47702 ACRA For The Record v5 · 2016-08-26 · Huntsville, AL 35801 Email: [email protected]...

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FOR THE RECORD is published by the Alabama CourtReporters Association on a regular basis four times a year.

Publication Schedule for 2003/2004December 1, 2003March 1, 2004June 1, 2004September 1, 2004

Deadline for articles and ads is 30 days immediately precedingthe above publication dates. Please submit articles, ads, etc. inDIGITAL FORMAT attached to an email to: Candace Reed,[email protected]

M O V I N G ?Send or email us your new address

Name: __________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________Telephone No. ____________________________________Email: __________________________________________

Mail or Email To:Tammy Clark August

P.O. Box 132Florence, AL 35631

[email protected]

THERECORDNEVERFORGETS

ACRA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2003-2004

PRESIDENTKaren Brock Reagan, CSR

1 Commerce Street, Suite 302Montgomery, AL 36104

Office: 334-262-7556 · Home: 334-215-3114Email: [email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECTSuzanne Frazier, CSR, RPR

801 N. Richard Arrington Blvd., Room 605Birmingham, AL 35203


VICE-PRESIDENTShelia Ford, CSR, RPR

P. O. Box 755Gadsden, AL 35901


TREASURER Alan Peacock, CSR, RPR, RMR, CRR

218 Dearborn StreetMobile, AL 36602


SECRETARYRandall E. Murphree, CSR

801 N. 21st Street, Room 406Birmingham, AL 35203


IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTShannon Ball, CSR, RPR, RMR

100 North Side SquireHuntsville, AL 35801

Email: [email protected]

DIRECTORS

DISTRICT 1Kathryn L. Hicks, CSR, RPR107 Criminal Justice Center

801 21st Street North, Room 509Birmingham, AL 35203


DISTRICT 2Diana L. Battles, CSR, RPR

25 West 11th Street, Suite 340Anniston, AL 36201


DISTRICT 3William R. “Moe” Moeglin, CSR, RPR

P. O. Drawer 6406Dothan, AL 36302-6406


DISTRICT 4Julia S. Isenhower, CSR, RPR

26626 Dean Court SouthDaphne, AL 36526

Office/Home: 251-626-8062Email: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP RETENTIONTammy Clark August, CSR, RPR, RMR, CRR

P. O. Box 132Florence, AL 35631


Improving Our ImageAt the moment I am fly-

ing somewhere over theCarolinas headed backhome after a terrific three-day stint in WashingtonD.C. Suzanne Frazier and I

were very fortunate to attend NCRA’sAnnual State Leadership Conference. Thisis wonderful forum for all fifty states tocome together to learn, share, network andencourage one another. There’s so manykey issues affecting the reporting and cap-tioning professions across the country, andpersonally I feel secure knowing thatNCRA is keeping their finger on the pulseof the heartbeat of America---literally!They are a huge safety net for each andevery one of us, working hard to ensurethat our future is bright. We learned somuch during our time there. Let me sharesome of the more interesting things withyou…

You will recall that in 2001 Engate, Inc.,initiated legal action against a handful ofreporting firms alleging that these firmshad infringed on the company's patentsinvolving interactive realtime. In makingtheir claim, Engate sent demand letters tosome reporting agencies demanding a per-page royalty every time interactive real-time was used. A handful of firms thatreceived demand letters have settled, andtwo national reporting firms are presentlyengaged in litigation. It’s important tonote, however, that the Court has not yet

ruled on the validity of Engate’s patentclaims. As of September 1, 2003, LiveNoteentered into an exclusive licensing agree-ment with Engate implementing a subli-censing (or token) system whereby attor-neys and other users receiving an interac-tive realtime feed will be charged a dailyfee. Beginning January 2004, LiveNoteusers utilizing the current version will beblocked from receiving a realtime feedunless the $35 token is paid.

As a footnote, Summation® has recentlycome out with ViewerRT™, a viewer-onlyrealtime product that will allow for scroll-able text feed in a non-interactive realtimeenvironment that Summation believes doesnot encroach on Engate’s claims ofinfringement. The climate in this situationis changing daily and could ultimatelyaffect how we do business in Alabama, soit’s vitally important that we stay abreast ofwhat’s occurring elsewhere. NCRA sug-gests that if anyone is contacted, that theyseek advice from competent legal counselwho can advise you of what is in your bestinterests; that you notify your liability(E&O) insurance carrier; that you shareany information with your state andnational associations; and that you stayinformed and stay involved.

You will be proud to know that the U.S.Senate has passed the Training forRealtime Writers Act (S. 480). This is ahuge success for NCRA, ACRA, PrinceInstitute and Gadsden State. Our schoolshave worked incredibly hard this yearemploying grassroots lobbying efforts tohopefully obtain this necessary funding.

www.alcra.org

FOR THE RECORDTHE RECORD NEVER FORGETS

A Publication of the Alabama Court Reporters Association Volume 21, No. 4 Winter 2003

President’s Message

Karen B. Reagan

Free Membership!Anyone who signs up 5 new members

will receive a free membership for 1 year.

What are you waiting on?Get out there and start recruiting!

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Kudos to both of these fine institutions!There’s more work to be done, however.NCRA is now moving forward in theHouse with H.R. 970. What can you do tohelp? If Prince or Gadsden has not gottenin touch with you to personally write a let-ter on their behalf, please contact them andoffer to do this. Your personal correspon-dence to your Representatives, adding tothe collective voice from around Alabama,will help our schools achieve their goals.We urge you to please contact Prince andGadsden to learn how you can help make adifference.

The budget crisis in the Courts is not justbad in Alabama; it’s bad everywhere.Oregon laid off approximately 40 of their50 official reporters. Colorado has laid off15 of its 26 reporters in Denver County,while other counties have vacant positionsthat go unfilled. This year the Californiastate associations resisted efforts to reducethe number of reporters in the face of amassive ($38 billion) state shortfall,though Los Angeles County had to lay offapproximately 40 pro tem reporters.Florida is exploring replacing its officialcourt reporters with electronic recordingbecause of its budget shortfalls. On thehome front, our very own Jefferson Countyhas cut their jury weeks from 45 to 29,which is going to be a major pinch in thepocketbooks of these officials that dependon transcript fees to pay their bills and feedtheir families. It’s problematic everywhere,and our official reporters in Alabama arefeeling the pain. We cannot stand by andlet Alabama be another state statistic that’sreported at one of these national forums.The best way for us to stick together andbecome advocates for our profession andour jobs is to become active by having a

voice. ACRA wants (and needs) to knowwhat’s happening in the courthouses aroundthe state. How have you personally beenaffected by Alabama’s own judicial budgetshortfalls? Let us know. Speaking out andsharing what’s happening with you individ-ually is the best way to help us express youropinion to those that need to hear it. Contactyour District Directors and share your per-sonal experiences with them about the cli-mate in your circuits. They want and needto hear from you.

Another very important way forAlabama’s reporters to enhance our profes-sionalism, create better job opportunities,and preserve our existing jobs is throughmandatory CSR certification. A certifica-tion program increases a reporter's respectand recognition, enhances marketability,provides professional credibility, assuresprofessional competence, and offers recog-nition of the reporter's expertise and knowl-edge. Along with certification comes con-tinuing education. As litigation grows morecomplex and the judicial system becomesmore sophisticated, continuing educationproves even more critical to meet thechanging demands of our profession. Thedemand for realtime writers is steadilyincreasing, and an increased number ofrealtime writers benefit all sectors of ourprofession. Continuing our education andenhancing our skill is critical when it comesto educating the consuming public on whythey need us and need our realtime skills, sowe cannot afford to be complacent.

