Extension News: November 2007 Archives

Changing the Scene launches Web page

Since 2003, Changing the Scene, UNH Cooperative Extension's school wellness initiative, has worked with school personnel in 403 New Hampshire schools and five Head Start programs, to help the schools improve their overall nutrition and fitness environment.

Based on a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, Changing the Scene works by enlisting school nurses, school lunch personnel, teachers and administrators to survey and improve the entire school environment, from school cafeteria meals to snacks served at classroom birthday celebrations, from expanding exercise opportunities for students and staff to reaching out with health and fitness messages to parents and the general public.

Three-quarters of participating schools have already taken significant steps that include buying fitness equipment, starting before-school walking programs, adding nutrition education to the curriculum, and developing newsletters to send home to parents.

Parents, educators, healthcare professionals and others who want to learn more about this health promotion effort, please stop by our Changing the Scene Web pages, where you'll find success stories from participating schools, sample newsletters, curriculum materials, tips on improving children's nutrition and increasing physical activity, and more

Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The Earned Income Tax Credit for Tax Year 2007 lets some working families with children and some workers without children pay less federal income tax or get money back. This money can then be used for anything.

There are two types of families who qualify for the earned income credit. One type is for workers between ages 25 and 65 with no children. The other type is for workers with qualifying children. This child can be a son, daughter, adopted child, grandchild, stepchild, your brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister whom you cared for as you would your own child; or a foster child placed by a government or private agency. The child had to live with you for more than six months in 2007. This child must be under age 19, or under age 24 and a full-time student, or any age if the child is permanently disabled.

The money you receive varies on your earnings in 2007, whether you have qualifying children, and how many qualified children you have. If you have no children and are between the ages of 25 to 65 and earned less than $12,590 ($14,590 for married filing jointly) you can receive up to $428.

If you have one qualified child and earned less than $33,241 ($35,241 for married filing jointly) you can receive up to $2,853. With more than one qualified child and an income of less than $37,783 ($39,783 for married filing jointly) you can receive up to $4,716. Your investment income during 2007 can’t be more than $2,900.

To get your earned income credit if you have a qualifying child, file Form 1040 or Form 1040A and attach Schedule EIC for the Earned Income Tax Credit. To get your earned income credit if you don't have a child, file Form 1040, Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ. These forms are available at libraries, some post offices and banks. There are a number of free tax preparation sites throughout New Hampshire where IRS-certified volunteers are trained to help you fill out the tax forms. These sites become operational in late January.

For more information about the earned income tax credit, contact your local UNH Cooperative Extension office and request the free publication titled "Earned Income Tax Credit for Tax Year 2007." If you’re interested in receiving your earned income tax credit in your paycheck during the year, request the free publication titled "2008 Advance Earned Income Tax Credit."

by Suzann Enzian Knight, UNH Cooperative Extension Specialist, Family Resource Management

Visit our new Positive Parenting page at the Family, Home & Garden Education Center. The page opens with information about National Family Week, November 18-14, on the theme of Connections Count.

With the busy holiday season coming up, why not invite your children into the kitchen to help cook? Alice Mullen offers tips on how in her article Cooking with Kids.

Visit Positive Parenting often for new ideas and fresh perspectives on the joys and challenges of raising children.