Some of the most difficult conversations are the most important.
Kate Halstead with WSU Snohomish County Extension says conversations are important and necessary before parents die.
She says she wants folks to talk if there is a family farm or forestland involved in the estate.
“Without that conversation and resulting planning, those places we hold near and dear in our hearts can end up sold off for taxes with everyone feeling miserable about the result,” she says. “We hope to help folks make those first difficult steps towards having the conversation and making solid plans with the whole family on board.”
A farm and forestland succession planning class is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. April 1 at Arlington Boys &Girls Club, 18513 59th Ave. NE, Arlington.
The cost for the two-part workshop is $75 per family. To register, contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or e-mail klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.
For more information on the series, contact Kevin Zobrist at 425-357-6017, e-mail kzobrist@wsu.edu, or visit [URL]http://tinyurl.com/WSUforestry;http://http://snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/TTL2010.htm[URL].
Halstead says landowners often dream of having their children inherit their land and manage it with the same care they have taken. Unfortunately, that rarely happens without thoughtful planning.
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Neighbors got together to help an elderly woman who is raising a handicapped foster son.
Anna Kagley says her neighbor was having trouble getting a ramp built. She lives outside the city limits and doesn’t qualify for low-interest home improvement programs.
“We also have a similar child and share an Elks physical therapist,” Kagley says. “The therapist told me she was having trouble getting a wheelchair ramp.”
The foster mother was on a waiting list to get a free ramp, but it wasn’t moving fast enough.
Word spread, neighbors chipped in $20 each and a couple of contractors and others donated time and expertise.
Kagley’s Camp Fire USA members brought breakfast. Her foster and biological children bought pizza with their own allowances.
The ramp is up and operating, thanks to those willing to give.
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One might imagine that a plumbing company probably likes freezing weather or floods.
The phone rings off the hook when lines break.
“We don’t really like working them,” says Bruce Davis Sr., president of Day &Nite Plumbing &Heating Inc. in Lynnwood. “We all go on double shifts. It’s hard on us and our customers.”
During the last big freeze, the firm got panicked calls from folks who didn’t know where to shut anything off.
“In the middle of an emergency is not the time to figure that out.”
In all kinds of weather, they offer ID for Free. During an ID for Free service call, a technician will label all accessible water and natural gas shutoff valves in the home with easy-to-read, tear- and water-resistant identity tags.
Technicians will also demonstrate how to turn off the valves and teach what to do when gas odor is present or there is a water emergency.
“It’s a way to meet new people, serve our community and get our logo stickers into homes.”
For more information, call 800-972-7000 or visit [/URL]www.dayandnite.net;http://www.dayandnite.net[URL].
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A 2010 annual heritage day is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Sons of Norway, 23905 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell.
The event is free, there’s free parking and visitors will find food demonstrations, information about genealogy, crafts, music and lunch for sale.
Organizer Judy Trueb says she is a smidge Norwegian.
“For me, I didn’t realize I had any Norwegian background until I discovered it through genealogy,” Trueb says. “I previously figured I was a stepchild in the Sons of Norway organization. It was fun to learn I did really belong. I know others can have this same kind of fun experience and association with a great organization whether they are of Norwegian descent or not.”
All are welcome Saturday, she says.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.[/URL]
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