The Anniston Star ● Sunday, March 24, 2013 ● Page 6E
SUNDAY RECORD YOUR GUIDE TO PUBLIC RECORDS AND VITAL STATISTICS IN CALHOUN COUNTY BANKRUPTCIES
DEATHS Verna Latham Abney, Fruithurst Asa Monroe Allred Jr., Cedar Bluff John Arrington, Ranburne Ernest H. “Ern” Blanton, Heflin Robert Jack Burgess, Anniston Emily Rose Cassidy, Anniston Earline Caver, Anniston Ruth Ann Conkle, Atlanta Junior Cox, Ashland Retired COL Giles F. Crider, Jacksonville Donald Oneal Douglas, Anniston Lynell Burt Dunaway, Anniston Ruthie Estelle, Talladega Inez P. Evans, Oxford David Marshal Fulton, Centre Jerrell K. Godwin, Munford SSG Carmelo E. Gomez, Atlanta Billy Greene, Anniston Tom J. Hand, Micaville Annie Hicks Heard, Anniston Frances J. Horton, Oxford Idella C. Hughes, Anniston Ruth H. Johnson, Anniston Arnold “Edgar” Jones, Saks Annie Ruth Winn Law, Piedmont Merrill Lowery, Fayetteville, Ga. Priscilla Princess Moore, Anniston Un Che Hong Newman, Oxford
Antonia G. Olivas, Oxford Mary Frank Powell, Ashland Peggy Jackson Rice, Lineville John Michael Richards, Gaylesville Rachel Louise Richardson, Centre Myrteal B. Roberts, Oxford Franklin Jerome Rushing Sr., Anniston Howard T. Sartain Sr., Georgia Anthony Shawn Self, Anniston Eugene Thomas Shellnutt, Roanoke Mona Darlene Singer, Jacksonville Geraldine Richardson Snead, Cedar Bluff Bernard C. “B.C.” Spurlin, Lineville Laura Stewart, Woodland Reba Inez StricklandIngram, Anniston Vincent Jesse Studdard, Centre Lamar Swain, Talladega Wayne Tuck, Georgia Dwight Waites, Pell City Lillie M. Walker, Bynum Hannah M. Wallace, Vincent Delores Dueitt Whiddon, Roanoke Hazel W. Williamon, Jacksonville Kathleen Goff Windhorn, South Carolina Vaudie Maxine Woods Yates, Anniston
RATE OF BANKRUPTCIES 30 25 25
26
20 15
17
10
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the debtor to retain certain exempt property, but the debtor’s remaining property is gathered and sold by a trustee from which creditors will receive payment. It may also be used by businesses which wish to terminate their business. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables debtors, through court supervision and protection, to propose and carry out a repayment plan under which creditors are paid, in full or in part, in installments over a three-year period. During that time, debtors are prohibited from starting or continuing collection efforts. The following bankruptcies declared by Calhoun County residents were recorded by U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Alabama last week:
Chapter 7 • Phillip S. McCain, Kirkseys Bend Road, Ohatchee • Phillip Ray Ballentine and Jessica L. Ballentine, Alexandria-Jacksonville Highway, Jacksonville • Carissa Hudson, Sunset Drive, Weaver • Dorothy Coleman, Mulberry Avenue, Anniston • Laurie L. Rast, Glenwood Terrace, Anniston • Peter Jeffrey Quigley, Medders Street, Anniston • Scotty R. Coppett Sr. and Melissa D. Coppett, Hollingsworth Drive, Wellington • Regina M. Jones, Striplin Drive, Anniston
Chapter 13
• Jaban Bruce Lancaster of Anniston to April Deanna Barker of Anniston • Mark Daniel Rogers of Anniston to Kelli Danielle Bailey of Anniston • Johnathan Dewayne Ledbetter of Eastaboga to Lucretia Shay Trapp of Eastaboga • Onterrius Marquez Evans of Talladega to Brittany Renee Siders of Anniston • Benjamin Craig Miller of Washington, D.C., to Laurie Shea Snider of Washington, D.C. • Michael Terrell Turner of Anniston to Tonja Wynette Peoples of Anniston • Thomas Bradley Yates of Eastaboga to Amanda Michelle George of Eastaboga • Morgan Edward Polk of Sylacauga to Mystikal Jo Lopez of Sylacauga • Timothy Gene Heathershaw of Huntsville to Julie Annette Taylor of Huntsville • Jack Edward Blankenship of Newell to Amy Joy Rogerson of
Piedmont • Brian Adam Traywick of Oxford to Alishia Nicole Doby of Oxford • Keenan Whitfield Browne of Jacksonville to Lakisha Domonique Snipes of Jacksonville • James Kavadis Montrel Rudolph of Anniston to Shanique Sherrell Patterson of Oxford • Michael Wayne Reaves of Anniston to Carrie Elizabeth Jenkins of Anniston • William Scott Clay of Anniston to Brittany Dawn Palmer of Anniston • Travis Jeremaine Varner of Anniston to Stacey Sh’vone Sillmon of Anniston • Hugh Jeffrey Abernathy of Jacksonville to Kristin Paige Jenkins of Jacksonville • Stephen Ross Ramey of Alexandria to Tracy Diann Ramey of Alexandria • Karl Jordan Roberts of Norfolk, Va., to Briana Dawn Sanderson of Norfolk, Va.
