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This Saturday, May 7, 2011, will mark the 42nd year for the Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope. Bicycle, rollerblade, run or walk to help raise money and awareness for Alaskans with disabilities. Come to the West Delaney Park Strip (P St & 9th Ave) in Anchorage, AK from 8am to 1pm. There is a 15k for the more ambitious participants and a 5k for those that want to join in but aren’t able to go a longer distance.
The Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope is sponsored by Hope Community Resources, a local organization that provides support and services to disabled Alaskan citizens via eight offices throughout the state. Some of the services offered by Hope Community Resources include helping disabled Alaskan residents become productive members of the community by teaching them skills for employment, finding housing and helping them adjust to their familial roles among other services.
To register for the Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope, please visit the Hope Community Resources website. If cannot join in at the event and wish to sponsor one of the participants, please click here. You can also make a donation online here. All donations are completely tax deductible. The top individual fundraiser in Alaska will be awarded a grand prize of a trip to two to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge on the Princess Tours Adventure.
Come to the West Delaney Park Strip on Saturday, May 7th, 2011 for the 42nd Annual Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope to help raise money to provide services and support to Alaskan residents with disabilities. Contact me if you are looking to buy or sell an Anchorage home.
The Alaska Heart Institute will be the presenting sponsor for the largest foot race in the state at the 2011 Heart Run in Anchorage. Meant to be a fun family event to raise money for the American Heart Association, the Heart Run is open to kids and adults for a 3K or 5K run/walk. If you register by April 23, 2011, participation fees are only $5 per kid, $20 per adult or $45 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children). For those who register after the April 23rd deadline, fees raise to $15 per child, $25 per adult and $65 per family.
There are three different events you can sign up for: the 5K timed event, the 5K untimed event and the 3K untimed event. The 5K timed event begins at 9:30am at the University of Alaska Anchorage Campus’ Art Building. All participants in the timed event will be eligible for a top finisher award both overall and in their age group. The untimed 5K and 3K will begin at 10am. Due to the amount of participants expected, no pets, bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, wagons, etc will be allowed in any of the events. Participants can push strollers or baby joggers in the untimed events only.
T-shirts will be given to all participants who register on-line. They will also be available for sale via the American Heart Association’s offices at 3700 Woodland Dr #700 in Anchorage for just $15 each (adults and child sizes available). All kids who participate that are in the 6th grade and under will be receiving their own medal.
If you or your family would like to participate in the 2011 Heart Run in Anchorage, all you have to do is download your registration form here and mail it in to the Anchorage American Heart Association offices at 3700 Woodland Dr #700, Anchorage, AK 99517 by Saturday, April 23, 2011. If you wish to register online, you can go to the Heart Run’s website. Even if you can’t participate, you can visit online to become a “virtual runner” by donating an amount to the cause. All money helps fund research into finding a cure for heart disease and strokes, the #1 and #3 killers of Americans today.
Do your part to help fund research for heart disease and strokes by participating in the 2011 Heart Run in Anchorage on Saturday, April 30, 2011. It’s a great cause and a fun way to get your family involved in a healthy activity.
The 100 Days of Downtown Dining in Anchorage event is coming to a close at the end of April. This fun, free event was created to get Anchorage locals out to patronize some of Anchorage’s fantastic restaurants located in the downtown area.
To participate in the 100 Days of Downtown Dining, all you have to do is visit one of the fine dining establishments listed below, ask for a game card and receive a sticker for dining there. If you add 6 stickers to your game card, you will win a $10 dining certificate to use later, add 12 stickers and win a $25 dining certificate and add 20 stickers (which will fill up your game card completely) to win two $25 dining certificates.
At the end of April, make sure to send your game cards to the Anchorage Downtown Partnership offices at 333 W 4th Ave #317, Anchorage, AK, 99501 to be eligible for a grand prize drawing. The winner of the grand prize will receive a very nice prize package that includes dinner and show tickets, a day spa prize and an overnight stay at Hotel Captain Cook. All game cards must be received in the Anchorage Downtown Partnership offices by May 15th to be entered into the drawing.
