Tag Archive for: Camas

6 Ways to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

For thousands of years, the concept of leadership has been linked to the skill of public speaking. This was just as true for Marcus Aurelius as it was for Steve Jobs. In many fields, in fact, public speaking is a skill that can still determine the trajectory of a person’s career path; it’s a leadership skill that is perennially useful and is one of the foremost qualities of a truly well-rounded person.

The good news is that public speaking is a skill that can be learned by anyone with enough practice; here are just a few good ways to make sure that your public speaking goals are achievable, manageable, and suited to your particular career or personal needs.

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

If you’re really interested in getting better at public speaking, remember that positive reinforcement tends to go a lot farther than negative reinforcement. Rewarding yourself for practicing in the early stages of skill development might feel like jumping the gun. On the other hand, you’ll be subtly reinforcing the notion that practice of a skill leads to good things with each reward given and micro-goal reached.

2. Set Realistic Finish Lines

As with many things in life, the key to undertaking a serious task is to set a realistic expectation of results and realistic timelines for your efforts to succeed. For many people, the use of vague deadlines and overoptimistic expectations can make a personal or professional project seem thoroughly unattainable. This can lead to a disheartening situation in which a steady stream of false starts create an impression that “nothing will ever go right” or that failure is inevitable.

In other words, try to spend time planning out your roadmap to success well before you start. When it comes to setting goals, what is a realistic achievement to expect and a realistic deadline for the achievement? Just as you’ll want to know where the finish line is while you’re running a marathon, you’ll want to keep in mind what the end of this particular journey looks like and feels like to you.

3. Make a Video

One of the biggest barriers to attaining good public speaking skills is a fundamental misunderstanding of how we appear to others when we have their attention. This is a natural problem that any good public speaker will struggle with: From our perspective as speakers, we can see how others are reacting to what we’re saying and how we’re saying it, but we can’t see what they see. To help this, try to record yourself presenting a written or memorized speech on video.

After you’ve done so, pay special attention to what works and what doesn’t in your mannerisms: Perhaps you’re someone who struggles with eye contact when you’re nervous; perhaps you tend to fidget when you’re at a loss for something to say. Remember that all good public speakers regularly practice their craft by recording themselves or by speaking into a mirror. Master this principle of self-analysis or learning to see yourself as others see you and you’ll be halfway towards becoming an excellent public speaker.

4. Find Subjects That Resonate With You

If you’re deeply invested in a personal cause, it follows that your emotional investment in a given subject will permeate your thoughts, actions, and words concerning that subject. Conversely, a distinct lack of interest on your part in a given subject will make even the most well-written speech ring hollow. To become a great public speaker, learn to be yourself and to pursue subjects that genuinely matter to you.

5. Look at the Bigger Picture

In other words, try to find your mission in life and develop an idea of how your public speaking skills will serve that mission. The Gettysburg Address would not be so convincing to us if Abraham Lincoln were not deeply invested in the outcome of the Civil War at the time the speech was written; as the leader of a country, Lincoln knew what was at stake for himself and for others if his nation was torn apart and directed his words accordingly. While your speech may not have as grand of consequences as that, it’s still important to remember why you’re giving the speech you’re giving.

6. Understand Your Passions

Have you ever watched someone give a speech about something that they clearly don’t care about? Perhaps the “right” words were all there, but emotionally their speech failed to land with their audience. You’ll often see this state of affairs happen in politics when someone has to get across a message that they’re not particularly excited about or interested in.

This is not to say that great speeches can’t be written about potentially dull subjects. However, if your audience sees your eyes light up about a particular subject that is close to your heart, your speech will probably be compelling to them regardless of its subject matter. If you seem bored by the subject or even uninvested in the outcome of a particular line of thinking, however, it probably won’t matter how compelling your argument is on paper. To really excel at public speaking, you need to feel the emotions you want to convey to your audience.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Executive Speakers Bureau

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Camas’ Hometown Holidays, Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 6

Camas, WA -– The City of Camas’ Hometown Holidays, which draws thousands to downtown Camas, will take place Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 pm– 8 pm.  This festive event will include a full slate of activities, including the popular tree lighting ceremony.

