MONROE COUNTY BRIEF Published for the Monroe County Bar Association

Just about half-way through my Presidency, let me update you on my three goals for the year. The strategic planning process is underway and the number of responses to the member survey was gratifying to our group. Since there is much to report on this topic, look for a separate article in this newsletter.

Curb appeal kicked off with a restoration of the front porch currently underway. A perennial garden is planned with some annuals added for a splash of color. The Monroe County Bar Association will participate in this year’s garden tour sponsored by the Monroe County Historical Association on Saturday, June 21, 2014. And look for your invitation to a member meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bar Center with a porch social to follow at 6 p.m. Members may bring a guest. Enjoy adult refreshments and hors d’oeuvres catered by Kirkridge compliments of the Association. Centennial Celebration planning continues with help. As a summer project, the Association was delighted to hire David Brodsky to create an archive of the Association’s history including organizing boxes of material that had been stored in the building, tracking down identifying information for documents, photographs and paintings, gathering material from the county archives

President’s Message

Spring 2014 Volume 19 Issue 2

Issue 3

Lori J. Cerato, MCBA President

Monroe County Bar Associat ion, 913 Main St reet , Stroudsburg, PA 18360 www.monroebar.org info2@monroebar.org 570.424.7288

as well as the Historical Association and preparing oral histories from judges and members. David expects to receive his Master’s Degree in History from East Stroudsburg University in December. He’s enthusiastic about the project! Lori Cerato

A group of members attended the Pennsylvania Bar Association annual dinner to install new President, Francis X. O’Connor, at the Hershey Lodge on May 15, 2014. Charlie Vogt, Andy Wolfe, Hillary Madden, Jane Maughan and Lori Cerato, along with President Judge Worthington were on hand to congratulate President O’Connor. Charlie, Andy, Hillary, Jane and Lori attended the House of Delegates meeting the following day representing Zone 5. President O’Connor hails from Susquehanna County and is a proud supporter of Zone 5. He plans to join us at our Bench Bar Conference.

MCBA Members in the News The celebrations continued at the PBA Annual Meeting as recognition was given to those individuals who have been members of PBA for 50 or more years. MCBA joins PBA in congratulating Attorney Harry Lee for his dedication to PBA, MCBA and his profession. Leo Jackson, Esq. has been certified by the PBA

MCBA Members See Page 2

Members Vote to Support NPLS

On May 21, 2014, the members of the Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) voted to provide North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) with a donation of close to $80,000. Legal aid agencies across the state have continued to see diminishing income over the past years, largely due to the low interest rates on lawyer’s IOLTA accounts. IOLTA grants are a major funding source for the non-profit legal aid agencies in the state and are regrettably limiting their funding this year. NPLS, the local agency that supports our community, is in a deficit position of over $80,000 for their upcoming fiscal year.

See Members Vote Page 5

Page 2 Monroe County Brief

MCBA YLD

Division

News from the YLD

YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION

Brian C. Jordan President

Kathleen Walters

Vice President

Syzane Arifaj Treasurer

Deborah Huffman

Secretary

Monroe County Bar Foundation

Board of Trustees 2014

William J. Reaser

Chairman Elizabeth Bensinger Weekes

Treasurer Tom Dirvonas

Trustee Diane Dagger

Trustee Victoria Strunk

Trustee Denise Murray

Trustee Denise M. Burdge Executive Director

Monroe County Bar Foundation William J. Reaser, Jr., MCBF Chairman

Giving Back The commitment to giving back continues as the YLD offers their time, talents and treasurers in support of many local organizations. In recent months they have worked at St Luke’s Church in the soup kitchen serving hot meals to those in need. Representing the YLD and MCBA are Brian Jordan, Victoria Strunk, Elizabeth Field, Deb Huffman and Todd Weitzmann. (Picture top, right) A crew put on hardhats and work boots to help Habitat for Humanity construct the new food pantry for Five Loaf house. Thank you to Syzane Arifaj, Hillary Madden, Elizabeth Field, Donald Leeth, Brain Jordan and their families. (Picture bottom right, Arifaj and Jordan)

Networking Happy Hours, Bowling for Judges and Mentoring Luncheons all have two common goals. The first is getting to know the each other as professionals, developing strong working relationship. The second is simply to enjoy each other’s company and have fun. So, watch for YLD events and please feel free to join us. We look forward to seeing you!

