Life After 50 Expo

Veterans and Social Security

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Here is a guest column from Social Security

By Michael W. Grochowski

Social Security Regional Commissioner in Atlanta
In the United States, people do a lot to recognize and honor the heroes who serve in the Armed Forces and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. July is an appropriate month to recognize veterans and wounded warriors, as we celebrate our nation’s independence.

On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law a measure to award the U.S. Medal of Honor “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection.” The first Medal of Honor went to Private Jacob Parrott during the Civil War for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a total of 3,487 medals have been awarded.
Such recognition is important, but perhaps just as important is awarding Social Security benefits to veterans as well. Earnings for active duty military service or active duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Social Security also has covered inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) since 1988.
In fact, more than one out of five adult Social Security beneficiaries has served in the military. Veterans and their families make up 35 percent of those receiving Social Security.
If you served in the military before 1957, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but you received special credit for some of your service.
You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement. Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement benefits. You’ll get your full Social Security benefit based on your earnings.
If you served in the Armed Forces and you’re planning your retirement, you’ll want to read our publication, Military Service And Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. If you are disabled and can no longer work, you may also want to read our publication, Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors, available at the same web address. Note that Social Security offers veterans expedited processing on their applications for disability benefits.
Another reason July is significant to veterans: on July 3, 1930, Congress signed a bill to authorize the President to issue an executive order establishing the Veterans Administration, or VA. President Herbert Hoover signed Executive Order 5398 to create the VA on July 21 of that same year, 84 years ago. Learn more about the VA and types of benefits it provides at www.va.gov.
Also, you can learn more about military service and Social Security benefits by visiting the Military Service page for wounded warriors and veterans at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/veterans.htm. Social Security thanks you for your service, and we hope we can now be of service to you.
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Senior Expo a Success !

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Over 1300 Seniors turned out for the 2014 Clay county Senior Expo. This years show at the Thrasher Horne Conference Center was held on August 20.

Over 70 Vendor tables representing more than 75 organizations greeted the guests. Karaoke Joe and his cast of characters kept things moving on the Island Doctors Entertainment Stage. Programs on the Wellcare Information Stage included: Chair Yoga; Living to a Healthy 100; Support for Families at the End of Life and Where to Find Help for Seniors.

Health Screenings and giveaways highlighted the Vendor areas. Elder Source shared their RV full of information with visitors.

Plans are now under way for next year’s Senior Expo

Elder Source Seeks Clay Volunteers

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Volunteers are needed by the local Area Agency on Aging. Elder Source , a non-profit organization that serves Clay County is seeking members for their advisory council.

Advisory council members report on the needs of elderly residents in their county. They also review and comment on the agency’s Area Plan. State legislative issues are also studied. The council serves as an advocate for our aging population.

Educating the public about the needs of seniors as well as programs available is part of the responsibility of these volunteers.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of every other month. Advisory members are reimbursed for mileage to and from meetings.

For more information call Elder Source (904) 391-6600.

Clay County Senior Expo

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2014-Clay-County-Senior-Expo-Flyer

Clay Today Online
Orange Park, FL, June 26, 2014

Clay County Senior Expo Announced

The Thrasher Horne Conference Center on the campus of Saint Johns River State College will host the 2014 Clay County Senior Expo. The August 20 event will be open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This free event features free parking, an Entertainment Stage, an Information Stage, Health Screenings and over 75 vendor tables.

Last year over 1100 participants attended the inaugural event in Clay County. An even larger turnout is expected for the 2014 edition.

While the program is still being developed, the Information Stage will feature programs designed to answer questions of interest to seniors. Living to a Healthy 100 will be presented by Andre Van Heerden. A panel will discuss assistance for senior homeowners. There will be a separate room used to house the stage and its speakers.

The downstairs theater will house the Entertainment Stage. Karaoke Joe will be on hand to provide continuous music, comedy, and dancing. At least five performers will be included. As last year, line dancers, singers, and other acts will be on hand to entertain seniors. This year food and drink concessions will be available in the Entertainment Stage area. Plenty of seating and a dance oor are also in that area.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to promote area business. This year’s sponsors include: Wellcare; Island Doctors; Family Life Care; Haven Hospice; Orange Park Medical Center; MCCI; Pearle Vision; Vitas Hospice; and Nightingale Services.

Vendor opportunities are still available. For more information contact Jim Long at 904-415-0062 or email jlwin2@yahoo.com or jim.long.senior.expo@gmail.com.

Health and Fitness Self Improvement Tips

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Here are a few tips for living a healthy lifestyle.

There’s no better place to start self-improvement than with your health. After all, health is one of the most important aspects of life. Taking care of your health is the first step on the road to self-improvement.

1. Eat breakfast- start the day off right with a quick morning breakfast. Fruit and yoghurt, granola and milk or whole-wheat toast and peanut butter will ensure you start on the right foot.

2. Relax in the morning- get up a couple minutes early and savour that extra time. Enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise; take a few extra minutes to yourself in the shower; or go for a quick brisk walk around the block to get your heart pumping. There’s nothing worse than starting your day in a rush. A few minutes in the morning can make a world of difference. [Read more…]