Our Speaker today was James L. Thaxton, Esq. from Legacy Counsellors North, PLLC.A law firm that serves clients in New Hampshire and Vermont. www.estateandelderlawgroup.com
James L. Thaxton, Esq.
John Yacavone introduced Jamie Thaxton.
Jamie is an Associate Attorney focusing on long-term care, Medicaid and estate planning, real estate transactions, and assisting clients with estate settlement. He earned both his Juris Doctor and Master’s degree in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School.
Jamie is admitted to the Bar in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. He is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys and the Grafton County Bar Association and is also a Respecting Choices® Advance Care Planning Certified Facilitator.
Outside the office, Jamie enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and making maple syrup
Jamie focused his talk on Long-Term Care and the complexities of Medicaid Planning when an individual’s self-unding is running out.The first part of this talk focused on the importance of estate planning, then he described what needs to be considered when applying for Medicaid.
Why prepare an estate plan?There are three phase, Control, Incapacity and Legacy.
Control
Managing an estate plan when we are in good health is the most important.This is when you are best able outline what is important to you if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
Incapacity
We should all have a plan to outline what we would want for unexpected health events
Legacy
In our estate plans we should all share what you would want to give to whom, when you want, and how you want.
Jamie’s goal is to work with clients to help them develop a plan that meets their needs; to find ways to make plans meet the client’s goals, and that the plan will have a positive impact on beneficiaries; make sure the person’s assets are titled consistently; and finally, to outline and share information to assure that "helpers" understand their responsibilities?
Jamie highlighted that when doing estate planning, that we all should have these two documents:
Financial Power of Attorney
Agent(s) effective immediately or upon incapacity, ensures your finances are managed if you cannot act for yourself.This needs to be broad enough to cover every financial item that may be faced by the agent.
Health Care Power of Attorney
Agent(s) effective when a doctor decides your lack capacity, ensures your medical wishes are honored.
He shared how expense it would be to self-insuring for long term care at home or in an extended care facility:
Anticipate this being a $108K–$204K cost for nursing home.
Anticipate this being a $150K+ cost for home care.
Self-insuring is a viable option only if you have sufficient fixed income and/or income-generating assets to sustain these costs indefinitely.
Bruce Bergeron called the meeting to order with the ringing of our Rotary bell.
Brian Davis led us in reciting the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think Say or Do
Ernst Oidtmann is in Europe, so no music today.
Thought of the Day, from Andy Jones, “Live a great story.”
Welcome Guests: Asher Pacht, Bruce Pacht’s son and former member of the Fishkill Rotary Club. Asher is transitioning back to the Upper Valley; and Janet Davis, Brian’s wife
Birthdays: Steve Grant 9/20
Wedding Anniversaries: Tyler and Justine Hagan 6 yrs, Jason and Courtney Massey 21 yrs
Lebanon Rotary Anniversaries: None this week
Then it was time for Lunch
Program: Jamie Thaxton, Councilor at Law, Legacy Counselors North PLLC, Estate Planning – See story above.
Kilton Library Book for the Children’s Collection was presented by Bill Secord.
The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle
by Sy Montgomery (Author), Matt Patterson (Illustrator)
The bestselling and Sibert Honor–winning creators of The Book of Turtles bring us the true story of a snapping turtle’s extraordinary journey—and the amazing conservationists who helped give him a second chance. This feel-good, gorgeously illustrated story about beating the odds is complete with inspiring back matter and photos.
Here is the true story of a very lucky turtle. His story began long ago when he was hatched from a very small egg on an autumn day. After decades of traveling between his summer pond behind the firehouse and his winter pond across the street, he never could have guessed that on one October day he would become unlucky . . .
The amazing friends and challenges he met along the way are all chronicled by the Sibert Honor–winning duo behind The Book of Turtles in this tribute to the resilience and good luck of their dear friend, a very lucky turtle indeed.
Detailed back matter includes an author's note, information about snapping turtles, and reader resources for how to save injured turtles.
