AN MCBA PUBLICATION THIRD QUARTER 2015 VOLUME 20...
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AN MCBA PUBLICATION THIRD QUARTER 2015 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 3
Transcript of AN MCBA PUBLICATION THIRD QUARTER 2015 VOLUME 20...
AN MCBA PUBLICATIONTHIRD QUARTER 2015
VOLUME 20 ISSUE 3
Bash at the Ballfield........................................................................7
Law Day Run Goes to the Dogs.....................................................9
Foundation Boost for College Bound Scholars.......................... 20
Bench Bar Conference Briefs.......................................................22
Countywide Contributions..........................................................25
Semi-Annual Social Shines..........................................................27
President’s Message.........................................................................3
Trustees & Officers.........................................................................4
Member Updates.............................................................................5
Pause for Applause.........................................................................5
4th Quarter Calendar & Event Invites.......................................11
MCBA Out & About.....................................................................21
Monroe County Bar Foundation Facts......................................23
Young Lawyers Division Making Their Mark............................29
Mission Statement
THIRD QUARTER 2015 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 3
Cover Photo: One year old Spencer Worthington takes in an Iron Pigs’ ballgame close to dad Geoffrey during MCBA’s August 2 outing.
NEWS BRIEFS
UPDATES
The mission of the Monroe County Bar Association is to maintain the honor and dignity of the profession of the law, to cultivate social interaction among its members and to increase its usefulness in promoting the due administration of justice.
Monroe County Bar Association913 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA [email protected]
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Summer has come and gone in this past quarter. And it has definitely been a busy one for the Association.
The tradition of family fun social events continued with a day at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown watching the Iron Pigs to another trip to New York City. Jake Muth, accompanied by his father, Magisterial District Justice Michael Muth, threw out the honorary first pitch at the Iron Pigs came on August 2nd. NYC was invaded by members of the Association, staff and friends of MCBA on the Saturday after Pope Francis’ visit to the US. The free day found people going to museums, plays, festivals and the 911 Memorial. Both of these days are always affordable and great family fun adventures.
On July 13, 2015, members voted to support North Penn Legal Services with another donation of up to $80,000. Our funding has allowed the Stroudsburg of-fice to employ the second attorney. As we all know, Caitlin Humphreys was hired full time last September and continues there today as does Jim Butz. Caitlin has opened 115 new cases and closed 69 cases, all in a wide variety of areas. Our Pro-Bono Committee offered a free Lunch and Learn on the topic of “Land-lord Tenant” to assist NPLS. Currently the highest demand for assistance with the clients of NPLS is in this area. Even with the two full time attorneys on staff they are still in need of volunteer attor-neys. Taking on one case a year per at-torney would make a difference. If you are able to volunteer, please contact the MCBA office.
In the spirt of giving, MCBA officially created a Grant Policy and made Mon-roe County Bar Foundation the admin-istrator of the policy, funds and process. Going forward MCBF will be the inde-pendent association making all decisions for the grants. The only role MCBA will have will be to fund MCBF. This is anoth-er way we can give back to the commu-nity we live and work in. While the 2015 grant application year ends October 1st, it will soon be time for 2016 applications to be accepted. If you know of a 501(c)(3) organization that may need financial assistance with their programs or proj-ects, please reach out to Denise and she’ll provide you with details for the 2016 year.
After our Bench Bar Conference last year, the Bench Bar Conference Com-mittee deemed it necessary to look for another venue to hold our conference. It was obvious that we need more space. At the suggestion of several of the com-mittee members and staff we looked at Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus. While the survey re-sults aren’t compiled yet, initial feedback has been very complimentary. The cam-pus is beautiful, the food was outstanding and the environment was very conducive to learning. Our guest presenters were very excited to be with us on such a beau-tiful day. Thank you to our presenters, our judges for the best roundtable discuss we’ve had in several years, the committee and staff for a most successful event. My last quarter as president opens with our 100th year celebration dinner at Sky-top Lodge. The night will truly be special for everyone. Those that are able to join
us will not be disappointed. You’ve heard talk about the centennial history book. I haven’t seen it yet either but I hear it turned out spectacularly. If you were unable to attend, don’t worry. There are copies for every member available at the MCBA office. Please call and make ar-rangements to receive your copy. Thank you to Lori Cerato for taking this mon-umental task on! As importantly thank you to David Brodsky, Taharah Nix and Denise Burdge for being with Lori every step of the way. I personally can’t wait to read it.
