Did you know the land surrounding Brucemore was originally developed as the first golf course in Cedar Rapids? Or that the world-famous artist Grant Wood designed windows, murals, and woodwork, leaving his mark on the interiors of several Cedar Rapids homes? Listen to fascinating stories about the rich history and architecture of the neighborhood just outside Brucemore's gates on the Historic Neighborhood Walk - Thursday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $15 per person and $12 per Brucemore member and includes a Historic Neighborhood Tour flipbook. Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.

The Historic Neighborhood Walk is part of Brucemore's Thursday Night Lineup. Every Thursday night Brucemore will feature a different specialty tour focusing on topics for all interests, including arts and culture, Midwestern industry, gardening, landscape design, architecture, preservation, behind-the-scenes at Brucemore, and growing up in the early twentieth century. For more information on the Thursday Night Lineup or upcoming events, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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TIPTON, Iowa?The Hardacre Theater Preservation Association (HTPA) will host a town hall-style informational meeting, open to the public, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Hardacre Theater in Tipton. The meeting will offer an open panel discussion to provide an update on steps being taken to save Tipton's Hardacre Theater and an opportunity for the public to voice questions and concerns regarding the future of the theater.

Currently, the HTPA is awaiting approval of its 501(c)3 tax-exempt status application, in order  to operate as a nonprofit organization. This will help the HTPA apply for grants to supplement donations from the community as it prepares to purchase and renovate the building. Also, 501(c)3 status would give the HTPA the ability to provide tax deductions for donations. Contributors who do not require a tax deduction for their donation are encouraged to donate at any time.

"While the HTPA is made up of a small group of organizers, we'd like to remind residents of Tipton and surrounding areas that this is a community-wide effort and it cannot be done without the support of the community," said Greg Brown, HTPA president. "Completion of a successful campaign would not only ensure the future of the Hardacre Theater but also a downtown location for all types of performing arts?filmed entertainment and live performances?that would culturally enhance the area for generations to come. The HTPA invites the community to join in on this mission to bring this vision to reality."

To find out how you can help or to make a commitment to save the Hardacre, please visit the HTPA website: www.thehardacre.org. An online pledge form is available on the website, as well as a printable form that can be mailed to: Hardacre Theater Preservation Association, P.O. Box 344, Tipton, Iowa, 52772.

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.