plus 3, Source: Indiana's Evan Bayh to retire from Senate - San Francisco Chronicle

Source: Indiana's Evan Bayh to retire from Senate - San Francisco Chronicle
Sopra Group Resilient in 2009 - Stockhouse
Sen. Evan Bayh to not seek re-election - MSNBC
Can't afford to pay for tax advice? Here's where to find free help - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Source: Indiana's Evan Bayh to retire from Senate - San Francisco Chronicle

Posted: 15 Feb 2010 08:43 AM PST

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"To put it in the words most Hoosiers can understand: I love working for the people of Indiana, I love helping our citizens make the most of their lives, but I do not love Congress," Bayh said in comments prepared for an announcement later Monday in Indianapolis. His statement was obtained by The Associated Press from a Democratic official who declined to be named publicly.

Bayh's departure continues a recent exodus from Congress among both Democrats and Republicans, including veteran Democrats Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Patrick Kennedy of Mass., and increases the chance that the GOP will pick up a seat. The announcements have sprung up in rapid-fire fashion amid polls showing a rising anti-incumbent fervor and voter anger over Washington partisanship, high unemployment, federal deficits and lucrative banking industry bonuses.

In his statement, Bayh seemed to attribute his decision to the bitter partisan divides that have dominated Congress in recent years, though he praised his colleagues as hard workers devoting to serving the public.

"My decision should not be interpreted for more than it is, a very difficult, deeply personal one," Bayh's statement said. "I am an executive at heart. I value my independence. I am not motivated by strident partisanship or ideology."

Bayh said he believed he would have been re-elected this November, despite "the current challenging environment." He said it was time for him to "contribute to society in another way," either by creating jobs with a business, leading a college or university, or running a charity.

His retirement from a Senate seat from Republican-leaning Indiana also adds to the struggle Democrats will face this fall to prevent an erosion of the 59 votes they have in the chamber.

"After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so by serving in Congress has waned," Bayh said in a statement he planned to read at the news conference.

The plans by the 54-year-old, two-term senator were confirmed by three Democratic officials who discussed his announcement on grounds of anonymity because it was still pending.

Bayh informed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., of his plans in a telephone conversation Monday morning, according to a one Democrat.

The party will have to scramble to find a replacement candidate for Bayh's seat. Friday is the filing deadline for the May primary, although the party would have until June 30 to select a replacement candidate.

Bayh's name was among a handful of well-known Democrats prominently mentioned as possible vice presidential candidates in both Sen. John Kerry's 2004 run for the presidency and Obama's succcessful run for the White House. He was believed to have been on Obama's short list. Obama settled on then-Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware.

Less than two weeks ago, former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats, a Republican, announced that he would try to reclaim his old seat from Bayh. The move by Coats came as the GOP was still celebrating Republican Scott Brown's January upset to take Edward Kennedy's former seat in Massachusetts.

Bayh is serving his second six-year term in the Senate, and is a centrist Democrat from a Republican-leaning state.

Bayh served two terms as Indiana's governor before winning the first of his two Senate terms in 1998. He had until recent weeks been regarded as a near certainty for re-election, having raised nearly $13 million for his campaign and facing little-known Republican opposition until national Republicans recruited Coats to enter the race.

Bayh's name was already well known when he first ran for political office in 1986, winning the race for Indiana secretary of state that year. His father, Birch, won the first of three terms in the U.S. Senate in 1962 and was an unabashed Great Society liberal.

The younger Bayh ran for governor in 1988 on a platform of fiscal responsibility, reducing what he considered to be a bloated government bureaucracy and opposing tax increases.

Bayh served two terms as Indiana's governor before winning the first of his two Senate terms in 1998.

___

Associated Press writers Alan Fram in Washington and Tom Davies in Indianapolis contributed to this story.

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Sopra Group Resilient in 2009 - Stockhouse

Posted: 15 Feb 2010 08:50 AM PST

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PARIS, Feb 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Regulatory News:

Sopra Group's (Paris:SOP) revenue for 2009 was EUR1,094.3 million. The decrease compared to the prior year was limited to 3.1%, or 4.5% at constant exchange rates and consolidation scope.

Profit from recurring operations was EUR83.0 million, representing a current operating margin of 7.6%, comfortably achieving the previously-announced forecast (over 7.0%).