As you know, Alabama has been pursuingmandatory CSR certification for the betterpart of 30 years, and ACRA is proud of itswonderfully structured Voluntary CSRProgram headed by Tammy Hastings asCSR Chair. Your Board of Directors has

called a Special Business Meeting to beheld at ACRA’s Midwinter Conference inPrattville, Alabama, to propose and discussa Voluntary CSR Amnesty Program. It’sbeen 13 or more years since CSRs weregrandfathered in under ACRA’s VoluntaryCertification Program. This Proposed CSRAmnesty Program would reopen the grand-fathering period once again for noncertifiedmembers for a specified period of time.Certification is a win-win situation for all ofus as we reshape our professional image inAlabama. Please accept this invitation tojoin us at this Special Business Meetingcalled by the Board of Directors on January17th, 2004, at 11:45 a.m., during our lunch-eon at The Legends in Prattville. Let us hearyour strong voice.

Who is the best promoter of our profes-sion? You are…The Working Reporter. Ourvoices can become our best marketing tool.Possessing knowledge of what’s happeningin the judicial environment, we thenbecome advocates for our profession,armed with current, reliable information totalk effectively about the value and impor-tance of judicial reporting and captioning.We should define our own future, not allowothers to define it for us. Working togetheris key. As we continue to advocate our posi-tion as professionals, our future success willbe guaranteed.

That’s a wrap for now in the catching-updepartment. By the way, remember thatplane I said I was on at the beginning of thisarticle? Well, I’ve been off of it for a longtime now………ACRA sends its warmestwishes to each and every one of you for theupcoming holiday season. We hope yours isbright and full of promise. See you inJanuary…until then, Take care and Godbless.

MEETING OF THE BOARDOF DIRECTORS

Friday, January 16, 2004 5:45 p.m

The Legends at Capitol HillPrattville, Alabama

All ACRA members are invited to attend.If you are a committee chair and areunable to attend, please fax your report toKaren Reagan at 334.262.4437 or e-mailyour report to [email protected] to the close of business onThursday, January 15, 2004. Prince andGadsden are encouraged to appoint a stu-dent representative and inform thePresident of their attendance prior to theBoard of Directors Meeting.

How Would You Like More Business?

Then join thousands of other businesses on the Information Superhighwayby advertising on ACRA’s website.

We are linked to all major search engines so that your company will be noticed!

For more information, go online: www.alcra.org

• Statewide referrals via our “Find A Reporter” page! • Online Business Card setup is free! • List your business in five counties for one low rate! • Automatic links to your website! • Banner ads available

Your support of ACRA helps us fight for your future!

Would you like your own web page but don’t know where to start? Let us do the work for you. It’s never been easier and there’s never been a better time to be on the Web!

ACT NOW! The first ads received will receive priority placement oneach page!

Public AnnouncementThe Alabama Court Reporters Association Board of Directors has announced aSpecial Business Meeting to be held at their Midwinter conference at TheLegends in Prattville, Alabama, during their luncheon on Saturday, January 17,2004, at 11:45 a.m. The stated purpose of the Special Business Meeting will bethe proposal of a Voluntary CSR Amnesty Program. If passed, this program willreopen the CSR grandfathering provision for a limited time. All interested per-sons are invited to attend.

Congratulations to Shelagh McClain of Bay Minette, AL, forpassing the literary portion of the Alabama CSR Examinationheld on 10/25/03

DATES TO REMEMBER, 2004

January 16 & 17, 2004ACRA Midwinter ConferenceThe Legends at Capitol Hill, Prattville, AL

January 16, 2004Meeting of the Board of Directors5:45 p.m., The Legends at Capitol Hill,(during luncheon)

January 17, 2004Special Business Meeting11:45 a.m., The Legends at Capitol Hill

February 1, 2004For the Record article submissiondeadline

April 3, 2004Alabama CSR ExamGadsden, Mobile & Montgomery, AL

22 3

JOIN A 2003-2004 COMMITTEE TODAYJOIN A 2003-2004 COMMITTEE TODAYwith thewith the

ALABAMA COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATIONALABAMA COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATION

See what all the fuss is about! Join your fellow reporters in accomplishingrewarding tasks for your future! Place a check mark below, “x”, or what-ever, fax to Karen Reagan @ 334.262.4437, and enjoy your involvement.

Yes, please contact me about the above committee(s):

Name_______________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________________________________

E-mail______________________________________________________________

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON(S) YES, I’MINTERESTED

MEMBERSHIP Sheila Ford

MEMBERSHIPRETENTION

Tammy Clark August

CERTIFICATION Tammy Hastings

WAYS AND MEANS Butch Hope andSteve Edmondson

2004 CONVENTIONS Suzanne Frazier

LONG-RANGECONVENTIONPLANNING

Deanna Johnson

PUBLICATIONS Candace Reed

NOMINATIONS To Be Appointed

LEGISLATION Randall Murphree and Moe Moeglin

DSA Karen Reagan

PRO BONO Tiffany Beasley

CONSTITUTIONAND BYLAWS

Debby Garrett

SCHOLARSHIP Diana BattlesAUDITING Patricia HillPUBLIC RELATIONS Deborah Murphy along

with District DirectorsWEBSITE Alan PeacockSTUDENT MENTORING Shannon Ball

Karen ReaganHISTORICPRESERVATION

Debby Garrett

Court Reporting Online:Links for Online Support

With the advent of the Internet, more and more people areconnecting, hooking up, and networking than ever before.

This is great news for those of us in the court reportingindustry. We spend so much of our time isolated from others,

locked away in our offices working on transcripts, that it could be really easy to losethat sense of community that we all need and embrace as human beings. But there’s no

excuse for that to ever happen again. If you have a computer and a modem, you have an open door toan entire world of support right at your fingertips! There are lots of new and exciting websites bornevery day. Many of these sites can help break free from those feelings of isolation and provide you withsupport and information.

• Did you have a tough job assignment and you really want to vent about it?• Do you have a technical question that you need help understanding? • Are you working at 3 a.m. and need to find a spelling for a medical word ASAP? • Just need to talk to someone else that understands?

Well, follow me and you’ll get all the help you need!

Top Sites for Court Reporters

1. www.ncraonline.com - The reporter forum is now free and open to any member. Meet and interact with fellow NCRA members around the world.

2. http://forums.compuserve.com/vlforums/default.asp?SRV=CourtReporters&loc=us CompuServe’s web forum is the oldest Forum out there for reporters. It is also now a free site. It does require an AOL screenname. However, you can download AOL’s Instant Messenger program and get a screen name for free. Use this name to log into Compuserve’s Forum.

3. www.alcra.com - Yes, there’s more to our site than meets the eye. You can view and post messages, look for jobs and equipment, and there’s even a chat room. Thursday Nights at 7pm is our regularly scheduled time for Alabama Reporter Chat. Come on in and say hi! Just click on the “Interactive” Icon from the homepage. For a complete set or recommended reporter links, head to http://www.alcra.org/reference/links.html

4. www.Depoman.com – Great site for links, forum, and advice5. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/courtreporters2/ - Forum6. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/court-reporters/ - Forum7. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/broadcastcaptioners/ - Forum For Captioners and Cart Providers.

If you have a favorite site that you would like to share, contact us and let us know!

“Repetition, Again”by John Cordell

Since I’m now retiring I suppose itwould be okay for me to share thiswith my friends and association with-out retribution, I hope.

Every Thursday for years I’ve had toendure divorce court. I hated it, every sin-gle case. I know you all have been there.