From MCBA Members Page 1 Workers’ Compensation Law Section as a specialist in the practice of workers’ compensation law. Leo was one of 32 lawyers who passed the workers’ compensation law certification exam on March 14. A lawyer successfully completing the exam is certified for five years. There are only 181 lawyers across the Commonwealth who have attained this certification. On May 21, 2014, Attorney Kevin Hardy was acknowledged for his service with North Penn Legal Services and their mission to provide legal services to those individuals in need. Presenting Attorney Hardy with this his award is David Trevaskis, Pro-Bono Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

MCB Foundation Announces Scholarship Winners The Board of Trustees of the Monroe County Bar Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of two $1,000 scholarships. Patrick Dykiert, East Stroudsburg High School South, a graduating senior will be attending Carnegie Mellon University. Dykiert will be majoring in government and public interest law. Ruth Lavache, is a graduating senior at Stroudsburg High School. Lavache will attend Rutgers University where she will be majoring in law. MCBF congratulates the accomplishments of both of the deserving students and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

Pictured, left to right, Kevin Hardy, Esq. 2014 Pro-Bono Award winner and David Trevaskis, Esq. PBA

Monroe County Brief Page 3

Law Day 2014 * Two Days * Four Events *

May 2 and 4, 2014

Law Day Ceremony and the Fairy Tale Trials ~ May 2, 2014

The Law Day Ceremony started with an informal breakfast celebration. Members of MCBA, friends and family of our 2014 Liberty Bell award winner, Jane Koelble, and our Law Day Essay Contest winners enjoyed breakfast catered by Kirkridge Retreat Center before joining President Judge Margherita Patti Worthington and our Common Pleas Judges for the Law Day Ceremony. Congratulations to this year’s writing contest winners: First Place – Eric Wolf, Stroudsburg High School Second Place – Aikaterini Stylianides, Stroudsburg High School Third Place – Nell Kopytnik, Stroudsburg High School Magisterial District Judge Michael Muth and Attorney Hillary Madden led a cast of characters through Wonderland. We welcomed over 170 students from East Stroudsburg Area School District, Monsignor McHugh School, Notre Dame School, and Pleasant Valley. Thank you to our “characters” for putting on a fun, yet educational program for everyone. A special “Thank you!” goes out to all of this year’s volunteers:

President Judge Margherita Patti Worthington as the Judge Judge Jonathan Mark as the Judge

Magisterial Judge Michael Muth, Courtroom Leader and as Mad Hatter Attorney Hillary Madden, Courtroom Leader and as Tweedle Dumb

Kimberly Butts, Law Day Chair and as Red Queen Matthew Bernal as the Lawyer Pam Bisbing, Courtroom Guide Keith Brooks as Tweedle Dumb Zak Christman as the Lawyer

Charles Cirurso, Crier Holly Conway as the Lawyer

John Eichelberger, Crier Charles Ferguson, Crier

Elizabeth Field, Photographer Deborah Huffman as White Rabbit

Donald Leeth as the Lawyer Jake Muth as White Rabbit

Victoria Romero, Photographer Christy Schlottman as Alice

Michael Paloto as Tweedle Dee Mike Ventrella as Tweedle Dee

Kathleen Walters as Alice Cathy Zateeny as Mad Hatter

for more pictures go to page 13

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32nd “Race Judicata” May 4, 2014

Anthony Grant Takes Men’s Overall and Rhonda Nicolls Takes Women’s Overall in the 32nd “Race Judicata” Law Day Race

