Your Money

Even Young Adults Need Legal Plans

By Janine Pumilia

Many adults are too young to remember the Terry Schiavo case that began in 1990, after Schiavo, age 26, suffered massive brain damage that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband sought to remove her feeding tube, believing it’s what she would have wanted, but her parents fought him in court for 15 years.

By the time her tube was removed, in 2005, the case had seen 14 appeals in Florida courts, five suits in federal district court and extensive involvement by the Florida legislature, Gov. Jeb Bush, the U.S. Congress and President George Bush. Even the Vatican got involved.

This painful and expensive slugfest could have been avoided had Schiavo put her end-of-life wishes in writing before illness struck. But what 26-year-old thinks of doing that?

“After that case, the living will became a hot topic,” says attorney Jim Meason. “It’s a written directive to your doctor that details your desire regarding medical treatment if you’re no longer able to say it.”

End-of-life planning isn’t just for the elderly, as Schiavo’s case proved. A sudden injury or illness can change anyone’s fate in a moment.

In addition to preparing a living will, every adult should specify a power of attorney for healthcare decisions and for property. If you live in Illinois and your total assets, including your home, exceed $100,000 ($50,000 in Wisconsin), you should prepare a trust, says Meason.

“Some advanced planning can prevent so much heartache and frustration for people you leave behind,” says Meason. “It doesn’t take long to do and is way less expensive and time-consuming than if your estate has to go through probate.”

It’s easy to avoid thinking about endof-life issues.

“None of us wants to deal with our mortality,” says Meason. “And really, a lot of people just aren’t used to paying for the professional services of an attorney. But my typical client is someone who knows someone who just went through a nightmare because someone else didn’t think ahead and left a mess behind for others to deal with.”

Meason’s services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law and environmental law. Find him at 113 N. Main St. in Rockton, Ill., go to measonlaw.com or call (815) 624-6517. ❚

Music in the Park

Through Aug. 3, Tues. & Thurs. 7 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment in Sinnissippi Park. June 15: Rockford Concert Band. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8800. Find full lineup at rockfordparkdistrict.org. Check for rain-outs at (815) 889-2001.

For the Birds

Through Aug. 7, Tues.-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Artwork by 26 Illinois artists depicting various bird species native to the Illinois region. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.

Family Fun Days

Discovery Center Museum will host nine family event days June 18 through Aug. 13, each with a specific topic. Learn more about them at discoverycentermuseum.org.

Music on the Mall

Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Mary’s Market on the outdoor plaza. Bring your own chair. June 18: Universal Joint, June 25: Swingbilly RFD. Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

East Troy Railfest 2021

On June 19, East Troy Railroad Museum will display all of its operating railroad cars and equipment during Railfest/Railfan Day. Experience what it was like to ride an electric trolley or interurban car 90 to 100 years ago. Enjoy a model railroad layout, a ham radio demonstration, face painting and more. Learn more at easttroyrr.org/railfest-2021.

Summer Concerts in the Park – Boone Co.

Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music and a sunset in the park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Boone Co. Arts Council, Baltic Mill Stage in Belvidere Park, 920 W. Lincoln Ave., (815) 544-6242, boonecountyarts.com.

Belvidere Heritage Days & Parade

June 25, 26 & 27. Celebrate with food, live music and more. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, along State Street beginning at Logan Avenue and finishing at Harrison Street. Learn more at Belvidere.il.us

Rockford Art Museum

Through Sept. 26, see website for hours. A special exhibition features 50 pieces from the museum’s permanent collection of modern

Experience what it was like to ride an electric trolley or interurban car 100 years ago during Railfest 2021 in East Troy, Wis.

and contemporary artwork. 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Woodsong: Saturday June Band

June 20, gates open at 4:30 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. Enjoy some tunes amid the blooms and blossoms of the arboretum’s fountain garden at the outdoor concerts featuring a variety of musicians. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org. ❚