Volunteers needed to help with taxes
The Anacortes Tax-Aide Program is looking for volunteers to offer their time and skills to help people of Fidalgo Island with their taxes. Tax counselors and greeters are needed.
Counselor volunteers will participate in a one-week classroom course on the tax code and hands-on training with the software used to fill out the forms. After the training, volunteers work with two other counselors on a 3.5-hour shift each week between Feb. 1 and April 15.
Greeters receive orientation in January and then work a weekly shift. Their job is to greet taxpayers, screen their tax needs and guide them to a tax counselor.
Contact Mike King 293-4930 or Alberta Finley at .
Scientific societies plan K-12 best practices
Representatives from 10 scientific societies convened at Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center Aug.19-21 to discuss best practices and ways to increase collaboration on K-12 aquatic science education.
“We look forward to seeing the outcomes of all of the hard work put in by the participants. I am certain it will advance the role in K-12 education played by professional science and education societies,” said Stephen Sulkin, Shannon Point director.
Nineteen participants attended the workshop representing the American Geophysical Union, American Meteorological Society, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Ecological Society of America, Marine Technology Society, National Marine Education Association, National Science Teachers Association, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, and the Oceanography Society.
The workshop was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
A key goal of the workshop was to develop cross-cutting programs in K-12 science education that will enable collaboration among science and education professional societies.
Chamber analyzing jazz festival’s future
With the fifth Anacortes Jazz Festival complete, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce plans to study the event before making any decision on its future.
“A task force is being formed to look at the economic impact of this event on the community and determine what the future looks like for the Jazz Festival,” said Stephanie Hamilton, chamber director of programs and events.
The chamber hasn’t lost money (it made a few thousand dollars this year) but ticket sales haven’t increased. Overall paid festival attendance was down about 15 percent compared to last year.
Hamilton said she expects a board decision in October.
Solar-powered signs installed at Fidalgo
Solar-powered school zone flashing warning light systems have been installed at six Skagit County elementary schools, including Fidalgo Elementary School, to remind motorists to drive safely and slowly through school zones.
The light clusters will include 20 mph school zone speed limit flashing signs and will be programmed to operate during times that children are making their way to or from school — and for special events.
The safety lighting systems can be programmed via the Internet for the entire school year including holidays, late start days, teacher in-service days and evening events. They may also be activated instantly for emergencies.
The ambiguous “When Children Are Present” signs will be replaced by the new system. When the lights are flashing the school zone speed limit is in force.
Skagit County Public Works purchased these lights through a $56,000 grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
