KCHA NEWS - September 2008

A resource for King County Housing Authority residents



Restrict the flow: Conserve H2O

By Angela Wallis, Resource Conservation Manager
King County Housing Authority

Although the Puget Sound area is surrounded by water, the supply of fresh, clean drinking water is limited. The precipitation that we receive in fall, winter and spring refills our drinking water supply and must last through the dry summer season. Plus, hundreds of plants and animals, including endangered salmon, rely on clean water. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to try and conserve as much water as we can.

How can I conserve water at my home?

  • Report faucet, shower or tub leaks to your property manager immediately. Even the smallest leaks waste a lot of water.
  • Do not remove low-flow faucet aerators or showerheads. If you feel you’re not getting enough water, please talk to your property manager first.
  • Turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry. Doing multiple small loads wastes water.
  • Shorten your showers. Even a one-or two-minute reduction can save hundreds of gallons per month.
  • If you wash dishes by hand, please don’t leave the water running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you only have one sink, use a spray device or short blasts instead of letting the water run.
  • Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, you can catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden.
  • Only water your gardens during the late evening or morning hours. The heat of the sun during midday causes much of the water to evaporate before it can reach your vegetables or flowers.
  • Don’t defrost frozen foods with running water. Try to plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

Thanks so much to all of you for your efforts to conserve water!

 

Graduation day arrives for AmeriCorps members

KCHA’s 11 Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps members received their certificates of national service at a recent graduation ceremony. Some spent the past year working at KCHA properties; others completed their service at local nonprofit agencies.

“The things you do make an enormous difference in people’s lives,” KCHA Executive Director Stephen Norman told the newly minted graduates.

Debra Entenman, a field representative for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Washington, also attended the ceremony and read a statement from the congressman, calling the members’ service outstanding.

“Thank you for your continual devotion to provide superior programs and services for the members of our community,” Smith said in the statement. “You are truly an asset to our region, and your excellent leadership is truly appreciated by all.”




Marchione named to KCHA Board

By KCHA Staff

King County Executive Ron Sims has appointed Doreen Marchione to serve a five-year term as a KCHA commissioner. The Metropolitan King County Council approved Marchione’s appointment this summer.

Marchione replaces KCHA Commissioner Doreen Cato, who has served on the board for two terms.

“Ms. Marchione has broad experience and engagement with civic issues in the region,” said KCHA Executive Director Stephen Norman. “She brings a passion for serving the most vulnerable residents in our communities and has been recognized many times for her outstanding leadership skills. She has worked extensively on suburban city issues and brings an important perspective to the Authority.”

Marchione recently retired after 15 years as President/CEO of Hopelink, a com-munity action agency that offers a variety of services from housing to child care and transportation to help low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities build towards self-sufficiency. Before joining Hopelink, she served as the Redmond mayor for eight years and on the Redmond City Council for four years.

Marchione serves on several boards, including the steering committee for the Gates Foundation Sound Families Initiative. She has received of a number of prestigious honors, including the Municipal League’s Outstanding Elected Official Award, the Leadership Legacy Award from the Center for Ethical Leadership and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.

As one of five KCHA commissioners, Marchione will help guide the Housing Authority’s policies and priorities.

“I’m excited to be able to share my expertise as a housing provider and developer with such a dynamic, mission-oriented organization,” Marchione said. “Expanding and preserving the supply of affordable housing is critical to improving the quality of life in the Puget Sound region, ending homeless-ness and increasing self-sufficiency for low-income families.”

Cato has completed the maximum allowable 10-year term for a commissioner.

“We’ll miss Doreen (Cato)’s guidance on issues such as homelessness, diversity, youth education and resident services,” said Board Chair Nancy Holland-Young. “Her passion and compassion for low-income families helped shape KCHA’s policies and programs, the positive effects of which will be felt for the foreseeable future.”

 




GENERATIONS

News for Seniors and Disabled Residents of KCHA Communities

 

 

North area welcomes new property manager

By KCHA Staff

Service.

That one word sums up how Mayra Ubieta – the new property manager at Briarwood – describes her management style.

“I am very customer-service oriented,” she said. “I consider the residents as well as my team members as customers, and I strive to provide them with excellent service.”

Ubieta has 11 years of property management experience. She was drawn to the job at KCHA partly because she likes working in a nonprofit environment.

“You walk away every day feeling as if you have helped someone,” Ubieta said.