Even the threat of ran didn’t slow Anthony Grant and Rhonda Nicolls as they raced to the lead, taking overall fastest male and female in the 32nd “Race Judicata” held on Sunday, May 4th. This annual traditional 5-Mile Race and 5K Fun-Run walk event, hosted by the Law Day Race Committee of the Monroe County Bar Association, raises funds annually for local charities. This year proceeds of $2,340 will be benefiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge serving Monroe County. The Honorable Arthur Zulick placed first in the Judge/Lawyer Male category and Attorney Hillary Madden placed first in the Judge/Lawyer Female category. The field of runners and walkers celebrated the race with an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the race, hosted by committee members, Steve Krawitz and Dan Corveleyn. The race receives support through local businesses through sponsorships and donations for the runner raffle. This year sponsoring the race were Newman, Williams, Mishkin, Corveleyn, Wolfe & Fareri, PC, ERB Solutions, ESSA Bank & Trust, Inc, Hagy Insurance, Monroe Abstract, Mount Pocono Campground, Pocono ProFoods, Pocono Record, Powlette and Field, LLC, and Weis Supermarkets. Mount Airy Casino and Resort, Gem and Keystone, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, the Massage Academy of the Poconos, Edge of the Woods Outfitters, Ready Set Run, Sarah Custred, and Elevations Health Club provided donations of prizes. A special “Thank You” to Andy Walls for the use of his PA System which allowed our hosts to be heard and have some really great background music to pump everyone up! The participants were treated to complimentary massages by The Massage Academy of the Poconos and Mariella Silva, owner of Freedom in Wellness. Thank you to the committee and all of our volunteers.

Edwin Krawitz, Chair Daniel M. Corveleyn, Committee Member

Tom DeShriver, Community Member The late Scott Ewing, Community Member

Elizabeth Field, Committee Member Don Gaul, Community Member

Steven E. Krawitz, Committee Member Robert Maskrey, Committee Member

Victoria Strunk, Volunteer Jennifer Scelza, Volunteer Olivia Maskrey, Volunteer Matthew Field, Volunteer

Jeff Burdge, Volunteer

Shortly after this year’s race, the community lost our friend, Scott Ewing. The family, friends and our committee, will him forever. His kindness, commitment to inspire people and his selflessness is celebrated whenever we run, organize a run, or watch from the sidelines. Mark your calendar for May 3, 2015 when MCBA will host the 33rd Race Judicata.

for race pictures go to page 13

Monroe County Brief Page 5

Members Vote to Support NPLS From Page 1, Members Vote The Board of Directors, in their desire to give back to our community, endorsed the initiative to fund NPLS and the members of the association showed their support by voting in favor of financially supporting the agency. This donation will fund a full time staff attorney and a part-time support staff person for one year. They will assist qualified consumers with legal matters having a venue in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, who meet the qualifications of NPLS for legal representation. Dave Trevaskis, Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro-Bono Coordinator said at this historic meeting, “This is the largest gift from a Bar this size to North Penn and highlights the partnership between the local Bar and the local legal aid provider, a partnership that is at the heart of the PBA model pro bono initiative.” The Monroe County Bar Association and North Penn Legal Services have a long-standing collegial working relationship. The NPLS office has been in Monroe County for over 25 years. MCBA has been actively working with them in a formal capacity for over ten years when MCBA instituted the first pro-bono lawyer referral program. The relationship continues and as Attorney Vicki Coyle, Executive Director for NPLS, indicates: “The Monroe County Bar Association has put its money firmly behinds its values. North Penn Legal Services has been proud to work with the Monroe County Bar Association over the years in the development of a pro bono referral program. The MCBA shows a strong commitment to our clients, who are those denied access to justice due to poverty, or vulnerabilities such as lack of education, language access or disabilities. As our funding continues to decrease and we face deficit budgets year after year, meaningful donations such as these reaffirm to my staff that their work is valued. I am most grateful.” In addition to the financial contribution to NPLS, the members of the Monroe County Bar Association are stepping up their individual efforts to provide pro-bono services through the NPLS formal Pro-Bono Referral Program. Since its inception, the Association encourages members to take on cases in their respective legal practice areas. By funding both an attorney and a support staff person, the staff will now have time to work closely with the local MCBA members to grow the referral program thereby helping more of the community members. Together, NPLS and MCBA continue to provide legal aid to thousands of people each year. The mission of North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) is to provide civil legal representation to low-income people and ensure equal access to justice for all. As a regional non-profit provider of civil legal aid for more than 40 years, NPLS offers assistance with these civil legal problems: Consumer, Education, Family, Elderly, Housing, Employment, Utilities, Public Benefits, and Domestic Violence. 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.

