Last Chance: Tax Returns, Prom Donations & More

The federal and state income tax deadlines this year are on Tuesday, April 17, which means you still have time to get those tax returns mailed. 

The tax filing deadline is typically April 15, however filers have two extra days this year because of Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in Washington, D.C., is being observed today, Monday, April 16. Under the federal tax code, filing deadlines can't fall on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

If you want to drop your return at a local post office, try these locations:

• Midtown: 1072 W. Peachtree St. NW; Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Virginia-Highland: 1190 N. Highland Ave.; Open 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 to 5 p.m.

• Druid Hills: 1977 Briarcliff Rd.; Open 9 to 11:30 a.m.; 12:30 to 5 p.m.

• Little Five Points: 455 Moreland Ave.; Open 9 to 11 a.m.; 12 to 5 p.m.

The Postal Service website listings for these offices don't reflect any extended hours for tax day, so make sure you get there during business hours.

Atlanta BeltLine 5K

Register by Wednesday, April 18 for the 2nd Annual Atlanta BeltLine Northside 5K to take advantage of the early bird registration discount. This April 28 event at Tanyard Creek Park, located at 460 Collier Road, will feature activities for the whole family. From frisbee tosses to wheelbarrow races, Individual and Team Challenges offer even more opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Tanyard Creek Park, starting immediately after the race. Register today for the Atlanta BeltLine Northside 5K and plan to stay after for fun activities and prizes.

Prom Donations

The Housing Authority of Fulton County (HAFC) and the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Prom Closet Program. HAFC is seeking donations of gently used and clean prom/formal dresses and tuxedoes of all sizes for high school seniors graduating in May 2012. The donated formal wear will allow young men and women without the financial resources to purchase a tuxedo or dress to choose a free outfit with accessories. Priority will be given to Housing Authority of Fulton County residents.

Items needed for the Prom Closet include:

• Formal dresses (gently used)
• Tuxedos
• Shoes
• Accessories (bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.)
• Handbags

Formalwear and accessories can be dropped off at the Housing Authority at 4273 Wendell Drive, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 20. 

Atlanta Bar Association Essay Contest

The Atlanta Bar Association is sponsoring an essay contest open to all students currently enrolled in an Atlanta Public School high school. The essay topic is this year’s Law Day theme: No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom. Three winners will be chosen from among the entries and the first place winner will receive a cash prize of $250, the second place winner will receive a cash prize of $150, and the third place winner will receive a cash prize of $50.
 
The deadline for submission of an essay is April 20, 2012. The essays must be emailed to either Clay Massey at cmassey@alston.com or Melody Richardson at melody@prfamilylaw.com by 5 p.m. on April 20. Essays must be at least two typed pages, single-spaced. There is no maximum length restriction.

Grady Local School Council Committee

Nominations are being accepted by the Grady Local School Council Election Committee through April 26 for:
(1) Seat 1: To fill the vacant, unexpired term of a parent representative ending on May 2013; and
(2) Seat 3: A new parent representative 1-year term ending on May 2013. 
 
Membership terms begin immediately after election. Newly elected Council members must attend orientation training prior to participating in Council meetings. Nomination forms are enclosed in the April issue of the Grady Knight Lights and are available online and in the Grady PTSA Parent Center.
The criteria to qualify as a parent representative candidate is that one must be the parent of a currently enrolled Grady High School student who is listed on the student records, and have filed their nomination with the Election Committee no later than midnight on the last day of the nomination period. No parent representative candidate may be a relative of the principal or an employee of the Atlanta Board of Education at Henry W. Grady High School or have been convicted of a felony. Candidates’ names, seat running for, and Statements of Interest will be posted in the PTSA Parent Center and the school office from April 27 to May 11, 2012.
 
Elections will be held on May 17, 2012 from 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Grady High School auditorium lobby. Each parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school shall be entitled to one vote for each vacant parent/guardian member position on the Council. Voting will be by secret ballot and parents/guardians will have to present their state or other government issued photo ID to verify eligibility. 

The Local School Council meets a minimum of four times per school year. It is a legislatively mandated collaborative group of parents, teachers, business partners and the school principal, assembled to address issues related to student achievement and school improvement towards furthering Grady’s record as a center of educational excellence that prepares all students for success.
 
If you are interested in seeking the parent representative position on the LSC or know of a qualified candidate, please complete the Nomination Form and submit to the Grady LSC Election Committee via email GradyLSC@gmail.com or place the hard copy of the Nomination Form in the Grady LSC Drop Box in the school office.
 
Please give this position thoughtful consideration. Local School Council service is a great way to be involved in educational issues which directly affect our students and our school. Please contact the Grady LSC Chair or Election Committee if you have any questions at GradyLSC@gmail.com. Visit Grady’s Local School Council online here.