The next three months will be over before you know it. We have at least four CLE opportunities on the calendar. The Mock Trial Invitational is scheduled for November 21, 2015, at East Stroudsburg South High School. Please join Judge Mark and Judge Muth and sign up early to serve as a judge. So many of us participated in these types of events throughout our school years and know how valuable it can be to the students participating. On December 18, 2015 the new lawyers in our county will be sworn in at the Swearing in Ceremony in Courtroom 1 at 3:30 pm. Please mark your calendar for both the ceremony and our Holiday Open House which will take place from 4:00-7:00pm. Celebrate the close of our 100th year as an Association with family and friends.
President’sMessage
Todd W. Weitzmann, Esq.
Todd W. Weitzmann, EsquirePresident, MCBA
MCBA pagethree
My fellow members,
Monroe County Bar Foundation 2015 Board of Trustees
William J. Reaser, Jr. Esq.Chairman
Thomas V. Casale, Esq.Vice Chairman
Thomas F. Dirvonas, Esq.Trustee
Diane L. Dagger, Esq.Treasurer
Victoria A. Strunk, Esq.Secretary
Lara Kash, Esq.Trustee
Matthew FieldTrustee
Denise MurrayTrustee
Monroe County Bar Association 2015 Officers and Directors
Todd W. WeitzmannPresident
Jeffrey A. DurneyVice President
Timothy J. McManusSecretary
Mark A. PrimroseTreasurer
Lori J. CeratoImmediate Past President
Elizabeth Bensinger WeekesMember at Large
Elizabeth M. FieldMember at Large
Brian C. JordanMember at Large/YLD President
Monroe County Bar Association 2015 Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Officers
Brian C. JordanPresident
Kathleen E. WaltersVice President
Elizabeth M. FieldTreasurer
Jason LaBarSecretary
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MEMBER UPDATESWelcome To Our New Members...
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Julieane E. FryMonroe County District Attorney’s Office610 Monroe St., Suite 126Stroudsburg PA [email protected]
Ryan LiggittMonroe County Courthouse610 Monroe St., Suite 221Stroudsburg PA [email protected]
David MarraMonroe County Courthouse610 Monroe St., Suite 221Stroudsburg PA [email protected]
William Ko MaruyamaMonroe County Courthouse610 Monroe St., Suite 221Stroudsburg PA [email protected]
Casey Schweppenheiser Monroe County Courthouse610 Monroe St., Suite 221Stroudsburg PA [email protected]
Christy SchlottmanMonroe County District Attorney’s Office610 Monroe St., Suite 126Stroudsburg [email protected]
Ethan T. StowellMonroe County Courthouse610 Monroe St., Suite 221Stroudsburg PA [email protected]
Joseph SulpizioMonroe County Courthouse610 Monroe St., Suite 221Stroudsburg PA 18360 [email protected]
pause forapplauseThe National Association of Distinguished Counsel has selected Michael J. Foley of the Foley Law Firm, as a member of the Naiton's Top One Percent of lawyers in America. Attorney Foley joins the leading legends of legal profession for his professional actions.
Francis "Frank" O'Connor has been named co-chair of the PBA Military and Veteran Affairs Committee. The comittee provides education programming and coordinates statewide efforts on legal matters affecting active, reserve and National Guard military service members, retires and veterans and their families.
MEMBER UPDATES
Casey SchweppenheiserCasey Schweppenheiser is currently clerking for the Honorable Arthur L. Zulick of the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. She is a 2015 graduate of Villanova University School of Law. While at Villanova, she served as the Chairperson for the VLS Moot Court Board, won the “First Place Respondent Brief ” award at the 2014 National Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition in Malibu, California, and was a semi-finalist in the 54th Annual Theodore L. Reimel Moot Court Competition. Casey graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 2012 and is interested in practicing both criminal and civil law in Monroe County.
Jessica JonesJessica Jones received her juris doctor degree from the Regent University School of Law in 2014 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar the same year. Jessica is currently in her second year of clerking for President Judge Margherita Patti-Worth-ington of the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. Notwithstanding her current work in criminal law, Jessica maintains an interest in other areas of practice and would eventually like to advise businesses on formation, taxation, and legal issues.
Ryan CampbellRyan Campbell is currently in his second year of clerking for the Hon. Margherita Patti-Worthington, P.J., of the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. Ryan received his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law in 2014 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and New Jersey Bar the same year. While at Widener, Ryan served as an editor for the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law and treasurer for the Military Law Society. Ryan is a 2010 graduate of York College of Pennsylvania and a 2006 graduate of Stroudsburg High School. In addition to his current work in criminal law, Ryan main-tains an interest in environmental and energy law.
