The Idaho Statesman Anna Webb column

Feb. 03--Create Common Good, the Boise nonprofit that focuses on the world of food production and preparation to train people for the workforce, is offering U-Pick CSA (community supported agriculture) farm shares for the upcoming season.

Shares are available at several levels:

--20 Carrot Members ($350): Full season of picking, approximately 18-22 weeks.

--10 Carrot Members ($200): Ten days of your choice for picking produce.

--4 Carrot Members ($80): Six days of your choice for picking produce.

--1 Carrot Pass ($25): One day of picking produce.

Note: Those purchasing a 20 Carrot Membership before Feb. 16 will receive a complimentary 1 Carrot Pass to give to a friend.

Buy shares online. Link through this column at idahostatesman.com or call Create Common Good at 258-6800.

AARP OFFERS TAX HELP

The AARP Foundation will once again offer free tax prep assistance, and you don't have to be an AARP member or retiree to use the service. Those on Medicare or Medicare Advantage are automatically eligible. All other taxpayers need to provide information about their health insurance coverage marketplace/exchange purchases and health care exemptions in order to get help.

The AARP Foundation's program is the largest free tax assistance and preparation service in the country. Last year, 32,000 Idahoans used the service to file their returns, collectively receiving more than $19 million in refunds from their federal, state and local tax returns.

For more information on the required documents or to locate a Tax-Aide site near you, visit the AARP website (link through this column at idahostatesman.com) or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

EARLY LEARNING LEGISLATIVE DAY

Three local child advocate organizations -- the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, the Idaho Head Start Association and Idaho Voices for Children -- join forces to hold their first Early Learning Legislative Day on Feb. 10.

The daylong event will include a morning reception with legislators, and presentations to the Education and Health and Welfare committees on investing in early learning, family involvement, and more areas of interest to parents, educators and child advocates.

Register online to attend the event and schedule an appointment to speak to the legislator from your district. Find a link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

LUNCH FOR LITERACY FEATURES BOISE AUTHOR

Best-selling children's book author Leslie Patricelli will speak at this annual fundraiser for The Learning Lab on Friday, Feb. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Boise Centre. The silent auction opens at 11 a.m. Get ticket information online. Link through this column at idahostatesman.com or call Stephanie at 344-1335, ext. 100.

BOISE PARKS & REC CLOTHING SWAP

If your children have outgrown their tap shoes or dance clothing, check out the Boise Parks and Recreation Department's youth dance clothing swap from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 7, at Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Road in Boise.

Bring slightly used dance clothing and shoes to trade. The swap is for families with dancers ages 3 to 8.

Make sure the clothes you bring to trade are washed and have minimal wear and tear. Clothing may include leotards, dance shorts, ballet shoes, tap shoes, tutus and "princess" dresses. Boys and girls are welcome. The event will end with a "freeze-dance" for attendees. Call 608-7680 for more information.

RUNNERS STRIP DOWN FOR A GOOD CAUSE

It's time once again for the Cupid's Undie Run on Valentine's Day, Saturday, Feb. 14. Brave souls bare their skivvies and run a short course -- a mile or so -- around Downtown. The registration fee is $55. All proceeds benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation, the largest nongovernment organization dedicated to ending neurofibromatosis through research.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disease that can cause tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body, leading to blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, deformities, cancer and severe pain.

Similar runs take place across the U.S. Last year's event raised $2.8 million. Boise runners contributed $67,000 to that total.

Last year was the first time Boise hosted its own version of the run. Organizers say they'll try to raise even more money this year.

Runners can race individually or register as part of a team. Register online. Find a link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

Anna Webb: 377-6431

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