Residents and visitors will once again enjoy a bustling downtown Camas, filled with school and community choirs, bands and dancers, photos with Santa (bring your camera!), crafts for the kids, street food vendors, and downtown restaurants and shops open for business.  The tree-lighting ceremony will kick off the event at 5 pm, thanks to the coordination and sponsorship by the Downtown Camas Association and the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.  Hometown Holidays is coordinated and hosted by Camas Parks & Recreation and coincides with Downtown Camas Association’s First Friday.

Hometown Holidays and the events are free and open to all, thanks to the financial support of Columbia Credit Union, Windermere Camas/Crest Realty, iQ Credit Union, Downtown Camas Association, Lutz Hardware and in-kind donors and volunteers. In addition, various restaurants and food vendors will be open to purchase food. Visitors can also use the opportunity to shop for their holiday gifts in Camas’ well-known historic downtown.  

The free parking shuttle, courtesy of the Camas School District, will run its easy-to-park & ride event shuttles from 4:30 – 8:30 pm. Four color-coded parking lots within 1-mile of downtown Camas will be incorporated into one continuous shuttle route.  The shuttle route will stop at each of the parking lots and will drop off riders on the street between Camas City Hall and the Camas Public Library.  The shuttle is free; details can be found at www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec; and click on the “Special Events” tab.

A few suggestions before venturing out this year, please leave dogs at home; this event is not a good fit, as it will feature very large crowds. Visitors can park their strollers at the Festival Information Tent, located at 4th & Cedar St.; and Journey Church will also be hosting a quiet room to allow diaper changing and nursing mothers. 

For event locations and other event details, visit

https://www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec/page/hometown-holidays-2024

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Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience

In an aging society, you might face difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than expected. And when you do, you’ll realize the journey through end-of-life care is rarely straightforward. A recent and heartbreaking story from Maggie Schneider Huston in Newsweek illustrates this. In this article, I’ll highlight key insights from Maggie’s experience and offer practical advice for your situation.

First, know that an advance directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical care if you cannot decide for yourself. In most states, it also gives authority to a person or people you choose to act on your behalf and ensure your wishes are fulfilled. With that, let’s dive into Maggie’s story. As you read, consider how you might prepare for similar situations in your life or the lives of your aging relatives.

What Happened?

Maggie’s story begins in 2023. Her mom died, and shortly after, Maggie’s father, Terry, revised his will and created an advance directive. He wanted to be entirely prepared for a planned heart surgery he was to have less than three months later.

His advance directive reflected his desires that he’d been clear about – that he did not want to suffer when his life was coming to an end. He did not want machines to keep him alive. He only wanted to be comfortable. Maggie and her siblings understood and supported their father’s wishes. They gave one of his doctors a copy of his advance directive before the surgery. That doctor later admitted that he hadn’t read it. Terry’s other two doctors did not know he had an advance directive.

After Terry’s heart surgery, his health declined rapidly. As he was lying in the hospital bed, his doctors arguing that he could live with the assistance of machines, he told them that’s not what he wanted. He repeatedly asked for hospice care. Despite Terry’s wishes, his doctors would not order hospice care for him.

Maggie and her siblings quickly got involved and read Terry’s advance directive to the doctors. And after repeated requests, the doctors finally relented. He died shortly after. Even though Terry’s wishes were finally honored, it wasn’t without frustration and heartache for Terry and his family.

It’s easy to see why the doctors insisted on keeping Terry alive. Their job, after all, isn’t to facilitate death but to promote life (no doubt the fear of being sued for medical malpractice was a factor, too). So it’s not a leap to think that if Terry didn’t have an advance directive, he would still be alive today, subsisting on the assistance of machines at an extreme cost to the family.

So, as Maggie’s story illustrates, having an advance directive is just the first step. You must also ensure that the advance directive is readily available and that your chosen advocates are prepared to fight for your wishes if necessary. It also helps to have a trusted lawyer by your side.

Advocating for Your Loved Ones

Maggie’s experience with her father shows how important advocacy can be. If you find yourself in Maggie’s situation with a parent or other loved one, here are some strategies you can take to ensure their wishes are honored:

Be prepared to speak up and ask questions. If you need help understanding something, ask for clarification. Don’t be intimidated by medical jargon or embarrassed about asking for explanations.

Ensure that all medical team members have read and understood the advance directive. Don’t assume that because one doctor has seen it, all of them have.