DIVORCES
• Lawrence E. Langley and Lisa A. Langley, Post Oak Road, Alexandria • Jo Ann Drake, Anniston • Dallas Holbrooks and Brenda Holbrooks, West 42nd Street, Anniston
• Carolyn Kent Naiman and Rodney Bryan Naiman • Elmer W. Ford III and Sheri L. Ford • Gregory Kyle Haney INCORPORATIONS and Christina Haney • Richard Brown and • Conway Services Care LLC Theresa Brown LLC Dissolved • Courtney Mayne and • Jennifer Nails LLC Dennis Scott Mayne • Newman Indus• Entertainment • Morgan Bearden and trial Supply LLC Stop Inc. Mildred Ann Bearden • Virtualsphere LLC • High Plains Vend• John Hennington ing LLC • Greenline Lawn and Shirley M. Hen-
nington • Tammi M. Grace and Jonathan Lee Grace • Dale Hinkle and Linda Hinkle • Charles Dane Pace and Hollie Yvonne Pace • Stanley Caver and Linda Anne Caver • Michael Hill and Britaney Hill • Tammy Elaine Stiles and Scott Nelson Stiles
MAKE THIS!
11
52 weeks ago
Last week
CATTLE SALE
Here is the livestock market report for the Tuesday sale. Receipts for this week 657 compared to 472 last week. Receipts a year ago 551.
FEEDER CLASSES:
Bulls and steers (Medium and Large No. 1 and No. 2): 200-300 lbs. 180.00 to 210.00; 300-400 lbs. 175.00 to 205.00; 400-500 lbs. 150.00 to 170.00; 500-600 lbs. 130.00 to 152.50; 600700 lbs. 110.00 to 139.00. Heifers (Medium and Large No. 1 and No. 2): 200-300 lbs. 140.00 to 180.00; 300-400 lbs. 130.00 to 157.50; 400-500 lbs. 128.00 to 155.00; 500-600 lbs. 105.00 to 135.00; 600700 lbs. 100.00 to 122.00.
SLAUGHTER CLASSES:
Cows: Breakers 79.50 to 84.00; Boners 85.00 to 89.00; Lean 72.00 to 78.00. Bulls: Normal Dressing 54-58% 91.00 to 95.00; High Dressing >58% 102.00 to 103.00; Low Dressing
WILLS PROBATED • Hazel Belle Parker • Bonnie C. Carr • W.F. Rickett Jr. • Nancy N. Bennett • Catherine M. Watson
EDITOR’S NOTE
The material inside the Sunday Record is recorded by The Anniston Star from various institutions and government offices. The public records are published as they appeared on the documents obtained by the newspaper. Direct questions and comments about Sunday Record to Isaac Godwin at igodwin@ annistonstar.com.
