Featured Stories

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

What age should you file for Social Security benefits? It’s one of the most critical decisions you’ll make that affects long-term retirement security.

According to the CDC, by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 years and older is estimated to be 71.5 million, more than double what it is now. That is larger than the current combined population of the entire states of California, Texas, and New Jersey!

Left: Leola “Lee” Taylor celebrating her 70th birthday.  She is staying fit and healthy by following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother by volunteering, eating right and exercising.

TNCP photos 

LANSING, MI — Leola Taylor, who is known in the neighborhood as “Queen Mother Nana Lee” and to the community as “Lee Taylor”, knew something was brewing but could not quite put her finger on it.  All of the questions from family members and covert activities had her suspicious but she did not find out that her loved ones planned a special 70th birthday party until she walked through the doors of the room.

Home cooking for a new generation. Easy and elegant recipes from the heart and soul created for today’s family.

By Sharon Fox

Sauce:

3/4 cup light sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

…2 tablespoons prepared white horseradish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon soy sauce

A window box adapted to a railing is ideal for creating a small-space garden on a porch or deck.

By Sean Conway
Tribune Media Services

A daily walk through the garden to harvest a few vine-ripened tomatoes, some peppers or a handful of aromatic basil is a dream come true for anyone who enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or the space to cultivate a large vegetable garden. If you fall into that category, but still yearn to harvest fresh ingredients for a summertime meal, all you need to do is change your idea of what a garden should look like.

Question: How do I show proof of my Social Security benefit amount?

Answer: Here are four ways:
o    You can use your SSA-1099 form as proof of your income if you receive Social Security benefits;
o    You can use your annual notice that tells you your benefit amount for the year as verification of your current benefits;
o    The fastest, easiest, and most convenient way is to go online and request a Proof of Income Letter at www.socialsecurity.gov/bene; and
o    You may call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.