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MEET THE NEW LAW CLERKS
Ryan LiggittAfter graduating from York College of Pennsylvania, Ryan attended law school at the Appalachian School of Law in Virginia. During this time period he was a legal intern for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in Harrisburg. Ryan was also the Bar Review Head Student Representative for Kaplan Bar Review, managing the student representative team, organizing meetings and distributing relevant information to their state and Kaplan.Upon graduation Ryan returned to York County and volunteered for the Mid-Penn Legal Services focusing primarily in family law. Ryan is a Law Clerk for The Hon. Jennifer Harlacher Sibum.
David MarraPrior to obtaining the position as a Law Clerk for The Hon. Jonathan Mark, David attended Widener University School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctorate. While in law school, David interned at the law firm of Cramer, Swetz, McManus and Jordan, PC, as well as the Monroe County District Attorney’s office. As an Executive Officer in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard reconnaissance troop in Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Marra is responsible for logistically supporting all troop operations. He assists the Troop Commander in the planning, developing and instituting processes and procedures for effective mission command during troop operations.
William MaruyamaBill received his undergraduate degree from UCLA and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law for Law School. Licensed in California, he developed a practice as a General Counsel focusing on Corporate Transactional and Commercial Real Estate matters, and Labor and Employment Law and Human Resources Law. When Bill moved to West Virginia he used his real estate background to develop an expertise in Mineral Title and Mineral Law. Joining the Court of Common Pleas and working as a Law Clerk for The Hon. Jennifer Harlacher Sibum will provide Bill with valuable insight into Monroe and surrounding companies, as he hopes to utilize all these skills and specialties here locally and in Eastern and Northern Pennsylvania.
Ethan T. StowellWhile attending law school at Regent University School of Law, Ethan worked as a legal intern for the Norfolk General District Court, was a judicial law clerk intern for Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn of the Supreme Court of Virginia and was an LSAT Instructor for the college.Today Ethan is a Law Clerk for the Hon. Jonathan Mark. Ethan holds a special interest in civil rights and social action as well as human rights and politics.
Joseph Sulpizio
Joseph Sulpizio is currently clerking for the Hon. Margherita Patti-Worthington, P.J., of the Monroe County Court of Com-mon Pleas. He is a 2015 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law. While at Syracuse, he served as vice president to the St. Thomas More Law Society, associate managing editor to The Digest: Law Journal to the National Italian American Bar Association, and assistant coach to the Syracuse University Ski Racing Team. In addition, Joseph worked as a student attorney for the College of Law’s Elder Law Clinic and was awarded the 2015 Onondaga County Bar Association Award for his work in the clinic. He received his undergraduate degree from DeSales University and is interested in practicing civil litigation in Monroe County.
OUT TO ABALLGAME
take me
by Jeanine Hofbauer
Photograph: Geoffrey Worthington shares a moment with one year old son Spencer
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S unshine and scrumpteous eats surrounded by friends– the recipe for one spectacular day at the ballfield as Monroe County Bar As-sociation (MCBA) members and their families enjoyed the sights and sounds of August 2’s Iron Pigs game with plenty of food and fraternizing. While both young and “seasoned” spectators admired the atmosphere, some even took to the field to be a part of the action.
Nine year old Jacob Muth, joined by dad Michael, had the thrill of a lifetime throwing out the first pitch. Calling the experience “cool” the East Stroudsburg Little Leager returned to enjoy the game with a smile and true tale to tell.
Celebrating their 46 year wedding anniversary MCBA Founda-tion Chair William Reaser and wife Liz called the catered event, “A great experience.” Hand-in-hand with grandson Austin, the group pledged to play another day.
Don’t miss out on MCBA’s 4th Quarter lineup of member events on page 14 for your chance to “get in the game.”
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onroe County Bar Association presented proceeds totaling $2,465 collected from this year’s Race Judicata to Pocono Grey-hounds July 27. Surrounded by their humans, Macey, Grace, Rapunzel and Molly seized the spotlight as Steve Krawitz took a moment to applaud the organization for their hard work and dedication to the canines presenting the donation in memory of his dearly departed friend Scott Ewing.
“He [Ewing] had timed all of our races in recent memory,” Krawitz said adding, “We [MCBA] felt it was right raising funds for these magnificent dogs that Scott loved so much.”
PG volunteer Suzanne Ewing responded, “It was wonder-ful they chose to honor my husband he would have been very pleased.”
Noting monies raised will help pay for medical needs of these retired racers along with transportation costs to Penn-sylvania for placement with foster homes until forever homes, she thanked MCBA for selecting Pocono Greyhounds as their beneficiary.