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ARRESTS The people listed in this arrest report, whose names and charges are obtained from public records, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Anniston
The following felony arrests were reported by the Anniston Police Department (addresses not provided) during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. • Larry Tippins, 43: second-degree burglary. • Andrew Zack Conine, 24: third-degree burglary. • Lashundra Angelic Green, 21: first-degree possession of marijuana. • Nathaniel Ray Cain, 23: possession of a
controlled substance. • James Burgin Matthews, 25: seconddegree promoting prison contraband. • Joshua Scott Selman, 24: hold for other agency.
to appear in court for fraudulent use of a credit/debit card. • Joy Unique Barnes, 31, of Anniston: failure to appear in court for fraudulent use of a credit/debit card. • Collin Gregory Vaughn, 30, of Piedmont: Calhoun County probation violation. The following felony arrests were reported • Robert Earl Davis, 36, of Anniston: probaby the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office dur- tion revocation. ing the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Oxford Thursday. • Harold Gregory Freeland, 43, of Eastaboga: The following felony arrests were reported second-degree receiving stolen property. by the Oxford Police Department during the • Larry Tippins, 44, of Jacksonville: first- seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursdegree receiving stolen property. day. • Emily Jean Thomas, 33, of Anniston: failure • Jennifer Layne Kelley, 34,of Anniston: pos-
session of synthetic narcotic, two counts of unlawful braking and entering a vehicle. • Montwell Duwayne Rachel, 37, of Anniston: shoplifting. • Melinda Sharon Harlin, 42, of Bowdon, Ga.: second-degree theft of property. • Renee Carroll Norman, 41, of Oxford: I.D. theft. • Justin Lance Tinkey, 23, of Oxford: burglary. • Freddie Joseph Lundborg IV, 26, of Oxford: possession of a pistol by a violent felon. • Jessica Brooke Hinton, 21, of Lincoln: auto theft. (Arrested 02-14-2013) • Melissa Diane Baldwin, 23, of Eastaboga: second-degree receiving stolen property.
FORECLOSURES Crimes are listed by location. Anonymous tips may be called in to Crime Stoppers at 256-238-1414. A reward of up to $1,000 may be given.
Anniston
The following property crimes were reported to the Anniston Police Department during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Burglaries
• Residence, 4900 block of Old Birmingham Highway: lawn mower. • Residence, 1900 block of Canterbury Square: utility trailer. • Residence, 400 block of West 29th Street: coins and cash. • Residence, 100 block of Lenlock Lane: antique chair. • Residence, 1300 block of East 10th Street: utility trailer. • Residence, 300 block of Ramona Avenue: television, fireplace stand. • Residence, 800 block of West 12th Street: cash, purse, tablet computer, debit/credit cards. • Specialty store, 1700 of Quintard Avenue: game console, laptop computer.
nue: cash.
Calhoun County
during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Thefts
The following property crimes were reported to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office • Residence, 300 block of Monte Vista Road: jewelry. during the seven-day period ending at 7 • Residence, 1200 block of Valley Wood a.m. Thursday. Drive: lawn equipment, leaf blower, string trimmer, utility trailer. (Recovered 03-15Burglaries • Residence, Craig Drive, Anniston: house- 2013) • Residence, first block of Pettus Drive: cell hold items, DVDs, copper wire, cell phone. phones. • Convenience store, U.S. 78 East, Annis- • Residence, first block of Mitchell Road: ton: merchandise, cash. swing set. • Department store, first block of Plaza Thefts Lane: desk top computer, tape. • Residence, Arnold Drive, Anniston: roll of • Parking lot, 100 block of Commons Way: chain-linked fence. vehicle tag. Robberies • Terminal, 200 block of Grace Street: Auto-related thefts • Residence, 400 block of East 23rd Street: cash. • Residence, Alexandria Heights Circle, cash. • Residence, 1900 block of Division Drive: Alexandria: medications, mp3 player. jewelry. (Recovered 03-19-2013)
