Mediation Advantage Services June 2018

Mediation Advantage Services June 2018

JUNE 2018

(508) 795-1557 | www.mediationadvantage.com LIFE IN BALANCE

With the YMCA, I’ve found volunteer work that I’m passionate about, though several years ago, I was still discovering how to give with intention. In the past, I sought out volunteer opportunities with a number of different local organizations. It felt good to help out on such a broad scale, but I also felt like something was missing. After attempting this strategy for a couple years, I realized I didn’t want to just make an impact; I wanted to make a meaningful impact. To do that, I needed to focus on one volunteer role instead of spreading myself too thin over several organizations. Otherwise, I would never find the deep connection I was seeking. I wanted to be more intentional about my service. One of the places where I was volunteering was the YMCA, and I was really interested in their work. They’re more than just a gym; they’re also a leading organization in the human services field. I love their mission to engage people in healthy living, instill a commitment to social responsibility, and promote youth development. Child care, after-school programs, summer camps, and nutrition programs are just a few of the services they provide. The YMCA is one of the oldest nonprofits in the U.S., and they do so much for their community. I knew I wanted to be a bigger part of that. It was clear that the YMCA was the right fit for me, so I started volunteering for more events and looking for ways I could be of more service. About 3 1/2 years ago, I became a board member, and from there, I got more involved in committee work; I eventually joined the executive committee, helping to chair the annual campaign and attending conferences. Lo and behold, after I’d stepped into my leadership role, I woke up one day and realized I was passionate about my volunteer work! It didn’t happen overnight, but by giving with intention, I found more meaning in giving back. I can’t help but gush about this organization — it’s become so dear to my heart. I hope you find a way to give back that resonates with you just as deeply. It’s a very rewarding experience. If you’re thinking about ways to get involved, a local organization or program that you’re interested in is a great place to start. You never know — you may just discover your passion. –Polly Tatum

In April, I spent a week in New Orleans. I know what you’re thinking — it’s such a fun city to play in! But I wasn’t there to stroll down Bourbon Street. First of all, I was in the middle of my wellness challenge, so I was saving the beignets and frozen daiquiris for a summer vacation. The real focus of this trip was the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) conference, which I attended in my role as vice chair of the Central Massachusetts YMCA board. At its heart, this trip was about philanthropy and the culture of giving. YMCA folks are an inspiring and motivating bunch, and it was a wonderful experience to work with them. The enthusiasm was infectious! THE CULTURE OF GIVING Give With Intention

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX UNCONVENTIONAL SUMMER JOBS FOR TEENS

be the perfect first job for a child who wants to try earning a few bucks for the first time. Teens under the age of 18 will require parental consent. VIRTUAL STOREFRONTS If your child has a flare for arts, crafts, or anything else DIY, encourage them to set up an Etsy shop. There are no membership fees, and after Etsy’s 3.5 percent cut, sellers receive their profits via PayPal. Minors age 13–17 must have a parent or legal guardian manage their Etsy account. PETSITTING AND HOUSESITTING If your teen is trustworthy and responsible, there’s no reason they can’t work for neighbors, friends, and family. Most professional petsitting and housesitting services require their sitters to be over 18, but Care.com allows teens 14–17 to register as “Teen Providers” with parental consent. Depending on where you live and how much experience your teen has, they can expect to earn $15–30 per visit, and they may be able to ask for more to stay overnight. Help your teen get the word out by posting on social media. Most importantly, keep your teen safe by helping them screen clients and teaching them what information to share. Summer jobs are a great way for teens to earn extra cash and learn responsibility. The next time your teen asks you for money to go to the movies, encourage them to earn some spending cash of their own. Who knows? They might actually treat you to a movie sometime!

As your teen becomes more independent, they may be interested in getting a summer job. Whether they want to save up for a big purchase or just have some extra spending money, summer jobs can solidify the importance of hard work and responsibility

for your child. Plus, the earlier your teen starts, the sooner they can learn how to manage their money. Fast-food restaurants and clothing stores are popular first jobs, but encourage your teen to think outside the box and try one of these creative money-making opportunities. ONLINE SURVEYS AND REVIEWS Companies are eager for consumer feedback, and they are willing to pay for it. Sites like Swagbucks and MySurvey offer members the opportunity to complete tasks like taking surveys, writing reviews, and watching videos to redeem rewards in the form of cash or gift cards. Teens can also preview up-and-coming music as reviewers on SlicethePie. Sites like these require quite a bit of work for a relatively small wage, but they can LEAVE YOUR KIDS SOMETHING MORE VALUABLE THAN MONEY LEARN ABOUT OUR UNIQUE LEGACY PROCESS When my dad died several years ago, I found solace in a voicemail message he’d left me. I turned to it any time I missed him and found comfort in his voice — until the terrible day when I accidentally deleted it. How I wish I still had that message — or even better, that I’d recorded a message of my dad telling me what he loved about me, what his hopes for me were, what life lessons were important to him, and the nicknames he used to call me. After this experience, I was set on helping others find a way to connect to their loved ones after they were gone. When I first began practicing, I encouraged my clients to record a message or write a note for their children to be delivered once they were gone. But few people actually got around to doing it. Everyday tasks and life in general just got in the way. So we built it into our planning process. Instead of getting to it “someday,” we help our clients record their legacy now . We give you the opportunity to pass on your stories, your voice, and most of all, your love to your children. We’ll get to the other parts of an estate plan, of course, but we recognize how important the emotional aspect of this process is. Your children will miss you deeply when you’re gone. How simple yet meaningful would it be to leave them a piece of you they can turn to when they need a parent’s comfort?