 2009 2008
Key income statement items
Revenue MEUR 1,094.3 1,129.5
Profit from recurring operations MEUR 83.0 102.3
as % of revenue % 7.6% 9.1%
Operating profit MEUR 63.2 99.7
as % of revenue % 5.8% 8.8%
Net profit MEUR 27.2 58.2
as % of revenue % 2.5% 5.2%
Data per share
Basic net earnings per share(1) EUR 2.33 4.98
Fully diluted net earnings per share EUR 2.33 4.96
Financial ratios
Free cash flow(2) MEUR 91.2 52.9
Net debt MEUR 137.4 198.2
Equity MEUR 281.7 268.3
Net debt / Equity % 48.8% 73.9%
Net debt / EBITDA x 1.52 1.79

Operating profit amounted to EUR63.2 million: this includes EUR2.6 million in amortisation of intangible assets and EUR17.2 million of non-recurring expenses relating to the Spanish systems integration subsidiary (EUR15.0 million goodwill impairment and EUR2.2 million restructuring costs).

After taking into account a significant improvement in net financial items (+16.7%) and non-recurring expenses of EUR4.1 million relating to the termination of the consulting business in Spain by the Group's subsidiary Valoris Iberia, net profit came to EUR27.1 million.

The reduction in net financial debt, which at EUR137.4 million was substantially lower than forecasts made at the beginning of the year, reflects progress made in managing working capital requirements.

Information by division

 2009 2008
 Revenue Growth PRO(4) % Margin Revenue PRO(4) % Margin
(in millions of euros) total organic
Management consulting 37.1 - 17.2% - 17.2% 0.8 2.2% 44.8 2.3 5.1%
SSI(3) France 704.5 + 0.2% + 0.3% 58.5 8.3% 702.8 62.7 8.9%
SSI(3) Europe 170.5 - 19.1% - 15.3% 5.2 3.0% 210.7 17.1 8.1%
Axway 182.2 + 6.4% - 7.6% 18.5 10.2% 171.2 20.2 11.8%
Total Group 1,094.3 - 3.1% - 4.5% 83.0 7.6% 1,129.5 102.3 9.1%

Management consulting: Revenue for this division was EUR37.1 million, representing a 17.2% decrease year-on-year. As previously announced, the revenue decline has slowed since the beginning of the year: organic growth for the fourth quarter was -7.3% compared to -24.6% at the beginning of the year. Profit from recurring operations was in line with forecasts at EUR0.8 million.

SSI France: Revenue for this division amounted to EUR704.5 million, representing organic growth of +0.3%. Profit from recurring operations was EUR58.5 million, yielding an 8.3% margin. Considering the economic context, the Group's performance in its core businesses in France was excellent. This was achieved thanks to the signature and execution of large-scale application outsourcing and systems integration contracts, notably in the Group's key sectors (financial services, public sector, para-public sector and utilities). Market positioning has been bolstered by a revamped offering and the industrialisation of the entire production chain to support major clients' projects. In banking, the Evolan range of solutions has spurred renewed interest, which has already led to major commercial successes.

SSI Europe: Revenue from Europe (excluding France) came to EUR170.5 million, down 15.3%. Profit from recurring operations was EUR5.2 million, representing a margin of 3.0%. The transformation programme implemented at each subsidiary minimised the impact of the crisis on margins.

-- In the United Kingdom, revenue was down 14.3% but profit from recurring operations, at 6.9%, improved by over 2 percentage points on the previous year (4.7%).

-- In Spain, where the market remains very difficult, the performance was disappointing due to delays in implementing crisis-mitigation action plans. Revenue was down 18.2% and the current operating margin was 3.6%. As indicated above, exceptional expenses of EUR17.2 million were recognised.

Axway: Revenue amounted to EUR182.2 million, representing total growth of +6.4% and organic revenue growth of -7.6%. The negative organic performance was the result of a very difficult first half (-14.0%), followed by a better second half (-1.4 %). Profit from recurring operations was EUR18.5 million, representing a margin of 10.2%, better than the previously-announced forecast (a margin of 7--10%). The strong volume of licence sales recorded in the second half of the year, particularly in December, did not completely offset the impact of the economic crisis at the beginning of the year.

In a challenging economic context, the Group's results represent a good performance, reflecting the quality of its strategic positioning and the pertinent choices it has made with respect its business portfolio, markets and production organisation.

