Locking Out Identity Thieves
Most Americans lock their doors, but identity thieves rarely climb through windows.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft happens to 9 million Americans each year. Identity thieves steal credit cards and wallets or use machines to store numbers at ATMs. Thieves also pose as companies on the phone or through e-mail, tricking people into revealing personal information. They can steal mail, taking information from pre-approved credit cards and financial statements.
People should shred personal documents, refuse to give out personal identification via phone or e-mail and avoid using passwords that feature their birth date, mother's maiden name or the last four digits of their social security number. Americans can also opt out of pre-approved credit insurance offers by calling a toll-free number or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com. You should also track your credit card information, noting late or missing bills, unexpected amount changes or letters about purchases you didn't make.
Fourth of July
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain. The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States. However, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion that "all Men are created equal," is equally beloved by the American people. Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of American independence with a spontaneous celebration, which is described in a letter by John Adams to Abigail Adams.
However, observing Independence Day only became commonplace after the War of 1812. Soon, events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with July 4th festivities. By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important secular holiday on the calendar. Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
July Monthly Chuckle
Q. What do you call two bees, a hornet, and a wasp with violins?A. A sting quartet.
Wyland Water Exhibit On Wheels
Marion County school children and their families can visit a state-of-the-art, interactive water resource center this summer that was developed by the marine artist best known for his Whaling Wall murals throughout the world. The Marion County Stormwater Division is partnering with the Wyland Foundation to bring the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center to three Marion County locations.The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days: Monday, July 21, at Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon; Tuesday, July 22, at The Boys & Girls Club, 800 S.W. 12th Ave., Ocala; and Wednesday, July 23, at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The exhibit will feature a variety of interactive activities, including a theater that uses sensory controls to simulate the transformation of visitors into a drop of water. There is no charge to visit the center and reservations are not needed.
Supervisor of Elections Announces New Web Address
The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections has now made its elections Web site easier to access. The new web address, www.VoteAlachua.com , will be easier for citizens to remember and will help them access valuable election information more quickly. Visit the Web site to access a voter registration application, update your voter information, sign up to work the polls and make requests to vote by mail. Voters can also find candidate information, election dates, deadlines, early voting information and statistics.
The former web address (http://www.elections.alachua.fl.us) will automatically redirect visitors who log on to the new address. For more information, please call the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252. Don't forget to vote during the primary election on August 26 and the general election on November 4!
July Fun Fast Fact
"31" The number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the most populous is Liberty, Mo., with a population of (29,581). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.July Famous Senior Birthdays
July 01 - Karen Black (65)July 04 - George Steinbrenner (78)
July 13 - Harrison Ford (66)
July 17 - Phyllis Diller (91)
July 19 - George McGovern (86)
July 29 - Elizabeth Dole (76)
July Quote
"Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”— Betty Friedan
AARP & Borders Team Up to Offer Discounts
AARP and Borders have just announced a long-term agreement that will provide unique benefits and discounts to AARP’s more than 39 million members. In addition to prominently displaying free AARP literature and materials on special fixtures in its superstores nationwide, Borders will provide AARP members with a 10 percent discount off the list price of paperback books and a 35 percent discount off the list price of AARP-published book titles. Borders will also host, often in conjunction with an AARP state office, free in-store events designed to provide people over 50 with informationand insights on a variety of relevant topics. For details on the new benefits, go online to www.bordersmedia.com/aarp.
