By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
N-Sync, LLC in partnership with Metroparks Toledo and Savvy Seniors hosted the second Getting Your Affairs in Order for Women by Women Thursday, August 13 at The Glass City Enrichment Center (815 Front St). The Getting Your Affairs in Order series, which started in 2024, is a free event that educates the community about end of life decisions and estate planning.
The program informs people on how to prepare for inevitable life circumstances as well as how to have tough and needed conversations with family members and care takers about last wishes. Topics range from insurance policies, trusts, bank accounts, living wills and more.
“Your legacy deserves a plan,” stated Deborah Barnett organizer of the event. “Nobody has everything, but everybody has something. Your wellbeing needs a plan… We will all have life changing situations that we will have to address. You have to address them. So it’s better to address them on the front end, so your wishes and your instructions are followed, and not on the back end,” she continued.
“In the words of Suze Orman, ‘the key to your financial protection today is planning for tomorrow’,” she shared. “The only way you do this is very simple. You must have those ‘must-have’ documents. And we have people here this evening around this room that will help you understand what documents, what policies, what things, that you can put in place so your affairs can be in order.”
The series has ranged from 100-300 people since its start. Felicia Howard, who has been a volunteer since the program’s inception, remarked about the lasting importance of the event and why so many people attend. “I think there’s so much information that’s given out…and there are many questions that are asked that people come back so they can get more and more information…Every time I come I learn something new,” she stated.
Welcomes were presented by Felica Crockette (MetroParks Toledo) and Clara Petty (Savy Seniors). The Invocation was given by Rev. Barbie Harrison Area Office on Aging, Program Purpose by coordinator Deborah Barnett (N-SYNC, LLC.) and special remarks from Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline.
All speakers for the evening and all attendees were women. Presenters included:
- Attorney Charlon Dewberry
- Sara Ross – State Farm Agent
- Yvette Watkins – Huntington Bank
- Anita Madison – Legal Shield
- Yvette Harris – Ameriealth
The program concluded with a Questions & Answer session moderated by Celeste Felix.
Sponsors for the event were Area Office on Aging and Lucas County Auditor, Recorder & Treasurer. Refreshments were catered by Tastefully Two.
The next Getting Your Affairs in Order event will be Saturday, October 17 from 10am-12pm at the UAW Local 12 on 2300 Ashland Ave. This event will be for both men and women. Lunch will be provided. The event is always free to the public.
Registration begins September 1. For more information or sponsorship opportunities contact Deborah Barnett at 419-297-4232.
