July 14, 2006

NEWS BRIEFS

Windermere Real Estate Associates trade in cell phones for
paint brushes during 22nd Annual Community Service Day

Windermere Real Estate celebrated its 22nd annual Community Service Day on June 16 by taking on hundreds of service projects in neighborhoods all across the Western United States.

In the San Jose community of Evergreen, Windermere Town & Country Properties’ agents and staff devoted the day to servicing the East Valley Family YMCA by painting Kuzia Teen Center.

Windermere Town & Country Properties has a developing relationship with the East Valley Family YMCA, having been actively involved with their recent community events. A sponsor of their 5K Fun Run/Walks to promote “10,000 steps to a healthier you,” the local Evergreen office also partnered with the East Valley Family YMCA to sponsor First Tee of San Jose Parent/Child Golf Tournament on June 18, in addition to their Community Service Day project.

“Giving back to the communities in which we live and work is a core value for Windermere Real Estate and its associates,” said Denise Morris, owner of Windermere Town & Country Properties. “We’re so excited to forge this partnership with the local YMCA. It’s a great opportunity to roll up our sleeves and spend an entire day making a significant difference in our local Evergreen community.”

Created in 1984, Windermere’s Community Service Day is nationally recognized as a model hands-on volunteer program. The company commits to community involvement throughout the year with agents and staff dedicating personal funds and time to the Windermere Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization supporting children and families in need. In 2005, the Foundation raised over $2 million to support a number of service programs aimed at these populations.

City of San Jose Offers Assistance to Applicants
Free help is being offered in preparing Homeowner and Renter Assistance claim forms by the City of San Jose Department of Parks and Recreation and Neighborhood Services. In order to qualify for assistance, applicants must be 62 years or older, be blind or disabled with an income below $40,811 in 2005.

This will allow qualified individuals to receive a rebate from the State of California based on a percentage of the property taxes paid on a home or based on a portion of the property taxes that one pays indirectly, when paying rent. Homeowners are eligible to receive up to $472 and renters are eligible to receive up to $347.

This free program will take place starting Monday, July 3 and will last until Friday, October 13, 2006. Over 25 public sites throughout the City of San Jose will offer assistance at various times.

To locate a site that fits your needs and to make an appointment, call the Office on Aging at (408) 979-7906. Be prepared to provide last year’s claim form, if you filed this year’s claim form with a label, if available, and proof of 2005 income and 2005-2006 property tax bill, if you are a homeowner.