Gaithersburg News Briefs: Free Tax Prep, Kentlands Mansion Art Gallery and More

The city of Gaithersburg released the following news this week:

All Aboard StoryTime Station at the Community Museum

The city of Gaithersburg invites you and your child to enjoy monthly book readings during “StoryTime Station,” an enriching new program at the Gaithersburg Community Museum. The 45-minute readings, recommended for children ages 3 to 6, will take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Admission is $3 per child, adults and infants are free. 

Visit the city of Gaithersburg website for more information.

City of Gaithersburg Announces Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary Arts Award Winners

For the 22nd year the city of Gaithersburg partnered to sponsor the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary Arts Contest for Gaithersburg area students. This year 210 students addressed the theme, “His Dream, iAct, We Change!” Members of the City’s Multicultural Affairs and Educational Enrichment Committees selected the following winners:  Betel Tenna, a fifth grader from Goshen Elementary School, and Coronado Bolanos and Grace Harvey, fifth graders from Strawberry Knoll Elementary School.  Their essays can be viewed here or in the photo gallery. 

The students will read their essays at the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Kentlands Mansion Gallery Presents “Oil Paintings”

The city of Gaithersburg presents “Oil Paintings,” featuring the remarkable works of Connie Gallerizzo, Evan Goldman and David Terrar at Kentlands Mansion from Feb. 1 through March 29, 2013. The public is invited to meet the artists at a free reception on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Viewing is by appointment only.

More information, including artist backgrounds, can be viewed on the city of Gaithersburg website.

Free Tax Preparation Available for Qualified Individuals

The annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, conducted in partnership with the city of Gaithersburg, the Montgomery County Community Action Agency, and Family Services, Inc., will open its doors for the 2012 tax season on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. The VITA program offers free tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals who earn less than $51,000 per year. Preparation is done by IRS-trained volunteers who assist taxpayers in determining if they are eligible for the earned income tax credit. Services are offered in both English and Spanish. 

This year, to ensure that all of the taxpayer’s needs are being met, volunteers will offer referral information to food, clothing and housing assistance.  Hunger Solutions staff will also be on hand to help qualified people sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

The Gaithersburg VITA site, located at 610 East Diamond Avenue, will be open for appointments on Mondays, Jan. 28 through April 15, from 2 to 8 p.m.  To make an appointment, call 240-777-1123 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Calls received after 5:30 p.m. will be returned the next business day. 

Visit the city of Gaithersburg website for more information.