Visit one of these fine restaurants by the April 30, 2011 to participate in the 100 Days of Downtown Dining in Anchorage event:
- Diane’s Restaurant
- Ginger
- Glacier Brewhouse
- Hotel Captain Cook Restaurants – Fletcher’s and Whale’s Tail
- Humpy’s
- La Cabana
- Marx Bros Cafe
- McGinley’s Pub
- Midnight Sun Cafe
- Muse
- ORSO
- Rumrunner’s
- Sacks Cafe
- Simon & Seaforts
- Snow Goose
- South
- Sullivan’s
- Sub Zero
- Urban Greens
The tax deadline is only a month and a half away. That may sound like a long time, but, before you know it, April 15th will be here and Uncle Sam will be expecting you to file. If you have questions about your taxes, get tax help in Anchorage at the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (949 E 36th Ave, Anchorage).
The Taxpayer Assistance Center in Anchorage can help answer any questions you may have about tax law and how it applies to your situation and give assistance with any tax issues you have come across. You can sit down and speak with an IRS representative in person without an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Before you come to the center, however, you should call them, let them know your issue and find out what services they provide that may help you. Please make note that Federal office buildings do not allow cell phones with cameras inside the building. Interpreters are available if you request one.
Anchorage Taxpayer Assistance Center
949 E 36th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99508
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
(907) 271-6391
Services available at the Taxpayer Assistance Center include:
- Account inquiries
- Accepting payments (exact payments only)
- Adjustments to information or payments
- Alien clearances (for sailing permits)
- Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order (ATAO)
- Copies of returns (for current and 3 prior tax years)
- Form 2290 help (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax)
- Federal Return Prep (for income less than $49,000 or those who qualify for the Earned Income Credit) – No state return prep help available here
- Payment arrangements
- Inquiries on tax procedures
- Tax issue solutions
- Copies of tax forms
- Tax law assistance (as they relate to your individual Federal tax return)
- Taypayer ID numbers
If you feel you are in need of a Taxpayer Advocate, call 907-271-6877 or 877-777-4778 (toll free outside Anchorage). Get tax help in Anchorage at the Taxpayer Assistance Center. But, if you need help with buying or selling your Anchorage home, contact me!
The 2011 property assessment notices for Anchorage homes were mailed out on January 14th. You have until February 13th to appeal your Anchorage property assessment if you find errors or think there may have been a mistake made.
Appealing Your Anchorage Property Assessment Value
Anchorage homeowners must fill out a written appeal form that specifies the reason for the appeal and pay a filing deposit within 30 days of the assessment notice mailing (in this case, 30 days from January 14, 2011). In addition, you must provide evidence that supports the reason for your appeal within 45 days of the notice’s mailing. In some cases, your filing fee may be refundable.
It’s a good idea to contact the Assessors Office or review their website before you file your appeal. During the 30 day time period, the assessments can usually be reviewed and/or adjusted without having to go through a formal appeals process.
Who Can Legally Appeal?
Only the owner of record or someone they have legally assigned to represent them can make an appeal to the Board of Equalization.
Can Property Taxes be Appealed?
No. Only property assessment appeals can be made.
What Info Should be Provided with Your Appeal?
When you file an appeal, the following should be included in the paperwork:
- Your Anchorage property’s parcel number
- Why you believe your assessed value doesn’t reflect the true value of your Anchorage property
- Supporting evidence of your position, such as comparable sales
- Your signature and the signature of your representative (if appropriate)
- A completed appeals form (both sides)
After you send in your appeal, the appraiser will review your paperwork. At that time, they may contact you for more information, if necessary. If you do not agree with their revised value, your appeal will then be sent to the Board of Equalization for a hearing. You are still responsible for your property taxes when they are due, even if you are going through the appeals process. So, make sure you pay them on time to avoid any penalties.
Appealing your Anchorage property assessment is not as scary as it sounds. If you feel that there was an error made, you have every right to check out an appeal. Just make sure you get this done before the February 13, 2011 deadline.