By Jeanine HofbauerPublished August 6, 2015The Journal Newspapers
LAW DAY RUNgoes to theDOGS
M
pagenine MCBA
“It was right raising funds for these mag-nificent dogs that Scott loved so much”
- Steve Krawitz
Photo by Ashley Narwid for Monroe County Bar Association(From Left) MCBA's Steve Krawitz presents a larger than life check to Pocono Greyhounds Grace, Molly, Macey and Radpunzel seizing a smile from their lease holders Lori Mecbarde, Suzanne Ewing, Andrea Kliesch and Patricia Roes
When Bill Cramer was approached about becoming the Pocono Health Foundation’s first director of the board in 2003, the Stroudsburg attorney accepted with one stipulation: He got to pick his own board. The Pocono Health System said yes, and Cram-er soon compiled a team of venture capitalists that would be solely focused on raising funds for the health system. He liked to talk about that team as much as did the team of 32 volunteers that helped him as the leader of the Capital Campaign for the Hughes Cancer Center in East Stroudsburg. That team, he said, helped raise community awareness in a campaign that raised over $26 million in funds.
To Cramer, a fundraiser for the last four decades, teams are everything.
“We have such a caring community here that if you have a message, people are going to respond to it,” Cramer said.
That’s partially why he was so shocked to have been told he will receive the health system’s annual Gold Medal Award at a special dinner on Sept. 10. Cramer, 69, has already watched colleagues and friends over the years receive this award over the years — but they’re almost always doctors.
“I was really, really surprised,” Cramer said. “I know most of the recipients of this award and, quite frankly, they’re a pretty impres-sive group of folks.”
It means the world to Cramer to be held in the same regard as a group of healthcare workers that he says looks at in a “certain degree of awe.”
“I look at myself as a fundraiser, and what do I do?” Cramer said. “Thank heavens for nurses and doctors. I know how committed they are to giving quality health care to all that they can.”
It’s just a different aspect of health care that Cramer provides for the community, though. He served for six years as the foundation’s first board director before just staying on as a member and eventual retired volunteer in June. His work during that time helped him achieve recognition from multiple other regional organizations, as well as last year’s Presidential Award for Philanthropy from the health system.
According to the health system’s Director of Community Outreach and Government Relations Geoffrey Roche, the Gold Medal is merited to "an individual whose contributions are sufficiently unusual, meritorious and superior and resulted in a significant difference in the quality of and access to healthcare for the region's residents."
To Cramer, though, he’s simply returning favor to whoever was here before him.
“The people here in 1915 decided that they needed to take care of the health of their family and community, and so what do they do? They built a hospital,” Cramer said about the Pocono Medical Center’s creation in 1915. "In 1946 I was born there. Everyone benefits from something before us. Those who went before us provided for us, and we need to make it better.”
The dinner event in September will also be in celebration of the hospital’s 100-year anniversary, Roche said.
Although he had “reservations” about receiving the award over practicing physicians and nurses — a profession, as evidenced by his and his wife’s annual Jennie Cramer Nursing Scholarship named for his grandmother, he has a great respect for — Cramer will be at the dinner. At worst, the award could assure him that he’s done enough for a hospital that he believes he will someday need. At best, it could serve as a trophy of Cramer’s mantra: a quote from George Eliot.
“What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?” Cramer asked.
Bill Cramer – hole in one raising money for United Way
-Kevin KunzmannPocono Record Writer
in the
Feature Posted Online at PoconoRecord.com July 18, 2015 at 5:18 PMUpdated July 20, 2015 at 7:48 AM
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November
November 6, 2015
Member Meeting
11:30 am - Stroudsmoor Inn
November 12, 2015
Substance Use Disorders Presentation
8 am - ESU Innovation Center
November 21, 2015
Mock Trial Invitational
East Stroudsburg South High School
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October
Otober 3, 2015
Centennial Dinner
6 pm - SkyTopodge
October 14, 2015Sexual Assault Cases & Issues Presentation
2 pm - Mount Airy Resort
October 17, 2015Wine & Beer Trail
11:30 am - Departs MCBA Parking Lot
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Savethe
DateMONROE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
PIKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATIONPRESENT:
Sexual Assault Cases and IssuesPresented by:
The Honorable Correale F. Stevens PASupreme Court Justice
The Honorable Jack A. Panella PASuperior Court Judge
Followed by a Panel Discussion:“Post- *IFP v. Koken* - Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims"
Scott Cooper, Esq.Teresa Ficken Sachs, Esq.
