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RURAL-URBAN RECORD, December 5, Page 11

“We are excited to provide this vital service to our neigh-
Sausage, Cranberry, and Biscuit bors while ensuring the confidentiality and safety of our cus-
Breakfast Bake tomers, volunteers, and staff,” said Christine Matusik-Plas,
community impact director at United Way of Greater Lorain
County. “This program is two-fold. Not only are we putting
hard-earned dollars back into the pockets of local families,
but we are providing our volunteers the opportunity to gain
essential knowledge about how tax law works to make a
difference to others.”
No prior experience is necessary to become a tax prepa-
ration volunteer. The free IRS certified training will be con-
ducted at United Way’s headquarters in downtown Lorain in
January 2023. In addition to preparing and filing state and
federal tax returns, certified volunteers also will have the
opportunity to inform filers about eligible tax credits such as
the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Retired financial professionals, college-aged youth ex- to last around an hour, but companies typically offer vari-
ploring careers in the finance industry, and adults interested ous packages and may even let shoppers customize rides for
in helping their community are all excellent volunteers. Bi- their loved ones.
lingual volunteers are highly needed for this upcoming tax • Theatre tickets: The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been
season. easy for anyone, but seniors were among the groups most
For more information about volunteering with the Free vulnerable to serious infection if they caught the virus. As
Tax Prep Impact Initiative through United Way of Greater a result, many seniors strictly adhered to social distancing
Lorain County, visit uwloraincounty.org/taxvolunteer or call guidelines prior to getting vaccinated. Now that seniors are
(440) 277-6530. eligible to be fully vaccinated and even receive two rounds
of booster shots, a trip to the theatre can reignite their pas-
Experiential gifts for seniors sion for live entertainment and make for a memorable night
This hearty Jimmy Dean® Sausage breakfast bake has out.
a hint of sweetness with the addition of dried cranberries. • Cycling tour: Modern seniors are among the most phys-
The flavors are perfect for holiday mornings in the fall and Holiday shoppers know ideal gift for senior couples ically active demographics. A 2020 study published in the
winter. that, seemingly every year, who aren’t afraid of a bird’s Journal of Medical Internet Research found that, within
Ingredients: there’s one person on their eye view. The length of a months of the pandemic being declared, adults age 65 and
1 (16 ounce) package Jimmy Dean® Premium Pork Reg- shopping list who’s hard flight depends on shoppers’ older averaged 100 more minutes of physical activity than
ular Sausage to shop for. Seniors may budgets, but no matter how the next closest cohort. A cycling tour can make for a perfect
1 cup milk fit that bill, as many have long seniors are in the air, gift to active seniors. Tours may be designed to visit local
1 cup water already accumulated a life- they’re sure to return to the places of historical significance, idyllic natural settings or
2 (2.75-ounce packages) sausage country gravy mix time’s worth of goods and ground having enjoyed a local eateries. Wherever the tours ultimately end up, they’re
1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough gadgets. That’s why expe- truly unique experience. sure to put a smile on active seniors’ faces.
½ cup dried cranberries riential gifts can be such a • Hot air balloon ride: If Experiences can make for the perfect holiday gifts for
Directions: good fit for seniors come the riding shotgun with a pilot seniors who have it all.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). holiday season. in a tiny plane is more ad-
Add sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Experiential gifts are venture than your favorite
Cook and stir with a spatula, breaking apart the sausage un- wildly popular. In its 2021 senior may be seeking, a
til cooked, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined Winter Holiday Shopping hot air balloon ride may be
plate and set aside. Report, the market research more suitable. Hot air bal-
Whisk milk, water, and gravy mix together in the same firm Mintel revealed that loon rides provide a truly
saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasional- nearly half of individuals stunning way to experience
ly, until the gravy reaches a boil and thickens, about 8 min- surveyed for the report felt idyllic settings and a calm
utes. Turn off heat and stir in the crumbled sausage. that experiential gifts are way to take to the skies on
Tear biscuits into pieces. Spread 1/2 of the biscuit pieces superior to tangible items. a beautiful day. Rides tend
in an even layer in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Seniors who already have
Pour the sausage and gravy mixture over the biscuits. Place everything they need might
the remaining biscuit pieces evenly on top. Sprinkle the be even more enthusias-
dried cranberries over the top. tic about experiential gifts,
Bake in the preheated oven until the biscuits are golden, which may encourage them
about 20 minutes. to get out of the house or
Recipe by fabeveryday, courtesy of www.allrecipes.com pursue passions they’ve
long had a passing inter-
United Way now recruiting est in. This holiday season,
shoppers can consider these
free tax preparation experiences as they look for
something new and unique
volunteers for the seniors on their
shopping lists.
United Way of Greater Lorain County is actively recruit- • Biplane flight: Few ex-
ing local volunteers to assist with free tax preparation ser- periences are as exhilarating
vices for area residents. Lorain County Free Tax Prep Co- as a flight in an open cock-
alition prepares and files federal and state tax returns at no pit biplane. Biplane flights
cost to households earning less than $60,000 annual income. are unique to each company
In 2022, tax preparers filed over 1,500 federal tax returns, that offers them, but some
bringing more than $2.5 million to Greater Lorain County planes can accommodate
communities. For the 2023 tax season, approximately 50 two passengers (in addition
volunteers will be needed to serve as IRS certified tax pre- to the pilot), making this an
parers.

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951 Main Street Grafton REALTOR & Senior Real Estate Specialist ®
®
(440) 791-7177
jenniferherron-underwood@howardhanna.com
(440) 371-2862 | www.downsizing411.com