Group's financial position

The Group generated net free cash flow of EUR91.2 million, up 72.4 %. Net debt came to EUR137.4 million, compared with EUR198.2 million at year-end 2008.

After the impairment of goodwill relating to the systems integration subsidiary in Spain, which was reduced from EUR81 million to EUR66 million, total equity amounted to EUR281.7 million.

As of 31 December 2009, the Group's financial position is sound, with respect to both debt maturity and compliance with banking covenants:

-- The gearing ratio (net debt to equity) was 48.8%.

-- The leverage ratio (net debt to gross operating profit) was 1.52.

-- The debt service coverage ratio (operating profit to net borrowing cost) was 6.86.

In addition, Sopra Group has access to a total of EUR194 million in cash and undrawn confirmed credit lines.

Dividend

A proposal will be brought before the Shareholders' Meeting to pay out a dividend of EUR0.80 per share, representing 34.5% of net profit. This proposal reflects the measured approach adopted by the Group, in full awareness of the current economic context.

Strategy

The Board of Directors confirmed the continuation of the initiative to separate the activities of its subsidiary Axway from those of Sopra Group, with a view to listing a new Axway group on the stock market. Sopra Group would retain a 15% stake in Axway (cf. press releases of 22 October and 9 December 2009).

The Group continues to work on its strategic transformation plan in which both companies (Sopra Group and Axway) pursue the development of independent and high added-value business portfolios benefiting their respective clients, employees and shareholders.

After consulting with personnel representatives, this operation would be subject to the approval of Sopra Group's shareholders and, in the absence of unfavourable conditions, may be carried out in the final quarter of 2010 on the basis of the interim financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2010.

Outlook

On the basis of currently available information, no other events are considered likely to have a material impact on the Group's financial position.

For 2010, Sopra Group forecasts positive organic growth and a slight improvement in its current operating margin. Axway also forecasts organic growth and a slight improvement in its current operating margin.

Change in consolidation scope

As previously indicated, Tumbleweed Communications (USA) has been consolidated since 1 September 2008.

Financial calendar

Tuesday, 4 May 2010, after the market close: Publication of revenue for the 1st quarter of 2010.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010: Annual Shareholders' Meeting.

Forward-looking information

This document contains forecasts in respect of which there are risks and uncertainties concerning the Group's future growth and profitability. The Group highlights the fact that the signature of licence contracts, which often represent investments for clients, are more significant in the second half of the year, and as a result, may lead to more or less favourable impacts on the end-of-year performance.

The actual sequence of events or results may differ from that described in this document, in light of a certain number of risks and uncertainties, which are described in the 2008 Annual Report, which was filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on 20 April 2009.

About Sopra Group

A leader in the European consulting and IT services market, Sopra Group generated revenue of 1.094 billion euros in 2009 and has a human and intellectual resource potential of over 12,000 people. Thanks to a longstanding culture of excellence and strong sector-specific, functional and technological know-how, the Group offers its clients an end to end approach based on a well-honed business model. Sopra Group's ambition is to allow its clients to focus on transformation projects that will give them a competitive edge and help them drive growth. Sopra Group's savoir-faire encompasses prior strategic reflection through to the supervision and implementation of major systems integration and application outsourcing projects. The Group also pursues the worldwide deployment of its activities in both application integration and business process management through its subsidiary Axway, a leading provider of Business Interaction Networks, with a complete range of solutions and services. For more information, please visit our website www.sopragroup.com.

This document is a free translation into English of the original French press release. It is not a binding document. In the event of a conflict in interpretation, reference should be made to the French version, which is the authentic text.

(1) Calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue.

(2) Gross cash flow from operations less net financial interest and tax paid as well as changes in working capital requirements and capital expenditures, net of disposals.

(3) SSI: Systems and Solutions integration.

(4) PRO: Profit from recurring operations.