Wednesday, October 14, 20152:00 – 3:00 pm CLE Seminar
3:00 – 4:00 pm CLE Panel Discussion4:00 – 5:00 Cocktail Hour
Monroe County Bar and Pike County Bar Members FreeNon-Members of Monroe and Pike - $55.00
Hors D’oeuvres will be servedCash bar available
In accordance to the Event Payment Policy: If you reserve a seat and do not attend you will be charged for the full amount of the CLE, $55.00
Mount Airy Resort and Casino312 Woodland Road, Mt Pocono PA 18344
Valet parking is available at the Main Resort Entrance**Everyone present for entire seminar will receive 2 substantive CLE credits**
Please return this portion along with payment to MCBA BY October 2, 2015
Sexual Assault Cases and Issues and “Post- *IFP v. Koken* - Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims"October 14, 2015
In accordance to the Event Payment Policy: If you reserve a seat and do not attend you will be charge for the full amount of the CLE
Name: Attorney ID:
Telephone: Email:
Monroe Member _____ Pike Member _____ Non-Member Enclose $55.00 _____
I will attend the CLE: I will attend the Cocktail Hour:*If you have special dietary requirements, please contact a staff member of the MCBA*
December
December 18, 2015
Swearing in Ceremony
3:30 pm - Monroe County Courthouse
December 18, 2015
Holiday Open House
5 pm - MCBA Offices
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Detailed Docs & Sign-ups
INCLUDED
MONROE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION PIKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
PRESENT:
Sexual Assault Cases and Issues
Presented by: The Honorable Correale F. Stevens PA
Supreme Court Justice The Honorable Jack A. Panella PA
Superior Court Judge Followed by a Panel Discussion:
“Post- *IFP v. Koken* - Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims" Scott Cooper, Esq.
Teresa Ficken Sachs, Esq.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015 2:00 – 3:00 pm CLE Seminar
3:00 – 4:00 pm CLE Panel Discussion 4:00 – 5:00 Cocktail Hour
Monroe County Bar and Pike County Bar Members Free Non-Members of Monroe and Pike - $55.00
Hors D’oeuvres will be served Cash bar available
In accordance to the Event Payment Policy: If you reserve a seat and do not attend you will be charged for the full amount of the CLE, $55.00
Mount Airy Resort and Casino 312 Woodland Road, Mt Pocono PA 18344
Valet parking is available at the Main Resort Entrance **Everyone present for entire seminar will receive 2 substantive CLE credits**
Please return this portion along with payment to MCBA BY October 2, 2015
Sexual Assault Cases and Issues and “Post- *IFP v. Koken* - Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims" October 14, 2015
In accordance to the Event Payment Policy: If you reserve a seat and do not attend you will be charge for the full amount of the CLE
Name: Attorney ID:
Telephone: Email:
Monroe Member _____ Pike Member _____ Non-Member Enclose $55.00 _____
I will attend the CLE: I will attend the Cocktail Hour: *If you have special dietary requirements, please contact a staff member of the MCBA*
Monroe County Bar Foundation presents:
2015 Foundation Wine and Beer Trail
October 17, 2015Departs from MCBA 11:30 am
Returns to MCBA 7:30 pmJoin us as we travel in style to local wineries and breweries to taste
award winning wines and beers!
**MUST be 21 or over** Ticket price include
bus trip tastings of wine and beer lunch *Seats are limited*
Prices: Couple: Individual:Regular: $65 $40
YLD: $50 $30
A Tricky Tray, Silent Auction and 50/50 cash raffle will conclude our trip back at the MCBA at 7:30 pm
Purchase tickets at the Monroe County Bar AssociationPlease Make Checks Payable to: Monroe County Bar Foundation
913 Main StreetStroudsburg, PA 18360
[email protected] ● 570.424.7288
Proceeds will go to the Little Leagues of Monroe County
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards Tolino Winery Weyerbacher Brewery
Shawnee Craft Brewery Blue Ridge Winery
Friday, November 6, 2015
At The
Ridgecrest, Stroudsmoor Inn
Member Meeting
11:30 am - Luncheon12:00 pm – Member Meeting
12:30 pm – CLE
We will be voting on the 2016 MCBA Officers
Decisions Decisions: The Who What & Where of Purchasing Technology aka Technology Planning
Presented by: Ellen FreedmanPBA Law Practice Management Coordinator
Members: Free*Reminder- if you sign up for the event and do not show
you will be charged $30.00*
1 Substantive Credit RSVP by October 30, 2015
Member Meeting and CLE: Friday, November 6, 2015RSVP by October 30, 2015
Member Name: ____________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________
Reservations accepted by:Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570.424.7288Mail: 913 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 or Courthouse Box
913 Main StreetStroudsburg, PA 18360
570.424.7288Fax: 570.424.8234
Monroe CountyBar Association
Friday, November 6, 2015
At The
Ridgecrest, Stroudsmoor Inn
Member Meeting
11:30 am - Luncheon 12:00 pm – Member Meeting
12:30 pm – CLE
We will be voting on the 2016 MCBA Officers
Decisions Decisions: The Who What & Where of Purchasing Technology aka Technology Planning
Presented by: Ellen Freedman PBA Law Practice Management Coordinator
Members: Free *Reminder- if you sign up for the event and do not show
you will be charged $30.00*
1 Substantive Credit RSVP by October 30, 2015
Member Meeting and CLE: Friday, November 6, 2015 RSVP by October 30, 2015
Member Name: ____________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________
Reservations accepted by: Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570.424.7288 Mail: 913 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 or Courthouse Box
913 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570.424.7288 Fax: 570.424.8234
[email protected] www.monroebar.org
Monroe County Bar Association
THE MONROE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
SAVE THE DATE
2015 MOCK TRIAL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Graciously hosted this year byEast Stroudsburg South High School
EAST STROUDSBURG, PA
Effective Strategies for Working with Families and Communities
Affected by Substance Use Disorders
Please join us for the Second Annual Roundtable Summit on November 12, 2015, at the East Stroudsburg University Innovation Center!
