At our February 12 meeting, Rotarian of the Day Barbara Lipskis introduced our speaker, her son, Stephan J. Lipskis. Stephan is an attorney with Poole, Brooke & Plumlee and a member of the Norfolk Sunrise Rotary Club. He graduated from Norfolk Collegiate School, University of Mary Washington and the University of South Carolina School of Law. His practice focuses on estate planning and elder law.
Stephan's topic was titled, “How Did I Get Here?”, a question Barbara assured us that she would not answer today, but perhaps later would have the “talk” with her son!
Stephan's presentation revolved around a factual scenario of an aging parent and a child living in a distant community. He began by briefly identifying estate planning documents, including a Last Will and Testament, a Revocable Living Trust, a Durable Power of Attorney, and a Medical Directive or Medical Power of Attorney, and describing the function of each.
He then took us through a case study that demonstrated the interplay of law, planning and drafting documents, and life. For example, he touched on issues involved when the attorney is introduced to the “client” by a third party or family member, as is frequently the case. As he noted, “things happen,” so he discussed steps to prepare for incapacity, which includes not only planning and document preparation, but also communicating the plan and intentions with family and the designated agents or fiduciaries that will be charged with administering the plan. Certainly, care in selecting the agent and considering the need for checks and balances is appropriate, as is communicating intentions, location of documents and contact information for other professionals. Further, a “plan” is subject to change as our personal circumstances, or the law, change. It is important to review the plan from time to time and mentally go through the “what ifs” of life. Most importantly, he encouraged people to not procrastinate in getting their plans properly documented because, as he indicated, “things happen.”
After a brief question and answer, President Pam thanked our speaker and indicated that a book would be presented to Ghent School in his honor.
THE MEETING
President Pam recognized Michael Goldsmith, former police chief and current deputy city manager, who is celebrating 30 years of service with the City of Norfolk. She also recognized Paul Harris Fellows for their continued generosity to The Rotary Foundation: Chick Robison (+1) and Michael Desplaines (+2).
Carlisle Wroton gave us an update on the opportunities to mix Rotary and golf! Rotary District 7600 is sponsoring a golf tournament on April 9 at 9 a.m., at Kingsmill near Williamsburg.There also are opportunities to “volunteer” as marshalls for the LPGA trounament at Kingsmill on May 23-26. "Volunteering" costs $50 and a time requirement, but there are also ample benefits. See Carlisle for details for either event.
Ashley Molinaro reported on current opportunities for programs and community service, which include the “Achievable Dream Academy” tour on February 26, at Seatack Elementary School from 8. to 9:30 a.m. and “Pints for Polio” fundraiser at O’Connors Brewing Company on Saturday, February 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. In addition, we have scheduled a service opportunity with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore on March 9 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Details on all events are on rotaryclubofnorfolk.org.
President-Elect Lorna is forming a special Major Grants Committee to consider the current charities bank balance and appropriate grants to address community needs.
Jeff Wells introduced his daughter and informed us of his anticipated surgery (Update: surgery is postponed as Jeff explores other treatment options.). Jeff encouraged us to contribute a bottle or two of wine and to solicit corporate sponsors for Suds and Buds. He then volunteered two bottles of wine and announced that his architectural company, Coastal Design, had donated $1,000. Now that’s leading by example!
Marty Raiss recognized and thanked new member, Konner Pritchard, for his help and expertise in establishing a club Instagram account and encouraged us all to use it!
Happy Bucks included:
- Recognition of Angus Hines going strong at age 95!
- Gus Stuhlreyer celebrating the Hoos victory over UNC;
- Marilyn Gowen celebrating Duke’s victory over UVA;
- Chip Vogan commending the fantastic Virginia Opera production;
- Shep Miller, thankful to avoid (for now) social media that make it easy to research his past.
President Pam made a special introduction of Lisa Barnes, our new administrative assistant, who is standing in for Jane Dembert as she recovers from surgery.
Tom Ambler was the lucky winner of the daily raffle!
Next meeting is February 19 at Scope Meeting Room and our speaker will be Robert W. Cross, executive director of the Virginia Arts Festival.
Back by popular demand at our May 17 Suds & Buds party will be the charity wine pull. To make it work, we need club members to each donate at a meeting a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more. Or, donate $20 and our wine committee will buy the wine for you. Wine bottles will be bagged and numbered and guests at the party will pay $20 and take home a mystery bag of wine. Proceeds will benefit our Rotary Club, Norfolk Botanical Garden and Lee's Friends. The wine pull sold out quickly at last year's Suds & Buds and netted more than $2,000. 