If your loved one’s wishes are ignored, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue to hospital administration or patient advocacy groups. Remember, you’re not just a visitor but an essential part of your loved one’s care team.

Keep a journal or log of all interactions with healthcare providers. Document who you spoke to, what was discussed, and any decisions made. This can be invaluable if there are disagreements or misunderstandings later.

Build relationships with the nursing staff. The nursing staff spends the most time with patients and can be powerful allies in advocating for your loved one’s care.

Consider bringing in outside help if needed. If you feel your loved one’s rights are being violated, this could be a patient advocate, a social worker, or even a lawyer. Read on, and I’ll show you how to get my help and support.

Take care of yourself during this process. Advocating can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Eat well, get enough sleep, and take breaks when needed.

Your role as an advocate can be challenging, but it’s crucial to ensure your loved one’s wishes are respected. You can also prepare for your future so your loved ones have the support they need to advocate for you if the time comes.

How to Help Your Loved Ones Avoid Similar Outcomes

To help your family avoid the challenges faced by Maggie and her siblings, consider the following steps:

Create a comprehensive advance directive and designate a healthcare proxy. This crucial first step involves clearly outlining your wishes for end-of-life care in a thorough Life & Legacy Plan. When you work with me to create your Life & Legacy Plan, I can help you get clear on specific treatments you do or do not want, choose the right people to be your representatives, and ensure they understand and are willing to advocate for your wishes. All these considerations are critically important.

Communicate your wishes openly and distribute your advance directive. Have frank discussions with your family members about your end-of-life preferences. Ensure all relevant family members understand and respect your decisions, proactively addressing concerns or disagreements. Once your wishes are clear, provide copies of your advance directive to your representatives, family members, and primary care physician. I will maintain a copy of your advance directive when you work with me. This wide distribution helps ensure your wishes are known and can be quickly accessed when needed.

Regularly review and update your Life & Legacy Plan. Life circumstances and health conditions can change, potentially affecting end-of-life care preferences. That’s why my Life & Legacy Planning process includes regular reviews of your plan so we can update your plan if needed. This ongoing process of review and update helps ensure that your end-of-life care plans always accurately reflect your current wishes and circumstances and that your plan will work when you and your loved ones need it to.

Finally, remember, end-of-life care isn’t just about how we die – it’s about how we live our final days, weeks, or months. Planning and being prepared to advocate can ensure that this time is as meaningful and comfortable as possible, aligned with your values and wishes. In doing so, you’re providing a final act of love and respect, honoring a life well-lived right up to its very end.

How We Help You Navigate End-of-Life Care

As Maggie’s story clearly illustrates, end-of-life situations can be complex and emotionally challenging. The best time to prepare for these difficult moments is now. We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your end-of-life wishes are respected, your loved ones are empowered to advocate for you, and your care aligns with your values when needed. Don’t leave your end-of-life care to chance. Let us help you create a plan that works when you and your loved ones need it most.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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CW Historical Society Invites All to Camas Mill Interpretive Center

Camas-Washougal, WA – The Camas-Washougal Historical Society is inviting members and the community to take a closer look at the fascinating history of the Camas Mill.  They are hosting a private access event at the Camas Mill Interpretive Center on Saturday, November 16 at 2 pm. The center opened around eight years ago and is located at 401 Adams Street, Camas.

Curator Ron Hawkins will host the presentation that includes a video featuring paper mill processes (as of six years ago) and an interview with local historian Virginia Warren.  Attendees will also learn about the Koch family and Georgia-Pacific as well as enjoy interactive displays.

Hawkins, a Washougal High School graduate, moved to the area in 1969 and worked 43 years at the paper mill. The last 20 years he was the senior environmental air technician, as well as a team leader for the technical operations group. He retired five years ago.

“I caught the (history) fever years ago by listening to the old timers talk about their experiences,” said Hawkins. “I researched for about a year to get the exact day they broke ground. I try to make some of the exhibits more interactive, so the youth enjoy the museum as well.  The mill was built six years before Washington became a state so there is a lot to talk about.”

Hawkins currently catalogs photos and documents and has collected over 1,000 issues of the original mill newsletters, “Making Paper,” which he hand-scanned at the Clark County Historical Museum.