I’ve many times threatened my lawyerswith a “form” divorce where I simplychanged the names, dates, children’snames, lovers, and their income. They allliked the idea, by the way.

One particular Thursday I was reallyhaving a bad, bad day. One particularlawyer, a local, was asking questions overand over and over, as he always did. Aboutfour o’clock I erupted, a good word for myactions, and objected to his question thathad been seared into my mind from allday’s questioning, which had beenanswered many, many times. Remember,bad, bad day.

I simply said, where everyone was sureto hear, “Objection. Asked and answered.”

The opposing attorney said nothing. TheJudge said nothing, and the repetitivelawyer simply said, after a long silence,

“Well, if it’s been asked and answered, I’llmove on to something else.”

I just knew my judge was going to killme, at his very kindest. I had actually spo-ken up when I was certainly not to.

I later gave my sincere, very sincere,apology to my judge. He simply said,“Hey, I thought it was a good objection.You notice that I didn’t overrule.”

To all of you newcomers, I wouldn’texactly suggest, or approve, that type ofbehavior. Hey, since I’m exiting the scene,why not be honest? My judge was so proudof that moment that he had me repeat it tomany attorneys. It certainly kept downobjections in my court. My judge wasproud of me. That’s what counts.

By the way, all jokes aside, I love you alland pray God’s blessings upon you. I prayfor your success, peace, and joy in yourlives and your profession. I’ve enjoyed it,guys.

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TOPIC: WORD BUILDING: PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES

Someone recently asked me what theory I used. I was really dumbfound-ed when I realized I didn’t have a quick and easy answer. My answer was,“It’s a work in progress.” I am constantly editing my theory and I guess Ialways will be...

“Realtime Corner”Submitted by Alan Peacock

I started court-reporting school in 1985, and I was taught from Stenograph’s first computer-compatible theory book.However, my theory instructor, Virgene Biggers, had enough far-sighted wisdom to realize that this edition of theory wasstill far from “computer compatible.” So she tweaked the lessons in the book with her own additions, and I learned a sortof bastardized Stenograph theory. It really was an excellent theory for its day and it worked for the most part. But it stillhad a lot of room for improvement. So over time I picked up bits and pieces of other theories and inventions from otherreporters that I liked. And now my writing style defies any sort of definition. So I am envious of those who can easilyanswer the question, “What theory do you use?” with a one-word answer.

In my original theory, I was not taught how to differentiate prefixes and suffixes. They were simply written the sameway. The long “A” sound was written AEU, no matter where it fell in the word. I globaled it as a prefix. So I guess I hada 50/50 chance of getting it right, depending on the word. So when I decided to clean up my act and prepare to write real-time, I knew I had to do something to correct that problem. I definitely needed prefixes and suffixes to be written differ-ently and I used suggestions I had learned from other reporters around the country via CompuServe’s Court ReporterForum. I recently had a conversation with a fellow reporter, Lou Ann Schell, CSR, RPR, CRR, about this very topic. Shetold me that she picked up some good advice from a realtime seminar conducted by Ed Varallo that she attended years ago.He suggested that you simply include an asterisk in all suffixes. That seemed like the perfect solution! Why? Well, youdon’t have to memorize a lot of prefixes. It’s also easy to remember. Plus you don’t have to drastically change the wayyou write. I loved that idea so much that I changed (yes, again) the way I write to incorporate that into my theory and itworks beautifully.

So for those of you who are training for realtime, this is the perfect “Step One.” Identify your suffixes and prefixes sep-arately. Once you have entered them into your dictionary, you can then learn to build practically any word in the Englishlanguage so that it’s readable. It may be misspelled, but at least it will be readable!

Here are some examples of this theory in action:(Note: The ^ denotes suffix form)

Next FTR Issue: “Multiple Conflicts and Solutions”

MENT = meantME*NT= ^ment (establishment)AL= AlA*L = ^al (promotional)TON = tonTO*N = ^ton (Lexington)SON = sonSO*N = ^son (Richardson)PERN = personPE*RN = ^peson (salesperson)WOM = womanWO*M = ^woman (sales, congresswoman)MAN = manMA*N = ^man (salesman)

Submitted by Tammy Clark AugustBlue Cross = BLAOUKBlue Cross/Blue Shield = BLAOUKS

degenerative = D-FPLT, D-FPLT, D-FPLTdisk disease

401(k) = FOURK

workers’ comp = WOKworkers’ compensation = WOKS

, you know, = A*UN (misprinted in the last issue)

Alabama Court Reporters Convention MinutesCont. from pg. 14Johnson is in charge of. The motion wasseconded by Dianna Battles. After no dis-cussion the motion carried. Alan Peacockalso stated that ACRA has been incurring a3 percent charge when members registeron line using Pay Pal. Alan suggested thatthe member incur this charge instead ofACRA.

Laura Nichols, District Director 1, sug-gested that we have a link to the web pagewhere each director can mass email theirpeople and there is a link where they cancome to the website to a membership pageand utilize pay pal.

Past President Shannon Ball made amotion to approve all reasonable and nec-essary expenses for Karen Reagan toattend the National Convention in Reno,Nevada next week. Motion was secondedby Laura Nichols. After no discussion themotion carried. There being no furtherbusiness to discuss the meeting adjournedat 2:26 p.m.

From The EditorBy Candace Reed, CSR, CCR

I want to take a moment and introducemyself to those of you who don’t knowme. I have been working with ACRA andFor the Record going into my third publi-cation now, and I am thoroughly enjoyingevery minute of it. It has truly been a lot offun. I have been a member of ACRA forseveral years but have lived out of state fora few of those years and have been back inAlabama since 1997 working as a full-timefreelance reporter. And now I am aninstructor at Prince Institute. I graduatedfrom Prince Institute in 1987 and haveworked as a reporter and/or instructorsince then. Whew! I’ve gone full circle.

Okay. Enough about me. Let’s talk aboutFor the Record. Over the months, I’vereceived emails and phone calls with greatideas, and now I’d like to see what every-one thinks about some of them. The first isa “Memorable Moments” column, andthanks to Karen R., we started the columnwith this issue. So if you’ve got somememorable moments, send them to me,and I’ll publish as many as I can eachissue.

The second column is the “Realtime

Corner.” Alan P. and Tammy A. have con-tributed a lot of great info for that column.If you’ve got good briefs and phrases,unusual words with their definitions, punc-tuation, anything you think might helpother reporters and reporting students withtheir realtime, send those too.

And thirdly I’d like to have a section forour reporting students. I’d like to call theircolumn the “Students Corner.” We have alot of students who are members of ACRAand they want to know what is going onout there in the reporting world. If any ofthe students have questions, they can sub-mit them to me via email, and then I willsend them out to the membership via emailand await your answers. We can publishthe questions and answers in For theRecord under the “Students Corner.” Ofcourse, we will have to have deadlines andcutoffs just like we do with everythingelse.

All in all, I think we can make For theRecord just that much better a publicationwith everyone’s support.

For all submissions, please send in digi-tal format as an attachment to an email to:Candace Reed, [email protected].

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2004 ACRA MidwinterConfrerence“MIDWINTER MULLIGAN ~ ANOTHER CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR COURT REPORTING SKILLS!! JANUARY 16 & 17, 2004THE LEGENDS AT CAPITOL HILLPRATTVILLE, ALABAMA

In the sport of golf, if you aren’t pleasedwith the shot you have made, you can takea “mulligan” (a shot taken if the first one ismissed). Your ACRA EducationCommittee has a winter Conferenceplanned that is guaranteed to live up to its“Mulligan” name by giving you anothershot at proving your court reporting skillsAND the opportunity to earn 1.5 CEU’swhen you “tee up” and “play through” theMidwinter Conference “course.”

