March 1st Deadline Approaching for Social Security Direct Deposits

Social Security is switching to electronic payments for benefits. The Social Security Administration states that you must sign up for direct deposit of payments by March 1, 2013. You can do this online or at your bank. In addition, if you are already getting benefits by paper checks, you can contact the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1 (800) 333-1795 (English) or 1 (800) 333-1792 (Spanish).

Florida State Fair 2013

The theme for this year's Florida State Fair is "Discover the Fun" and the fair runs from February 7th through February 18th. This fair celebrates the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Juan Ponce De León in Florida. The State Fair’s “COWquistador” logo is a tribute to the European’s influence in the Sunshine State, and is a symbol of the state’s rich agricultural heritage.  The old favorites are back - learn about Florida history in "Cracker Country", watch the livestock shows and horse shows, and get new craft ideas at the Arts and Crafts Showcase. In addition, there are many free special attractions and daily shows, including:

• new Florida Cattlemen’s Ranching Museum
• Discover Florida” - a Broadway-style musical performance
• Discovery Center by the Tampa History Center
• Sandtastic Sand Sculpture
• Mounted Police Training and Exhibit
• lawnmower races

By clicking on a particular day in the events calendar, you can see a list of fair events for that day.  Although some concert events require an additional charge for tickets, you can click here for over 100 free things to do at the fair. The gates open at 10 am. The admission cost is lower for Seniors on "Senior Days" (see below).

Senior Days

February 11th-14th

55+ Gate Admission $8.00

Advance Tickets $6.00

New "Sandwich Generation" Report

 The Pew Research Center has just published a study about the Sandwich Generation. This generation is 40-59 years of age and many of them are responsible for caring for both their own children and their aging parents. The Pew study surveyed 2,511 adults in this age group. They found that nearly half of the people surveyed have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child (age 18 or older). In addition, about 15% of middle-aged adults are providing financial support to both a child and an aging adult. Here are some additional findings:

• 75% say adults have a responsibility to provide financial assistance to an elderly parent who is in need.
• 52% say parents have a similar responsibility to support a grown child.
• Among all adults with at least one parent age 65 or older, 30% say their parent or parents need help to handle their affairs or care for themselves.
• Among those whose parents need care, 31% say they provide most of this help, and an additional 48% say they provide at least some of the help. 

You can access the full report here. 


http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/01/30/the-sandwich-generation/

Online Social Security Changes

The Social Security Administration changed their online account system on January 5, 2013. The new system is called "My Social Security" and it can be accessed here. If you had an account on the previous system, you will need to set up a new account. To set up the account, you will need to verify some information about yourself and you will need the following: 

• valid E-mail address
• a Social Security number
• a U.S. mailing address
• To be at least 18 years of age.

What can you do with this online account? You can get your verification letter, earnings record, benefit information, change your address or phone number, change your direct deposit information. If you do not yet receive benefits, you can review your earnings record and estimate your retirement benefits. Note that Social Security is switching to electronic payments for benefits. The Social Security Administration states that you must sign up for direct deposit of payments by March 1, 2013. You can do this online (see above) or at your bank.

Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest

The Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd at the Florida State Fairgrounds from 10am - 3:00pm. Admission is free, but there is a $3 parking fee. The event will feature:

• Free Health Screenings
• Live Music
• Senior Friendly Sports Center
• free coffee and goodies
• free bingo and giveaways

             Florida State Fairgrounds
             Special Events Building
             4800 Hwy 301 N. , Tampa, FL 33610
             (Martin Luther King entrance)

The Jan/Feb Issue of the Elder Update is available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes articles about:

• How Social Security can help you when a family member dies
• World Diabetes Day
• Vision and Aging
• Caregiving
• Medicare coverage of vaccines
• Statewide Medicaid managed long-term care

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here.

Upcoming Pasco County Library Programs

Would you like to join a knitting group, attend a Senior Social, or learn Tai Chi exercises? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

  Fri, Jan 4th, 18th, 25th, and Feb 1st at 11:00am              
    Introduction to Tai Chi
     Hudson Regional Library
 The Taoist Tai Chi Society returns to provide introductory instruction on the art of Tai Chi. Please consult with your physician before starting any exercise program. Registration is required.
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040

  Every Tuesday at 5:45pm
     Ruby's Tuesdays
     Hudson Regional Library
 A fun group that likes to knit! From the beginner to the advanced, this group is for everyone. Bring your yarn and needles and join the fun.
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040

Wed, Jan 9th at 2:00pm
     Senior Social
     New River Library
Card games and Wii bowling for age 50+. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375


  Fri, Jan 4th, 11th, 18th, and and 25th at 11:00am
     Knitters for Charity
     Hudson Regional Library
 Come join this fun group as they knit different items for different charities. .
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040

Thurs, Jan 10th at 6:00pm
     Knitting Club
     New River Library
 Learn basic knitting techniques. Please bring a pair of size 8 knitting needles and a ball of #4 yarn. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Also, many branches offer other computer classes and book discussions. You can contact your local branch to register for these free classes.