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What do you do when your family members’ situation dramatically changes so that they cannot maintain their independence without assistance? What if it happens to a friend or neighbor? In what ways can we create more interdependent communities?

Enjoying a comfortable retirement is everyone’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting people through life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age.” There are benefits to either decision, pun intended.

We ALF residents were all in our places waiting for dinner when the announcement was made explaining that several areas of our abode would be painted including the laundry rooms (don’t try to do your wash and if the staff does it for you, it won’t be done) the stairwell (take the elevator and don’t slide down the banister) and the hallway walls (close your doors or plug your noses).

Tax time is fast approaching. Preparing your documents can seem overwhelming. Some forms and paperwork might be difficult to track down. Social Security has made it easy to track down your annual Benefit Statement.

I had just returned to my ALF from a brodate at a local coffee house. I was about to sign-in, so I glanced at the clock . It was 4:00PM. To my surprise, I was greeted by the caregiver who had been on the morning shift, which began at 6:00 AM. She was supposed to end her shift at 2:00 PM.

Picture, if you can, a man standing with the skin of his chest pierced with wooden pegs tied to leather thongs which are then attached to a pole. The man leans away from the pole putting weight on the skin. The man is a Native American Sun Dancer, and for at least 15 years, that man was Frank Alby. Now 81, Frank doesn’t dance anymore, but he still participates in this sacred ceremony while other men dance. Frank’s participation in the Sun Dance was the culmination of a journey to understand and learn about his heritage as a Native American.

For veterans and active duty members of the military who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to. If you know any wounded veterans, please let them know about Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors .

" We will introduce a new administrator to you, once she or he is chosen," or words to that effect, spoken to the residents of my ALF by the Big Boss.

There is nothing like an aroma from childhood to make one feel at home, and so it’s not surprising that Luul and Tekle, who were both born in Eritrea, love to make African coffee from scratch including roasting the beans themselves on the stovetop. Another nod to their roots is the picture of an African nomad and family in their living room who are also enjoying the delicious brew.

Every worker’s dream is having a secure retirement to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow. Part of that commitment is ensuring you have the most up-to-date information when you make your retirement decisions.