Now that Spring is here in Alaska, it is time to get out into the community and enjoy the June fairs and festivals in the Anchorage area. Here are a few that you might be interested in:
Fiddlehead Folk Festival – Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20, 2010, noon to midnight. Come to the Alyeska Resort (1100 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood) for bluegrass, country and folk musical performances by such artists as The Greencards and Great American Taxi. There will also be arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden for the adults and special activities for the kids. Advance tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for students, military personnel and seniors and free for kids ages 12 and under. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate for $35 for adults and $30 for students, military personnel and seniors. For more info, please visit the Alyeska Resort website. If your dad likes bluegrass, country or folk music, take him to the Fiddlehead Folk Festival for Father’s Day!
Mountain View Street Fair and Fest – Saturday, June 26, 2010, 12-4pm. Enjoy a preview of the library’s new branch with live music, food, kid’s activities and even more at the Mountain View Branch of the ZJ Loussac Public Library (120 S Bragaw, Anchorage). There will even be Mad Science performances from 1-3pm. The Museum of Natural History (201 N Bragaw, Anchorage) and Clark Middle School (5530 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage) will be holding their own festivities as well.
29th Annual Alaska Scottish Highland Games – Saturday, June 26, 2010, 8am-10pm. Fun for the entire family! This always fun event will take place at Eagle River Lions Park (Mile 1.5 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River). Cheer on the athletes while they compete and watch Celtic dancers compete as well. Drummers and pipers will perform. Scantily Plaid, a Celtic band from Canada, will be performing from 7-10pm. Advance tickets cost $12.50 for adults and $4 for kids and can be purchased at The Bookshelf, Celtic Treasures or Suzi’s Woolies. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate for $15 for adults and $5 for kids. For more info, please visit the Alaskan Scottish Club’s website.
13th Annual Garden Fair & Art Show – Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27, 2010. The Alaska Botanical Garden (4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage) will host their annual event from 11am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. In addition to the workshops, speakers and demonstrations, there will be arts, crafts and plants for sale, live music, a children’s village for the kids and lots of food for everyone. Entry is only $5 per person. For more info, please visit the Alaska Botanical Garden website.
So enjoy and celebrate the great outdoors by attending any one of these great June fairs and festivals in Anchorage. They all sound like fun to me!
Easter Sunday is April 4, 2010. And Anchorage is bustling with fun things to do. But, they’re not limiting the Easter fun to only Easter Sunday. The following is a list of Easter Events happening in Anchorage:
March 27, 2010
Easter Eggstravaganza, Russian Jack Springs Park, 1:00-4:00pm - Bring the kids down to Lidia Selkregg Chalet (1600 Lidia Selkregg Lane, Anchorage) for games, arts and crafts, bouncing bunnies and, of course, an Easter egg hunt. The Easter Egg Hunt for 3-5 year olds will be from 1:00-1:30pm, 6-8 year olds will be from 2:00-2:30pm and 9-12 year olds will be from 3:00-3:30pm.
April 2, 2010
Bunny Pajama Storytime, Fairview Recreation Center, 6:30-7:00pm – Put on your PJs, grab your favorite blanket and bring the kids down to the Fairview Rec Center (1121 E Tenth Ave, Anchorage) to listen to bunny stories and try your hand at an Easter craft.
April 3, 2010
Easter Egg Hunt, Hillside Baptist Church, 1pm – Hillside Baptist Church (5200 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage) will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages 11 and younger. Everyone is welcome to attend.
April 4, 2010 (Easter Sunday)
Easter Brunch at the Anchorage Museum, 10am-2pm – The Anchorage Museum (625 C St, Anchorage) will be holding a Marx Bros brunch buffet to celebrate Easter. Items on the menu include Eggs Benedict, prime rib, ham, fresh made waffles and assorted pastries. The cost is $40 for adults, $20 for kids and free for children 5 years old or younger.
Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast, Anchor Park United Methodist Church, 7:30-8:30am – Everyone is welcome to come to Anchor Park United Methodist Church (2300 Oak Drive, Anchorage) for an informal sunrise service with a potluck breakfast to follow. For more info, please call 907-277-0152.
