Hempstead Town Notebook: VITA Program, India Republic Day

VITA Program Announced

The Town of Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment is offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to help senior citizens prepare their income tax returns. The free program is being offered to seniors at various local libraries and senior centers.

All VITA tax preparers are resident volunteers who have been trained by the Department of Senior Enrichment in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Seniors who attend one of the tax preparation sessions must bring their 2010 tax return, W2 form, 1099 form (for interest, dividends, capital gains, pensions, IRAS and annuities), 2011 general and school tax receipts, STAR exemption records, social security cards and photo identification. Required documents also include itemized expenses (if applicable), such as medical and prescription bills, mortgage interest, contributions and/or insurance premiums. Residents may be asked to complete additional paperwork at their session.

To view a VITA Program schedule, seniors should call the Town of Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100 or visit the VITA webpage.

Town Hosts Ninth Annual India Republic Day

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino and the town board hosted Long Island's only India Republic Day Commemoration on Jan. 31. This holiday marks the establishment of India as a republic and its liberation from British rule.

For Hempstead Town’s Ninth Annual India Republic Day Ceremony, Murray and Santino presented Dr. Kishore Kuncham and Rizwan Qureshi, two premier Indian-Americans, with special awards in honor of all that they do for the community.

Dr. Kishore Kuncham, of North Bellmore, is the Superintendent of the Freeport School District. He has proven to be a strong and caring leader, visionary and a fierce advocate for children.

Dr. Kuncham has had critical involvement in various educational initiatives such as the implementation and opening of the first magnet schools on Long Island, class size reduction and the design and opening of a brand new elementary school.

Under his leadership, the school district's bond rating soared from one of the lowest in the state to one of the highest, participation in college preparation testing has more than doubled and the graduation rate has increased to its highest in years.

Rizwan Qureshi, of East Meadow, is currently senior executive vice president of Habib American Bank, a multi-state bank with headquarters in New York. He oversees branch network operations and compliance, informational technology and human resources.

Prior to working at Habib, Mr. Qureshi worked at Chase Manhattan Bank and was an adjunct professor at Hofstra University. He is a charter member of Long Island Import Export Association and is a member of various professional organizations, trade groups and community organizations.