She began work with KCHA in late June and has been thoroughly enjoying herself ever since.

“All of the residents I have met so far have been very welcoming and friendly,” Ubieta said.

In her personal life, Ubieta likes making jewelry, reading and traveling. She has one daughter, two step children and is in the midst of planning her wedding.

Briarwood isn’t the only property she oversees. Lake House and Paramount House also fall under Ubieta’s management.

Her hours at Lake House will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Her hours at Paramount House will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays.And she plans to be at each property daily for quick visits.

Ubieta also is available by phone at 206-571-1261 or by e-mail at MaryaU@kcha.org.

 


Learn to avoid falls and fires

By Alan Abe Seattle-King County Emergency Medical Services
Special to The Voice

Falls are fatal more often for older adults in Washington than in most states, according to a recent report from Gov. Chris Gregoire’s cabinet.

In fact, in Washington, there are four times as many hospitalizations due to falls among senior citizens than hospitalizations due to motor vehicle accidents for all ages combined. Gregoire has proclaimed Sept. 18 as Fall Prevention Day.

Here are some ways that you can prevent falls and stay independent as you age:

• Have your vision and hearing checked regularly by a professional, and wear glasses and use hearing aids, if needed.

• Talk to your doctor about adjusting medications to avoid dizziness and other side effects. Older adults who take four or more medications or take psychoactive drugs, such as tranquilizers and sleep aids, are more likely to fall.

• Eat regular nutritious meals and drink plenty of water to keep up your strength and energy and to stay hydrated. Make sure your diet includes plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy.

• Stay physically active. Regular, daily exercise helps to improve your balance, increase your flexibility and build your strength. Be sure to check with a health professional before beginning any fitness program.

• Remove hazards around your home. Pick up clutter from floors, remove small throw rugs and use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.

• Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fit snugly but aren’t too tight. Avoid high heels, slip-ons and shoes with slick soles.

• Take your time. Get up slowly after eating or lying down. Be aware of your surroundings and use handrails.

Additionally, 30 percent of residential fire deaths occur in adults older than 65. To prevent and prepare for fires in your home:

  • Make sure your smoke alarm is working, and if it’s not, please alert your property manager right away.

  • Pay special attention to your cooking, and never leave cooking unattended.

  • Keep furniture away from heaters.

  • Have a plan for what to do and how to escape in the event of a fire.

To help reduce the number of falls and residential fires with older adults, the King County Fire & Life Safety Association, Healthy Aging Partnership (HAP) and Public Health Seattle-King County, Emergency Medical Services Division have teamed up to create the Safe Steps program. Safe Steps is a county-wide effort to increase awareness about the risk factors of falls and fires, and educate the community on effective ways to prevent them.

A major focal point of the Safe Steps campaign will be a series of educational community events Sept. 18 to 27 throughout King County. These events will be open to the public and will give community members the chance to learn what measures they can take to prevent falls and fires.

For a complete list of the events, call 1-888-4ELDERS. For more tips on what you can do to protect yourself or those around you from falls and fire-related injuries, visit www.kcsafesteps.org.

AUBURN
City of Auburn Senior Citizen Center, 808 Ninth St.
1:30 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23
Workshop featuring presentations on ways to lower your risk for a fall and informational booths.

BELLEVUE
Factoria Square Mall, 4033 Factoria Square Mall S.E.
1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23
AND
North Bellevue Senior Center, 4063 148th N.E.
1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 25
Fall and balance screening, information about how aging affects your vision, medication screening – bring your current medications and have them reviewed by a pharmacist, home safety assessment and pick up handouts and giveaways.

BOTHELL
Northshore Senior Center, 10212 E. Riverside Dr.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18
Fall risk assessments and footwear checks.

KENT
Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St.
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 24
Local business and vendor booths plus free healthy snacks.

KIRKLAND
Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 23
Free fall risk assessment, vendor exhibits, speakers, demonstrations and food.

SHORELINE
Paramount Park, 15000 10th Ave. N.E.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27
Booths, door prizes, bone density screenings and more.

The Healthy Aging Partnership contributed to this report.



 

Easy Rent Coming Soon!

The Easy Rent program will be rolled out over a 12-month period starting in November for seniors and residents with disabilities on fixed incomes in our Public Housing and Housing Choice Section 8 programs. The Easy Rent program simplifies how we verify your income and calculate your rent.