Ever have a pain in the neck, a sore back,etc., from long hours spent at your stenomachine or working at your computer?Kristi Duncan of the MontgomerySchool of Body Work and Massage willbring you to a better awareness of how tobest use preventative maintenance on yourprimary court reporting tool – your body!Kristi will present a great hands-on semi-nar to educate you on the benefits of mas-sage therapy, postural techniques, and pre-ventative measures for maladies specific toour profession, i.e., tendonitis, carpal tun-nel syndrome, and general muscular dis-comfort.

Dr. Robert Brissie, Chief Coroner/Medical Examiner of Jefferson County,will share his expertise in a seminardesigned to stretch your vocabulary as wellas illustrate the relationship drugs and

alcohol have to many of the crimes com-mitted annually. Dr. Brissie will offer youan understanding of how an incident isdocumented chronologically and illustratehow information gathered at crime scenesis used to confirm or refute testimonial evi-dence given to investigating officers.

Do you ever take for granted the free-dom and privileges you enjoy? EvaHonolka Newman will share her life storywith you – from her roots in Trutnov,Czechoslovakia, being uprooted andforced to flee her homeland during WorldWar II, her family’s incarceration inHungarian prisons, their escape to Austria,their sponsorship for a new beginning inAmerica, to the story of the life she haslived here in the United States. Mrs.Newman is an inspiration and example ofthe benefits of having a positive mentalattitude and personal endurance when dif-ficulties come our way.

For an insider’s view of the legal system,big-time sports collecting, contemporaryblack life, evangelism, and civil rights, teeup for the fantastic seminar presented byJock M. Smith, Esq. Mr. Smith is theauthor of “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: ATrial Lawyer’s Journey on Behalf of ‘TheLeast of These,’” and is a national partnerto Johnnie Cochran in the law firm ofCochran, Cherry, Givens & Smith, P.C.He will share his awe-inspiring journeyfrom childhood without a father to promi-nence on a national scale.

Have you ever imagined taking a giantleap and landing on a whole new course?Jenny Dunn, CSR, RPR, RMR, RDR,CRR, will share with you just how to get a

running start. The former principal in thecourt reporting firm of Dunn, King andAssociates in Montgomery, Alabama,Jenny is presently working as a captionerfor VITAC and has successfully taken thatleap. She will explain the “tools of thetrade” you need to transition from judicialreporter to captioner.

“Arsenic and Old Lace”? Hardly! Butthe seminar presented by Joseph D.Hubbard, District Attorney of theSeventh Judicial Circuit of Alabama,will deal with arsenic as the poison ofchoice in a high-profile murder case in hiscircuit. Mr. Hubbard will share the insidescoop on the development and prosecutionof the case against Marie Hilley, betterknown to some as “The Black WidowMurder Trial.” Our own Parian Holderfieldserved as the official court reporterthroughout the trial proceedings of thisintriguing case.

Do technology and the information high-way scare you just a little bit? Do you wantto take the necessary steps to make sureyou are centered on the “fairway” and notstuck in the rough watching everyone elseplay through? Jerry Baxley of IT-LEXwill help you adopt the stance to bestaddress the advancing technological revo-lution as you venture into or simplyimprove your technological skills. Mr.Baxley regularly assists professionals inthe legal arena and is gearing up to helpyou understand how you, as a court report-ing professional, can best address thechanges and challenges as you face thenew trends in technology that lie ahead.

To all ACRA Members:

Please take a few minutes and update your contact information. You can do this via the web-site, www.alcra.org, or by simply notifying us at [email protected]

Occassionally we send out important information in mass emails to our Membership. Wewant to make sure that you are kept up to date on the latest news and information affectingACRA and your membership. If we do not have your correct email in our database, then youmay not get the information you need to know. So please keep your contact information upto date.

Aerobics For The BrainThis is the reason why American English

has been rated the most difficult languageto learn:

• The bandage was wound around the wound.

• The farm was used to produce produce.

• The dump was so full that it had to refusemore refuse.

• He could lead if he would get the lead out.

• The soldier decided to desert his dessertin the desert.

• Since there is no time like the present, hedecided it was time to present thepresent.

• A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

• When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

• I did not object to the object.

• The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

• There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

• They were too close to the door to closeit.

6 19

• The buck does funny things when the does are present.

• To help with the planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

• The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

• After a number of injections, my jaw gotnumber.

• Upon seeing a tear in the picture, I sheda tear.

• I had to subject the subject to a series oftests.

Yes, English can be bewildering. If weexplore its paradoxes, we find that quick-sand can work slowly, boxing rings aresquare, and a guinea pig is neither fromGuinea nor is it a pig. In what language dopeople recite at a play, and play at a recital?How can a slim chance and a fat chance bethe same, yet a wise man and a wise guyare opposites? Yes, in American English,your house can burn up as it burns down,you fill out a form by filling it in, and analarm goes off by going on. That is why,when the stars are out they are visible;when the lights are out, they are invisible.And, when I wind up my watch, I start it,but when I wind up an essay, I end it.

Note: Registration includes all seminar events, vendor exposition, and themembership business meeting/luncheon on the Magnolia Terrace Saturday, 1/17/04.

Hotel:The Legends at Capitol Hill. Special Room Rates: $75 Single and/or Double.Reserve your room today by calling 1-888-250-3767. Identify yourself as being partof the Alabama Court Reporters Midwinter Conference in order to receive this grouprate.

Golf: Greens fees: $37.63 (Senator/Legislature Course) or $48.38 (Judge Course)Cart fee: $16.13 per person per cart

Mail To: Please return registration form and check made payable to ACRA to:Suzanne B. Frazier, Convention Chair, 6314 Mountainview Circle,Gardendale, Alabama 35071

Credit Card payments are now being taken to pay for conference registrations and membership duesto ACRA. Go to the ACRA website at www.alcra.org and click on the “PayPal” icon and follow theinstructions. MidWinter Registration Form is located on the Events/Conferences Page.

2004 ACRA MIDWINTERCONFERENCE

“ Midwinter Mulligan ~Another Chance to Improve

Your Court Reporting Skills!!

January 16 & 17, 2004The Legends at Capitol Hill

Prattville, Alabama

NAME: ___________________________________________________________________

Name to appear on your name tag: ____________________________________________

FIRM/COURT/SCHOOL: _____________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: __________________________________________________________

REGISTRATION: ACRA MEMBERS ($115.00) _____________ NONMEMBERS ($135.00) _____________ STUDENTS ($45.00) _____________*LATE FEE ($20.00) _____________

(*Postmarked after 1/5/04)

DUNN, KING & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C.REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL REPORTERS

Pat Higgins, CSR, RPR, Firm OwnerJenny Dunn, CSR, RDR, CRRDee Johnson, RPRGreta Duckett, CSR, RPRAmanda Berkstresser, Graduate of Prince InstituteDawn Ashcraft, Graduate of Prince InstituteCara Swint, Graduate of Prince InstituteWendy Lewis, Graduate of Prince Institute

COURT REPORTERS OFFERING:

• Quick turnaround • Daily copy • Realtime • Videographer

• Online transcript repository

• E-transcripts printable in condensed format and viewable with hyperlinked word index

• ASCII disks • Compressed, duplexed and timestamped transcripts

• Case file management • Detailed exhibit handling & cross-referenced indexing

• Schedule proceedings online at www.dunnking.com

431 South Court Street • Montgomery, Alabama 36104

(800) 359-8001 or (334) 263-0261• Fax: (334) 263-1243email: [email protected]

MEETING AND EXCEEDING STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1982

18 7

We would like to hear from experienced Alabama court reporters, CART providers, and captioners who arewilling to give something back to a profession that has given them so much.