Registration Deadline is October 23, 2015 – First Come First Served!
Who: Pamela Petersen-Baston, MPA, CAP, CAPP What: Learn how child welfare, behavioral health, schools and court systems can work together to deliver a comprehensive approach to working with families and communities affected by substance abuse. Where: ESU Innovation Center, 562 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 When: Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Agenda:
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Registration/Continental Breakfast 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Session 1 (includes break and Q&A opportunity) 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch (provided for at no additional cost) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Session 2 (includes break and Q&A opportunity)
Questions? Contact Donna Ace at 570-420-3590 ext. 3259 or [email protected]
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Simply fill out the information below and return this registration form along with the registration fee of $15.00 to Monroe County Children and Youth (Attention Donna Ace), 730 Phillips Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.
Name: ________________________________________ Organization: _______________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________ E-mail Address: ____________________________
*Please make checks payable to Monroe County Children and Youth Advisory Board
THE MONROE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
SAVE THE DATE
2015 MOCK TRIAL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Graciously hosted this year by East Stroudsburg South High School
EAST STROUDSBURG, PA
Save the Date:
Monroe County Bar Association2015 Swearing In Ceremony
Friday, December 18, 2015 3:30—4:30 pm
Monroe County CourthouseCourtroom 1
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FOUNDATION BOOSTfor
COLLEGE BOUND SCHOLARS
ince 2011 Monroe County Bar Foun-dation has given over $ 11,500 to college bound residents in the county with five well deserving students and their families converging upon Stroudsburg July 20 for this year’s check presentation. Evidence supports these young men and women are destine to excel as the doors to second-ary education openly invite the youth to achieve their dreams.
Futures are looking bright for Michael Loedel, Julianna Lynch and Thomas Rubi-no with Political Science, Psychology and Classical Studies at notable institutions in-cluding Franklin Marshall College, NYU (New York University), along with Col-lege of William and Mary. With each re-ceiving a $1,500 gift from the foundation to take a bit of the edge off fiscal worries, focus can remain on classes.
Thankful dad, Mike Lynch commented, “This helps to alleviate [things] so she [Julian-na] can concentrate on her studies.” He noted Junior and senior year Mock Trial participa-tion sparked the interest in legal studies with Corporate Law in particular on the horizon for his daughter.
“We’re so proud of Tommy,” stated Vincent Rubino. The attorney added, “My wife [Julie] and I know he will make a great lawyer.”
Need for little debate over Loedel’s career path revealed parents Denise and Enrique admitting the teen’s knack for opinionated conversation. Agreeing, the East Stroudsburg High School South graduate, reasons four siblings fueled the fire with dad saying uncles and aunts in the field helped.
This year marks the first endowment in mem-ory of the late Judge Ronald E. Vican. A noted athlete himself, MCBF Board of Trustees were seeking a High School Senior that exhibited that same well balanced combination of athletic and academic prowess for the $1,000 Ronald E. Vican Memorial Scholarship. Cross Country, Track, Swimming, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Finalist, Envirothon and a passion for Speech and Debate sealed the deal for Pocono Mountain East Grad Russell House.
Sights set on Engineering Studies at Pur-due University in the fall, House first expressed deep gratitude to the foundation then revealed a home-grown character bonus humbly thanking parents Lauren and Russell, “For the help and support they’ve given me to push harder and be better.”