• Residence, 3300 block of Eulaton Road: go-cart. • Residence, 1400 block of East 9th Street: television, game console, jewelry. • Commercial location, 300 block of East Blue Mountain Road: light fixtures/lights. • Residence, 1400 block of Danbury Lane: tools, leaf blower. • Residence, 300 block of Hobson Street: laptop computer, tablet computer. Auto-related thefts Oxford • Commercial location, 300 block of East Auto-related thefts • Residence, 1300 block of Johnston Drive: 15th Street: television, game console. The following property crimes were • Department store, first block of Plaza amplifier. • Residence, 4200 block of Wellborn Ave- reported to the Oxford Police Department Lane: 1995 Jeep Cherokee. Thefts
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SUNDAY RECORD
The Anniston Star
Sunday, March 24, 2013 Page 7E
CALENDAR: AnnistonStar.com/calendar PROPERTY TRANSFERRED • Dana M. Williams to Daniel Lee Williams, Cedar Hills subdivision, block B, lot 2, $10, • VCR Properties LLC to Jamie J. Ligon, a parcel of land in section 20, township 16, range 8, $1. • Genese Beasley to Genese Beasley, Melinda Gail Carden and Gary S. Beasley, Spring Hill Heights subdivision, 7th addition, block 17, lots 1 and 7, $100. • Edward Lee Johnson and Jeanette Star Johnson to Janet Prescott, a parcel of land in section 27, township 14, range 7, $10. • Treva K. Sutley to Gary T. Stephens, a parcel of land in section 17, township 14, range 6, $10. • Housing & Urban Development to Benjamin A. Grace and Carla Jean Grace, Crestline subdivision, block A, lots 10 and 11, $106,199. • Raymond Franklin Rainey and Bonnie Rainey to Raymond Frank Rainey, Piedmont Land & Improvement Co., block 74, lots 1 and 2, $10. • Ronald P. Dickert and Dorothy B. Dickert to Philip A. Portuese and Marcella L. Portuese, Cane Creek Homes in McClellan, lots 39 and 40, $100. • Freddie Mac to Mike Gunter, Sunset Heights, South Fairway addition, block 3, lots 21-23, $68,300. • Vivian Lusk Love to Richard Keith Love and Samuel Peyton Love, a parcel of land in sections 3/4, township 14, range 9, $10. • Bernadine A. Herron 2009 Revocable Trust to Michael White and Elizabeth S. White, Lenlock subdivision, block 1, lot 14, $10. • Edgar Hernandez Solis and Barbara Solis to Edgar Hernandez Solis and Barbara Ann Hernandez, Camp’s map of Oxford, block 71, lot 76, $10. • Max Fields to First Congregational Church Inc., Mountian View subdivision, block C, lots 4 and 5, $7,000. • John Dale Chapin II to Pamela Kay Chapin, Willow Creek subdivision, 4th addition, lot 31.
• James W. Snider and Connie T. Snider to James W. Snider, a parcel of land in section 19, township 14, range 9, $10. • Jeffrey Woodard and Kimberly D. Woodard to Benjamin Tyler Bentley and Dana Ann Bentley, Grandview Acres subdivision, 1st addition, block 4, lot 5, $163,000. • Alabama Housing Finance Authority to Housing & Urban Development, a parcel of land in section 34, township 16, range 7. • Thomas J. Bates to Crystal Bates, Daniel Bates and Thomas J. Bates, fractional section O of a parcel of land in section 6, township 14, range 6, $10. • Gary Wayne Upton to Jacob G. Welch, a parcel of land in section 10, township 13, range 7, $10. • Bank of America to Veterans Affairs, Alexandria Heights subdivision, lot 40, $10. • Sammy A. Busby, Aaron Busby, Kenneth Wayne Faulkner and Sandra G. Faulkner to Kenneth Wayne Faulkner and Sandra G. Faulkner, a parcel of land in section 7, township 16, range 9, $10. • Jimmy Pierce Pritchett and Brenda Pritchett to Tommy D. Pritchett and Toleda Jane McEwen Pritchett, a parcel of land in section 13, township 13, range 8, $10. • Fannie Mae to Paul G. Williams, Cane Creek Homes in McClellan, lots 27 and 28, $142,900. • TS Fairways LLC to Alexandria N. Stinson, The Fairways at Cider Ridge, phase 4, block 5, lot 22TF, $149,900. • J.F. Morgan General Contractor Inc. to Michael G. Gaines and Laura Gaines, Gracelyn Heights subdivision, lots 1-3, $38,000. • Clinton Donald Mills and Sabrina Kay Mills to Timothy Rannow and Wendee Rannow, a parcel of land in section 34, township 13, range 7, $100. • John A. Roland and Stacy H. Roland to Brittany Lane Maddox, Charles Strickland’s addition to Pinewood subdivision, block D, lot 6, $132,000. • Daniel L. Williams to Joe P. Williams and
