 6,950 adult volunteers.

New volunteers and youth members are welcome to join the 4-H program. For more information on how to join or start a 4-H club, contact the 4-H office at chesterext@psu.edu or 610-696-3500.

VITA frompg 1

This year, tax preparation sites are located in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford and West Chester. Those who take advantage of the tax services have the option to visit one of the sites, or they may share the needed forms and documents via secure email. VITA also partners with the United Way to provide “My Free Taxes,” a free, do-it-yourself online tax filing program.

For in-person filing, individuals will be asked to drop off the needed documents before the taxes are filed.

“You come in, fill out some intake paperwork and talk to a preparer and the preparer makes sure you have (all necessary documents),” Laird explained. “All documents are scanned and the taxpayer leaves with the originals.”

After the tax return is prepared and reviewed by another volunteer, the taxes are ready to be filed. “They can come back in or choose to sign electronically,” Laird noted.

For complete details, including a list of VITA office locations, visit www.Chester CountyFreeTaxes.org. Individuals with questions may also contact Laird at dlaird@QuietRevolution.org or 610-380-9099.