Appendices

Consolidated income statement 31/12 31/12
 2009 2008
 MEUR % MEUR %
Revenue 1,094.3 1,129.5
Staff costs - Employees -737.4 -721.8
Staff costs - Contractors -74.3 -97.6
Operating expenses -183.7 -193.8
Depreciation, amortisation and provisions -15.9 -14.0
Profit from recurring operations 83.0 7.6% 102.3 9.1%
Amortisation of allocated intangible assets -2.6 -1.4
Other operating income and expenses -17.2 -1.2
Operating profit 63.2 5.8% 99.7 8.8%
Net cost of financial debt -9.2 -9.9
Net financial expense -1.8 -3.3
Corporate income tax -20.9 -28.3
Profit after tax of discontinued activities -4.1 -
Net profit 27.2 2.5% 58.2 5.2%
Group share 27.2 58.2
Minority interests - -
 Statement of net debt
 2009 2008
In millions of euros
Net debt at beginning of period (A) 198.2 130.3
Cash from operations before changes in working capital 94.6 108.4
Income taxes paid -32.2 -29.3
Changes in working capital requirements 50.2 -2.8
Net cash flow from operating activities 112.6 76.3
Net cash used in investing activities -12.0 -12.7
Net interest paid -9.4 -10.7
Free cash flow 91.2 52.9
Impact of changes in consolidation scope -8.8 -101.6
Dividends paid -19.3 -19.3
Capital increases in cash 1.2 0.8
Other changes -3.9 -
Total net change for the period (B) 60.4 -67.2
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes (C ) 0.4 -0.7
Net debt at period-end (A-B+/-C) 137.4 198.2
 Simplified balance sheet
 31/12 31/12
 2009 2008
EUR m
Goodwill 356.6 372.7
Allocated intangible assets 23.1 26.4
Other fixed assets 40.4 41.0
Assets 420.1 440.1
Trade accounts receivable (net) 333.9 401.5
Other assets and liabilities -334.9 -375.1
Operating assets and liabilities -1.0 26.4
ASSETS + WCR 419.1 466.5
Equity 281.7 268.3
Net financial debt 137.4 198.2
CAPITAL INVESTED 419.1 466.5
 Changes in equity MEUR
Position at 31 December 2008 268.3
Dividends - 19.3
Net profit - Group share 27.2
Capital increase through exercise of share subscription options 1.2
Acquisition or disposal of treasury shares 0.8
Share-based payments 0.3
Actuarial differences - 0.2
Change in financial instruments 1.0
Translation adjustments 2.4
Position at 31 December 2009 281.7
 Staff Changes 31/12 31/12
 2009 2008
Staff - France 8,335 8,210
Staff - International 4,115 4,240
Total 12,450 12,450
Staff at the beginning of the period 12,450 11,320
Integration of acquired companies - 440
Net recruits - 690
Total 12,450 12,450
 Revenue breakdown by business segment Revenue Revenue
 2009 (%) 2008 (%)
Banking / Finance 23% 24%
Insurance 7% 6%
Manufacturing 17% 20%
Services 17% 18%
Telecoms 12% 12%
Public sector 17% 14%
Retail 7% 6%
 100% 100%
 Revenue breakdown by division Revenue Revenue
 2009 (%) 2008 (%)
Management consulting 3% 4%
SSI France 64% 62%
SSI Europe 16% 19%
Axway 17% 15%
 100% 100%
 Quarterly performance by division
 12 M
Consulting Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2009
Revenue 2009 (MEUR ) 8.9 10.1 7.9 10.2 37.1
Revenue 2008 (MEUR ) 11.8 12.9 9.1 11.0 44.8
Total growth (%) -24.6% -21.7% -13.2% -7.3% -17.2%
Organic growth (%) -24.6% -21.7% -13.2% -7.3% -17.2%
 12 M
SSI France Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2009
Revenue 2009 (MEUR ) 177.6 175.6 162.6 188.7 704.5
Revenue 2008 (MEUR ) 169.0 174.6 162.1 197.1 702.8
Total growth (%) 5.1% 0.6% 0.3% -4.3% 0.2%
Organic growth (%) 5.1% 0.6% 0.4% -4.3% 0.3%
 12 M
SSI Europe Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2009
Revenue 2009 (MEUR ) 45.1 44.4 40.3 40.7 170.5
Revenue 2008 (MEUR ) 54.0 55.0 48.8 52.9 210.7
Total growth (%) -16.5% -19.3% -17.4% -23.1% -19.1%
Organic growth (%) -11.7% -16.7% -14.4% -18.3% -15.3%
 12 M
Axway Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2009
Revenue 2009 (MEUR ) 39.5 43.6 43.0 56.1 182.2
Revenue 2008 (MEUR ) 33.9 38.4 38.5 60.4 171.2
Total growth (%) 16.5% 13.5% 11.7% -7.1% 6.4%
Organic growth (%) -15.1% -13.0% -1.8% -1.1% -7.6%
 12 M
Group Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2009
Revenue 2009 (MEUR ) 271.1 273.7 253.8 295.7 1,094.3
Revenue 2008 (MEUR ) 268.7 280.9 258.5 321.4 1,129.5
Total growth (%) 0.9% -2.6% -1.8% -8.0% -3.1%
Organic growth (%) -2.6% -5.9% -3.1% -6.0% -4.5%

