President Brad Weiss presided and the thought for the day was provided by Bruce Baumberger.

 

 

Marv Edelstein reminded us that the second session of RYLA in District 6440 will be held next weekend. He showed a segment from Channel 2 news featuring Avontay Coleman, an ETHS student who is a member of WE, subject of a recent club program. He exemplifies how not everyone needs to go to college to use their talents to the highest level.

 

All were reminded of the upcoming District 6440 Conference to be held April 28 to 30 at the Marriott in Lincolnshire.  Registration (free) is now being taken as well as reservations for meals.  The program can be perused on line and attendance at part of the conference is permitted.  Join your friends there and enjoy fellowship while you learn.  (Rebuilding Together could not be rescheduled this year and will occur the same weekend. Some plan to attend the conference Friday and work at Rebuilding on Saturday.)

 

Club Board meeting will be held at President Brad’s home on Wednesday, April 19, at 7:15 p.m.

 

Don Gwinn reported that dues bills will be in your email soon.  He had a successful trip to the project in Guatemala and recommended the Guatemalan coffee being sold as a fund-raiser. He will send a group order at $10 per pound.

 

Brad played a video from the Rotary polio website which his children appreciated.  Notable was recent success in Pakistan with only five cases reported as of March 1. When eradication is complete, three years of maintenance will be necessary.

 

Brad also reminded us that tickets are still available for the District outing to Milwaukee on July 29 for the Cubs vs. Brewers game.  If unable to attend, purchased tickets will be donated to veterans.

 

 

Ann Searles boasted having heard from her children after they saw her picture with Stedman Graham.

 

Zbig Skiba followed with questions related to walls.

 

 

 

 

David Birkenstein, retired attorney and accountant, was introduced by John Searles.  Dave has worked in Estate Planning for many years and shared some of the things he has learned.

 

Only 6 percent of people have good wills at their deaths and 71 percent of adults have no plan or documents for end of life.  Very few people end up paying Federal estate taxes since estates valued at $5,500,000 per person are exempt from tax.  The exemption from Illinois estate tax is $4,000,000.

 

Many celebrities have died without having made adequate plans.  Prince had no will, Whitney Houston’s will was drawn before she had children and therefore made no provision for her daughter. Michael Jackson had set up trusts but had not funded them.  Others who were not prepared were Philip Seymour Hoffman, Florence Griffith Joyner, and even George Halas.  Choosing an executor and trustees for the trusts David recommends setting up can be difficult. David recommends using professionals in these roles rather than family members or friends.

 

David also discussed the concept of stepped-up basis on assets, and the advantages for estates. One recommendation he had was to set up a charitable trust funded with appreciated assets, thereby avoiding paying capital gains taxes on their sale/distribution.

 

Other end of life issues discussed by the speaker were living wills, medical powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate orders.  He distributed copies of Five Wishes, produced by Aging with Dignity, a process he recommends using. This document is accepted in Illinois although not in neighboring states.

 

Five Wishes helps a person to pick the appropriate health care agent and make his wishes known to that agent. Preferences for health care treatment choices at end of life are also discussed.  Other personal preferences are also approached in the Five Wishes plan.

 

David noted that 50 percent of people now choose cremation at a final cost of less than $2,000 whereas an average funeral with body and casket may cost $15-20,000. For some, the Neptune Society, newly renamed Final Options, can be the answer.

 

Questions and answers followed. Ann Searles added that the Aging Well Conference on May 5 at the Levy Center will include a session staffed by attorneys from the Center for Disability and Elder Law, which will address powers of attorney for health care and property and living wills. A follow up workshop will be held to complete the documents FREE with attorneys on May 11 at the Levy Center.

 

 

 

 

David Birkenstein, speaker and member of Winnetka-Northfield Rotary, and wife Mary

Herbert Rivero, Minute Man Press, guest of MaLu Simon

Chantal Healey, Open Studio Project, guest of Harvey Newcomb

Holly Halliday, prospective member

Emery Bonga, New Community Church, guest of Kea Gorden

Luiz Abreu, exchange student

Cassie Tingley, exchange student

Lucas Albright, prospective member, guest of Neil Gambow

 

 

Ann Weatherhead,  April 4

Carol Bild, April 7