Community Easter Egg Hunt, Eagle River Lions Park, 12:00-2:00pm – Beginning at 12pm, the community is invited for refreshments, photos with the Easter Bunny himself and a free Easter egg hunt at Eagle River Lions Park (Mile 1.5 Eagle River Rd, across from Wal-Mart, Anchorage). The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 1pm. There will be four different age groups searching for thousands of hidden Easter eggs throughout the park: 1-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-8 years and 9-11 years.
I hope you have a fantastic Easter and get to enjoy some of the great Easter events scheduled in Anchorage.
The deadline for Anchorage voter registration is approaching. If you need to change your registration or have recently moved and need to register to vote in Anchorage, the deadline to do so is Sunday, March 7, 2010. You can get the registration forms online at the Alaska Division of Elections web site. Once the forms are completed, you can either deliver or mail them to the State of Alaska Elections office (2525 Gambell St, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503-2838). Don’t miss out on the deadline for Anchorage voter registration this Sunday, March 7.
The 2010 Anchorage Folk Festival takes place from January 21st through 31st this year. Every January, over 120 musicians and other artists from Alaska and around the world come to Anchorage and Eagle River to share their knowledge, experience and talent for free to the public. Singers, storytellers, musicians and dancers perform both traditional and original material that includes bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, folk music and more. Just some of the artists expected to perform include Sweet Sunny South (a bluegrass band), Brother Mule, Little Fiddler and Friends, Oldenweiser, Acoustic Banana, The Lost Riders and many, many more. Square dances and a Marti Gras dance will take place at Romig Jr. High, UAA and the Snow Goose. Every Friday night, the Spenard Roadhouse (1049 W Northern Lights Blvd) will be hosting a late night jam with Brother Mule and Sweet Sunny South. All musicians are invited to bring their instruments and themselves down to the Roadhouse to join in on the fun.
In addition to the talented artists performing, there will be free workshops available to the public that include:
Alaska City Folk Arts- Teen Jam Session
- Rhythm Guitar, Bass and Mandolin
- Lead Instruments: Fiddle, Mandolin and Guitar
- Brother Mule Ensemble
- Slow Jamming
- Band Workshop with the Sweet Sunny South Band
- Harp Improvisation
- Guitar Maintenance and Care
- Exploring the Acoustic Baritone Guitar
- Fiddle Tunes for Kids
- Native American Flute
- Introduction to Bag Pipes and Drums
- Beginning Banjo
- Cajun Dancing
- Waltz Workshop
- Clogging
- Songwriting Exercises
- Singing
There’s even a Banjo Contest to be held on January 23rd. These are just a few of the fun workshops available throughout the festival. To find out more about the 2010 Anchorage Folk Festival, please visit their website at http://www.anchoragefolkdfestival.org. It sounds like a good time for everybody in Anchorage.
New H1N1 clinic dates for January have been announced in Anchorage.
January 5: 5-9pm, Hanshew Middle School (10121 Lake Otis Pkwy, Anchorage, AK, 99507)
January 7: 1-7pm, ChangePoint Church (6689 ChangePoint Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99518)
January 12: 5-9pm, Mears Middle School (2700 W 100th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99515)
January 19: 5-9pm, Central Middle School (1405 E St, Anchorage, AK, 99501)
January 26: 5-9pm, Begich Middle School (7440 Creekside Center Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99504)
The Municipality of Anchorage needs 25 community volunteers per date for each clinic to help. Medical volunteers that are trained to administer vaccines are the most sought after, of course. The United Way of Anchorage is helping Muni reach out for public volunteers for the clinics. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the United Way of Anchorage’s website to sign up.
Additionally, the H1N1 vaccine is available for free to the public through walk-ins as vaccine is available from 8-11 am and 1-4 pm Monday through Friday at the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (1217 E 10th Ave, Anchorage, AK). If you are unable to make it to the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, many local private healthcare providers as well as pharmacies provide the H1N1 vaccine as well. Simply contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy directly to make sure they are offering vaccinations at their businesses.
If you have any questions or have any information about other places that provide the H1N1 vaccine, please contact me. I will try to keep you up to date when new H1N1 clinic dates are announced in Anchorage. Thanks!
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