Left Photograph: MCBF 2015 Scholarship recipients (from front left) Thomas Rubino, Michael Loedel, (back left) Julianna Lynch and the 1st Recipi-ent of the Ronald E. Vican Memorial Scholarship Russell House (not pictured) Kayla Wolf
Below: First beneficiary of the annual Ronald E. Vican Memorial Scholarship Russell House (far left) displays the day's total in distributions along-side MCBF Chairman Bill Reaser (center) and MCBF Trustee Thomas Dirvonas
By Jeanine HofbauerPublished July 20, 2015The Pocono Record
S
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MCBA at
July 30 KALAHARI RESORT
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BBC Chair Jeff DurneyJudge Williamson with Matt Connell and Joe MacDonald
• Student Debt - In partnership withUSI Affinity and financial servicesprovider SoFi, the PBA is offeringmembers a new benefit to consoli-date and refinance their private andfederal student loans into a singleloan with a lower rate and lowermonthly payment.
.
• Need for Pro-Bono volunteers – sup-port North Penn Legal Services by providing your expertise
• Urged to take action on theproposed Legal-Services Tax
Nearly 140 converged upon Tannersville’s Northampton Community College Mon-roe Campus for the 19th Annual Bench Bar Conference September 18.
Esteem presenters included Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice – the Honorable Debra McCloskey Todd, PA Common-wealth Court Judge – the Honorable Renee Cohn Jubelirer and PA Court of Common Pleas 43rd District Judge – the Honorable David J. Williamson.
Pennsylvania Bar Association President William V. Pugh V discussed the state of the Bar’s focus for 2015-2016 detail-ing:
Pictured left: President Judge
Margherita Patti-Worthington delivers the
State of the Bench Address
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BENCH BAR Conference 2015
Northampton Community CollegeMonroe Campus
MonRoE CoUnTy BAR
On behalf of the MCB Foundation I wish to thank Elizabeth Bensinger Weekes for her service as a trustee. Elizabeth recently stepped down due to time con-straints. Over the past year she has been a valuable member of our board, car-rying on the legacy began by her father and grandfather.
Recently we welcomed two new board members. Attorney Lara Kash and com-munity member, Matthew Field have joined us. We are pleased to have both individuals join us, especially as we expand our mission and begin to take on the responsibility of administering and awarding grants.
I also want to thank Attorney Hillary Madden and MCBA staff member, Ashley Narwid, for heading up the 2015 Foundation event. If you’ve ever wanted to vis-it our local wineries and breweries in one day, now is the time. Join us as we ride the bus through the beautiful Pocono and visit three wineries and two breweries on Saturday, October 17th. The tour includes tastings at all facilities, lunch and travel. We will also have a tricky tray raffle and a silent auction. For tickets, call the MCBA office or email Ashley at [email protected]. Proceeds will go to the little league teams in Monroe County.
-William ReaserMCBF Chair
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Monroe County Bar Foundation Welcomes New Trustees
Meet Lara M. Kash...Lara M. Kash, owns and manages Kash Law Offices, P.C. She is an experienced attorney in the areas of Criminal Defense and Family Law practicing in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Poconos, and surrounding areas. In practice for a decade, Lara has litigated hundreds of criminal and civil cases involving violent crimes, financial crimes, domestic violence, sex of-fenses, drug trafficking, child welfare, protection from abuse, divorce, custody, support, and juvenile matters. Prior to the launch of her own practice, she served as an Assistant District Attorney for six years, where she specialized in prosecut-ing crimes that impact the lives of families and children. In addition to her experience as a prosecutor, she has defended a full range of criminal matters ranging from misdemeanor offenses to first degree felony cases.Lara earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law in 2004, and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature, cum laude, from Moravian College in 2001.Lara is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association, Northampton County Bar As-sociation, and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. In addition to her legal affiliations, Lara serves on the board of the Nazareth YMCA, where she also teaches a weekly power yoga class.
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And Matthew J. Field, CRPC
Matthew is a financial professional with Hagy Insurance & Financial Services in Sciota, PA. As a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designee, he works with individuals and business owners to integrate their wealth management, retirement planning, succession strategies and insurance solutions. Matthew is a graduate from the Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Pamplin Leadership Institute's Core Leadership Program. Matthew lives in Stroudsburg with his wife Elizabeth and son Matthew. He is also the girls’ basketball head varsity coach at Stroudsburg High School.
CountywideContributions
very little bit helps,” explained Monroe County Bar Association Foundation’s William Reaser sug-gesting others continue to follow suit presenting checks totaling $3,000 to area non-profits at the organization’s Stroudsburg office September 8. Pos-ing a positive impact on residents throughout Monroe County a pivot-al protocol, Camp Cadet Troop “N”, Center for Vision Loss, Habitat for Hu-manity and Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH) accepted checks ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Echoing the Foundation Chair’s sentiment adding gratitude for con-sideration, notes of necessity followed. From “life skill education” while over-coming visual boundaries and assis-tance with “home preservation”; to
introducing today’s youth to “hands on law enforcement” each shared a unique philanthropic function.
