FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     CONTACT:
September 25, 2014              Linda Hughes

                                           661.450-8731

THIRD ANNUAL CALM FUNDRAISER CELEBRATES WITH
WESTERN HARVEST THEME  
MEDIATORS, VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATE PEACE IN THE COMMUNITY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

PALMDALE, CA - Although too late to quell the famous feuds of the Hatfields and McCoys that lasted from 1863 to 1891, the Center for Alternative Law & Mediation (CALM), has been offering quicker resolutions for neighbors in the Antelope Valley since 2011. The not-for-profit firm will commemorate their pioneering efforts with its third annual event, "The Harvest: Taming the Wild, Wild West" Sunday, September 28, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

"There are still plenty of Hatfields v. McCoys type feuds going on in the High Desert today," said Linda Atkins Hughes, CALM founder, president and CEO. Hughes said the small group of volunteers, friends and supporters has had a modest amount of success in getting parties to the bargaining table to put an end to squabbles once and for all. "I call it the harvest."
 

Guests are encouraged to wear optional western attire, as they interpret it, "but no pistols or gun belts, please," said Hughes.


Hughes points out that the purpose of the still free third annual event is to thank volunteers, friends and supporters, meet new friends, and help make local residents aware of the benefits of mediation in a friendly, inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere. CALM handles mediations for landlord tenant, neighbor-neighbor, consumer-merchant and domestic disputes. The organization has been twice awarded by the City of Lancaster for its peace-making efforts in the community, and by the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office Dispute Resolution Center.

This year's annual CALM event will recognize volunteers and peacemakers in the community including accomplished community figure John J. Perry and Antelope Valley College community education services coordinator Elayne Davis.  End of term board of directors members Roxie Patterson and Judi Olson, each having completed a full two-year term, will also receive recognition  

CALM's annual celebratory and informational fundraiser has and will again feature entertainment including live music, an art auction, and a catered food tasting featuring vegan and traditional recipes by The Pit Stop BBQ, LLC. Admission is free, but attendees who donate a suggested minimum $20 at the door or on the CALM website, www.calmnetwork.org, will be entered into a special prize drawing.

Hughes urges guests to dress comfortably to join in the fun of a few line-dances led by YMCA Lancaster's "You Can Dance with Dawn" instructor. Hughes, who takes classes at the YMCA, said dance and other forms of physical fitness help reduce stress which is a great way to help prevent unpleasant conflict and disputes.

The Harvest will again be held as a garden party at Hughes' home in the Antelope Valley Country Club Estates and is open to the public with RSVP online at www.calmnetwork.org. For more information, or if interested in co-sponsoring the event or becoming a volunteer, please call 661.450-8731 or info@calmnetwork.org.