You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2561 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Tips For Getting A Better Tax Refund (NAPSA)—It could pay to know if you qualify for a tax credit that the IRS says could put more than $5,650 into your pocket. Called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), it’s available to many low- to moderate-income individuals and families that earn less than $49,000 annually. Nationally, the IRS estimates that 25 percent of eligible taxpayers are unaware they qualify for the credit. And as income changes qualify even more people for the EITC, that percentage is expected to rise. In addition, working families with three or more children may qualify to get more money due to recent tax law changes. Getting Help With Taxes How can you tell if you or your family qualifies for the EITC? There are a number of free services to help: Free Tax Preparation Hundreds of local United Ways work with community partners to provide free tax preparation and other services at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites nationwide. Since 2006, Bank of America has invested $4.5 million to support the United Way Earned Income Tax program and launch the United Way Financial Stability Partnership. The bank has expanded support for free tax preparation services to 61 cities, contributing to the completion of more than 1.1 million free tax returns and more than $1.2 billion in total tax refunds to lowerincome families. In addition, bank associates volunteer their time to help working individuals and families claim valuable tax refunds. United Way also partners with the Walmart Foundation, One Economy and National Disability Institute to make free tax prepara- Many people qualify for a tax credit worth more than $5,650 but do not know it. tion more accessible to lowerincome working families. By providing a free self-preparation option for federal and state taxes for families that earn less than $58,000, United Way is increasing the number of working families that access the EITC and avoid costly filing fees. As part of this partnership, Walmart sponsored the creation of the MyFreeTaxes.com tour that will visit 30 cities nationwide to promote the service and train people to complete and file their taxes online. The Walmart Foundation is also supporting 91 volunteerassisted tax preparation campaigns across the country. Combined, this effort will help return $1 billion in total tax refunds to qualifying, low-income families throughout the U.S. Last year, this partnership contributed to the completion of more than 650,000 tax returns, for a total of $950 million in tax refunds and a savings of $45 million in tax preparation fees. Where to Find Free Tax Preparation You can dial 2-1-1 to find out where to get free tax prep help or to learn more about tax preparation programs. You can also visit www.myfreetaxes.com. For The Birds (NAPSA)—Americans love their feathered friends—with 65 million people feeding the birds that visit their backyards. A new book offers these backyard birders some ideas to tweet about. “For the Birds” contains 50 all-natural recipes—from fruity favorites to beak-smacking suets and enticing nectars—to delight steady backyard Lure birds with guests and lure h o m e m a d e a variety of new species as well. healthy treats. No exotic ingredients are required. Here’s a recipe to help birds produce healthy eggs. CALCIUM FEAST 3 cups wild birdseed or homemade seed mix 3–5 eggs (shells only) Rinse the shells and put them on a cookie sheet to bake at 350F (177C) until dry. Use a rolling pin or spoon to crush them into fine pieces and sprinkle them into your seed mixture. Fill a tube feeder with this calcium-enhanced seed or serve in a tray feeder. Yields: 3 cups You’ll find more recipes like this as well as tips on how to make recycled feeders using coconuts, grapefruits, muffin tins or apple boxes. Easy-to-read charts also let readers know which plants, feeders and nesting boxes are best for the types of birds they want to attract. “For the Birds” is published by Reader’s Digest and is available wherever books are sold. Romantic Dinner Update: Lamb Is For Lovers (NAPSA)—A meal can be more than mouthwatering when you prepare it with the right ingredients. Plan your menu around lamb and the delicious results will provide a romantic dinner for two. Whether you opt for the showstopping rack or tender-loving loin chops, the following recipes for American Lamb Loin Chops and Red Chile Grits will make this a meal to remember: American Lamb Loin Chops with Creamy Red Chile Grits Courtesy of Chef Tim Love Serves 2 2-5 oz. American Lamb Loin Chops 2 oz. olive oil 1 clove of garlic, minced Kosher salt to taste Cracked black pepper to taste Heat cast-iron or heavybottomed saucepan over medium-high heat until hot and barely smoking. Brush lamb chops with olive oil and minced garlic. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Place on pan for 3 minutes a side or until medium-rare. Remove lamb chops from pan and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve with creamy red chile grits. These delicious lamb chops with creamy red chile grits are a delicious way to woo your loved one. 4 cloves roasted garlic 1 small red onion, medium dice 1 tablespoon butter 4 cups chicken stock cup heavy cream 1 cup grits 2 cups shredded manchego cheese cup chopped chives Salt and pepper to taste In a hot sauce pot, add olive oil, roasted peppers, garlic and onion. Stir until well incorporated, then add butter. Melt the butter down, then add chicken stock and cream and bring to a boil. After liquid comes to a boil, turn down the heat to medium-low and stir in grits and cheese. Keep stirring thoroughly until the grits are cooked all the way. Add chives, salt and pepper. Red Chile Grits 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 fire-roasted red bell peppers, skins peeled and seeded, medium dice Fans of lamb can find more recipes at www.americanlamb.com and follow @FANofLAMB on Twitter to stay in the know on lamb recipe news and events.