Write to know: Tax deadline is back to April this year

Selling a 1960s clarinet

Dear Write to Know: I have a Bundy clarinet that I believe is in very good condition and dates back to the 1960s. I would like to know where I can have it appraised and possibly sold on the Cape. 774-521-3590.

M. B., Mashpee

Dear M.B.: You can try Charlie’s Music, 14 Plant Road, in Hyannis. They do musical repair, sales and service. To contact them, call 508-775-6770 or check out their website at charliesmusic.com. A quick perusal of eBay shows used Bundy clarinets ranging between $100 and $150. If a local musician is interested in your clarinet, we hope you receive some calls. Thanks for writing in.

Tax deadline back to April

Dear Write to Know: When is the deadline for filing our taxes this year? I know there was an extension last year. Any help would be appreciated.

C.W., Orleans

Dear C.W.: The deadline to file and pay taxes this year is April 18; however, taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 19 to file their returns due to the Patriots’ Day holiday in those states according to irs.gov. The 2022 tax filing season starts on Jan. 24.

Looking for crutches on a budget

Dear Write to Know: My husband and I live on a fixed income and have no way to pay for medical supplies. Since I sprained my ankle recently, I am in need of a pair of crutches. Do you have any advice? Thanks so much for your help.

S. R., Centerville

Dear S.R.: The Christ the King Parish thrift shop on Route 28 in Cotuit has a large collection of crutches available. For shoppers who need crutches, you can keep them, pass them on, or return them to the thrift shop. You might try area senior centers. They often have surplus crutches and walkers available. The Barnstable Senior Center is located at 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis. They can be reached at 508-862-4750. Good luck!

Year-round care for holiday poinsettia

Dear Write to Know: I received a lovely poinsettia plant for Christmas this year. I would love to extend its life beyond the holiday season. Any tips? Thanks.

R.S., Falmouth

Dear R.S.: We checked with gardeningknowhow.com to find out how to care for your poinsettia plant after Christmas. Your poinsettia should receive at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. For continual bloom after Christmas, the plant needs day temperatures of 65 and 70 degrees with slightly cooler temperatures at night. Keep it above 60 degrees to avoid leaf drop. Continue your normal watering routine until the beginning of April, then allow it to dry gradually. Around the middle of April or May, cut the stems back to four inches above the soil and repot in a larger container with fresh, sterile potting soil. Water and put back in a sunny window. In early summer, you can move the plant outdoors. Once it’s cool in the fall, bring it back indoors. Keep your poinsettia in complete darkness for 12 to 14 hours a day from early October to Thanksgiving. By Thanksgiving, place in a sunny place for six hours daily. Reduce water and fertilize. By Christmas, it should be blooming again.

NOTES TO READERS

To L.L., Dennis Port: A reader sent this in: If you’re looking for vaccine sites near you, you can visit vaxfinder.mass.gov. There is also a link on this site if you need to look for testing sites.

GIVEAWAYS

Dear Write to Know: I have an oak entertainment center to giveaway. Size is L=54", D=21", H=50". Call 508-477-3249.

W.A., Mashpee

Write your problem, sign your name, give your address, telephone number, and send it to: Write to Know, Cape Cod Times, 319 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601, or email wtk@capecodonline.com. Please note: We accept listings for giveaway items only, no items for sale. No telephone inquiries are accepted.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: WTK: Finding crutches, this year's tax deadline, appraising a clarinet