Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 8, 2019 by Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on ethical wills and how to make one? The attorney that made up my will recently suggested I write one as a tool to explain the intentions of my will, as well as express my thoughts and feelings, but I don’t know where to start. Interested Senior Dear Interested, An ethical will – also referred to as a legacy letter – can be a valuable complement to your legal will, as well as a wonderful gift to your family or other loved ones. Here’s what you should know along with some tips to help you make one. Ethical Wills Unlike a last will and testament, which tells your loved ones (and the legal world) what you want them to have, an ethical will (which is not a legal document) tells them what you want them to know. With an ethical will, you can share with your loved ones your feelings, wishes, regrets, gratitude and advice, as well as explain the elements in your legal will, give information about the money and possessions you’re passing on, and anything else you want to communicate. Usually no more than a few pages, the process of writing an ethical will can actually be quite satisfying. But be careful that you don’t contradict any aspects of your legal will or estate plan. If you’re having trouble with the writing, there are resources available to help you, or you can express yourself through an audio or video recording. Where to Start To craft an ethical will, start by jotting down some notes about what’s really important to you and what you want your loved ones to know. Take your time and remember that you’re not trying to write for the Pulitzer Prize. This letter is a gift of yourself written for those you love. After you’ve gathered your thoughts you can start drafting your letter. You can also revise or rewrite it anytime you want. And for safekeeping, keep your ethical will with your other legal documents in a secure location but be sure your executor has access to it. A safe-deposit box or fi reproof fi ling cabinet or safe in your home is a good choice. Get Help If you need some help, there are numerous resources available like Celebrations of Life (CelebrationsofLife.net), which off ers howto information and examples of ethical wills, along with a “Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper” book, and the Ethical Wills/ Legacy Letters workbook that you can purchase for $16 and $10 respectively. Another good resource is Personal Legacy Advisors (PersonalLegacyAdvisors.com), a company that off ers ethical will writing classes and workshops, along with personalized services like coaching, editing, writing and/or audio or video recording your ethical will. Prices will vary depending on the services you choose. They also sell a do-it-yourself guidebook “The Wealth of Your Life: A Step-byStep Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will,” by Susan Turnbull for $24. You also need to know that many people choose to share their ethical will with their family and friends while they’re still living so they can enjoy their reactions, while others think it should be read after their death. It’s up to you. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Bingo is Back every Tuesday night Congregation Agudas Achim-Ezrath Israel 245 Bryant St. off Rt. 60, Malden 781-322-7205 Doors open at 4:00 PM Games start at 6:30 PM Free Coffee Cash Snack Bar Pull Tab Tickets available Come Back Prizes **October 29-FREE Pasta Supper with paid admission.** Malden Reads selects companion books for 2020 How to Create an Ethical Will M alden Reads is pleased to announce the selection of companion books for young readers, all of which complement the themes of the 2020 main book selection, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. These books were chosen by a group of educators, librarians, and other individuals in the community off ering their support and input. Relating to Fahrenheit 451, we will explore themes of empowerment, standing up against censorship and the transformative power of books and meaningful connections among people. Others are storytelling, the power of memory, and connections with our neighbors. Malden Reads will offer these books for students in the Malden Public Schools at no charge, and will provide options to schools to participate in programming, as well as other resource materials. The books will be available at the Malden Public Library for Malden families and in Little Free Libraries throughout the community. The books will be available for purchase at the Malden Reads “Holiday Pop-Up Bookstore & More” oneday event on December 7, 2019, from 11am to 7pm hosted at J Malden Center (190 Pleasant St. in Malden). This is also one of the fi rst public opportunities to visit the new J Malden Center community, which provides luxury apartments and new retail on the ground fl oor opening soon, and will be the new home of Malden City Hall. Nonprofi t organizations that are interested in receiving a small number of copies of these book selections for use with children should email maldenreads@gmail.com. SNOW HELP WANTED Established company in Everett seeking experienced plow drivers & snow shovelers for commercial & state work 24-hour Availability. Great Pay. 617-389-1490 Here are the titles and descriptions for the companion books, along with suggested grade levels (which can be adapted based on level of interest and reading level). The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Grades 9–12) Winner of numerous awards including the American Library Association (ALA)’s Best Books for Young Adults and adapted into a feature fi lm, this book was described by The New York Times as “It’s the kind of book that can be life-changing, because without ever denying the essential amorality and randomness of the natural order, The Book Thief offers us a believable hard-won hope…” Common Sense Media states “This book will educate readers about living under Nazi rule, and it will inspire them to think about human nature and why some heroic people are able to put their lives on the line to do what they know is right.” The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick (Grades 6–12) Newbury Honor author Philbrick’s story is set in an apocalyptic future in which the narrator, a boy with epilepsy, meets an older man who is one of the only people left on earth who appreciate books and literature. Scholastic’s review is as follows: “Both chilling and inspiring, the story is ultimately about those who have the courage to become conscious in a world that invites us to choose illusion and denial. Here is a powerful tale of love, loss, and the challenges we all face to make thoughtful, moral choices.” Ban This Book by Alan Gratz (Grades 3–6) Called “A stout defense of the right Commercial Snow Services * Everett * Chelsea * Revere * East Boston Call Anthony (617) 212-2003 * Snow Plowing * Sanding Services * Snow Plowing * Shoveling * Parking Lots * Condominums * Businesses Over 35 Years of Experience! to read” by Kirkus Reviews, this is a story about a shy fourth grader who fi ghts back after her favorite book has been banned from her school library. A review in School Library Journal is as follows: “The story of Amy Anne's personal triumph is also a celebration of literature, free speech, and fi nding one's voice…Hand this to book lovers, aspiring librarians, or any kid who wants to make a diff erence.” The Storyteller by Evan Turk (Grades 2–4) This book was written up by Kirkus Reviews in a starred review as “The art of storytelling is celebrated as a life-giving force in this enthralling picture book set in Morocco … Original storytelling with the feel of the best folklore.” While many cultures have folktales involving water, the School Library Journal says “this tale is unusual in using water as a metaphor for story: just as we need water to nourish our physical selves, we need stories to feed our spirits.” BOOKS | SEE PAGE 19
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