Sandra C. Williams, Cedar Hills subdivision, block B, lot 2, $10. • Phillip Richard Yeatman and Patricia Lane Yeatman to William Miles, C.A. McClellan subdivision, lot 9, $10. • John Joseph Lasser and Patricia L. Lasser to John Joseph Lasser, Patricia L. Lasser, David Joseph Lasser, Paul John Lasser, Karen Anne Cruse, Susan Marie Bonds and James Andrew Lasser, Jacksonville Mining & Manufacturing Co., block 318, lots 4-7, $10. • Thomas D. Hulsey and Patricia M. Hulsey to Janice C. Harper, Windwood Estates, 1st addition, lot 16, $10. • New Haven Baptist Church of Eastaboga to Billy R. Parker, Scenic Heights, block A, lots 17 and 18, $10. • William E. Spidle 2000 Revocable Trust to Allan R. Jackson, Sunset Heights, Canyon Drive addition, block 1, lot 17, $10. • Steven Curtis Doe and Laura Ann Doe to David R. Smith and Marsha M. Smith, a parcel of land in section 36, township 13, range 8; a parcel of land in section 31, township 13, range 9, $212,000. • Brenda Prater Spears to Edward Brian Prater, Piedmont Land & Improvement Co., block 62, lot 10, $10. • Janet Slaten Smith to Maria Sandra Rodriguez, North Anniston Realty Co., block 7, lots 3 and 4, $1. • Vickie B. Glover to Rebecca G. Hudgins, Piedmont Land & Improvement Co., block 24, lot 1, $10. • Bank of America to Housing & Urban Development, Buckelew Estates, lot 32, $1. • Jimmy R. Boozer-Estate to Myra Davenport Family LP, Jacksonville Mining & Manufacturing Co., block 327, lots 1 and 2, $10. • Robert Kenney and Audrey N. Kenney to The Robert and Audrey Kenney Revocable Living Trust, Plainview subdivision, 5th addition, block 6, lot 4, $1. • Dale S. McCullars, Michael S. McCullars and H.G. McCullars Jr. to Rickey Cole, frac-
tional section B of a parcel of land in section 20, township 15, range 5, $10. • Rickey J. Turner and Deanna W. Turner to Rhonda Morrow, a parcel of land in section 11, township 16, range 9, $10. • Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County Inc. to Elinda Marbury, Habitat Phase III, lot 10, $10. • Steven T. Taylor and Cindy B. Taylor to James Robert Gaither, a parcel of land in section 10, township 17, range 8, $10. • Dalton E. Gilreath and Amber Gilreath to Troy Irwin and Terri Irwin, Jacksonville Mining & Manufacturing Co., block 341, lots 17 and 18, $126,600. • Amanda L. Edmondson and Joshua Edmondson to Amanda L. Edmondson, a parcel of land in section 5, township 14, range 7, $1. • Housing & Urban Development to Tom Sawyer Jr., Valley Land Corp., 3rd addition, block D, lot 10, $42,000. • Lonnie L. Barnett and Diann Barnett to Kenia Sanchez and Maria Berenice Cornejo, a parcel of land in section 25, township 16, range 6, $10. • Murphy Living Trust to Otha Gerald Hamm and Joy Hamm, a parcel of land in section 16, township 14, range 7, $1,750. • Hugh L. Minton and Alice Faye Minton to Candace M. Turner, Miller Estate, 2nd addition, lot 13, $1. • Acceptance Loan Co. to EH Pooled Investments LP, Anniston Land Company’s addition to Anniston, block 601, lot 12, $3,000. • Acceptance Loan Co. to Tommy W. Spendlove and Jeffrey Spendlove, Peaceful Valley Farms, lot 7, $60,000. • Housing & Urban Development to Ohio Investments LLC, Kara-Lyn Heights subdivision, 2nd addition, block 2, lots 2 and 4, $38,785. • Wanda M. Henson to Jerry Luker and Judy Luker, a parcel of land in section 33, township 16, range 7, $10. • Sovereign LS II LLC to Z Brothers LLC, Pate Crossing, phase 2, lot 12, $10.