Court Reporting is an exciting and challenging profession that provides a lifelong opportunity for learningand growth. With that philosophy in mind, ACRA has established its own Student Mentoring Program,designed to support Alabama court reporting students by offering them guidance, encouragement, and support.

If you are one of those special people who would like to help the next generation of reporters reach theirgoals, then we need to hear from you.

What is required: An open mind and a giving heart... And an email account! You should be available toyour assigned student and answer e-mails promptly. If possible, meet with your student at an ACRAconvention or conference. Take your student to lunch. Send words of congratulations and words of encouragement when they need it. In other words, be a friend! You should set a professional example forstudents at all times.

With your commitment and support, you will enable a promising student to flourish and to one day join theranks of our association of professional working reporters! They are eagerly looking to us to help bridgethat gap for them.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for ACRA, please fill out the information below and fax to 334-262-4437. In advance, we thank you for your consideration.

ACRA……Committed to Service!

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________ State: __________ Zip Code:_______________

Telephone: (Work) (________) ________________________________________

(Home) (________) ________________________________________

(Fax) (________) ________________________________________

E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________

The Few, the Proud... the Mentors.Yes, we're looking for a few good men -- and women!

Call for ReservationsAsk for the Alabama Court Reporters

Association’s Group RatePhone (334) 290-1235Fax (334) 290-2222

[email protected]

jxÄvÉÅxá à{xAlabama Court

Reporters AssociationJanuary 16 - 17, 2004

The shortest distance between business and pleasure

8 17

Memorable Moments in theLife of a Wanna Be andReal Life Court Reporter(Excerpted from K. Reagan’s address at ACRAbanquet, July 2003)

IF YOU WILL INDULGE ME FOR AFEW MOMENTS, I WOULD LIKE TOSHARE A COUPLE OF PERSONALSTORIES WITH YOU…

The first occurred when I was in college.After high school, I enrolled in Troy StateUniversity as an accounting major. I floun-dered around dismally for a couple of yearslacking excitement about my future as anaccountant. My Mother (who many of youremember from her years at AOC and lateras the Court Administrator in JeffersonCounty) had planted the court reportingseed early on. When I was a child, sheallowed me to be her shadow at a numberof then ASRA conventions around thestate. The idea finally took hold some-where around my second year of college. Iwanted to be a Court Reporter! So I quitTroy State. A bit ambivalent about goinghome to fess up about dropping out of col-lege, I took the plunge. Once there, I recalldeclaring to my Momma that I’d made adecision: I was going to be a courtreporter! She looked at me intently andsaid, “Baby, are you sure? Because, youknow, Court Reporters are kinda weird.”

The next memorable moment happenedto me early on in my reporting career,when I was still hungry enough to ask justtwo questions when a call came in: Whereand When? I received the call, and theclient said, “Meet me at the Clanton Exit at8 a.m.”. I did. Once there, I hopped into hiscar and quickly learned that we were head-ed to an automobile junkyard north ofBirmingham. Looking down at my newpink suit, I silently wished it well.

Upon arrival at our destination, I lookedaround at the gloomy site and quicklydigested what it meant and realized howmy day was shaping up. There were torn-down, old automobiles everywhere in theyard. The owner’s office was even moredispiriting. Have you ever seen those metalprefab buildings in people’s backyardswhere they keep their lawnmowers andweed eaters? You have the picture. Thiswas his office…no window and door wideopen. Thankfully it was spring, so theabsence of air conditioning wouldn’t be afactor. Once inside, I quickly took note ofthe dismantled, oily automobile parts scat-tered all about. There was one chair in this

fine metal office, and the owner (our wit-ness) was sitting in it, with no chance ofoffering it to anyone. He was almost state-ly as he sat behind his large desk, whichconveniently happened to be a huge pieceof plywood laid atop two sawhorses. Youstill have the picture? Not having anextended tripod, I explained to our hostthat I would need something to sit on, andhe suggested that I “go over yonder and getone of them oil buckets and flip it upsidedown.” Yeah, right, and I wanted to be acourt reporter! Still thinking of my newpink suit, I got the oil bucket, now my newchair, and proceeded to unpack the rest ofmy equipment. Luckily I was in the midstof gentlemen…one of the lawyers gallant-ly laid his coat over the top of the bucketbefore I sat down, and we commenced totake a deposition. With the witness, whoI’ve now nicknamed ‘Bubba’, raising hisright hand, and two lawyers towering overme, I swore him in to tell the truth, thewhole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Now, this isn’t so bad, I thought…that is,until the junkyard dog came sauntering into sniff around at my feet. Now, mind you,I like dogs, as long as they don’t havefleas. But this particular canine did haveme wondering how long it’d been since hislast visit to the vet. He did the circle thingthat dogs like to do right before they plopdown to rest a spell, which he did in expertdog fashion, right on my feet and tripod. Ifound it odd how no one seemed to noticeour friendly mutt, or were they just beingnice? At this juncture, I found my mindwandering off to a nice, quiet accountingjob in a little cubicle office in some fancyhigh rise in the city…I’m sure you stillhave the picture. Several pages of Q’s andA’s into my daydream, ‘Bubba Junior’ outin the yard decided it was time to test theengine he had been working on, and thenext thing any of us could hear wasVROOM, VROOM, VROOM…at whichtime our witness leaned his head out thewindow and said, “Hey, hold it down outthere. I got two lawyers and a…anda…and a ‘THANG’ in here.” Only inAlabama!! I know you didn’t quite counton having a ‘Weird Thang’ as your nextincoming President, but………….

ALABAMA COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATIONFounded 1908

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Date: _______________________________________________

This application is for new membership ( ) or renewal ( )If this application is for renewal, please update only the information that has changed. If you are a new member, complete all lines that apply to you.

Name:________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address (where you would like to receive ACRA mailings)

Street: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code:___________________

Telephone: (W) (______) _____________________________________ (H) (_______) _______________________________________

Fax: (_______) ________________________________ E-Mail: _________________________________________________________

Type of membership I am applying for: Certified ( ) General ( ) Associate ( ) Student ( )

1. If applying for Certified Membership, are you an: RDR ( ) RMR ( ) RPR ( ) CRR ( ) CLVS ( ) CSR ( )If you are applying for Certified Membership for the first time, please attach a current copy of each certificate.

2. Have you ever been a member of ACRA? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, are you currently a member? Yes ( ) No ( )

3. Are you currently a member of NCRA? Yes ( ) No ( )

4. Are you currently a student? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, what school? ________________________________________________________

5. What is your method of shorthand? ______________________________________________________________________________

6. Are you on computer? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, what CAT system?_________________________________________________________

If you are applying for Associate or Student membership, it is not necessary to complete the remainder of the form. Just sign the designatedspace, secure the endorsement of one member in good standing, and return application with payment.

7. Do you offer video services? Yes ( ) No ( ) 8. Do you have a conference room? Yes ( ) No ( )

9. Do you offer real-time services? Yes ( ) No ( ) 10. Are you a notary public? Yes ( ) No ( )

11. Are you: Freelance ( ) Official ( )

If Freelance, what firm? __________________________________________________________________________________

If Official, what court? _____________________________________________; are you available to freelance? Yes ( ) No ( )

12. Do you hold a degree? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, which degree? _________________________________________________

13. Which reporting school did you attend? __________________________________________________________________________

I hereby apply for membership in the Alabama Court Reporters Association and enclose $75 as my annual Certified, General, or Associate membership dues, or$15 as my annual Student membership dues, if application is accepted. By signing this Application for Membership, I hereby agree to adhere to Alabama CourtReporters Association’s Constitution and Bylaws and National Court Reporters Association’s Code of Professional Ethics.