This beautiful story of survival and community is a perfect read-aloud for young nature lovers, featuring:
A Real Animal’s Experience: Follow one snapping turtle on his real-life journey moving from one seasonal habitat to another.
Inspiring Conservation Efforts: A true story of community—neighbors, vets, and wildlife advocates who rallied around an injured turtle and gave him a fighting chance.
Beautiful Illustrations: Stunning art from a Sibert Honor–winning team that renders the turtle’s world with the same care and attention the conservationists brought to saving him.
STEM for Kids: Detailed back matter on snapping turtle biology and practical guidance for young readers who want to help injured wildlife in their own neighborhoods.
Announcements, Other Club Business and Opportunities
Charities Committee – Phil Bush and Bill Chabot presented an item that we needed to consider voting on…The purchase of a handicapped accessible picnic table for Riverside Park. Cost $1,752. Marilyn Bedell made the motion to send the purchase of a handicapped accessible picnic table to our club members for a vote. John Yacavone seconded the motion. Voting is now open for two weeks. Information about the vote will be sent to our membership by Bill Chabot. [Note Nenia Ballard returned the money we had allocated her to attend the Ms. Wheelchair USA event. She asked when she returned the money that it be used for a handclapped accessible item/project. An addition $900 that was returned can be considered for a accessibility project.]
2026 Bedell Classic Final Results - $30,026!
Brewfest – Final accounting can’t be done until all invoices have been received. At next weeks meeting you can purchase leftover beer for you or your friends.
Community Service Projects
New – Mascoma Interact Club Food Drive (Bill C)
Saturday 9/26
Volunteers 9 – noon
Food donations
Hopefully a few members were able to attend and help our interactors with this event.
NOTE: If you were unable to attend, you can bring food item(s) to next weeks meeting and Bill will get them added to the Interactors donation.
Riverside Park Assessable Walkway Project
Huge effort – fantastic results. 600 feet of walkway installed. Volunteers included Rotarians, Trail Alliance members, and Lebanon Park, Art and Recreation staff. Bruce Bergeron’s brother’s landscaping business provided equipment. In addition to our club’s donation, Foremost Builders provided $2,500 in materials.
Free Flu Clinics – Public Health Council of Upprt Valley
Contact Angela if you can attend in Canaan – she will complete online sign-up process. Date, October 29th, 4 to 6 PM,
Styrofoam Collection Event – Saturday 10/3
Mascoma Bank Parking Lot, Sykes Ave, WRJ VT
8:15 am to 11:30 am
8-10 volunteers
President’s Picnic
Looking for RSVP from 50% of the Club!!!!
Rotary District 7850 Fall Regional Learning Seminars
10/3 – North Conway
10/24 – Sherbrooke, Quebec
11/14 – So. Burlington, join Jim, Bruce, Phil and James
Common Man for Ukraine/Hanover and Lebanon Rotary Concert. More info to come. Concert is free with a request for donations. We will need a few members to volunteer to support the event.
Revo Casino Community Galla 2026 on October 10th (RSVP by September 25, 2026
Dear VIP Guest,
We are looking forward to celebrating with you at the Rebels with a Cause: Power of Community Gala on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 6PM–9PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown.
This special evening will honor the nonprofit leaders and organizations whose passion, dedication and service strengthen communities throughout New Hampshire. We are excited to recognize the incredible impact your organization has on the lives of those you serve.
Your official invitation will be arriving in the mail soon.
In the meantime, you can get an early start by reserving your spot today.
Coop Food Drives…Save these two dates, October 24 and November 24 a the Centerra Coop. Tim Guaraldi organizing and inviting our LHS Interactors to join us again this year.
Knitting for Ukraine – Hannah Falcone announced that her mother is coordinating this event to provide warm, wool, knit hats for children in Ukraine at their sheep farm in Plainfield. If you have questions, email falconefivesistersfarm@gmail.com Deadline to drop off donations at Five Sisters Farm in Plainfield is November 12th.