The mill’s history dates back to 1883 when Henry Pittock, who owned The Oregonian weekly newspaper, formed a company called the Lacamas Colony Company. Under Pittock’s leadership, the business purchased 2,600 acres of land in and around what is now the town of Camas and began construction of a paper mill that would supply newsprint for the now daily Oregonian.

Crews began clearing land, building dams, and constructing a sawmill. During that same time, the town site of Lacamas was laid out and platted, and the town’s first store was opened for business. Camas was born!

At the November CWHS event, light refreshments provided by mill management will be served, and a short society business meeting will be held.

Mill
Mill
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A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think

If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. There are many misconceptions about what a power of attorney is and what authority it gives someone. And no, it doesn’t grant someone a temporary law degree. 

I’ll address the misconceptions about powers of attorney so you know what to do if someone appoints you as their power of attorney. Then, armed with this knowledge, you’ll understand your legal responsibilities so you don’t inadvertently make any mistakes or run afoul of the law.

Let’s start with some background info. If a power of attorney doesn’t confer attorney status, then why is it called that?

What is a Power of Attorney?

Generally speaking, a power of attorney is a legal document granting someone else the authority to act on your behalf regarding your financial life. The term “power of attorney” is a bit of a historical holdover. Originally, powers of attorney were primarily used to appoint lawyers to represent individuals in legal matters. However, the concept has expanded over time to include appointing someone to act on your behalf for various purposes.

So, while you don’t need to be an attorney to hold a power of attorney, the term has continued due to its historical origins. Granting power of attorney is a way to indicate that an appointed person has the authority to act as your agent or representative, similar to the way an attorney would act on your behalf.

There are times when it’s necessary to preserve your assets, especially if you reach a point in life when you are unable to manage your own financial, legal, or healthcare matters, whether from old age, a terrible accident, or simply being out of the country for an extended period. In each of these cases, it’s possible that if you don’t have someone acting on your behalf, problems could occur. Your financial institutions could charge extra fees on your accounts, a fraudster could drain them, and you wouldn’t know it happened; taxes could go unpaid, your property could go into foreclosure, or your credit could be ruined. So, to prevent these horrific outcomes, you want someone else to be able to maintain your financial life on your behalf.

Types of Powers of Attorney

We don’t need to get too much in the weeds here (if you want to get in the weeds, though, read to the end, and I’ll show you how to book a call with me); know that there are different types of powers of attorney, each with its specific purpose. Here are some examples:

General Power of Attorney: This grants the agent broad authority to act on your behalf, including managing your finances and signing legal documents, even if you can handle your affairs. It becomes effective as soon as you execute the document. When might you want this? Say you travel for work, and you and your spouse have decided to refinance your mortgage. You may want your spouse to sign the paperwork on your behalf rather than wait until you’re back in town.

Springing Power of Attorney: This also grants authority to someone to manage your financial and legal affairs. You can execute the document whenever you want, but it doesn’t kick in until you can no longer make your own decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney: This type of general power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Think of it as the General and Springing Powers of Attorney combined.

Limited Power of Attorney: This grants the agent authority to handle specific tasks only, such as managing your property or making healthcare decisions.

Healthcare Power of Attorney: This grants your named agent authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. 

Even though each of these documents operates differently, they all have one crucial thing in common: the agent’s power ends as soon as you die. 

What No One Told You About a Power of Attorney: It Ends With Death

You may mistakenly believe that a power of attorney gives someone the right to access your financial accounts indefinitely. However, a power of attorney is a temporary arrangement that ends when the person who granted the power dies. What does this mean, exactly?

Let’s say your aging mother can no longer manage her affairs, and she executed a Power of Attorney to give you the authority. While she’s living, you can access her bank accounts to ensure all her bills are paid and paid on time. But as soon as she dies, you no longer have the legal authority to access her accounts. If she had a Will or no estate plan, you would have to file paperwork with the probate court and wait for the case to make it through the court system until the judge grants you authority again. In the meantime, if you can’t afford to cover her bills along with your own, you may have to decide to let her bills go unpaid. If she still has a mortgage on her house, for instance, and you can’t pay her mortgage and yours, the bank could begin to foreclose, and you could lose any equity she had. This equity could have been a significant part of your inheritance. 