Signature of Applicant __________________________________________________________

Pursuant to our Constitution and Bylaws, any person applying as a new member of this Association shall secure the endorsement of one Certified or General Member in good standing.

Signature of Endorsing Member _________________________________________________

I would like to contribute to the Voluntary Legislative Fund. I enclose $10 ______ $25 ______ $50 ______ other ______

Mail Application to: Tammy Clark August, ACRAMembership Retention Chair Apply online: www.alcra.org P.O. Box 132Florence, AL 35631

ReminderPLEASEUPDATEYOUR EMAILADDRESSWITH ACRAASAP!

Please updateyour email addressand contact information with ACRA!

• Have you moved?• Changed your email address or

phone number?

Please let us know.There are three ways to notify us:

1. Email us with your new information [email protected]

2. Log onto your account at www.alcra.organd edit your profile

3. Contact any Board member (see front ofFTR) and let them know

Here is a list of email returns we arereceiving. If one of these addresses belongsto you or someone you know, please let usknow the new address:

[email protected]@[email protected] [email protected]@aol.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@hotmail.com [email protected] [email protected]@[email protected] [email protected]@[email protected]@gulftel.com

16 9

be very open in answering. If he closes it(indicate) like this, it means it’s going to bea long day because it indicates he’s guard-ed and that lawyer’s going to have to draginformation out of him.

Almost always a lawyer starts out bygiving the witness some instructions, suchas don’t say “uh-huh” or “un-uh,” say yesor no, and that type thing. Well, I am hereto tell you if uh-huh is a regular yes answerfor them, it doesn’t matter if you kickthem, or constantly remind them, it’s goingto be uh-huh or un-uh. You think thatstressed me out before Toastmasters? Well,it’s three times more stressful now! I wantto ring a bell when they do this. I’m surethat’d get their attention. Uh-huh (ringbell).

Another thing I’ve seen lawyers do isuse big words, such as juxtaposition, toguys like Bubba, who has a 3rd grade edu-cation. Bubba goes huh, at which time Iring the bell and he then repeats with juxtawhat? I’m already having a tough timeunderstanding Bubba. He has thatLouisiana Cajun accent and can’t enunci-ate anything! My client’s walking behindme trying to look at my laptop, which I’mtrying to hide, because I sure don’t under-stand Bubba any more than he does. Butmy client’s sitting there thinking, hey, Idon’t have to worry about a thing becausethe court reporter’s getting all this down.Well, you can betcha that if he doesn’tunderstand what Bubba’s saying, I don’teither! But I’m sure not going to ask Bubbato repeat what he said because he’s goingto repeat it just like he said it the first time,which nobody understood anyway. Theonly thing I can do is get Bubba’s phonenumber and call him later to try to come tosome understanding about what he said.

You want to talk about stress, try gettingto a deposition late. My office got a lastminute call from a lawyer whose secretaryforgot to schedule a court reporter. I gorunning out the door to get there as fast asI can, and everyone’s pissed off when I getthere. I’m setting up my equipment, and noone even says hello. They just kind of sitthere glaring at me impatiently through thewhole procedure. The secretary was scaredto tell her boss she forgot to schedule areporter because she didn’t want to getyelled at, so she lets me take the heat. She’sstanding by the door listening, saying aprayer that I keep my mouth shut, and theLord hears her prayer. Am I going to tellher boss it was her fault? She has to workwith him every day, and I only see him a

The Written Record,A Toastmaster’s PerspectiveBy Jan McElroy

Can you imagine driving through alter-nate routes due to flooding, for two and ahalf hours, to get to a deposition only tofind out that it had been cancelled and noone remembered to call the court reporter?Well, this kind of thing happens all toooften.

“Mr. Smith, hi, this is Jan McElroy. I’min Andalusia for the deposition you sched-uled, and I’ve been told it was cancelled,”(all the while smiling so as not to seem agi-tated. Did you realize if you smile on thephone it comes through?) “I wanted to callyou to make sure you’re not heading thisway before I come back to Mobile.” “Oh,I’m so sorry, my secretary must have for-gotten to notify you that it was cancelled.Send me a bill for your per diem.” Well,you don’t even want to get into how mucha per diem is; but I can tell you, it isn’tworth driving through floods to get some-where you didn’t need to be anyway. Andthe secretary thing, come on….. It wentmore like, “Hi John, this is Joe. I’m notgoing to be able to make that deposition inAndalusia.” “Oh, that’s fine, no problem.”And the secretary never even knew it wascancelled.

When I tell people I’m a court reporter,they almost always say, oh, I’ve heardthat’s a stressful job. Well, what exactly isstress? I’m sure we all have different defi-nitions of stress. It can be anything fromI’ve locked my keys in the car, or my hus-band, Ed, is sitting there watching those“you know what” football games againwhen I need some help around here. Ed’sstress level is rising because he’s waited allyear for football season to begin, and hecan’t enjoy it because his wife is nagginghim about the things she needs help with.

I started in this business in 1989, andI’ve seen it evolve from smoking in confer-ence rooms to cell phones ringing duringdepositions. I’m not really sure which isworse. Phones are constantly ringing now.It’s gotten so bad I want to stand at thedoor when everyone enters with a basketrequesting that cell phones be turned offand placed in the basket before we begin.

The whole process begins with swearingin the witness. You can tell how the depo-sition’s going to proceed by looking at thewitness’ hand when he holds it up to besworn in. If he holds his hand open (indi-cate) like this, it means that he’s going to

few times a year. I can say I have neverbeen late for a deposition. But for somereason lawyers are always late. You knowthat story about men never ask for direc-tions. Well, I believe it! They are alwaysgetting lost. I can’t imagine showing uplate and saying I couldn’t find the place.They would think, what an idiot! I knowthese guys passed the bar, but it makes mewonder how tough can that bar exam be,how they even managed to get there ontime to take the exam, much less find theplace! Is this job stressful? It can be if it’snot managed right. If I could completelyrun the show, I’d adopt some Toastmasterprocedures that would go something likethis: Of course I’m kind of the presidentfor deposition purposes. It starts out withthe sound of the gavel hitting the table tostop the chit-chat, an invocation, a shortprayer asking that the Lord be with us, thathe guide everyone in the question andanswer process, with a prayer that his willbe done throughout this “civil” litigationproceeding. Where did they get the idea touse the word “civil” before litigation? Ihave rarely seen people act civil during lit-igation! I would then ask that all cellphones be turned off, that they could usethem during a break, but upon returningfrom the break we would go through thesame procedure again. I would showeveryone the bell and explain that the bellwill be rung if anyone says uh-huh, un-uh,or interrupts the other speaker before he’sfinished answering or asking a question.Since that helps us when that bell ringswith our uhs, you can imagine what it’sgoing to do in the deposition setting! Itmay stress Bubba out, but it’s sure going tolower my stress level and help me do a bet-ter job in ensuring an accurate record.Better yet, walk out with a few extra bucksand charge them a dollar for every ring!My sister recently had a deposition withthe perfect witness. How do I know that?Because he was one of our fellowToastmasters. If all witnesses wereToastmasters, this would be a blessing forme and the deposition world. Until then I’llwait patiently while people show up late,silently ring the bell, let those cell phonesring, and say a silent prayer before webegin our so-called “civil” litigation.

10 15

Alabama CSR Information - Next Exam is April 3, 2004!