If you are eligible for Easy Rent, you will be notified about your eligibility 90 to 120 days before your next review date, which will not be a full recertification.

We wanted you to be able to benefit from the Easy Rent program as soon as possible. When you receive your eligibility notice, we will just ask that you update your basic family and income information only if there has been any change in the last year.

Then, your rent will be recalculated under Easy Rent rules and become effective on your review date.

If you have any questions throughout this process, please contact your property manager or housing specialist.

 

A growing garden

The Wayland Arms Community Garden has received a new $5,000 neighborhood matching grant from the City of Auburn. With the new grant, residents and KCHA staff plan to build a fence around the gardens, line the walkways with gravel and build four additional garden beds. Residents and KCHA employees built the garden in 2006 on land that the city donated for the project adjacent to the Auburn development. Residents from Wayland Arms, Gustaves Manor and Plaza 17 all share the garden spaces.



Do you need a ride?

Are you a senior who gave up driving and who finds taking the bus difficult? The Senior Shuttles might be able to help!

There is no charge for rides on Senior Shuttles, though donations are welcome.

In King County, Senior Shuttles community vans provide rides to local destinations for seniors who live in Burien, Des Moines, Highline, Normandy Park and Shoreline. Trained drivers will provide you with personalized transportation to your appointments and activities.

The ride also can give you a chance to socialize and meet new people. Plus, Senior Shuttles vans transport seniors to ethnic hot meal programs at numerous locations throughout King County.

You don’t have to fill out any forms to sign up for a ride. And the shuttles regularly visit many KCHAproperties that house seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Please check with your resident services coordinator to find out more. You also can call 206727-6262 or 800-282-5815 for more information between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 


 

Stimulus payments – It’s not too late

Nearly 30,000 King County residents – mostly low-income seniors, disabled veterans and others with disabilities – have not yet filed a 2007 tax return to receive their economic stimulus payments.

The U.S. Congress authorized the payments to boost the economy.

All you have to do to get the stimulus payment is file a 2007 tax return and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form. Those who are eligible for a stimulus
payment have until Oct. 15 to file.

To reach the $3,000 threshold, add the amount of your Social Security benefits to other qualifying income, such as wage earnings or certain benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

Individuals who file a return could receive a payment between $300 and $600, and married couples who file a joint return could receive between $600 and $1,200. If
married and filing jointly, both people listed must have valid Social Security numbers.

Eligible taxpayers who qualify for a payment might receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child. A child must be younger than 17 as of Dec. 31, 2007.

It will generally take a minimum of eight weeks after you file your return to get your stimulus payment.

For more information about how to get your economic stimulus payment, go to www.irs.gov/newsroom/index.html and click on the link that reads “Stimulus Payments – It’s Not Too Late.”

 



HEALTHY FAMILIES

News for Families Living in KCHA Communities



Springwood transforms into Birch Creek Apartments
By KCHA Staff

A two-year redevelopment project began at the former Springwood Apartments this spring. And the redevelopment will be so dramatic that we felt a name change was in order – something to reflect the new look and feel. We are excited to announce that Springwood Apartments is now Birch Creek Apartments!

The new name isn’t the only change.Also this spring, KCHA entered into a financing transaction that shifted the property from Public Housing to a Tax Credit, Project-Based Section 8 property. That transaction transferred the property’s ownership from KCHA to Soosette Creek, LLC. KCHAis the company’s manager and will continue to manage and maintain Birch Creek.

In June, residents there began making their rent checks payable to the new owner.

This shift into Tax Credit and Project-Based Section 8 provides us with the funding necessary to redevelop the property.

Built in the late 1960s, Springwood’s buildings are functionally obsolete and must be renovated.

The buildings’ exteriors will be replaced with attractive modern materials that add texture and color. The apartments will be completely renovated with new windows, doors, cabinets, countertops, wall finishes, floor coverings and plumbing and electrical fixtures. A half-bath and a washer and dryer will be added to all existing units. New heating and ventilating equipment as well as fire alarm and sprinkler systems will be installed. Several units will be made accessible for residents with disabilities.



 

Ready. Set. Recycle!

By KCHA Staff

Residents at Ballinger Homes, Green Leaf and Park Lakes Homes II will have a new way to help the environment starting this month. A one-year pilot recycling program is set to begin at those three KCHA properties, and if you live there, please do your part and get involved!

