By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Kindred Spirits was originally created five years ago as a group for widows and, over time, began including all women interested in making friends and forming deeper connections with one another.
Its regular monthly meetings resume Oct. 7, with local attorney Scott Fitzpatrick as guest speaker. His topic will be the Lady Bird Deed — also known as an enhanced life estate deed. Due to its importance, men are invited to this gathering.
The Lady Bird Deed is a legal tool that allows a property owner to retain control over their property during their lifetime, while automatically transferring it to a beneficiary upon their death. It avoids probate and offers a way to pass on real estate smoothly. It also lets the owner change their mind or sell the property if they choose.
Using a Lady Bird Deed is typically much less expensive than setting up a trust. It’s a simpler document and often involves fewer legal fees, making it a more straightforward and affordable way to manage how your property passes on.
Fitzpatrick enjoys working with seniors and answering questions during his presentations.
Kindred Spirits is organized by Michelle Mason and Sharon Bernico and sponsored through the Seniors in Service RSVP Program, which helps keep seniors active and engaged — and combats the all-too-common issues of isolation and loneliness.
“Research has shown loneliness is more debilitating to the health than smoking a pack of cigarettes daily,” Mason said.
All Kindred Spirits meetings are free, last 60 to 90 minutes and are held the first Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. in the Waterside Room at the Kings Point North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive. Each meeting includes open discussion time and has a different guest speaker and topic. Attendees are welcome to bring their own refreshments. Water and ice are provided.
Past presentations, for example, have included independent pharmacist Patrick Alonso discussing medication adherence and peptide therapy; HCSO Master Deputy Jeff Merry and a representative of Suncoast Credit Union talking about relationship fraud and other local scams; and a financial advisor from Morgan Stanley covering financial literacy. There’s even been a fashion show by Teal Turtle Boutique to promote personal care and self-worth.
“This is a fun group,” Mason said. “We want to educate, support and spark friendships. Come join us!”
For more information, call her at 813-492-8920 or email michellemson@seniorsinservice.org/.
About the speaker
Scott W. Fitzpatrick, a fifth generation Hillsborough County native, earned his law degree from Stetson College of Law in 2000, where he served on the Stetson Law Review and received the Cecil E. and Augusta Bailey Award. He is admitted to the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
His work includes contract disputes, securities fraud, restrictive covenants, foreclosure cases, fraud, consumer protection and more.
He also serves as general counsel to several nonprofit organizations. Contact him at scott@owenslawgrouppa.com.