SOURCE: Sopra Group

Investor relations: Kathleen Bracco +33 (0)1 40 67 29 61 kbraccoclark@sopragroup.com or Press relations: Virginie Legoupil +33 (0)1 40 67 29 41 vlegoupil@sopragroup.com

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Sen. Evan Bayh to not seek re-election - MSNBC

Posted: 15 Feb 2010 08:43 AM PST

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Sen. Evan Bayh, an Indiana Democrat prominently mentioned in connection with the White House in recent years, is ready to announce he won't seek re-election, saying he's fed up with Congress.

Bayh's departure continues a recent exodus from Congress among both Democrats and Republicans, including veteran Democrats Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Patrick Kennedy of Mass. The announcements have sprung up in rapid-fire fashion amid polls showing a rising anti-incumbent fervor and voter anger over Washington partisanship, high unemployment, federal deficits and lucrative banking industry bonuses.

His retirement from a Senate seat from Republican-leaning Indiana also adds to the struggle Democrats will face this fall to prevent an erosion of the 59 votes they have in the chamber.

Party will have to scramble
The plans by the 54-year-old, two-term senator were confirmed by three Democratic officials who discussed his announcement on grounds of anonymity because it was still pending.

Bayh informed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., of his plans in a telephone conversation Monday morning, according to a one Democrat.

Bayh's name was among a handful of well-known Democrats prominently mentioned as possible vice presidential candidates in both Sen. John Kerry's 2004 run for the presidency and President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign for the White House. He was believed to have been on Obama's final list. Obama settled on then-Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware.

Bayh is serving his second six-year term in the Senate, and is a centrist Democrat from a Republican-leaning state.

Had raised millions for campaign
Bayh served two terms as Indiana's governor before winning the first of his two Senate terms in 1998. He had until recent weeks been regarded as a near certainty for re-election, having raised nearly $13 million for his campaign and facing little-known Republican opposition until national Republicans recruited Coats to enter the race.

The younger Bayh ran for governor in 1988 on a platform of fiscal responsibility, reducing what he considered to be a bloated government bureaucracy and opposing tax increases.

Bayh served two terms as Indiana's governor before winning the first of his two Senate terms in 1998.

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Can't afford to pay for tax advice? Here's where to find free help - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Posted: 15 Feb 2010 08:43 AM PST

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By Eileen Zakareckis

February 15, 2010, 11:45AM

View full sizePlain Dealer photo illustrationYou won't need paper and pencil if you fill in tax form online.If you need help preparing your taxes and can't afford to pay someone, many places offer free assistance. You must call ahead for an appointment unless noted.

AARP TAX-AIDE

Provides free tax preparation of federal and Ohio forms for low-income and senior-citizen taxpayers. AARP membership not required. Call the location to find out what days and times help is available. More information: aarp.org/money/taxaide

CUYAHOGA COUNTY

Barton Center, Lakewood, 216-221-3400.

Bedford Board of Recreation, 440-735-6573.

Brook Park Recreation Center, 216-433-1545.

Brooklyn Senior Center, 216-635-4222.

Brooklyn Heights Senior Center, 216-739-3702.

Carnegie West branch, Cleveland Public Library, 216-623-6927.

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Main Library, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-3600, Ext. 200.

Cleveland Heights Senior Center, 216-691-7377.

Columbia Mobile Home Park, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-6121.

Dwyer Memorial Senior Center, Bay Village, 440-899-3409.

Euclid City Hall, call the United Way help line, 211.

Euclid Hospital Health Center, 216-761-8555.

Euclid Public Library, 216-732-9970. Calls will be accepted between 2 and 5 p.m.

Euclid Community Center, 216-291-3902.

Fairhill Center for the Elderly, Cleveland, 216-421-1350.

Fairview Park Senior Life Office, 440-356-4439.

Garfield Heights Civic Center, 216-581-4580.

Grace Church, Middleburg Heights, 440-532-7211.

Gunning Recreation, 216-267-9945.

Highland Heights Community Center, 440-461-2440, Ext. 0.

