IRS-TRAINED VOLUNTEERS OFFER FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION TO SENIORS\COMMUNITY COLUMN.

Byline: Virginia Gonzalez Daily News Staff Writer

Free tax assistance for taxpayers 60 and older is available through April 15 at senior citizen centers and other locations throughout the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys.

Sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and the State Franchise Tax Board, the program is staffed by IRS-trained volunteers, according to Gunter Altman, the East San Fernando Valley program coordinator.

Seniors interested in using the services need to immediately reserve a spot for the service by calling the location they will be filing at, Altman said.

Seniors also must bring current tax records, the tax booklet and a copy of their 1994 income tax return to the office where they will file their form.

Services will be provided at: the Bernardi Multi-Purpose Senior Center at 6514 Sylmar Ave. in Van Nuys, [phone]; East Valley Senior Center at 5000 Colfax Ave. in North Hollywood, [phone] and the Mid-Valley Senior Center at 14450 Valerio St. in Van Nuys, [phone].

Other locations are: Panorama Mall at 8401 Van Nuys Blvd. in Panorama City, [phone]; office of Assemblyman Richard Katz at 9140 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys, [phone]; Pacoima Multi-Purpose Senior Center at 11300 Glenoaks Blvd. in Pacoima, [phone]; Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center at 22900 Market St. in Newhall, [phone], and the Van Nuys Federal Building, Rooms 1 and 7 at 6230 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys (no appointment is necessary).

Teri McHale, a Southern California trainer for the anti-drug Project ALERT, recently was recognized at a national conference by former first lady Nancy Reagan for her dedication in the area's drug abuse prevention education.

McHale trains instructors who provide drug prevention programs for middle school students through Project ALERT, a 14-lesson program taught by educators nationwide, said Katy Gould who represents the organization.

Congressman Howard Berman will be the guest speaker at a Gray Panthers meeting 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Studio City Unitarian Church.

Berman will discuss local issues, including the budget, at the group's monthly meeting, according to Bea Carmel, the program's chairwoman.

Studio City Unitarian Church is located at 12355 Moorpark St.

For information, contact Berman's local office at [phone].

Do you have news in your neighborhood? If so, please send the information to Virginia Gonzalez, Daily News editorial department, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91365-4200. FAX: [phone].