By KERI LIPPERINI

Special to the Recorder

The AARP Tax-Aide program sponsored by the Calvert County Office on Aging is seeking volunteers to serve as tax counselors to prepare, review and e-file 2012 tax returns at each of the three senior centers in 2013. Volunteers can give a few hours a week or more. All Tax-Aide volunteers will be required to pass the IRS and Maryland certification tests. Training will be offered at the end of January 2013. For more information, contact Patti Ryon at 410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170.

Be cautious this holiday season

The Office on Aging wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. Here are some tips to stay safe during the holidays: If traveling, have a neighbor watch the house and pick up mail and newspapers. Make sure the home is never dark; have lights on a timer or leave them on when leaving the house. When shopping, ask a friend to come along, park in a well-lit area, keep packages out of sight with the car locked and have car keys ready when leaving the store. If purchasing items online, do not respond to emails asking to re-enter personal information; instead, call the company. Check accounts for signs of suspicious activity. If there are suspicious transactions, call the financial institution or credit card provider immediately.

Get help with benefit denials

For those who are aged 60 or older and have been denied for benefits, Legal Aid may be able to assist. Attorney services are available by appointment regarding SSI, benefit denials, disability payments, Social Security and SSI overpayments, debtor and consumer problems, advance directives and tenant issues. The attorney will be at Calvert Pines Senior Center on Thursday, Jan. 17. Contact the center for an appointment at 410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170. Appointment times are between 1 and 3 p.m.

News from Calvert Pines Senior Center

Want to share some holiday laughs? Join in the Christmas Gift Exchange Game at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20. To participate, bring a wrapped gift with a $5 maximum.

News from North Beach Senior Center

Enjoy some holiday entertainment with a performance by the South County Show Stoppers at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17.

News from Southern Pines Senior Center

Bring in some Christmas spirit for a Holiday Sing-Along with favorite songs and carols at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.