If you live at Ballinger, Green Leaf or Park Lake II, here’s what you need to know:

• Paper, plastic and metal cans are the three main recyclable items to keep in mind. Rather than throwing such items in your trash can, set them aside in a separate container or space so that you remember to recycle them.

• You can throw all of your recyclables – paper, plastic and metal cans – into the same recycling bin.

  • Newspapers, advertisements and plain paper – such as from a spiral notebook or for use in a computer printer – can all be recycled.

  • So can plastic dairy tubs and any plastic bottle that has a neck, including vitamin bottles.

  • Aluminum soft drink cans and the tins that canned goods come in also can be recycled.

  • The recycle container will be located next to the garbage can where you are accustomed to throwing your trash.

  • Before you take your recyclables to the bin, please rinse out any items that once contained food or drink. Washing those containers creates a healthier environment for the workers responsible for sorting through your recycling.
  • Lids from plastic bottles and from plastic tubs must always go in the trash. They are made from different plastics and cannot be recycled.

  • Lids on tin cans must remain attached to the tin can to be recycled. If a lid comes off when opening a can, throw it in the garbage. Separated lids can get caught in recycling machinery.

  • Glass recycling will not be available.

By recycling, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of trash that you send to a landfill.





KCHA starts Rent Reform process for families

By KCHA Staff

Now that we’re done with the Easy Rent program – which simplified rent policies for our elderly and younger disabled residents on fixed incomes – we’re ready to move on to the next stage.

We are beginning an effort to review the way we verify income and calculate rent for the working families and work-able adults in our Public Housing and Housing Choice Section 8 programs.

As part of our effort to simplify our rent calculation and to make our policies easier to understand, we want to find ways to help residents increase their income and encourage saving. KCHA wants to see our residents and Section 8 program participants achieve stability and success for themselves and their families.

As we begin this effort, we want to know what your thoughts are. We are seeking ideas, input and questions from residents and our community partners. What kinds of changes would be helpful to you to make it easier for you to save money or go to work? Are there aspects of our current policies that hinder your ability to go to work or save money? We will hold several resident and community meetings, and we invite you to attend and share your comments. We also encourage you to share your thoughts by email at rentreform@ kcha.org.

To learn more about this initiative, you can visit www.kcha. org and click on the Rent Reform links on that page.


 

September is a perfect time to sign up your child at boys & Girls Club

By Angela Arzaga, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
Special to The Voice

Every day after school and over the summer, youth in our community have a safe, positive place to go, a place they feel welcome and feel like they belong – their local Boys & Girls Club. In King County alone, there are 14 full-service clubs and 28 before-and after-school program sites. Our clubs are ready, with doors wide open, excited for the new school year to begin. Children ages 5 to 18 are welcome. The generosity of Boys & Girls Club supporters keeps membership fees at a nominal cost, and scholarships also are provided to those who qualify. Our clubs reach 30,000 youth annually.

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County provides an environment for all children and teenagers where they can realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Our trained and nurturing staff offers encouragement and support to youth while promoting learning activities and cultivating self-esteem. We strive to create happy childhoods and provide lessons in academic success, good character and citizenship as well as healthy lifestyles.

There is no better time than the present to sign your children up at your local club. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of King County or to volunteer at one of our clubs please contact one of the clubs listed below or visit www.positiveplace.org.

AUBURN

Main Club

Annual membership fee: $20
Address:
313 37th St. S.E. at Firwood Circle
Phone:
253-804-5915
Fax:
253-804-5915

FEDERAL WAY

Main Club

Annual membership fee: $20
Address: 30815 Eighth Ave. S.
Phone:
253-681-6510
Fax:
253-941-1975
Web site:
www.fw-bgc.org EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center For those in grades six through 12 Annual membership fee: $36

EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center
For those in grades six through 12

Annual membership fee: $36
Address: 31453 28th Ave. S.
Phone: 253-681-6500
Fax:
253-529-9803
Web site:
www.ex3live.com

KIRKLAND

Main Club

Annual membership fee: $30
Address: 10805 124th Ave. N.E.
Phone:
425-250-4750
Fax:
425-822-4750
Web site:
www.onepositiveplace.org

REDMOND

Main Club

Annual membership fee: $30
Address: 7300 208th Ave. N.E.
Phone:
425-836-9295
Fax:
425-836-0686
Web site:
www.mypositiveplace.org

 

 