PBA Urges Members to Oppose Legislation Reducing Number of Judges on

State Appellate Courts The PBA Board of Governors voted unanimously on June 11 in favor of the Judicial Administration Committee's resolution opposing Senate Bill 324, as amended to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices by two and the number of Superior Court judges by four. "We oppose this legislation because the proposed reductions to the courts would distress the current system, delay rulings and adversely impact access to justice for all Pennsylvanians as well as cause inefficiencies in the administration of the commonwealth's entire judicial system," said PBA President Francis X. O'Connor. The legislation is moving quickly. PBA members are urged to contact their state senators and ask them to oppose SB 324. Read the approved resolution.

Page 6 Monroe County Brief

Cancelled - PBI RESPA/Lenders and Consumers Points of View - Video

Date and Time: 6/17/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI General Practitioners' Update 2014 - Groupcast

Date and Time: 6/25/14 8:30 AM - 03:45 PM

Cancelled - PBI 15th Estate and Elder Law Symposium - Video

Date and Time: 6/27/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI Winning Numbers: Accounting & Financing for Lawyers - Video Date and Time:

7/1/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI Civil Practice in Magisterial District Court - Video Date and Time:

7/11/14 9:00 AM - 01:30 PM

PBI Where to Incorporate:- Comparing PA, DE & NJ - Groupcast Date and Time:

7/17/14 12:00 PM - 04:15 PM

PBI Judgment Collection Strategies: The Legal & Successful Collection of Debt - Video Date and Time:

7/18/14 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

PBI Low Cost Google Tech Tools & Cloud Apps - Video Date and Time:

7/22/14 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

PBI David Bender on Pennsylvania Evidence - Video Date and Time:

7/25/14 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

PBI Communication Essentials & Ethical Practice - Video Date and Time:

7/29/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI Guardianship 101 - Video Date and Time:

7/31/14 9:00 AM - 01:30 PM

PBI Being Tech Savvy is Now the Rule - Video Date and Time:

8/1/14 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

PBI UPCOMING COURSES continued on Page 5 Please go to the MCBA calendar to confirm seminar. www.monroebar.org

Upcoming PBI Schedule at the Bar Center – Live-feed Group-casts & Video Replays For more details or to register for any PBI seminar, go to www.pbi.org

Courses are subject to cancellation by PBI if a minimum number of attendees do not pre-register.

Monroe County Brief Page 7

Strategic Plan Update For the first time in its history, The Monroe County Bar Association will have a strategic plan for the future. Working with Ellen Freedman of Freedman Consulting, Inc., a Strategic Planning Group (SPG) has devoted hours and hours to shepherd the process. As President, I identified a core group of forward thinkers consisting of current members of Executive Committee, past presidents of the Association and members of the Young Lawyers to participate in developing a plan that will shape the future of our Association. Those members are: Mark Primrose, Todd Weitzmann, Brian Jordan, Elizabeth Field, Brandon Reish, Dan Corveleyn, Jane Maughan, Richard Deetz, Jim Marsh, Bill Reaser, Charlie Vogt, Joe McDonald, Gerry Geiger and Andy Wolfe. We were sorry to lose Ciaran Way.

See Strategic Plan Update Page 8

PBI UPCOMING COURSES Continued from Page 4

PBI Solving Legal Issues Across the Life Cycle of the Successful Real Estate Development Project - Video Date and Time:

8/5/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI Recent Developments in Assessment Law in Pennsylvania - Video Date and Time:

8/8/14 9:00 AM - 01:30 PM

PBI Developing and Presenting Your Case: A Case Study of "A Few Good Men" - Groupcast Date and Time:

8/13/14 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM

PBI Nonprofit Series: How to Start and Run a Nonprofit - Video Date and Time:

