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Community
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
JOLLY FROM PAGE 1
“My biggest challenge is I’ll go through a catalog and try to see what the big toys are.” He mentions he’s not tech savvy so he tries to read about the games and other toys so he is familiar with them. “There have been some toys I have no clue what they’ve been.” In the years he has been playing Santa, Stewart says Barbie and trucks are still popular items for which he’s been asked. Besides playing Santa for Santa’s House at the Tumbleweed tree, Stewart also dons the big red suit for Special Olympics’ RAD Christmas Party called “Mistletoe Magic.” “It’s a Christmas party for the Special Olympians.” He plays Santa every year. Stewart explains, “They wear they’re love on their shirt sleeve. They don’t ask for gifts, they ask to take care of people. It is touching.” In addition to playing Santa for children, Stewart makes an appearance at Chandler Villa, a senior center. The Lions support a party and he says the seniors want a picture with Santa, too. Stewart has made being Santa part of who he is. He is dedicated to bringing holiday cheer to others and has spent more than $1,800 on his Santa suit. “I had it made by a movie set, who builds costumes for movies,” he says. “I always wanted a robe, the old European robes. That’s my pride and joy.” He has other suits, but keeps the robe for special occasions. Stewart doesn’t see retiring from Santa any time soon. “Each year I keep saying this is my last year, but as it gets close I get excited making dates and get it done.” Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
www.SanTanSun.com
Help out this tax season
Music and games at Sunbird Golf Resort Basha High School’s music department is hosting a variety show 6 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26, in the Sunbird Golf Resort Ballroom, 6250 Sunbird Blvd., Chandler, with all proceeds going to the school’s music department.
TAX TIME: A Chandler VITA site volunteer assists a couple in preparing their tax paperwork. Submitted photo
Volunteers with expertise are needed for Chandler’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). The city needs help from tax preparers, translators, screeners, greeters and site coordinators to assist low- to moderate-income residents who need help preparing their state and federal income tax returns. Of special concern is the need to aid residents in filing the forms necessary to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which allows low-income working individuals and families to retain more of their earnings. Last year, 58 volunteers worked more than 3,000 hours to prepare and file personal tax returns for 1,287 residents, helping them claim $1,543,651 in refunds. VITA works to ensure as many lowand moderate-income residents as
possible receive a maximum refund to help increase self-sufficiency and economic stability. New volunteers must complete a free four-week Internal Revenue Service course in tax law starting Sat., Jan. 4, at the Boys & Girls Club in Chandler. Volunteers test to determine certification level. Next, volunteers are asked to work at least one session per week at one of six Chandler VITA sites. The sites will be open from Jan. 30 through April 15. Volunteers may also earn professional continuing educational credits by participating in the program. To find our more or to complete an online application, visit chandleraz. gov/VITA or call Jeanne Bosarge with Chandler’s Community Development Division at 480-782-4358.
Bingo nights Get together for Bingo in the Ballroom at 6 p.m., with the first game beginning at 6:30 p.m., on the first and third Friday of the month through April. Coffee and treats are served at intermission.
Fly the flag Sunbird Lions Club has an ongoing “Fly the Flag Program” for residents. Applications are available at the Sunbird Office. The Club will display a flag at your house on Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day. Questions should be directed to Lion Chuck Chubin 480-8954633. If you would like to become a Sunbird Lion, contact Fred Garmeson at 480-8959363.
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