Southeast residents learn emergency preparedness basics

By Steve Fisher
King County Housing Authority

Earthquakes, fires, storms, tornadoes, erupting volcanoes and floods were among the topics covered recently at an Emergency Preparedness workshop in
July at the Green River YWCA Career Development Center. The event was part of an ongoing effort to educate the residents of Green River Homes, Burndale
Homes and Firwood Circle and the Housing Choice Section 8 tenants of Valley Park East and West about the need to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Thirteen families representing all of these communities attended the workshop. Heather Kitchen, an AmeriCorps staff member working for the City of Auburn Emergency Management Department, gave a 90-minute presentation at the workshop. She demonstrated the effects of tornadoes, mudslides, earthquakes, fires and floods by reviewing local disasters that have occurred in the Pacific Northwest over many years, including the multiple eruptions of Mount St. Helens.

And yes, Washington has experienced a number of tornadoes in its history that have killed up to nine people. She emphasized that many first responders – such as police and fire – usually are so overwhelmed just assessing a community’s large-scale needs that they simply cannot respond to individual calls. Therefore, each family is responsible for taking care of themselves.

Kitchen also emphasized the need for everyone to take the potential threat of a disaster seriously. If you are prepared, the effects of any such event will be reduced
dramatically.

Here are three ways that you can prepare for an emergency:
• Have an out-of-area contact for your family – someone with whom you and other family members can check in if local phone service is disrupted. Make sure all
of your family members carry the contact information with them at all times.
• Develop and practice an evacuation plan in case you need to leave your home.
• Keep plenty of extra non-perishable food and water. It is recommended that you keep at least three days worth of food and water (1 gallon per person per day).
• Make disaster kits complete with first-aid supplies, battery-operated radio, flashlight, batteries, blanket, extra clothes and a sturdy pair of shoes for everyone in your family, ibuprofen, a thermometer and alcohol-based hand wash. Keep the kits near your exits in case of an evacuation.



 

Sign your child up for free, reduced-price meals at school

By KCHA Staff

Your children could be eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Both programs are designed to promote the health and well-being of children by providing nutritious meals to children in public and private schools and residential child care institutions.

How do I know if my children are eligible?
Your household income will determine if your children are eligible. The eligibility guidelines are intended to direct benefits to those children most in need. For example, the 2008-09 guidelines specify that if you’re in a family of four, your children are eligible for free meals if your household’s pre-tax income is no more than $27,560 a year
or $2,297 a month. This year’s guidelines specify that you’re in a family of four, your children are eligible for reduced-price meals if your household’s pre-tax income is no
more than $39,220 a year or $3,269 a month.

Income includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony and any other cash income.

How do I apply?
Any time throughout the school year, ask for a National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program application at your children’s school. Then, fill it out and return it to school personnel.

Depending on your circumstances, you will need to provide your child’s name, the names of all household members, income by source for all household members and an
adult family member’s signature.

What happens if my children are eligible?
They will be able to eat lunch at school for free or for a reduced price. Also, if your children are eligible for either free or reduced- price meals, they can eat breakfast at
school for free. Plus, children in kindergarten through third grade who qualify for reduced-price meals can eat lunch for free.

What can you tell me about the food schools serve at breakfast and lunch?
All meals meet federal food guidelines and must contain one-third of the recommended dietary intakes for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. The meals also must have no more than 30 percent of the calories from fat and no more than 10 percent of the calories from saturated fat.

Students who are identified as disabled with special dietary requirements by their doctor may eat substitute foods at no extra charge.

 

 

TRANSLATIONS

Translated Articles for Our Families

 

NỘP ĐƠN XIN CHO CON EM

ĐƯỢC ĂN TRƯA MIỄN PHÍ HAY GIẢM GIÁ Ở TRƯỜNG HỌC

Con em của qúi vị có thể được đủ điều kiện để được ăn trưa miễn phí hoặc được giảm giá qua Chương Trình National School Lunch Program và chương trình School Breakfast Program.

Mức lợi tức trong gia đình của quí vị được cứu xét xem con em của qúi vị có được hội đủ điều kiện hay không. Thí dụ như, theo nhưng bảng qui định (mức lợi tức) cho năm nay thì đối với một gia đình có 4 nguời, thì nếu lợi tức truớc khi trừ thuế có được dưới mức 427,560 một năm hay là $2,297 một tháng. Theo bảng chỉ dẫn mức lợi tức cho năm này thì nếu 1 gia đình 4 người có mức lợi tức 439,220 một năm , hoặc $3,269 một tháng, thì con em qúi vị có th được giảm giá cho các bữa ăn ở trường học. Lợi tức baogồm cả tiền lương, tiền an sinh xã hội, tiền thất nghiệp, tiền trợ cấp welfare, tiền cấp dưởng, tiền trợ cấp cho người phối ngẫu và những trợ cấp tiền mặt khác.