At Mediation Advantage, we help every client capture and pass on something that’s more valuable than money. Your character, insights, and stories are recorded and connected to your plan. Through our unique legacy process, you can give your loved ones the most precious gift of all — a lasting expression of your love.

To learn more about the legacy process, call our offices today.

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WAYS TO LEND A HAND LOCALLY HELP YOUR KIDS CONNECT TO THEIR COMMUNITY

There are many folks in our community who can use help. The Boys and Girls Club has many opportunities for teens to get involved, and Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary is looking for neighborhood nature volunteers. Maybe you can help your child tap into a hobby through volunteering. Many music festivals seek volunteers and exchange time donated for free or discounted tickets. For example, the epic local music event Arlington Porchfest on June 9 is seeking volunteers. Email info@ arlingtonporchfest.org for more information. The Regional Environmental Council (REC) coordinates the Urban Garden Resources of Worcester (UGROW) , a network of community gardens, including 20 that are school-based. They can use help with everything from gardening and farm work to assistance in their office. Email [email protected] to find out how you can get involved. Elder Services of Worcester County has student internships and a number of volunteer roles they need filled, including serving and cleanup for the Rainbow Lunch and Supper Clubs.

If you couldn’t tell, our team at Mediation Advantage is passionate about giving, and it’s something we like to encourage others to discover. With more time on their hands during the summer, your kids are itching for activities to keep them busy. The most dreaded words a parent can hear during summer vacation are “I’m bored.” To kill two birds with one stone, encourage your kids to lend a hand to an organization or person in their community. In addition to helping someone, they’ll learn a skill that could benefit them in school or even their career. Universities also place a high value on community service. If you have an elderly neighbor or relative with mobility challenges, your child could offer to help them mow their lawn for the summer. If there’s a community garden nearby, your teen could exercise their green thumb while learning how food is grown.

MONTHLY CHALLENGE GIVE WITH INTENTION In keeping with Polly’s theme on the cover, this month we challenge you to embrace the culture of giving, and we ask you to give with intention. Here are three ways to do it: • Pay for the order of the person who’s in line behind you at your favorite cafe or lunch spot.

INGREDIENTS

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2 apples, cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped 6 slices bacon, cut into squares

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2 cloves garlic, crushed

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1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into pieces 1/4 balsamic vinegar

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1/4 cup rosemary, finely chopped 10 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved, stems removed

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Offer to buy lunch for someone in another department at work.

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• • •

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1/2 cup olive oil

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Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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Participate in a walk or fun run for a cause you support.

Juice of 1/2 lemon

DIRECTIONS

1. Blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon, rosemary, and garlic to create marinade. Pour into bowl or sealable bag and add chicken. Marinate for at least 5 minutes or up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. 2. Heat oven to 375 F. Spread Brussels sprouts, bacon, and apples on a baking sheet. Add chicken and pour any extra marinade over the top. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Bake 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. For extra crunchiness, turn the heat up to 425 F for the last 5 minutes. 4. Transfer to platter and serve immediately. 3 (508) 795-1557 inspired by wholesomelicious.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PollyATatum Facebook: www.facebook.com/LawOfficeofPollyATatum LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/polly-tatum/15/50/506

19 Cedar St. Worcester, MA 01609

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Polly’s Passion for Giving

Unique Job Ideas for Teens

How to Leave Behind a Legacy

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Keep the Kids Busy This Summer

Monthly Challenge

Balsamic Chicken With Bacon and Apples 3 Fathers Who Risked It All for Their Kids

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GREG ALEXANDER BATTLED A BEAR FOR HIS SON’S LIFE. While camping in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Greg Alexander was startled awake at dawn by the screams of his 16-year-old son, Gabriel. He rushed out of his hammock to see a black bear dragging his son away by the head. Without hesitation, he kicked the beast in the side, and when that didn’t work, he leapt onto its back and started punching it in the face. When the bear finally released Gabriel, Greg threw rocks until it fled. His son was hurt but made a full recovery in the hospital over the coming weeks. ARTUR MAGOMEDOV SAVED HIS DAUGHTERS FROM ISIS. Artur Magomedov was devastated to discover that his wife had taken his 3- and 10-year-old daughters from their home in Dagestan under the cover of night, flown to Turkey, and crossed into Syria to join ISIS. But he resolved to get his kids back. After a long, hazardous journey, he arrived in Tabqa to embrace his two daughters. To leave the caliphate — under penalty of death — they hitched a ride to the border one night and crawled along a railway line until they were within 70 meters of the border. Then they ran under fire from Turkish border guards until they could scramble into tall grasses. After some help from the Russian consulate in Istanbul, they made it back home, together again and safe. 3 AWESOME DADS Fathers Who Put Their Lives on the Line for Their Kids

This Father’s Day, thousands of dads will receive a “No. 1 Dad” mug to sip coffee out of at the office. But the following dads took that “No. 1” to a new level. BRIAN MUNN GAVE HIS SON A LIVER TRANSPLANT. When doctors discovered that baby Caleb Munn had a rare disease called biliary atresia, they told his parents that he was unlikely to survive past age 2 without a liver transplant. Luckily, his father was a perfect match, and he eagerly donated part of his liver in March of 2015 to save his son’s life.

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