On The Personal Side
Alternative dispute resolution is a uniquely personal service. Disputants, and their representatives, should never have to guess about the arbitrators, or mediators who they may chose to help end what are always serious problems for them.
You are entitled to know about me. While I won't bore you with a full autobiography, I will share some personal information that may help you decide whether to allow me to attempt to resolve the conflict that led you to checkout my website. So here's the low down on Pat Westerkamp.
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You guessed it! I prefer to be called Pat.
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My home is in Matawan, NJ within walking distance of the office.
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I have been married for more than 40+ years to Orr. The usual disclaimer is particularly true, "I don't know how she...."
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Our sons both: attend college; are theater and dance majors; and if we're lucky will soon replace youth's energy with serenity.
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My Mom & Dad were from New York City blue collar families. They had hard lives.
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As a city kid I played in Alley Pond Park, and later grew to enjoy roaming Manhattan.
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NYC was my home until, at 20, I moved to Athens, Georgia where I worked on a government funded project measuring the psychological impacts of being confined in Fallout Shelters.
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After two year in Athens, in quick succession, Orr & I relocated to Yonkers (NY), Chicago (IL), and Freehold (NJ). We've lived in New Jersey ever since.
Your questions answered:
Q. Was I good student? A. Not until, I entered law school.
Q. Best job ever? A. Working as a Host at the 1964/65 World's Fair.
Q. Least favorite job? A. Camp Counselor at Ten Mile River Scout Camp
Q. Best character trait? A. "Calling them as I see them."
Q. Trait that needs improvement? A. Balancing life's joys and duties.
Q. Favorite season? A. Autumn.
Q. Favorite movie in the last 10-years? A. "Titanic"
Q. Favorite author? A. John LeCarre.
Q. All time favorite movie? A. "Guns of Navaron"
Q. Current favorite television show? A. "Project Runway"
Q. Quote that makes me laugh? A. "Brains are an asset, if you hide them." Mae West (1892-1980)
Q. Favorite sport? A. Tennis.
Q. Exercise? A. Less than I need.
Q. Good tip for keeping clients? A. When someone "introduces himself as 'Michael,' don't call him 'Mike.' If he wanted you to call him 'Mike,' he would have introduced himself that way." Debra Fine
Q. Most peaceful time of day? A. Walking our dog.
Q. Beverage of choice? A. Coffee.
Q. Do I prefer mediation, or arbitration? A. Both are fun. Arbitration is easier; mediation is more fulfilling.
Q. Most enjoyable vacation? A. Hawaii-on our 20th wedding anniversary.