Để nộp đơn bất cứ lúc nào cho suốt năm học, hãy hỏi văn phòng của trường về chương trình National School Lunch Program hoặc School Breakfast Program (Chưong Trình Ăn Trưa hay Ăn Sáng Ở Trường). hãy điền đơn và nộp lại văn phòng của trường. Qúi vị có thể phải cung cấp tên, tuổi con em, tên nguời trong gia đình, các mức lợi tức trong gia đình, và một người lớn trong nhà phải ký tên.

Nếu được hội đủ điều kiện, thì con em qúi vị được ăn trưa miễn phí hay được giảm giá. Các em hội đủ điều kiện để được miễn phí hoặc giảm gía thì có thể được ăn sáng miễn phí ở trường. Trẻ em trong lớp Mẫu giáo-Kindergarten đến lớp 3 mà hội đủ điều kiện có thể được ăn các bữa ăn trưa miễn phí ở trường.

(Thực phẩm) cho các bữa ăn đều đúng theo qui định của chính phủ liên bang. Các em học sinh khuyết tật-được xác định bởi bác sĩ, được ăn các thức ăn cần thiết, mà không phải bị buộc đóng thêm tiền.

U diiwaan geli caruurtaada cuntada iskuulka oo bilaash ah ama qiimeheeda la dhimay.

Imahaagu waxay heli karaan in ay bilaash ku cunaan ama qiimo yar bixiyaan. Barnaamijka waxaa bixiya barnaamijka qadada dugsiyada dalka iyo barnaamijka quraacda dugsiga. Tusaale ahaan shuruudda sanadkaan waxay ogolaanaysaa in ilmaha qoys ka kooban 4 lacagta sanadkii soo gashana aysan

ka badnayn canshuurta ka hor $ 27,560 ama 2,297 bishii. Waxay xaq u leeyihiin in ay

helaan cunto bilaash. Sidoo kale qoys ka kooban 4 oo ay soo

gasho sanadkii 39,220 cunshuurta ka hor ama $ 3,269 bishii

waxay xaq u leeyihiin cunto qiimo jaban. Dakhliga qoyska

waxaa ka mid ah lacagaha duqowshinka la siiyo, benshanka, lacagta lagu qaato shaqo la’aanta, cayrta iyo midda laga qaado waalidka guriga ka maqan ee lagu saacido caruurta iyo hooyadood iyo dhamaan dakhliyada kale ee aan inta ku qornayn oo caddaan kugu soo gala.

Is diiwaan gelinta qati kasta ee sanad dugsiyeedka, weydii

maamulka dugsiga ajriga barnaamijka qadada dugsiyada dalka

iyo midka quraacda dugsiga ee dugsiga caruurtaaadu dhigato.

Buuxi ajriga ama foomka. Kadibna ku celi iskuulka. Inta badan

waxaa lagu waydiindoonaa magaca caruurta, macluumaad ku saabsan dakhliga qoyska iyo meelaha ay idinka soo gelaan. Tirada uu qoysku ka kooban yahay iyo waliba qof weyn oo

saxiixa arjiga waa lagama maarmaan.

Haddii imlahaaga loo ogolaado barnaamijkan, waxay helayaan cunto bilaash ah ama qiimeheeda la dhimay. Midkastoo ilmahaagu ka mid noqdaanba, waxaay helayaan quraac bilaash ah. Caruurta dhigata kindergartenka ilaa iyo fasalka saddexaad ee xaqa u leh cuntada la qiimo dhimay, waxay leeyihiin qado bilaash ah. Cuntooyinka iskuulka laga cuno oo dhan waxay waafaqsan yihiin shuruucda cuntooyinka u degsan dawladda dhexe. Ardayda naafonimo ku cadahay dhakhtarkooduna cadeeyey waxaa loogu badali karaa cunto loogu talo galay haddii loo baahdo oo aan lacag dheeri ah laga qaadeyn.