Holiday Party and Famous Yankee Swap will be on December 9, 2026, in the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill. Menu to be similar to last year, details being worked on now.
Dwinell Storage Cleaning, sorting and organizing, September 19, 2026…We did it!
Happy Dollars
Ron Michaud shared his views on paying taxes…he love to pay taxes. He also shared that philanthropy is important to him too.
Asher Pacht let us know he enjoyed working on the accessibility project at he park. He truly enjoyed the opportunity.
Christina Annas gave a shout out to Bruce Bergeron. She was amazed at how much work he did at the park. He is also one of the most generous people she knows.
Christina Annas also let us know that she is dealing with a myriad of physical issues that were caused when a >500-pound riding lawn mower fell on her. She is facing a lot of rehab. She let us know that she could use some help with work around her property. If anyone is able, she would appreciate some help getting plants into the ground and some wood cut up.
Dean Cashman had planned to be at the second day at Riverside part to work of the paths…but a friend called and gave him an opportunity to join him for a round of golf with Patrice Bergeron…golf won out.
Bill Babineau talked about his success getting tickets to a Judy Collin’s concert.
Ron Bedell gave a shout out to Dave Clarenbach for his support of our park project this week.
Bruce Bergeron shared news of his Rivian car. He let us know that Ryan and Julie are expecting grandchild #2. He also let us know that he will be bringing some of the leftover beer for purchase to next week’s meeting.
Queen of Hearts Draw – Dan Nash pulled the 3 of Hearts…the hunt for the Queen continues.
Car Wash – Was won by Phil Bush
September 17, 2026, Attendance
Attendance
Christina Annas, Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeon, Phil Bush, James Carroll, Bill Chabot, Dave Clarenbach, Hank Clarke, Brian Davis, Hannah Falcone, Nick Gaffney, Tim Guaraldi, Andy Jones, Carol Keeffe, Will Koppenheffer, Jason Massey, Christian McDonald, Ron Michaud, Dan Nash, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, John Stalvey, Marion Steiner, Richard Wallace, George Wenz, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Guests: Asher Pacht and Janet Davis
One Profits Most Who Serves Best
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
September 24: Gabe Zoerheide, Executive Director, Willing Hands
October 1: Jay Cairelli - Classification Talk
October 8: Bise Wood Saint Eugene, Tysea Orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti.
October 15: Peter Wright, MD Polio Update. He is an internationally renowned scientist on the disease.
October 22: Roy Schlieben, Executive Director, MAXT Makerspace
October 29: Jada Lindblom, Ph.D., Extension State Specialist, Economic Development, Associate Extension Professor, Recreation Management and Policy, UNH Durham (Most likely delivered remotely)
Just pick your item and follow the instructions for ordering.
Men’s and Women’s light weight jackets
Men’s and Women’s fleece vests
Men’s and Women’s fleece jackets
Blankets-Fleece 40” x60”
All jackets, vests and blankets will have Rotary logo and club name.
To save on shipping, pick up your item at Top Stitch, 233 Mascoma Street, Lebanon.
Questions? Contact Cody at Top Stitch at 603-448-2931. Turnaround time is 3.5–4 weeks.
Rotary News
Spetember 21, 2026 – International Day of Peace
“On this International Day of Peace, let us all be inspired by the courage of those who champion peace in neighbourhoods, classrooms and communities. And let’s call on world leaders to invest in a peaceful future for all people.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2026 Theme: Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day
On 21 September, the world marks the International Day of Peace.
Today, amidst staggering volatility, the search for peace feels overwhelming—but it has never been more urgent.
Peace is more than the absence of war; it is the foundation necessary to collectively tackle humanity’s challenges. It is the lived experience of safety, dignity, opportunities and cooperation in our daily lives.
Under the theme Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, this year’s International Day of Peace honours the 'everyday architects of peace'—people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building a lasting peace from the ground up.
Remember, peace isn’t just built in conference rooms—it is shaped by everyone, everywhere, every day.
Everyone, everywhere can do their part for peace. Take one small step for peace every day:
