Published: Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Dispute resolution can save the holidays
There are plenty of things to argue about before Christmas, such as budgets, which relatives to invite over, whom to visit and what color garland to put on the tree.
And for those with child custody issues, where the kids go at the holidays is always a hot topic.
If you need help managing issues, it might be time to schedule an appointment at the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island Counties.
Volunteer mediator Vivian Scott says talking things over with them can solve problems without involving costly lawyers and tying up time in courts.
"The DRC offers a free annual service and sometimes I think it's the best kept secret around," Scott says. "The DRC offers sessions for parents having conflict over where their children will spend school vacations, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Hanukkah."
Call now to get in before Dec. 19: 425-339-1335.
Before Christmas and other times of the year, folks bring up some rather interesting points of contention, Scott says.
One childless couple easily divided assets, but couldn't decide who got Christmas with the two dogs.
After separating a multimillion-dollar property, a couple had their largest fight over who owns the "Coldplay" CD in their collection.
A family inherited a large estate. After some work, they were able to divide properties, vehicles and bank accounts, but could not decide who would get grandma's antique tea cup.
A separating couple with two young children decided each child would get two birthdays, one with mom, one with dad, and twice the presents.
Scott called double birthdays the "more to love you" plan.
Sultan Harvest offered a well-attended Thanksgiving dinner.
Dave Wood, director of services, East Snohomish County Volunteers of America Western Washington, said many folks left donations after dinner.
"A homeless man (who lives under the U.S. 2 bridge), came up and dug through his pockets to gave us everything he had," Wood says.
The $1.60 was appreciated.
The annual Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters breakfast with Santa event is planned for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
It costs $4, or $6 at the door, and is planned at 21801 44th Ave. W. with pancakes, eggs, sausage and more. Music is provided by school groups.
Holiday digital pictures with or without Santa are $6 to $8.
Parent Michelle Walters says the annual meal is a great way to escape chaos at the mall and even high school kids love getting their pictures taken with Santa.
Mommies wanting to meet other mommies may join a group called Mothers and More.
Its next meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Mill Creek. For more information, visit snohomishmoms.org/calendar.
Member Sara Mangat from Mountlake Terrace said Mothers and More aims to help women focus on themselves.
"We focus on the mother as an individual," she said. "Who were you before you were Mommy? How can we keep that alive?"
The name of the Wednesday meeting also deals with obnoxious relatives.
The name of the program says it all -- "In Laws . . . Out Laws!"
Columnist Kristi O'Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
And for those with child custody issues, where the kids go at the holidays is always a hot topic.
If you need help managing issues, it might be time to schedule an appointment at the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island Counties.
Volunteer mediator Vivian Scott says talking things over with them can solve problems without involving costly lawyers and tying up time in courts.
"The DRC offers a free annual service and sometimes I think it's the best kept secret around," Scott says. "The DRC offers sessions for parents having conflict over where their children will spend school vacations, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Hanukkah."
Call now to get in before Dec. 19: 425-339-1335.
Before Christmas and other times of the year, folks bring up some rather interesting points of contention, Scott says.
One childless couple easily divided assets, but couldn't decide who got Christmas with the two dogs.
After separating a multimillion-dollar property, a couple had their largest fight over who owns the "Coldplay" CD in their collection.
A family inherited a large estate. After some work, they were able to divide properties, vehicles and bank accounts, but could not decide who would get grandma's antique tea cup.
A separating couple with two young children decided each child would get two birthdays, one with mom, one with dad, and twice the presents.
Scott called double birthdays the "more to love you" plan.
Sultan Harvest offered a well-attended Thanksgiving dinner.
Dave Wood, director of services, East Snohomish County Volunteers of America Western Washington, said many folks left donations after dinner.
"A homeless man (who lives under the U.S. 2 bridge), came up and dug through his pockets to gave us everything he had," Wood says.
The $1.60 was appreciated.
The annual Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters breakfast with Santa event is planned for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
It costs $4, or $6 at the door, and is planned at 21801 44th Ave. W. with pancakes, eggs, sausage and more. Music is provided by school groups.
Holiday digital pictures with or without Santa are $6 to $8.
Parent Michelle Walters says the annual meal is a great way to escape chaos at the mall and even high school kids love getting their pictures taken with Santa.
Mommies wanting to meet other mommies may join a group called Mothers and More.
Its next meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Mill Creek. For more information, visit snohomishmoms.org/calendar.
Member Sara Mangat from Mountlake Terrace said Mothers and More aims to help women focus on themselves.
"We focus on the mother as an individual," she said. "Who were you before you were Mommy? How can we keep that alive?"
The name of the Wednesday meeting also deals with obnoxious relatives.
The name of the program says it all -- "In Laws . . . Out Laws!"
Columnist Kristi O'Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
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