For those of you who do not hold an Alabama CSR, there’s no timelike the present to start preparing for it! You can apply to sit for theexamination either via the website (see the Quicklinks on the MainPage) or by submitting your application found in this issue of “ForThe Record.”

Obtaining CSR status is your responsibility. The only way toobtain an Alabama CSR designation at this time is through testing.You must complete the RPR Written Knowledge Test offered byNCRA and also the Alabama CSR Skills Test to become licensed.

For your convenience, the test will be offered in three locations throughout the state:Gadsden, Montgomery, and Mobile. The testing date is April 3, 2004.

The Skills Test will consist of three examinations: 180 Literary, 200 Jury Charge, 225Q&A. All candidates must pass with an accuracy rate of 95%.

The Skills portion of the examination may be passed in legs. Candidates may retake anyportion of the skills examination as many times as necessary, provided they maintain theircurrent membership.

Once a member has become a Certified member, a CSR certificate will be issued alongwith a CSR number and a wallet I.D card. Your CSR number should be printed on yourCertificate page.

To retain your CSR status, each member must obtain 3.0 CEU credits over a three-yearperiod. Members who also hold certification through NCRA (RPR, RMR, RDR, CRR) cansimply use their NCRA credits to apply for their CSR CEU credits.

So register today for the April 3, 2004 Alabama CSR examination! It’s a great way to pre-pare for your RPR examination in May. You have plenty of time to prepare, so pull outthose speed tapes, dust off the keys, and get ready!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CSR TESTING CANDIDATES!

District 2 Newsby Diana BattlesDirector, District 2

There is good and bad news in theACRA’s District 2.

First, the good news. The newest addi-tion to the court reporters in CalhounCounty, Stacy Turner Littleton has givenbirth to her first child, Jacy LayneLittleton. Jacy (pronounced like Stacy)was born on October 13, 2003, andweighed in at 7 pounds 7 ounces. She was20 inches long. Jacy’s proud dad is WesLittleton. He works for Alabama PowerCompany.

Stacy is a native of Heflin, Alabama. Shegraduated from Cleburne County HighSchool in 1997. After graduating fromGadsden State Community College in2000, Stacy worked for a time as a free-lance reporter. Stacy and Wes were marriedOctober 29, 2001. In October of 2002, shewas hired by Circuit Judge Sam Monk asan official reporter.

During the first part of 2003, Stacy andWes started building a new home in Heflin.At about that same time, she learned of her“expectant condition.” If you look back atthe dates of importance in her life, you’llsee that October is an extremely busymonth for the Littleton family. Stacy hasalso been a real go-getter in terms of meet-

Court reporters have been known to pulltogether and pitch in whenever they’vebeen asked. Consider this my request toyou: Let’s do all we can as court reportersin Alabama to help not only ourselves, butour judicial system as well.

I look forward to hearing from you withany questions, comments or complaints,and hope to see you at our mid-winter con-ference.

ing her goals in life – schooling, employ-ment, marriage, home, and baby – all inabout five years.

Since Stacy has joined the courthousecrowd, she has tried two capital murdercases and numerous run-of-the-mill crimi-nal and civil cases. To say that she hasmore energy than most folks is an under-statement. However, in the midst of it younever see her without her positive attitudeand a great big smile. Stacy’s been a wel-come addition to our already great group ofreporters. Good luck to you, Stacy, andyour family!

And now, page 2, the bad news. It’sprobably the same info as you’ve alreadyreceived from whatever District you’re in.The State is in dire straits and many of ourfriends and relatives are losing their posi-tions. It’s an extremely difficult time for usall, even if we’re one of the fortunate ones.Our “normal” daily routine is about to beturned on its end. If anyone has any inno-vative ideas for saving money, time, etc.,either for the State as a whole or individualreporters specifically, please let me know.I’ll be more than glad to talk to you aboutthem and pass them along to the “powersthat be.” The cuts we’re facing are not onlygoing to affect officials, but freelancers aswell. If you don’t have trials, either jury ornon-jury, you don’t have work.

Reagan Reporters has turned reporting into a powerful resource. In-house video conferencing, Video-to-text synchronization, CLVS Certified Videographers, Transcript delivery on demand,Realtime transcription, Exhibit organization and management.

ONE COMMERCE STREET, STE. 302 • MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 • 334-262-7556205-326-6070 (BIRMINGHAM) • 888-662-7556 (TOLL FREE)

IF YOUWANT TOCRACK THECASE,USEPOWERTOOLS.

Information Access. Personal Response. THE NEWPOWER OF REPORTING.

14 11

Alabama Court Reporters AssociationPlanning MeetingThe Grand Hotel,Point Clear, AlabamaJuly 26, 2003

Present:Karen Reagan, PresidentSuzanne Frazier, President-Elect Sheila Ford, Vice President Randall Murphree, Secretary Alan Peacock, TreasurerLaura Nichols, District 1 Director Dianna Battles, District 2 Director Julia Isenhower, District 4 DirectorShannon Ball, Past President

Not Present:William “Moe” Moeglin, District 3 Director

Also Present:Mary Frances Giattina

President Reagan called the meeting toorder at 1:40 p.m. A quorum of the boardwas present. President Reagan stated thatwe had a good convention and that she hadmade the following appointments to com-mittees: Membership, Sheila Ford;Membership Retention, Tammy ClarkAugust; Certification, Tammy Hastings;Ways and Means, Butch Hope and SteveEdmondson; Long Range Planning,Deanna Johnson; Nominations, SuzanneFrazier; Legislation, Randall Murphree,Moe Moeglin, David Miller; DSA, Karenand Mary Frances Giatinna; Pro Bono,Tiffany Blevens Beasley; Constitution andBi-laws, Debbie Garrett; Scholarship,Dianna Battles; Auditing, Patricia Hill;Public Relations, Deborah Murphy;Website Committee, Alan Peacock;Historical Preservation Committee,Debbie Garrett.

Convention Planning

President-Elect Suzanne Frazier statedthat two of our vendors had committed tocoming back to our next convention. Shesuggested that we have a speed contest inorder to get some new interest and partici-pation in our organization.

Mary Frances Giattina stated that the USFederal Courts have given a 10 percentraise to anyone certified to write realtime.This has created a large interest in gettingpeople to the seminars in order to take thetest.

President Reagan stated that TiffanyBeasley is interested in starting a programsimilar to the Veterans History Project, butwould concentrate on a Civil Rights

Project for Alabama and try to get itapproved for credits. President-ElectFrazier stated that when you send off foryour packet with the Veterans HistoryProject, that you can also conduct inter-views on a local level and the paperworkcan be kept on a local level. PresidentReagan stated that we have several careerdays around the state and suggested thatwe participate in other conferences such asthe ABA Convention like we do with theJudge’s Convention. The Legal AssistantAssociation had a booth at the ABAConference for the past two years. ABAbooths are about $695 for a three-day peri-od. Karen stated we might get a discountsince we are a non-profit organization.

President-Elect Frazier suggested thatour District Directors run a blurb in ourmajor newspapers informing them whatwe do at our convention and possiblyinclude a photograph. Suzanne stated thatwe needed more exposure in the press.

Laura Nichols, District 1 Director, sug-gested that we include the Veterans HistoryProject and pro bono work in as well.

President Reagan stated she would pro-vide our District Directors with the com-ments from the evaluation forms.

Alan Peacock asked everyone to stayand have their snapshot made for the web-site before they leave today.

President Reagan announced that weneeded only five more mentors for all ofour students.

Vice-President Ford and SecretaryRandall Murphree agreed to be mentors.

Alan Peacock, treasurer, asked if heneeded to keep the documents from pastyears or whether he should give them tothe Historical Preservation Committee.