Going to court can be frustrating and time-consuming, and negative consequences can result if you haven’t planned appropriately. 

The Good News

With some careful planning ahead of time, you can ensure all your bills get paid, and your assets are preserved for your loved ones. The way to do that is by creating a Life & Legacy Plan with a living trust. A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee, who manages them to benefit your beneficiaries. Notably, a trust survives your death, so there’s no disruption in the ability of someone to manage your finances after you die.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to ensure your power of attorney, trust, and related estate planning tools are created correctly and updated over time and that you understand the benefits and consequences of your plan. 

How We Help You Preserve What Matters

Understanding the limitations of a power of attorney and the benefits of a trust is crucial for protecting your hard-earned assets. When you work with me to create a Life & Legacy Plan, I’ll empower you with the education you need so you can make the right choices for yourself and your family, that you fully understand how your plan works, and that your family has my support after you’re gone. Once your plan is in place, you can rest easy knowing that your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more and start your journey toward a secure financial future. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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Camas School District Announces Camas Music Boosters Grants

The Camas Music Boosters have presented grant checks to the following five music teachers this year, with even more grants left to present soon:

Music teacher Dustin Hunley at Dorothy Fox Elementary received a grant check to purchase a new bass xylophone for his classroom, enabling over 330 students in 2nd grade and up to create beautiful music with this easy-to-play, compact instrument.

Camas High School Band Director Richard Mancini received a grant check to fund essential instrument repairs and replace worn-out uniform parts, including gloves, cords, plumes, and spats, keeping the band looking sharp and sounding great!

Music teacher Trevor Bateman received a grant check for 10 new music stands, supporting the growing symphonic bands at Discovery High School and Odyssey Middle School and ensuring students have the resources they need to perform at their best.

Liberty Middle School Band Director Greg Henion received a grant check to purchase a new clarinet and Sousaphone, ensuring students have access to quality instruments for both concert and marching band, strengthening the band’s sound and promoting equity in the program.

Liberty Middle School Choir Director Erik Edmundson received a grant check to expand the choir’s music library, allowing Liberty Middle School to continue building a quality selection of choral literature for students to enjoy year after year.

Also, don’t miss the Teacher Talent Showcase this Saturday, November 2 at 7 pm in the Joyce Garver Theater! It will be an extraordinary evening of talented Camas district music teacher performances. Get your tickets now: https://secure.givelively.org/event/camas-music-booster/2024-camas-teacher-talent-showcase

Music
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Artists Snyder, Burmaster and Harrington Join RedDoor Gallery 

Camas, WA — RedDoor Gallery downtown Camas is proud to announce three new artists whose work is now on exhibit for show and sale. Area residents are invited to view original pastels by Catherine Snyder, original oils by Kimmie Burmaster and original acrylics by Gail Harrington at a special First Friday Art Walk reception in their honor on Friday, November 1st from 5-8 pm. The reception features complimentary refreshments, delicious charcuterie and RedDoor Gallery’s signature chocolate truffles.

Since opening in May, the art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl  Folkers, Dave Garbot, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.  With the recent remodel of RedDoor’s new Mezzanine Gallery exhibition space, RedDoor Gallery is also representing acrylic artist George Throop and oil paint artist Wendy Davis. A reception for Throop and Davis will take place at First Friday on December 6th. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

Pastel artist Catherine Snyder is inspired by music, beautiful settings, loving acts of kindness and extraordinary courage.

“I have a passion for color and love to experiment with pastels,” said Snyder. 

Her work has garnered many first place awards in shows around the region. See it now in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Kimmie Burmaster paints in oils on canvas and appreciates the rich texture and flexibility of working in oils. 

“People are among my favorite subjects to  paint,” says Burmaster. 

She also enjoys painting still life and landscape paintings. A variety of her work is now on exhibit in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Lastly, Camas artists Gail Harrington has also joined RedDoor Gallery. She works primarily with acrylic and mixed media. 

“I’m inspired by nature, music, scripture and other artists’ work,” said Harrington. 

Her work illuminates, with a quiet yet expressive freedom. See her large format works of art at RedDoor Gallery for the first time on Friday, November 1st.

