Season's Greetings

SSEC-RAICES wishes all our friends, clients and supporters a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Raices Computer Training Program

The Raices Computer Training Program at the Raices Times Plaza Senior Center enables participants new to computers the opportunity to learn computer systems, desktop fundamentals, including MS Windows, the Desktop and various software applications, and "Exploring the Internet" using the world wide web and email.

Each eight week program includes an orientation, hands-on demonstrations, class room training, two recitations and full use of the computer lab.  The current program is in its mid period and the enthusiastic students are quite excited of how much they've learned and absorbed in such a short period. 

"I can't wait to buy a laptop to work from home" states Geraldine W. 
Ms. Beatrice B. asks for the best options and prices to upgrade from dial-up to broadband. 

Tony (the trainer) shares, "I see trainers and mentors for future sessions sitting in each of these classes.  They pick on my brain often and are quite motivated to practice until they get it just right".

Mark Your Calendars. The next computer orientation and participation signup is scheduled for January 6, 2009 at 10:45 am. 

Did You Miss The Stimulus Rebate Deadline?

If you are a senior who missed the October 15th deadline for filing an income tax return for the economic stimulus payment, don't worry.  You can receive a payment in 2009 by filing an income tax return when the filing season opens in January 2009.  The IRS will have more information shortly, and we at RAICES will continue to assist all social security recipients in filing the necessary tax forms.  This year, through October 15, 2008 all RAICES' sponsored senior centers and the RAICES Access Program, were successful in assisting over 900 individuals and couples in assuring they applied for and received this entitlement and will continue to do so in 2009.

 Digital TV Transition

The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council – RAICES is excited to join the launching of the Hispanic Federation’s Digital TV Transition Outreach Campaign to educate our senior and disabled clients and members about the Digital TV Transition process and its impact on consumers.  The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition.  Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog.

An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire depts.. and rescue squads).  Consumers also benefit because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog.  However consumers that currently use “rabbit ears” or rooftop antennas will no longer receive television signals after the government-mandated “digital transition” on February 17, 2009.  Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital.  After this date, full-power televisions stations will broadcast in digital only.

As a member of the Hispanic Federation, the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council – RAICES is totally committed in sharing and distributing the information to all of our members, clients and friends.

For information on all your options and to apply for a $40 coupon which can be used towards the purchase of a TV converter box,  visit the RAICES’ caseworkers at our senior centers or the RAICES Access Program.   For additional information and application Click Here.  To apply online visit www.DTV2009.gov.