City of Bloomington

City of Bloomington sent this bulletin at 01/31/2012 09:31 AM CST

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February 2012

HS Volunteer wins Pearl Poetry Prize
HRC Remembrance March
Community Connections at Creekside
Mardi Gras Lunch
Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Home Improvement Fair
Thank you community
Human Services Strengthen the Community

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Human Services Volunteer wins Pearl Poetry Prize

Human Services volunteer Jerry Neren has been awarded the Pearl Poetry Prize for his book “Once Upon a Time in Vietnam”. This book is a narrative in verse which follows a young man fresh out of college into combat where so much is lost to him -- not only his life-long friend and brother-in-arms, but his sense of reality and purpose, and ultimately, his mind.

Jerry volunteers his time as the poetry class instructor and coordinator for the annual poetry contest for Human Services Senior Program at Creekside Community Center. He shares his time and talent on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. These classes are offered free of charge and are open to adults age 50+ or younger people with disabilities. New members are always welcome.

Jerry will be hosting a reading on Saturday, May 19 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Creekside which will feature students from his class who will be reading their own poems, as well as Jerry reading poems from his new book. This is a free event and registration is not required.

Join the Human Rights Commission for a Remembrance March in Honor of Black History Month

The public is invited to participate in a Remembrance March on Tuesday, February 21 in honor of Black History Month. The march will begin at the Bloomington Ice Garden at 9 a.m. and will end at Normandale Community College. For more information contact the Human Rights Commission at 952-563-8733 or email: humanrights@ci.bloomington.mn.us

Community Connections at Creekside

Human Services will host Community Connections at Creekside on Wednesday, February 29 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. The city’s Human Services and Parks and Recreation Divisions, Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH), and Loaves and Fishes will be sharing information on their programs, services, and on how to access community resources. Topics covered will include food and heating assistance, summer recreation programs for kids including fee assistance, and tax preparation assistance.

Mardi Gras Lunch

Come celebrate Mardi Gras at Creekside on Tuesday, February 21 at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy music by the Somewhat Dixieland Band. A delicious lunch and festive atmosphere will make this an event you don’t want to miss.

To make a reservation call 952-563-4948 or email: reservations@ci.bloomington.mn.us. Meal cost is a suggested contribution of $0 – 3 for guests 60+ (NAPIS form required) and $6 for guests under 60.

Need help with your taxes?

Tax preparation assistance available to those who qualify

AccountAbility Minnesota and AARP Tax-Aide are available at Creekside on the following dates and times on a first come, first served basis. Taxpayers with complex tax returns are advised to seek paid tax assistance.

AccountAbility Minnesota

Qualifying guidelines: $30,000 or less for individuals and $50,000 or less for families.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 24 - April 17

5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Saturdays, January 28 - April 14

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Saturdays, March 3-31

8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

AARP Tax-Aide

Qualifying guidelines: no income guidelines for taxpayers with middle to low income, with special attention to people age 60 and older.

Mondays and Tuesdays, February 6 - April 17

9 a.m. - Noon

Fridays, March 16 - April 13

9 a.m. - Noon

Home Improvement Fair

Visit the HS booth

Visit Human Services at the city’s annual Home Improvement Fair on Saturday, February 25 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Civic Plaza. Human Services staff will be available to answer questions about services and programs in the community and the Human Services resource catalog will also be available for pick-up.

Thank you community!

In 2011 Human Services received $29,684.64 of cash and in-kind donations.

Human Services Strengthen the Community

The Division contracts with nonprofit agencies to provide residents convenient access to human services at a local level. Contracting with these agencies leverages additional services and financial resources for Bloomington residents.

2012 Contract Agencies List