Quickly becoming the “art hub of Camas,” RDG invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail [email protected]

RedDoor
“Misty River” original pastel by Catherine Snyder

RedDoor
“Green Vase” original oil on canvas by Kimmie Burmaster
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Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings

The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, primarily when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By understanding the emotional weight of possessions, the power of perception and taking proactive steps, you can prevent such heartache and foster a more harmonious grieving process for your family. We’ll explore practical strategies to ensure your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones stay united amidst loss.

Perception Is the Basis for Conflict

Your personal belongings are so much more than just material objects. They are tangible reminders of your life, personality, and connection to the people you hold dear. These items can provide immense comfort and solace for your grieving family when you’re gone. However, the emotional ties to your possessions can also set the stage for conflict.

Your family members may have very different ideas about the value and significance of your possessions and how your possessions should be distributed. Emotional attachments to personal property often run deeper than anyone realizes, reflecting unresolved feelings of love, guilt, or regret. These differences in perspective can create tension and resentment and even damage relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

The Value of Open Communication and Thoughtful Planning

To minimize the risk of family feuds over your personal property, one of the most effective things you can do is have open and honest conversations about expectations and preferences long before you’re gone. Here are some strategies to consider:

Start the Conversation Early. While it may feel awkward to discuss such sensitive topics, it’s far better to address them proactively. This allows for a more thoughtful and deliberate discussion of everyone’s wishes. Ideally, these conversations should occur when all parties are calm and emotionally prepared rather than amid grief.

Record Yourself. Don’t underestimate the value of getting on video. Recording yourself explaining your wishes and why can be very powerful, as well as provide clarity and decrease conflict for your loved ones. When you create your estate plan with my firm, we include a Life & Legacy Interview with every plan so that your decisions and their reasons are clear to your family. When there’s no ambiguity, the possibility of conflict lessens.

Make an Inventory. Make a comprehensive list of all your personal belongings, including their sentimental value and any specific requests or wishes you have associated with them. This inventory can be a crucial reference point for your family members after you’re gone. If possible, involve your loved ones in this process so that they understand your wishes and can ensure your voice is heard.

Create a Life and Legacy Plan. A Life and Legacy Plan can minimize disputes by clearly outlining your wishes regarding distributing your personal property. In addition to the Life & Legacy Interview, every plan includes a “personal property memorandum,” which provides additional clarity, specifying which items should go to which beneficiaries. We even help you update your plan to reflect changing circumstances or preferences and prevent family conflict.

Focus on Your Family’s Needs. Ultimately, the goal of your planning should be to honor your memory and support the well-being of your loved ones. Prioritize the needs of grieving people and try to find solutions that minimize conflict and pain. Sometimes, creating a process where each family member can express their attachment to specific items and why they matter can help others understand their emotional value rather than just their monetary worth.

Helping Your Family Sell Your Belongings with Care and Intention

Sometimes, your loved ones may need to sell your personal property, which may be necessary to settle your estate, pay debts, or ensure that your items are put to good use. Whether or not the items sold hold sentimental value, this can be another task ripe with conflict. Further, many family members don’t know what the process entails. But you can help make it easier for them by doing a lot of legwork now.

In your Life & Legacy Plan, you can specify how you want your items sold and outline the process for your loved ones. Here are the steps your family will need to take:

Assess the True Value of Your Items. Start by evaluating the worth of the items to be sold. This may involve hiring an appraiser, especially for valuable items such as antiques, artwork, or jewelry. An appraiser can objectively assess an item’s value, which can help prevent disputes over perceived worth and ensure a fair sale.

Choose the Right Selling Method. Depending on the type and value of your belongings, your loved ones must choose a selling method. A yard sale or estate sale might be appropriate for everyday household items. An auction house, consignment shop, or online marketplace may be the way to go for more valuable items. Your family should also be mindful of any fees or commissions associated with these approaches.

Enlist the Help of an Estate Sale Company. Hiring a professional estate sales company can be a game-changer if your estate contains many items or your family is overwhelmed by the process. These companies handle everything from pricing items to advertising the sale, managing the event, and disposing of unsold items. They typically charge a percentage of the sales, but their expertise can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Understand the Legal Requirements. Depending on your jurisdiction, specific legal requirements for selling estate property may exist. For example, an executor may need court approval to sell certain assets or follow particular procedures for notifying beneficiaries. When you create your Life & Legacy Plan with us, we will be there for your family when you no longer can be, and we can advise them on all the necessary legal requirements.