Jefferson branch, Cleveland Public Library, 216-623-7004.

Lakewood Senior Center West, 216-521-1198.

Lyndhurst Community Center, Tri-City Consortium on Aging, 440-473-5138.

Madison branch, Lakewood Public Library, 216-228-7428.

Maple Heights Senior Center, 216-587-5481.

Mayfield Village Senior Center, 440-919-2332.

Merrick Senior Citizens Center, 216-281-4212.

North Olmsted Senior Center, 440-777-8100.

North Olmsted branch, Cuyahoga County Public Library, walk-ins only, 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Mondays.

Orange Senior Center, Pepper Pike, 216-831-8601, Ext. 5700.

Parma-Ridge branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 440-888-4300.

Parma-Snow branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, walk-ins only, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.

Rockport branch of the Cleveland Public Library, 216-623-7053.

Rocky River Public Library, 440-333-7610, Ext. 0.

Ross C. DeJohn Community Center, Mayfield Heights, 440-442-2626.

Seven Hills City Hall, appointments can be made in person at the Parma-South branch, Parma-Ridge branch and the Parma Heights branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Shaker Heights Community Center, 216-491-1360.

Solon Senior Center, 440-349-6363.

South Brooklyn branch of the Cleveland Public Library, 216-623-7067.

South Euclid Community Center, 216-291-3902.

Strongsville Senior Center, 440-580-3275.

University Heights branch library, 216-321-4700, Ext. 200.

Warrensville Heights Civic Center, 216-587-1250.

West Park branch of the Cleveland Public Library, 216-623-7102.

Westlake Senior Center, 440-899-3544.

GEAUGA COUNTY

Bainbridge Library, Chagrin Falls, 440-543-5611.

Chardon Library, 440-285-7601.

Geauga West Library, Chesterland, 440-729-4250.

LAKE COUNTY

Breckenridge Village, Willoughby, 440-942-4342, Ext. 1258.

Eastlake Library, 440-942-7880, Ext. 3.

Fairport Harbor Senior Center, 440-354-3674.

JFK Senior Center, Eastlake, 440-975-4268.

Kirtland Library, 440-256-7323.

Madison Senior Center, 440-428-6664.

Mentor Library, 440-255-8811, Ext. 3.

Mentor Senior Center, 440-974-5725.

Painesville Senior Center, 440-352-8095.

Perry Senior Center, 440-259-3772.

Wickliffe Library, 440-944-6010.

Willoughby Hills Community Center, 440-918-8730.

Willoughby Public Library, 440-942-3200, Ext. 3.

Willoughby Senior Center, 440-951-2832.

Willowick Library, 440-943-4151, Ext. 3.

LORAIN COUNTY

Amherst Public Library, 440-988-4230.

Avon Lake Library, 440-933-8128. Ext. 2.

Avon Senior Center, 440-934-2417.

Cornerstone Church, Elyria, 440-324-1202.

Grafton Public Library, 440-926-3317.

Lorain County Office on Aging, 440-326-4800.

Lorain Community Senior Center, 440-288-4040. Calls will be accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LCCC Learning Center, St. Joseph, 440-233-7240.

North Ridgeville Senior Center, 440-353-0828.

Oberlin Senior Center, 440-775-1504.

Ritter Public Library, Vermilion, 440-967-3798.

Wellington Town Hall, 440-647-4626, Ext. 5.

MEDINA COUNTY

Forest Meadow Villa Clubhouse, Medina, 330-723-9514.

Wadsworth Center for Older Adults, 330-335-1513.

PORTAGE COUNTY

Kent United Methodist Church, 330-297-4636.

Mantua Village Park Lodge, 330-297-4636.

Reed Memorial Library, Ravenna, 330-297-4636.

Streetsboro Senior Center, 330-297-4636.

SUMMIT COUNTY

Akron Main Library, 330-643-9020.

Barberton Parks & Recreation, 330-861-7135.

Barberton Public Library, 330-745-1194.

Barberton Senior Center, 330-848-6731.

Boyd Esler Springfield Senior Center, Springfield Township, 330-733-2556.

Cuyahoga Falls Public Library, 330-928-2117.

Firestone Park Library, Akron, 330-724-2126.

Goodyear branch library, Akron, 330-784-7522.

Green branch library, 330-896-9074.

Highland Square branch library, Akron, 330-376-2927.

