Thank you to those who have called me and e-mailed with kind comments about this column. We’re glad you find it interesting and helpful and please don’t hesitate to give us a call (or e-mail) if you have any suggestions or questions.

Many people have called me about the article, which appeared in February, about the Citizens Energy Program. Apparently the phone number in the article was incorrect, for which I apologize.

The correct number is 1-877-563-4645 or 1-877-JOE-4-OIL. On the Web site I cannot find an expiration date for this program, so if you plan to call, I would do so soon. From my own experience I can tell you I wasn’t put on hold and the discussion was brief, and not involved at all. The person simply asked my age, my income, how many rooms I had, etc.

This program, Citizens Energy, has been in place since 1979 in Massachusetts and now extends here in Maine. This year, I did not qualify for LIHEAP but the income level for Citizens Energy is a little higher. In other words, if you made too much money to qualify for LIHEAP, you might qualify for Citizens Energy.

Thanks to several of you who contacted us about the telephone tax refund. It’s true – here is what the IRS says: Taxpayers who have telephones and have paid long distance excise tax are entitled to a one-time refund this year from the IRS. The IRS is trying to get the word out to taxpayers about this refund and how to claim it (either actual amount from 41 months of phone bills or standard amounts that the IRS has announced to make the process easier).

The IRS has also created a new Form 1040EZ-T for taxpayers, such as seniors whose income may be below the filing requirement.

Individual taxpayers can take a standard amount from $30 to $60 based on the number of exemptions they are eligible to claim on their 2006 tax return. For those who can claim:

• One exemption, the standard refund amount is $30;

• Two exemptions, the standard refund amount is $40;

• Three exemptions, the standard refund amount is $50;

• Four exemptions or more, the standard refund amount is $60.

Those of you who did not get to sign up or attend the recent A Matter of Balance program may be able to attend the next series of programs at Bridgton Community Center, Mondays and Tuesdays, April 2-30, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? If so, A Matter of Balance is a program for you.

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program developed by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University. The program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults who have concerns about falls. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in muscle weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit their interactions with family and friends. A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent. Please call. Call 396-6529 or 1-800-427-7411 ext. 529 to register or for more information.