President Reagan stated that documentsare historically handed down from office tooffice or person to person. We need to setup some guidelines. The HistoricalPreservation Committee would keep docu-ments, articles of incorporation, etc. Karenstated she would talk to Debbie and seewhat her limitations would be on keepingthese documents. Laura Nichols, District 1Director, suggested that we put our pressreleases on the website and scan it and bulkemail it to the districts. President Reagansuggested that in order to increase mem-bership we need to improve our PublicRelations amongst our reporters. Karenstated we had many members that aremembers of NCRA that are not membersof ACRA. She encouraged all of us towork toward getting these people as mem-

bers. Karen stated that she had sent ourmailings out to all NCRA members thatwere not members of ACRA.

The Board applauded President Reaganfor doing such a good job in planning theconvention.

President Reagan stated that DeannaJohnson, Long Range ConventionPlanning Chairperson, has contracted onbehalf of the association for the upcomingconvention in 2004 and 2005. She statedthat Deanna had reserved 100 rooms pernight. The contract states you must rent 80percent of that. We have fallen short thisyear. Karen stated that she was negotiatingin order to get a reduction in the number ofrooms that we must have in order to savethe association any penalties that we mayincur. I am going to propose that if weagree to book here again in 2006, that theywaive the fee. Deanna did tell me if thehotel is booked then we will be fine. Well,the hotel has been booked this weekend.Several of our people have tried to get aroom and didn’t get a room. The penaltywould be eighteen or twenty thousand dol-lars. We had 115 rooms blocked, we weresupposed to have 240 which is 80 percentof 300 for three days.

It was suggested that we let the hotelknow that we were not happy with the wayone of our guest speakers were treated.Karen stated she had already done this andthat the party concerned was assigned abodyguard and there was no charge for theroom.

It was suggested that maybe we have afall convention rather than a summer con-vention in the future.

President Reagan stated that Dr. RichHobson stated that AOC wished to partici-pate in the October mid-winter conferencewith financial support at the Legends.

It was stated that the mid-winter confer-ence would be at The Legends for the nextthree years.

Alan Peacock, treasurer, stated that wehave had 1,800 visitors to our websitesince he took over. Alan asked whether ornot he should transfer moneys receivedfrom members that are earmarked for leg-islative to be transferred to DeannaJohnson into that account or should themoney be kept in the general fund. Aftersome discussion,

Laura Nichols, District 1 Director, madea motion that the legislative funds in ourgeneral treasury checking account betransferred to this special legislativechecking account that currently Deanna

Alabama CSRExamination Application

CSR Examination Date: April 3, 2004Time: 9:00 a.m.Locations: Gadsden, Montgomery, Mobile

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________ Email: ___________________________________

ACRA Member (circle one): Yes No

Testing History:

The Alabama CSR skills examination may be passed in legs, as long as the CSR candidate retains theircurrent membership status. Proof of passing the NCRA Written Knowledge Test is required before acandidate can be awarded CSR status.

I have previously taken and passed the RPR Written Knowledge Examination: Yes No

I have previously taken and passed the following legs of the Alabama CSR (circle one):180 Literary 200 Jury Charge 225 Testimony

I currently hold the following NCRA certifications: ___________________________________________

Select your Testing Site:

Please select your desired testing site (circle one): Gadsden Montgomery Mobile

Registration and Payment

Please print and return this completed form along with your testing fee to the address below.Note: All testing candidates must register prior to the examination day. There will be no on-siteregistration.Fees: ACRA Members: $65 Nonmembers: $90

Please send your testing fees to the following address.Alan PeacockACRA Treasurer218 S. Dearborn StreetMobile, AL 36602

Minutes Cont. on pg. 21

12

Alabama ReportersParticipate in ConventionReporting

On October 7-10, 2003, the SoutheastRegional Institute on Deafness (SERID)2004 Convention was held at the AdamsMark Hotel in Mobile, Alabama. Over 400participants attended the convention.Organizers for the convention requestedopen captioning and CART services beprovided for each seminar. There wereseven workshops held simultaneously eachday, and each session included realtimetranslation. For several Alabama reporters,

The Serid Cart/Captioning Team

NCRA Online News FlashSPECIAL ISSUE:Senate Passes Reporter Trianing Bill

The U.S. Senate late Wednesday passedthe Training for Realtime Writers Act of2003. The legislation would establishgrants to schools totaling $60 million overthree years to train realtime writers to meetthe captioning and CART requirementsestablished by the TelecommunicationsAct of 1996 and the Americans withDisabilities Act of 1990.

The measure was passed by the Senateas part of an anti-spam bill. The originallegislation, S. 480, had been introduced inJanuary by Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). Thirty-nine additional senators had signed on ascosponsors.

"Although we have only a few years togo until the deadline set by the TelecomAct, our nation is facing a serious shortageof captioners," Harkin said. "This legisla-tion is essential to ensure that we meet thisimportant goal." For the full text ofHarkin's announcement, go to the HarkinSenate site.

The House version of the bill, H.R. 970,was introduced by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and has 106 cosponsors.

"This is wonderful news for the millionsof deaf and hard-of-hearing people whorely on captioning and CART," said MarkJ. Golden, CAE, NCRA ExecutiveDirector and Chief Executive Officer. "It isa major step in helping the reporting andcaptioning professions meet the mandatesset forth by the Federal CommunicationsCommission and the TelecommunicationsAct. Senators Harkin and Grassley haveprovided great leadership in steering thislegislation through the Senate. We nowneed to focus attention on the House ver-sion of the bill."

To learn how you can help with thiseffort, contact NCRA Director ofGovernment Relations Dave Wenhold [email protected] or visit the FederalInitiative page on the NCRA Web site.

this was their first time to do conventionCART or captioning.

An LCD projector was connected toeach reporter’s laptop, and the realtimewas projected onto a screen in the front ofeach room for the benefit of the deaf andhard-of-hearing attendees. This was anexciting event and it was a great opportuni-ty for Alabama’s reporters to shine. It takesa tremendous amount of skill, and courage,for each reporter to display their realtimeon the screens before a viewing audience,and each reporter did an exceptional job.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Kelly GibsonStudent 2002-2003Class PresidentGadsden State Community College

I had the pleasure of attending theAnnual ACRA Summer Conference inbeautiful Point Clear, Alabama, in July ofthis year as the 2003 ACRA Scholarshiprecipient. Not only was I absolutely thrilledto be the recipient of such a wonderfulaward and so generously allowed to enjoyfabulous amenities of the Grand MarriotHotel but was able to attend very educa-tional, as well as encouraging, seminarspresented by the ACRA.

As a captioning student, I was thrilled tobe able to listen as Debra Bollmandescribed her fascinating career in caption-ing for Katie Couric and Matt Lauer on

NBC's Today Show in her seminar entitled,"Finding New Cheese." What an excitingcareer! I left Dolly Banks' presentation of"Balancing Stress in Stressful Times,"wishing that everyone I know could haveattended. What an inspiration she is to usall.

The fall has presented Gadsden Statewith an abundant number of new students,as well as a fabulous new location. TheRealtime (formerly Court) ReportingProgram was able to move to a new loca-tion on the campus, and, believe it or not,we are already outgrowing this space aswell. Leah Elkins, formerly the technician,is the new instructor in the CaptioningDepartment. We are so pleased to have her,as there is so much to learn and so littletime.

47702 ACRA For The Record v5 · 2016-08-26 · Huntsville, AL 35801 Email: [email protected]...

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Transcript of 47702 ACRA For The Record v5 · 2016-08-26 · Huntsville, AL 35801 Email: [email protected]...