Kenmore branch library, Akron, 330-745-6126.

Norton branch library, 330-825-7800.

Northwest Akron branch library, 330-836-1081.

Odom branch library, Akron, 330-434-8726.

Portage Lakes branch library, 330-644-7050.

Richfield Library, 330-659-4343.

Robert J. Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, walk-ins 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, appointments only Wednesdays, 330-971-8425.

Stow-Munroe Falls Library, Stow, 330-688-3295.

Tallmadge branch library, 330-633-4345.

University of Akron Student Government, 303 Carroll St., walk-ins 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

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CUYAHOGA COUNTY

Alex Community Development Corp., Cleveland, 216-707-0777.

Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center, Cleveland, 216-421-2305.

Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus, Highland Hills, 216-987-2402.

Cuyahoga Community College, Metro Campus, Cleveland, walk-ins, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays except March 6.

Cuyahoga Community College, Western Campus, Room G210, Parma, walk-ins, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Dress for Success Cleveland, 216-391-2316.

Eastman branch of the Cleveland Public Library, walk-ins, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp., Cleveland, 216-361-8400.

Famicos, Cleveland, 216-721-3217.

Hope Alliance Bible Church, Maple Heights, 216-581-2084.

Mount Pleasant Weed and Seed, Cleveland, 216-752-1464. Calls will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Old Brooklyn Neighborhood Family Services Center, 216-635-2970.

Park Village Apartments, 216-721-3217.

Slavic Village Development, call the United Way help line, 211.

Southgate Family Services Center, Maple Heights, 216-518-4959.

Warrensville Heights City Hall, 216-587-1025.

Westshore Neighborhood Family Service Center, Cleveland, 216-939-2418.

GEAUGA COUNTY

Geauga County Department On Aging, Chardon, 440-279-2130. Call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

LAKE COUNTY

Lifeline Inc., Painesville, 440-354-2148.

AKRON SUMMIT COMMUNITY ACTION INC.

Taxpayers qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credit can get free tax preparation help by appointment at the organization's Akron office. 1-866-861-6401.

OTHERS

Buckeye Area Development Corp., Cleveland, 216-491-8450.

Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, call the United Way help line, 211.

Chardon Job & Family Services, call the United Way help line, 211.

Cleveland Food Bank, call the United Way help line, 211.

Cleveland Housing Network, Cleveland, 216-881-8443.

Cleveland Saves, 6604, Detroit Ave., Cleveland, call the United Way help line, 211.

Cleveland Saves, at the Virgil Brown Neighborhood Family Service Center, Cleveland, call the United Way help line, 211.

Collinwood branch of the Cleveland Public Library, call the United Way help line, 211.

Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland-Central, 216-357-2621.

Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland-Hough, 216-421-5400.

Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland-Glenville, 216-268-1600.

Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland-Tremont, 216-858-1781.

ElCentro de Servicios Sociales, Lorain, 440-277-8235.

Elyria Public Library, West River branch, walk-ins, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays Feb. 27; March 13, 27; and April 10.

Employment & Family Services, Cleveland, 216-987-8241.

Greater St. Matthews AME Church, Lorain, walk-ins, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Harr Plaza, Elyria, walk-ins, Noon to 4 p.m. Mondays.

Independence Community Center, 216-524-7373.

Kennedy Plaza, Lorain, walk-ins, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Lorain County Labor Agency, Lorain, 440-282-7401.

Maple Heights United Methodist Church, call the United Way help line, 211.

Merrick House West, Cleveland, 216-771-5077.

Riverview Plaza, Elyria, walk-ins, 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

St. Mary School, Chardon, call the United Way help line, 211.

South Euclid Library, 216-436-2000.

Steel Valley Federal Credit Union, Cleveland, 216-741-9430.

Thompson United Methodist Church, Thompson Township, call the United Way help line, 211.

United Labor Agency, Cleveland, call the United Way help line, 211.

Virgil Brown Neighborhood Family Service Center, Cleveland, call the United Way help line, 211.

Windmere United Methodist Church, East Cleveland, call the United Way help line, 211.

WECO FUND INC.

The Cleveland nonprofit that helps low-to-moderate-income families is offering free help by appointment, in partnership with The Benefit Bank. 216-458-0250.

LOCAL TAXES

Regional Income Tax Agency, Brecksville office, 10107 Brecksville Road, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 440-526-0900 or 1-800-860-7482. No appointment necessary.

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