February 14, 2014
Pres. Mika Hon thanking Rosemary Peters, Monmouth County Surrogate
The meeting was called to order by President Mika Hon. Al Peskoe led the Pledge of Allegiance and Paul Peacock delivered the Invocation. Welcome to Jill Carmen and our guest speaker, Rosemarie D. Peters, Esq., serving in her second term as Monmouth County Surrogate.
President Mika made the following announcements:
- The Club’s Fireside Chat will be held 7pm on February 25th upstairs at Piancone’s.
- The “Inter-City” Rotary Club meeting that will include the Clubs of Red Bank and Asbury Park as well as Long Branch will be held on Saturday, March 1st. The last week of February we will not have our regular Friday meeting. Instead Lex Tucci has found us an amazing speaker who we will meet with Saturday morning at Sheraton Eatontown Hotel. Joe Tordello will be having breakfast with us sharing his experiences as a US Diplomat in the Middle East and the Philippines. Joe has met with Rotary Clubs in the Middle East and should be a very entertaining speaker. It is mandatory that we register in advance for this event so Sheraton can accommodate us. Guests are welcome and our surrounding clubs have been invited as well. Breakfast will be $25 per person. Please go to rclb.bigcartel.com to register.
- Brian Berry discussed the Annual Rotary Lombardi Dinner to be held March 6th at Sheraton Eatontown Hotel. The Lombardi Dinner recognizes the achievement of shore area high school football lineman and benefits the American Cancer Society as well as area Rotary Clubs. Brian urged all to attend a great night and to sell raffle tickets to help with proceeds for the event.
- The District 7500 Conference is being held May 2nd – 4th in Point Pleasant. They decided to have the conference locally because of the need to give back to the area after the affects of Sandy. The Conference will be a la carte, meaning you can attend only those events that you wish. There will be Plenary sessions on Friday and Saturday along with wine tasting, Friday night murder/mystery, Rotary sing-off, guest speakers from around the world, and a Sunday run/walk to raise funds for polio plus.
- Planning has begun for the Club’s Art Show. Mark the calendar for April 10th at Deal Country Club from 5:30-8:30pm. An ad journal will be compiled.
- Gordon reminded everyone of his fundraiser at Brighton Bar Saturday February 15th. Doors at 8pm
Speaker
President Mika introduced our guest speaker, Rosemarie Peters, Monmouth County Surrogate. The main office is in Freehold with satellite offices located around the county on specific days of the week. Appointments are required to be seen at a satellite office and walk-ins are welcome in Freehold. While her office handles all court matters from guardianship, adoptions, minor trust funds etc, Rosemarie spoke with the club, discussing the costs of not having a will.
Main Benefits: Relieves family members of difficulty in handling of affairs. Is inexpensive in NJ costing a little over $100. Ability to reflect final wishes. It protects unmarried couples. Planning for what will happen to the home. Assists in protecting privacy.
Key Notes: Keep beneficiary information up to date. When leaving money to a minor, note who will have guardianship of the account. Leave money in the estate to cover burial and administrative expenses. Will can be written out and needs two witnesses and a notary signature on witnesses. Add a clause of where “remainder of property” should go. Name an executor, whom can be anyone. Mention anyone to be disinherited. Always know where the original of the will is located.
Important to write a will while healthy. Once incapacitated it can no longer be written whether it’s dementia, stroke, accident, etc. A Living Will and naming Power of Attorney is also important.
Gordon Heggie won the 50/50