“This is a tremendous benefit,” com-mented Pennsylvania State Trooper and Camp Cadet Community Liaison Joshua Bryer noting an average partic-ipant ages 12 to 14 cost of $370 for the weeklong camp absorbed by the acad-emy.
Discovering “A need up here” Center for Vision Loss Manager Cindi Starner reasoned adding, “[I’m] thrilled the bar foundation thought of us.”
Amplifying “Addressing the needs of Monroe County citizens” as the foun-dation’s mission, Reaser concluded, “We try to do as much as we can.”
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MCBF Trustees with Donation Recipients (from left) Diane Dagger, Cindi Starner/ Center for Vision Loss, Kelly Kemmerer/ Habitat for Humanity, Bill Reaser & Trooper Joshua Bryer/ Camp Cadet Troop "N"
“We try to do as much as we can”-William Reaser
Chairman, MCBA Foundation
By Jeanine HofbauerPublished September 10, 2015The Pocono Record
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“To put a face to the name, “a plus, Dan Lyons chuckled, “[This is] not like when I started.”
New to the Bar, Suzanne Estrella commented on MCBA’s member camaraderie and community presence. With sights set on practicing Criminal Defense in an established firm, she called the organization and its resources, “Very welcoming and helpful.”
I
“To put a face to the name, “a plus, Dan Lyons chuckled, “[This is] not like when I started.”
New to the Bar, Suzanne Estrella commented on MCBA’s member camaraderie and community presence. With sights set on practicing Criminal Defense in an established firm, she called the organization and its resources, “Very welcoming and helpful.”
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ocialhinesSS
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mpeccable craftsmanship, exquisite decor, 913 Main Street's elegance resonates Stroudsburg stature. Harnessing the opportunity to appreciate this
Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) address as a means of socialization came naturally July 13 as members converged for an evening Social.
Calling the gathering, "A great way to mingle with fellow colleagues ," MCBA President Todd Weitzmann appaluded the concept of hosting an onsite event for, "More member use of the building."
Upcoming PBI Schedule at the Bar Center – Live-feed Group-casts & Video ReplaysFor more details or to register for any PBI seminar, go to www.pbi.org. or call 800.932.4637
Courses are subject to cancellation by PBI if a minimum number of attendees do not pre-register.Please go to the MCBA calendar to confirm seminar. www.monroebar.org
The following PBI seminars have been scheduled and will be held at theMonroe County Bar Center
913 Main StreetStroudsburg, PA 18360
PBI: Habeas Corpus GroupcastDate and Time: 10/16/15 - 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM
PBI - 22nd Annual Auto Law Update GroupcastDate and Time: 10/28/15 12:15 PM - 04:30 PM
PBI - Elder Law Update GroupcastDate and Time: 11/4/15 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
PBI - 19th Annual Family Law Update GroupcastDate and Time: 11/10/15 8:45 AM - 12:00 PM
PBI - A Day on Ethics GroupcastDate and Time: 12/2/15 9:00 AM - 04:30 PM
PBI - Criminal Law Update 2015 GroupcastDate and Time: 12/3/15 12:00 PM - 04:15 PM
PBI: How to Draft an Ordinance GroupcastDate and Time: 12/4/15 9:00 AM - 01:15 PM
PBI: Collecting and Enforcing Judgments in PA GroupcastDate and Time: 12/10/15 9:00 AM - 04:15 PM
PBI: Civil Practice in Magisterial District Courts GroupcastDate and Time: 12/15/15 9:00 AM - 01:15 PM
PBI: Pre-Forclosures Process GroupcastDate and Time: 12/17/15 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
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The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) recently held their quarterly meeting. We were pleased to welcome all the new and continuing Law Clerks. The Board and staff encouraged them to become involved and attend as many func-tions as possible. Not only is it a great way to get involved in our community but a way to meet members! Networking is key to their success and there is no better way than in a
comfortable environment of MCBA members.On tap for this fall–Working with Habitat for Humanity! Everyone is welcome to partici-pate; even those without construction experi-ence! Also, please remember those less fortu-nate and help to fill our boxes for the annual food drive. The box will be available shortly at the MCBA building
signing Off with a Reminder
YoungLawyersDivision
YoungLawyersDivision
Monroe County Bar Association Holiday scheduleOffice Closed or Limited Hours
Columbus Day, October 12
Thanksgiving Holiday, November 26 & 27
Christmas Eve, December 24 at 1:00 pm
Christmas Day, December 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31 at 1:00 pm
New Year’s Day, January 1
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until next time...