 

 

 

TRANSLATIONS

Translated Articles for Our Senior and Disabled Residents

 

 

TIỀN HÒAN TRẢ ĐỂ KÍCH THÍCH KINH TẾ-

Vẫn Chưa Quá Trể Đâu

Có gần 30,000 cư dân trong quận King-phần lớn là các người cao niên, cựu chiến binh tàn tật và những người tàn tật khác-đã chưa khai thuế cho năm 2007 để được lãnh tiền hòan trả theo chương trình kích thích kinh tế.

Quốc Hội Hoa Kỳ cho phép để có tiền hòan trả nhằm kích thích kinh tế.

Điều qúi vị cần phải làm để có tiền hòan trả là khai thuế lợi tức cho năm 2007, và báo cáo số tiền lợi tức ít nhất là $3,000. Những người hội đủ điều kiện cho tiền hòan trả nhằm kích thích kinh tế, thì còn hạn đến ngày 15 tháng 10 để nộp đơn.

Để có mức lợi tức $3000, hãy cộng số tiền(hưu bỗng) an sinh xã hội vào các số tiền lương hợp lệ khác như lương do đi làm hay một vài lọai tiền phúc lợi khác đuợc bộ Cựu Chiến Binh phát ra. Tiền SSI – Phụ Cấp An Sinh Xã Hội – thì không được hợp lệ cho tiền hòan trả trong chưong trình kích thích kinh tế.

Những cá nhân đã nộp đơn khai thuế, thì có thể nhận được từ $300 đến $600, người có gia đình khai thuế chung có thể lãnh đựơc từ $600 đến $1200. Nếu là người có gia đình mà khai thuế chung, thì cả hai phải có số an sinh xã hội.

Những người khai thuế mà được hợp lệ, thì có thể được lãnh thêm $300 cho mỗi đứa con. Đứa con phải dưới 17 tuổi tính đến ngày 31 tháng 12,2007.

Thường thì cần ít nhất là 8 tuần lễ kể từ khi nộp đơn khai thuế, để có thể nhận được tiền bồi hòan theo chương trình kích thích kinh tế.

Để biết thêm thôngtin về cách nào để đuợc tiền bồi hòan theo chương trình kích thích kinh tế, hãy vào trang mạng www.irs. gov/newsroom/index.html. và vào mục nối kết “Stimulus Payment”- cũng chưa quá trể đâu.

Lacag bixinta kicinta dhaqaalaha-waliwaa la xareyn karaa

In kabadan 30,000 oo degan King County-intooda badanna ah sobool ka kooban waayeel, dad ciidanka horey uga tirsanaan jiray iyo kuwo kale naafo ah ayaan wali xareyn canshuur celintii sanadkii tagey ee 2007-ka si ay u helaan lacagtoodii kicinta dhaqaalaha ee loo yaqaan economic stimulus payment.

Aqalka wakiilada ee Maraykanka ayaa ansixiyey lacag celintaan si kor loogu qaado dhaqaalaha. Waxa kaliya oo lagaaga baahan yahay in aad samayso si aad u hesho lacagtaan waa buuxinta canshuur celintaadii sanadkii 2007 aadna ku wargeliso qolada canshuuraha inaad ugu yaraan samaysay lacag gaaraysa $3000. ku dar lacagta kaaga soo noqota soshal sakuuritiga dakhliga kale ee la aqoonsan yahay sida lacagta mushaarka iyolacagta la siiyo fataraanka. Lacagta SSI-du ka mid mahan kuwan kor ku xusan ee loo baaahan yahay in aad ku cadeyso canshuur celintaada si aad u hesho lacagta kicinta dhaqaalaha ee aqalku ansixiyey.

qofkii xareeya canshuur celinta sanadka wuxuu helayaa lacag dhan $300 iyo $600. haddey is qabaan kuna xareeyaan wada jir waxay helayaan lacag dhan $600 iyo 1200. labada isqabta ee wada jirka ku xareynaysa waa in ay haystaan karaka sooshalka iyo lambarkiisa oo sax ah.

Canshuur bixiye kasta oo xareeyey xaqna u leh lacagtaan, wuxuu cunugiiba ku helayaa $300. laakiin waa in uu ilmahaasu ka yar yahay 17 sano jir wixii ku eg Dec. 31, 2007. guud ahaan helitaanka lacagtaani waxay qaadataa ilaa iyo sided todobaad laga bilaabo maraad canshuurtaada xareysay.

