February 25, 2014 Spokesman

Posted by Pat Dye 
on Feb 25, 2014
 
Kirkland Rotary – Minutes, Feb. 24, 2014
 
The meeting was called to order by Club President, Scott Rethke.  The Pledge was led by Brian Tucker.  Scott thanked Angela for greeting and Pat Dye for scribing.
 
Guests:
  • Oscar Johansen, Student of the Month from Lake Washington High School and his father, Lars Johansen
  • Patrick Furlong
 
Announcements:
  • Patti Smith announced that the Club would soon be preparing meals for the Friends of Youth residents in Redmond.  Cooks will assemble at Patty Sims house to use her “big ass” oven.  Date TBD.
  • Patty Sims announced that the Miracle League will begin the end of April and is looking for volunteers to assist over the 6 week schedule.  Harry Wagoner volunteered to pitch.
  • Jerry Campo announced that so far 16 people have signed up for the Hockey game on March 15th.  Tickets are $16 per person.
  • Scott Becker announced that $17,500 has been raised to date from Duck Dash sponsors.  The goal is $25,000.  Tickets will be ready for sales the first week in June.
  • Jason Overleese will temporarily take over duties from Deedee Rusnak for the membership committee.  Please forward any new nominations to Jason.
  • Mike Hunter announced that the next Rotary First Harvest work party will be March 8th.  Volunteers can meet at the Houghton Park and Ride at 8:00 am.
  • John Woodbery announced that the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction will be held on March 22nd at the Kirkland Women’s Club.  They are looking for items to sell.  Please contact John or Barb Seaton.
 
President Scott Rethke proceeded to announce, in State of the Union style, the following Club members who have recently received Paul Harris awards:
  • Scott Becker
  • Rick Walter
  • Ann Hamilton
  • Don Dicks
  • Pat Swenson
  • Bill Taylor
Each recipient was given a standing ovation as their names were announced.
 
Student of the Month, Oscar Johansen, gave his talk to the Club, telling of his grades in school (4.0 and tied for 1st out of 273 students)!  He also helped start the Model U.N. Club at his school, and is active in soccer and Lacrosse.  He attended the Climate Reality Project in San Francisco and is interested in pursuing a career in economics and environmental policy.  Oscar has been a welcome addition to our club for the last month and we wish him the best for his future.
 
Rick Walter collected a lot of happy dollars from happy Rotarians.
 
Our speaker was John Sherwood, Jr., an attorney specializing in trusts and estate planning.  The following are just a few highlights from a very informative talk.  There are basically 2 tools:  a Will (which has to go through probate); and a Revocable Living Trust (which does not go through probate at the end of the day).  He talked about the pro’s and con’s of each.  He also mentioned the importance of having a POA for either general/financial or medical purposes.  Living Wills and Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Provisions were also explained in some detail.  The lifetime estate tax exemption is $5.4 Million, and he stressed that it is important to not overlook real estate values and life insurance proceeds as part of that total.  He also explained the portability of the deceased spouse’s exemption, and talked in some detail about the Credit Shelter or Family Trust and how it can protect future estate disbursements as those trusts are not subject to estate tax.  He also covered lifetime gifting, which is now set at $14,000/person per year.  He also explained about the importance of a “family letter” and why one might choose to provide one to one’s heirs.  My take-away from this presentation is how important it is to make use of the professional services of someone like John in making these critical life decisions.
 
Joker Pool – Bob Webb had the winning ticket but did not pull the joker.  The pot grows!
 
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm by Pres. Scott Rethke.
 
Respectfully submitted:  Pat Dye