FORECLOSURES • Dorothy Anne Wilkinson, Spring Valley subdivision, block 6, lot 4. • Jessica Bowers, Woodland Park subdivision, lot 9. • Stacey Howie, Clearview subdivision, lot 1. • Larry Charles Morris and Marion Jeanette Morris, South
Anniston Land Co., division A, block 3, lot 8. • Terry Pruitt and Dana M. Pruitt, a parcel of land in sections • David E. Keenum and Lisa Keenum, Five-W Lakesite subdivision, block 10, lot 8. 4/9, township 14, range 6. • Richard N. Davis and Danny R. Allen and Debra J. Allen, Blue Pond subdivision, Area 1, block C, lots 1 and 2. • Judy A. Jones, Woodland Heights, block 3, lots 5 and 6.
RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS Here are food service establishments recently inspected by the Calhoun County Health Department, along with scores. A score of 100 indicates the inspector found no deficiencies. Potentially hazardous deficiencies (four- or five-point demerit items) are noted. These must be corrected immediately and inspectors say they are often corrected while the inspection is underway. Restaurants earning below 70 must raise their scores within seven days or face closure.
4-OR 5-POINT DEMERITS
• Mata’s Greek Pizza, 1708 Quintard Ave., Anniston — 90, presence of insects. • Winn-Dixie (Bakery/Deli), 800 Noble St., Anniston — 91, potentially hazardous food did not meet temperature requirements during hot holding.
• Pak-A-Sak (Deli), 9875 U.S. 78, E., Anniston — 98.
NO MAJOR DEMERITS
• Wagon Wheel Restaurant, 8922 Alabama 9, Anniston
• Burger King, 1818 Quintard Ave., Anniston — 99. • Faith, Creativity & Achievement, Anniston — 100.
• Sonic Drive-In, 730 Noble St., Anniston — 96. • The Office, Anniston — 97. • Trinity Christian Academy, Oxford — 98. — 96. • Winn-Dixie (Market), 800 Noble St., Anniston — 98.
Many aging baby boomers in no hurry to retire BY ANITA CREAMER The Sacramento Bee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Even after four decades in practice, Sacramento, Calif., family law attorney Hal Bartholomew, 66, has no wish to retire. “It’s disappointing to talk to someone who can’t wait to retire,” he said. “I really enjoy what I do.” Retirement is nowhere on the horizon for 52-year-old Michael Monk, either — but for entirely different reasons. His small construction company went under during the recession and he and his wife liquidated their savings to pay bills. Their plans to retire in their 60s evaporated, as well. Now he’s working toward his teaching credential, hoping to find a full-time job as a high school government teacher. “I can work as long as my health lets me teach,” Monk said. “Teaching is my retirement.” In huge numbers, members of the baby boom generation — born from 1946 through 1964 — tell researchers that they don’t plan to retire. In one recent AARP survey, nearly 70 percent of baby boomers reported they intend to work past the traditional retirement age of 65. Those numbers have given rise to a fair amount of happy talk about how this generation is poised to reinvent retirement. Yet the retirement picture, like so much else for the nation’s 78 million graying baby boomers, is complex. On the one hand, baby boomers like to work: Despite a generational stereotype portraying them as free spirits who reject tradition, boomers in the prime of their working years have enthusiastically embraced the work ethic, often defining themselves by their careers. Throwing on the career brakes at age 65 simply sounds counterintuitive to many boomers. The working world has long embraced them, largely because they’re better educated than the generations that came before or since, with almost 30 percent holding at least a bachelor’s degree and another 30 percent having attended college. But it’s also true that, with the death of traditional company pensions and, more recently, the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression, the boomer generation in many ways has no choice but to redefine what retirement means. Many would leave the daily grind of jobs if they could. But ongoing financial obligations to aging parents and grown children, as well as financial burdens left by the recession, have made many boomers’ retirement prospects more difficult. “The reason that older participation in
Autumn Payne/Sacramento Bee/MCT