Haddii aad u baahan tahay macluumaad dheeri ah oo ku saabsan lacagbixintan kicinta dhaqaalaha, waxaad gashaa webka cinwaankiisu yahay :

www.irs.gov/newsroom/index.html kadibna riix meesha ay ku qoran tahay “Stimulus Paymment”-It’s Not Too Late.”



 

WHITE CENTER SCENE

News About the Greenbridge and Park Lake II Communities



Eat, play, learn at Southwest Boys & Girls Club

By Emily Slagle
Special to The Voice

Now is your child’s chance to sign up for after-school fun in a safe, age-appropriate environment.

Here at the Southwest Boys & Girls Club – where I’m the executive director – we’re excited that annual membership registration for the 2008-09 school year begins in September. Our yearly membership fee is $15, but no child is turned away due to inability to pay.

Our trained, professional staff members promise to provide fun, engaging programs and activities that foster a safe and positive place where all members can thrive and develop socially and emotionally. We focus on the following areas of youth development:

  • Character and leadership development
  • Health and life skills
  • The arts
  • Education and career development
  • Sports, fitness and recreation

The Southwest Boys & Girls Club has a daily guarantee to parents and/or guardians:

  • We make sure that all of our youth get homework help and tutoring every day. All of our members are asked to complete 30 minutes of homework when they arrive before they can proceed to other activities.
  • A free, hot dinner is served daily at 4:30 p.m. Nutritious meals are home-cooked in our kitchen.
  • We have an action-packed Teen Room and offer a teens-only late night program every weeknight and Fridays until midnight.

  • We have a state-of-the-art technology center and a recording studio where youth can lay down beats and write rhymes.

  • Our athletic program includes youth and teen basketball, football, toss ball and other seasonal traditional and nontraditional games, leagues, activities and programs.

  • We go beyond arts and crafts and teach a variety of visual and performing arts for all ages.

We also work with a diverse group of community partners to bring in experts to run special programs and activities. The programs we run vary by season and are always changing and rotating. Most programs are free for members though some fees are associated with specialty programs.

Southwest Boys & Girls Club

Address: 9800 Eighth Ave. S.W., Seattle, inside the Wiley Community Center at Greenbridge

Phone: 206-436-1910





Youth, teen events coming up at Burien, White Center libraries

BURIEN

• Baby Story Times: 11 a.m. Sept. 12, 19 and 26. Picture books, rhymes and music for 6- to 12-month-olds and their caregivers.

• Early Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 11, 18 and 25. Bouncy rhymes, a short picture book and bubbles for one-year-olds and their caregivers.

• Toddler Story Times: 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. Sept. 10, 17 and 24. Stories, rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple craft make mornings fun. Ages 24 to 36 months. Babies welcome.

• Preschool Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Snuggle up with librarian Karen and her guitar for stories, music and fun. Ages 3 to 6.

• Afternoon Book Club: 4 p.m. Sept. 8. Third-through sixth-graders are invited to join. September’s title is “Regarding the Fountain” by Kate Klise.

• Spanish Story Times: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Children and families can enjoy stories, songs and games in Spanish and English.

• Game On!: 3 p.m. Sept. 11, 18 and 25. The program is for teenagers in middle and high school. Teens will have a chance to play their favorite multi-player video games on GameCube, Xbox 360 and Wii.

• Anime & Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Teenagers can watch anime movies while enjoying snacks at the library. The club offers a chance for teens to talk about their favorite anime and manga, graphic novels or practice drawing manga characters.

The Burien Library is at 14700 SixthAve. S.W., Burien. It is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please call 206-243-3490.

WHITE CENTER

• Family Story Times: 11:30 a.m. Sept. 4, 11 and 18. Children and families can enjoy stories and songs, finger play and fun while children develop pre-reading skills.

• Spanish Story Times: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 13 and 27. Join Marco Cortes for stories, songs and more all told in Spanish.

• World Language Story Times: 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and 23. Come to hear Vietnamese stories, songs, rhymes, dances and more.

• Sterling Q & HisAmazing Yo-Yos: 2:30 p.m. Sept. 6. Enjoy a fun-filled hour with yo-yo champ Sterling Q. He will perform several routines and talk about the history of yo-yos. At the end of the show, audience members will have a chance to try Sterling’s yo-yos.

• Game On!: 2:30 p.m. Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24. The program is for teenagers in middle and high school. Teens will have a chance to play their favorite multi-player video games on GameCube, Xbox 360 and Wii.

The White Center Library is at 11220 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 206-243-0233.