Avoiding A Battle Over Probate

Darlene Payne Smith was our guest speaker this week and her subject was why everyone should have a will, a directive to physicians and appropriate powers of attorney to avoid the possibility of unwanted legal messes.

The will, of course, can clearly state how you wish your posessions to be distributed after you leave this life. Without a will your desired heirs may not be able to assume ownership of things you really do want them to have.

The directive to physicians can clearly inform healthcare professionals of your desires regarding the measures to be taken to keep you alive in end-of-life situations. It can take the guesswork, responsibility and possible guilt away from your family and doctors.

A Financial Power of Attorney can allow you to name someone to manage your finances if you become unable to do so yourself. A Medcial Power of Attorney allows you to name someone who can make medical decisions for you should you become unable to do so yourself.

Darlene also mentioned another document that many people do not know is needed. Due to the realtively new medical privacy laws, unless you provide your doctors or hospitals with a HIPPA Release they will not be able to fully discuss you medical situation with your family.

All of the documents mentioned here can give you more peace of mind, and make things much easier for your family in the case of serious illness or death. Talk to your family attorney and plan ahead.

Guests, Visitors and Other Good News

Visiting with us this week was our Assistant Governor, Craig Wooten, of the Bellaire Southwest Houston Club. Craig recently had back surgery and appears to be doing very well. Always welcome Craig!

Archie Wilcox and Ken Burgess were recognized by the club this week. First, for their continuing hard work on behalf of the club as Treasurer and Secretary (respectively). Then, by Karen Blakeman for having once again fulfilled the "Every Rotarian, Every Year" pledge by donating at least $100 to the Rotary Foundation.

Annual Wine Tasting Dinner & Silent Auction

February 20 - Dinner and Silent Auction, 6:30 PM at the Hilton Houston Southwest
This is our big fund raising event for the year and it needs to be successful to enable the club to fulfill many of the service projects planned for the coming months. All members should try to find items for the auction...small, medium or large...just something that people would like to bid on and own. All information on the items for the auction needs to be given to Ken Burgess by our meeting on Tuesday, February 16th. Click here to download the item info form. Click here to make reservations.

Thus far we have a DVD Player with remote control ($90 value), Pass for four to play golf at Sharpstown Golf Course ($100 to $200 value), a beautiful boxed set of polished wooden puzzles ($50 value) and a rolling TV table stand ($20 value).

Only about a week left to get your donations to Ken Burgess. And at the lunch meeting on Feb 16th we will need to let the Hotel know how many will be in our group on the 20th.

Coming Up At Rotary