Pledge: President Elect Keith.
Prayer: Donna Lash
Song: Led by Andy Anderson.
Brent's Flim/Flam: High hand won by the dealer, Brent.
Raffle Winners: John Donnelly, Donna Lash and Jack Sikora
Happy Dollars: Many for a nice day, Bob Antoniac being back in a few weeks, for our guest,
Heather announcing a shredding day Saturday at Guilford Savings, Elaine for Heather
being appointed to the O.S. Chamber, Brent Happy for Donna, Donna very happy and
Brent for winning poker hand.
Announcements:
Treasurer Dave indicated our investment portfolio status sheets were available but the
current month didn't get in, in time to include on the report. There were no questions.
Brent indicated he has brochures and posters, letters are on our website. Also that
Chuck Adelmann donated $2000 and that Matt Rubin will donate $2500. Still need
green and T Box sponsors and ditty bag items.
President Keith indicated that the District Conference was held last weekend, which he
attended, and that the District Convention is coming up next month in Providence. It's
only a day trip if members wish to attend some of the functions, but not the whole
convention. More to come as the time approches.
Program: John Donnelly introduced our speaker, Probate Judge Terry Lomme.
Terry is a resident of Essex and is very involved in Essex town matters as well as being
our Probate Judge. Terry started his talk by stating that "he who frames the argument
wins" referring to Brent, he who deals the hands wins. Probate judges now have to be
attorneys and also that during his campaign he has become an expert on transfer stations.
During the consolidation of the Probate Court system, Terry indicated that he has kept all
his probate clerks (our own Sharon Tiezzi). Sharon's daughter also is the one who serves
our breakfast on Wednesday mornings. Terry says the Old Saybrook court is the 2nd
largest in the state handling over 1000 files in a year. He claims there are between 20-25
hearings a week in O.S. The type of court actions he handles range from decedant estate
resolution, conservatorships both voluntary and involuntary, trust settlements, termination
of parental rights, committment to institutions and adoptions. He had a humorous story
of a little boy who was being adopted. He generally lets the adopted child bang the gavel
after his remarks. This time the little boys was flipping the gavel around while Terry
wrapped up his comments, he had a bad feeling about this which proved correct when the
boy hit his head with the gavel. Terry also does name changes, even for small children.
Terry claims the consolidtion of the courts has saved the state $37M last year. There is
an appeal process through the appelate courts if needed and even to the state supreme
court if neccesary. He indicated the usual timing for a hearing is a few weeks applying, then
a week to schedule the hearing. The whole process is generally done in about a months
time. He shared a few tips for us all if we don't have much in the line of financial planning.
First, if giving property to the children, go through probate to obtain stepped up basis of
the asset. Also, have at least a will. Without that a deceased spouses estate is divided
with the first $100K going to the surviving spouse and then the rest of the estate is split
between the surviving spouse and the children. He also is no fan of trust benefits. Those
of us with these may want to talk with our attorneys.
asl
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
of the things we think, say or do
First...
Is it the TRUTH ?
Second....
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Third....
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Fourth....
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
