On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, establishing a source of financial stability for Americans in their later years. In 2025, national advocates for senior citizens are celebrating the program’s 90th anniversary.
The local chapter of AARP hosted a Social Security birthday party Thursday on St. John at Mongoose Junction Shopping Center. Island elders gathered outside of Bajo El Sol Art Bar and Rum Room for live music, moko jumbies, ice cream and cupcakes.
St. John’s Quelbe Resurrection Band laid down the rhythm for a crowd of retirees who couldn’t sit still for long.
AARP-VI State Director Troy De Chabert-Schuster looked pleased at the turnout and the effort his volunteers put into Thursday’s celebration.
Inside the Bajo El Sol, bartender Raven Phillips mixed a passion fruit martini created for the occasion.
Joining the fete was Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, who addressed the crowd with the latest developments from Washington to preserve Medicare and Medicaid benefits. She also praised the state director for his efforts in the nation’s capital.
“We talked about the amazing work Troy Schuster has been doing with AARP here … he introduced our office to legislation that would give tax credits for those who take care of their elder parents,” the delegate said.
And Yisrael Petersen brought some of the Next Generation Moko Jumbies to frolic by the band. That, and the band’s finale, moved the seniors onto their feet to dance the event to a festive finish.
Celebrations of Social Security’s 90th Anniversary continue Friday on St. Thomas and Saturday on St. Croix.
