CARBONDALE - September 11, 2013. On the 12^th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is encouraging Illinois residents to participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

"As we pause to remember the tragedy that changed our nation forever, let us remember the extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness demonstrated by first responders," said Simon. "It is fitting that we honor these fire fighters, law enforcement officers and medical personnel who risked their own lives to save strangers, by taking time to serve others."

Simon is urging residents throughout Illinois to participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, which was started in 2002. The service day is a means of honoring the men and women who responded to the attacks with sacrifice and compassion. Sept. 11 was officially designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed by President Obama.

"Today is a day to reflect and dedicate ourselves to helping others," said Simon. "By remembering the victims and honoring survivors through service in our communities, we are building a stronger tomorrow."

To learn more about Sept. 11 volunteer opportunities, or to learn about the more than 250,000 service projects available throughout the year, visit www.Serve.gov.

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Too many people end up getting less than what's due them from Social Security when they retire because they don't know the rules and the real financial impacts, says independent retirement advisor Gary Marriage, Jr.

"There's a lot of talk about the future of Social Security, but we still have this benefit and if you're 50 or older, you should be planning to make the best use of it," Marriage says.

Marriage, CEO of Nature Coast Financial Advisors (www.naturecoastfinancial.com), which specializes in maximizing retirees' finances, shares important facts to keep in mind as you plan for how Social Security will factor in your retirement:

•  "Can I convince you to wait a few more years?" Many people are understandably eager to retire as early as possible; others fear Social Security retirement benefits will suddenly vanish, so they want to get what they can as quickly as possible - at age 62. But if you're counting on those benefits as part of your income, you should wait until you're eligible for the full amount. That's age 66 if you were born 1943-54, and age 67 if you were born in 1960 and later. If you're in the older group, retiring at 62 cuts your benefits by a quarter; for the younger group it's nearly a third. "Chances are, you'll be better of mentally and physically if you wait anyway," Marriage says. "Many studies show that people live longer and are more vital the longer they remain employed; more importantly."

• The reductions in Social Security add up to a considerable sum. The average retirement benefit in June of this year was 1,222.43, according to the Social Security Administration. People born in the 1943-54 group who are eligible for that amount at age 66 will get just $916.82 a month if they retire at 62. If they live to age 90, that's a total of $308,052.36. By waiting just four years, they'll net an additional $44,007.48. Waiting until age 70 can make you eligible for a bump in benefits - up to 8 percent a year - but there are no increases if you delay longer.

• If divorced, were you married for at least 10 years? Were you married for a decade and aren't currently remarried? You may be eligible to received benefits based on the former spouse's work record. Here are some of the other requisites: you must be age 62 or older, and the former spouse must be entitled to receive his or her own benefits. If the former spouse is eligible for a benefit, but has not yet applied for it, the divorced spouse can still receive a benefit. Additionally, two years must pass after the divorce.

About Gary Marriage

Gary Marriage, Jr. is the founder and CEO of Nature Coast Financial Advisors, which educates retirees on how to protect their assets, increase their income, and reduce their taxes. Marriage is a national speaker, delivering solutions for pre-retirees, business owners and seniors on the areas affecting their retirement and estates. He is an approved member of the National Ethics Bureau, and is featured in "America's Top Hometown Financial Advisors 2011." Marriage is also the founder of Operation Veteran Aid, an advocate for war-time veterans and their families.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening after President Obama addressed the nation regarding Syria.  Earlier today, Loebsack questioned Administration officials at a House Armed Service Committee hearing about what the results of a strike would be. Yesterday, Loebsack viewed classified materials and received classified briefings. He has also encouraged Iowans to visit his website, http://loebsack.house.gov/syria, to share their thoughts about the situation in Syria.

"I think the Administration has been moving too quickly on Syria and am pleased that the vote to authorize the use of force has been taken off the table at this time. The use of chemical weapons against civilians is morally reprehensible and should be unequivocally condemned by the international community. While I remain skeptical of the prospects for success of the proposed diplomatic plan, we should always examine any diplomatic option that is presented. At this point I cannot support the use of unilateral U.S. military force in Syria. Too many pieces of the puzzle are left on the table to authorize such a dramatic step. After more than a decade of war during which time our troops and military families have made great sacrifices on our behalf, we must exercise extreme caution in undertaking any military action."

Thanks to an extensive new partnership with WVIK-Augustana Public Radio, this season's Signature Series has expanded to five concerts. Each concert is to be performed in Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall and rebroadcast on WVIK the following Sunday.

Tickets for these concerts can be purchased online at www.qcsymphony.com, at 563.322.QCSO (7276), or at the door.

Rachmaninoff Sonata for Piano and Cello
Saeunn Thorsteindottir, cello; Benjamin Loeb, piano

 
Sunday, November 10, at 3:00 p.m.
Sybarite5
Sponsored by The Planning Center
Quad City Arts Visiting Artist

 
Sunday, January 26, at 3:00 p.m.
Mozart Woodwind Quintet
Christine Bellomy, clarinet; Benjamin Coelho, basson;
Mary Neil, piano; Andrew Parker, oboe; Marc Zyla, horn

 
Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Amadeus Trio
Sponsored by Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes
Quad City Arts Visiting Artist

 
Sunday, May 18, 3:00 p.m.
Bartok Contrasts for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano
Naha Greenholtz, violin
Kyle Knox, clarinet
Benjamin Loeb, piano