Plan for the Proceeds. Decide how the sale proceeds will be used and document your wishes in your Life & Legacy Plan. We can help you specify whether they will be distributed among your heirs, used to pay off estate debts, or donated to charity.

Leave a Legacy of Harmony, Not Conflict

Your loved ones deserve to grieve with dignity and respect, not embroiled in bitter disputes. Take the time now to put the proper measures in place, and you can rest assured that your final wishes will be honored and your family will stay out of court and conflict after you’re gone.

This is the legacy you can leave behind – not just the material objects you’ve accumulated over a lifetime, but the gift of harmony, understanding, and compassion for those you hold most dear.

Family disputes over personal property can cause significant pain and tension at a time when loved ones should come together. We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your belongings are distributed according to your wishes without conflict or confusion. With careful thought, clear communication, and the right tools, your Life & Legacy Plan will unite your family, even amid grief. And you’ll gain the peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be supported long after you’re gone.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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Camas-Washougal Community Chest Solicits 2025 Grant Applications

Continuing their 78 years of support to the community, the Camas-Washougal Community Chest is soliciting 2025 grant applications from non-profit 501 (c) (3) organizations serving the Camas and Washougal area. Grant applications must be received or postmarked no later than December 15, 2024. Grant awards will be announced in March 2025. Initial payments will be made at the time of the award.

Larger grants will be funded in 2 to 4 installments, with final payments made in November 2025.

On October 1, 2024, the CWCC launched its Campaign 25 and hopes to raise at least $126,000 to fund grants during 2025. The Camas Washougal Rotary Foundation, in partnership with CWCC, is considering funding additional grants.

The Camas Lions Foundation has committed to fund at least $1,000 toward 2025 grants. The Camas-Washougal Community Chest has supported local non-profit organizations since 1946. The Community Chest relies on contributions from individuals and businesses and makes productive use of those funds by being a 100% volunteer organization. This means that more than 97% of the donated funds goes directly back to our community. CWCC urges Camas and Washougal residents and businesses to donate now to help fund 2025 grants. Donation information is available at: http://www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org.

In addition to being a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, grant applicants must demonstrate that their project or program benefits residents of Camas and Washougal and meets one or more of the following needs:

  • Education
  • Youth activities
  • Aid to people with special needs
  • Natural resource conservation
  • Health and welfare programs
  • Crisis and emergency services
  • Other similar charitable or civic objectives

Grant applications and detailed instructions for applying are available on-line at the website listed above. For further information please contact Camas-Washougal Community Chest Board President Dave Pinkernell at [email protected].

During 2024, CWCC, the Camas Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation awarded 34 grants totaling $134,000 and delivering an estimated 40,000 individual services to local people. The 2024grantees included such diverse non-profit organizations as the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Akin (East County Family Resource Center in Washougal), Family Promise of Clark County, Washougal Songcraft Festival, JD Currie Youth Camp, and Janus Youth Programs. Projects and programs included such diverse activities as emergency rent and utility assistance, purchase of food and service supplies for local emergency food programs, helping homeless families find permanent shelter, restore a youth camp’s outhouse, sampling water quality in Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes, and help to support at risk 9- to 17-year-old runaway children.

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Matthew Perry’s Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts

When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented itself: despite his reported net worth of $120 million, his bank account held (only) $1.5 million. Admittedly, this seems like a whopping sum to most of us, but this amount appears off for a man who earned millions of dollars for just one episode of the show. Shouldn’t he have had much more money than that? The answer lies in the details of estate planning and using trusts as part of your plan.

In this article, we’ll look at Perry’s estate plan and pull out some valuable lessons. These lessons pertain to all of us, not just the rich and famous. To find out how trusts can benefit you, read on.

What is a Trust?

A trust is simply a legal arrangement where a person (sometimes called a “settlor”) transfers assets to someone ( a “trustee”) who manages those assets for the benefit of someone else (the “beneficiaries”). Many types of trusts can be used for various purposes, including estate planning, asset protection, and providing for loved ones.