Michael Monk, 52, does his student teaching in an 11th-grade history class Feb. 21 at West Campus High School in Sacramento, Calif. Monk turned to teaching as a new career after his construction company went under in the recession. the workforce increased has nothing to do with the health and well-being of people that age,” said social critic Susan Jacoby, author of “Never Say Die: The Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age.” “It’s an economic need.” The average retirement age in the United States hit a low of 62 in the mid-1990s, when the majority of boomers’ parents were retiring; today, it is 64 and climbing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Seniors’ portion of the workforce has risen as well. By 2020, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, baby boomers will account for more than 25 percent of the workforce, up from 16 percent today. That figure rivals the share of older adults who continued working past age 65 in 1951, before Social Security was fully phased in for all professions and people could count on retirement income. In short, what most baby boomers face is far from their parents’ version of retirement, which began early — at age 55, for many — and has lasted for many decades’ worth of bridge games and golf excursions. For public sector employees whose benefits include a defined monthly retirement income, that sort of retirement remains possible. But across the country, public employee ranks are thinning, and public pension reforms are beginning to
reshape their retirement landscape, as well. “Benefits for retirement have been declining in the private sector,” said Chris Hoene, executive director of the California Budget Project, “and now the public sector is following suit.” For millions of private sector workers nearing retirement, the shift in their economic future has already occurred. The nation’s three-decade transition away from defined benefit pensions and company-funded retiree health benefits has stripped from millions of boomer-aged Americans the kind of retirement security their parents took for granted. “Everyone I know is terrified of outliving their money,” said AARP’s national jobs expert Kerry Hannon, who blogs for Forbes on retirement issues. “Most people are going to need to work in some fashion past what we think of as retirement age, and that will primarily be a financial decision.” The reasons are familiar. In 1980, 80 percent of Americans working in the private sector relied on companies’ traditionally defined benefit plans as the foundation of their retirement finances, according to Employee Benefit Research Institute figures. Then private companies latched onto tax-deferred 401(k) plans — the retirement
savings accounts originally created to help executives shelter extra money in addition to their pensions — as a way to shed the burden of providing benefits to retirees. By 2005, EBRI says, only one-third of private sector workers had either traditional pensions or a combination of a company pension plus 401(k). Half of all working Americans have no retirement plans in place at all. In a sense, millions of baby boomers have helped test whether the 401(k) is a reliable financial model for retirement. The answer? Most people haven’t saved enough to make it work. Experts say the average 401(k) balance now is about $75,000: Stock market gains in recent months have helped offset the fact that up to one-fourth of people tapped into their retirement savings during the tough recession years. Even so, EBRI estimates that retirees will need an average 401(k) balance of $900,000 to support them in the extended longevity of their old age. For boomers hit hard by the recession, like Michael Monk — starting over with a new career in his 50s, without a cushion of savings or a pension — continued employment is the only option. “There are a lot of aging baby boomers who want to find work and can’t,” said Jacoby. “When you look at the economic losses of the past five years, you realize that the baby boomers who still have jobs will have to be carried out feet first.” For many other boomers, it’s not just about money. In their 50s and early 60s, a lot of baby boomers are in the most productive years of their careers and want to continue working as long as they can. For them, delaying retirement, at heart, amounts to a lifestyle choice. Lauren Peters, 56, is a registered nurse who doesn’t plan to tap into her companyprovided pension for another dozen years. A widow who lives in Land Park, Calif., Peters is director of the Kaiser Permanente outpatient women’s health clinics in the region. She has two teenage daughters to put through college in the next decade. “I have a great job,” she said. “I’m highly energized by my work. But I also feel it’s important for my daughters to see as they break into the working world that I can be a role model as a career woman.” Some professions lend themselves to longer careers. Bartholomew, the family law attorney, insists he simply won’t retire. “The concept of retirement is something I don’t plan on doing,” he said. “I like dealing with people and helping them with their problems. This is what I really want to be doing.”