The trustees appointed to manage a trust play a crucial role in fulfilling the settlor’s wishes. Choosing the right trustees is essential for the effective management of a trust. Trustees should be trustworthy, financially responsible, and knowledgeable about estate planning. They should also be willing to devote the time and effort required to manage the trust’s assets.

In Perry’s case, it appears he established a trust during his lifetime. This trust, which seems to be named the Alvy Singer Living Trust—Woody Allen’s character in Annie Hall—presumably holds a significant portion of his wealth. In Perry’s case, the trustees were likely responsible for managing his investments, paying bills, and distributing money to the beneficiaries.

Why would Perry have chosen to establish a trust? There are many benefits, which I’ll break down in greater detail now.

The Power and Benefits of Trusts

There are many advantages to using a trust for estate planning. Here are some of the most common.

Protection from creditors and lawsuits. If a beneficiary faced financial difficulties, their creditors would generally not have access to assets held in a trust.

Ongoing support during life, incapacity, and after death. Trusts can provide for loved ones more flexibly than a will. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. However, a trust can be structured to provide support during your life and for your beneficiaries over time, ensuring their needs are met. If you have a will, your assets will usually be transferred to your beneficiaries – even if they are young or financially irresponsible.

Minimization of estate taxes. Depending on the size of an estate, there may be significant federal and state estate taxes. A trust can reduce or eliminate these taxes.

Court avoidance. A court process called probate takes place after someone dies, and it can be expensive, lengthy, and conflict-laden. If you have a will or no estate plan, court is mandatory. However, the court process may be avoided if you have a trust. This results in less expense, less time, and a decreased probability of conflict. It’s also a public proceeding, and court filings contain personal and financial information you may not want others to see.

Conflict avoidance. The court process is set up to give all heirs and creditors a claim to your assets. They are invited to file a claim and get to see information about your assets.

Greater control over what happens to your assets and your family. When you have to go to court, someone other than you – a judge who’s a stranger to you and your family – will make all final decisions about your money, property, and family. But with a trust, you can make those decisions and exercise control over the outcomes.

Preserving assets when there’s a substance abuse issue. It’s no secret that Perry struggled with substance abuse for much of his life, and it’s possible that because of that, he was advised to create a trust to hold his assets. This was a wise decision. Substance abuse can have a significant impact on financial stability, and it is possible that Perry sought to protect his assets from loss, either by his actions or potential creditors and legal issues related to his addiction. You can do the same for a friend or relative if you want to support them and know they struggle to manage their finances responsibly.

These advantages apply to you, too! You do not need to be wealthy to want a trust. You do not have to be charitable or famous to take advantage of the benefits.

The Appeal of Privacy

Remember when I mentioned above that the court process is public? I also noted that a trust can help you and your family avoid court and its very public nature. If you were wondering, “If it’s true Matthew Perry had a trust, then how come it’s public knowledge that he had $1.5 million in his bank account?” Then kudos! You caught on to something important.

Matthew Perry also had a will, and wills go through probate. Any assets not placed into a trust must be dealt with via your will and, thus, are subject to the court process. Remember when I mentioned that court filings must contain your personal and financial information? That’s how we know about Matthew Perry’s bank account. The funds in his bank account were ostensibly not placed into his trust and are subject to the public probate process. You can look up the court records and read his will – or any will – for yourself.

His will mentioned that he had trust, which is also common. It doesn’t mention the terms of the trust, who the beneficiaries are, what his other assets are, and who gets what. Our public knowledge is limited to what’s in his will. And if his bank account had been placed into his trust, it would have been kept private, too.

In short, assets placed into a trust are kept private, as is your personal and financial information. Assets left out of a trust are public knowledge. So, when you create a trust, you mustn’t just draft and sign the document and call it a day. You must take the next step and correctly place your assets into the trust. If you don’t do that, you lose all the benefits the trust offers.

How We Help You Protect What Matters Most

As more details about Perry’s estate emerge (and sadly, his death), we may better understand his intentions and the legacy he will leave behind. While his untimely passing is a tragic loss, his estate planning offers a fascinating look at the advantages of trusts and how you can also take advantage of them.

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that may include tools like trusts to protect your assets, maintain your privacy, and ensure your loved ones are cared for—without the headaches of court or the increased chances of conflict. By planning today, you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored, your family’s future will be safeguarded, and your legacy will be kept private.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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