8/14/14 9:00 AM - 01:30 PM

PBI The Success Formula - A Risk Management Approach to Avoid Person & Professional Impairment - Video Date and Time:

8/15/14 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

PBI Municipal Law Update - Video Date and Time:

8/19/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI Hot Topics in Capital Cases Part II - Groupcast Date and Time:

8/20/14 12:00 PM - 04:15 PM

PBI Financial Powers of Attorney - Video Date and Time:

8/22/14 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

PBI Putting the Family Law Question Puzzle Together for the Non-Family Law Practitioner - Groupcast Date and Time:

8/22/14 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM

PBI 15th Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging Date and Time:

8/26/14 9:00 AM - 05:00 PM

PBI Nonprofit Series: Fundraising in the Internet Era - Video Date and Time:

8/28/14 9:00 AM - 01:30 PM

Please go to the MCBA calendar to confirm seminar. www.monroebar.org

Page 8 Monroe County Brief

Strategic Plan Update, from Page 7 One of the essential elements in developing a strategic plan is the member survey. Thanks to all 107 members who participated by completing the survey. Ellen expressed confidence that the sample was very representative. The SPG identified eleven licensed lawyers who are not members of the Association and a nonmember survey was circulated for feedback; however, only one was returned. The number of member responses was gratifying and validates that we have an active membership committed to future growth of the Association. The survey results contained a few surprises. Some members are not familiar with how the building at 913 Main St is utilized or how it could be utilized by members. Others asked for more parking and soundproof rooms. Some members were not familiar with the Pennsylvania Bar Association membership class of unit county. Others did not know that most Young Lawyer Division events are open to all members to attend. The majority of our members support charitable giving by the Association. And most of you feel that the annual dues of $100 are reasonable and many of you might be interested in affinity benefits with your membership. Change is rarely easy, but the continued growth and sustainability of our Association demands a plan for the future. The SPG will develop a plan to present to Executive Committee by September and unveil it to the membership at our Bench Bar Conference scheduled for October 16, 2014. In the meantime, many thanks to the SPG as we continue to develop the plan.

Annual Attorney Registration Soon Ending When the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania began 42 years ago, just more than 13,000 attorneys served our Commonwealth. Currently, there are 64,964 active and 10,665 inactive attorneys, and each spring they are required to participate in Attorney Registration. To help keep all attorneys up to date on Attorney Registration deadlines, ongoing rule changes and obligations, the Disciplinary Board provides the following resources:

• Registration Reminder: With a July 1 deadline to avoid fees, the Disciplinary Board encourages all attorneys to complete their registration online at http://ujsportal.pacourts.us. Any attorney who fails to complete registration by July 31 will be automatically assessed a $150.00 non-waivable late payment penalty. A second non-waivable late payment penalty of $150.00 shall be automatically added to the delinquent account of any attorney who fails to complete registration by August 31. More details can be found at www.padisciplinaryboard.org.

• Online Registration Tutorial: This year, the Disciplinary Board also created a video tutorial to help with the online registration process. Watch it online here.

• Monthly Attorney E-Newsletter: Every month, the Disciplinary Board issues an electronic newsletter, which highlights rule changes, Pennsylvania Supreme Court orders, and cases to watch – all with a little wit.

• Follow the Disciplinary Board on Twitter: If you prefer your news on the go and in bite-sized servings, the Disciplinary Board also offers updates via Twitter at @DBoardPa.

For additional details and FAQs, visit www.padisciplinaryboard.org.

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Monroe County Bar Association Holiday Schedule

Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2014 – MCBA Office closed

Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2014 – MCBA Office closed

2014 Monroe County Bar Association Officers and Directors

Lori J. Cerato President Todd W. Weitzmann Vice President Jeffrey A. Durney Secretary Timothy J. McManus Treasurer Jane Maughan Past President Mark Primrose Member at Large Elizabeth Bensinger Weekes Member at Large Brian C. Jordan Member at Large YLD

President

Remember to notify the MCBA office if you have any changes to your membership. Up-to-date member information is available on the MCBA website: www.monroebar.org

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Estate Lawyers Lunch – 1st Wednesday Real Estate Attorneys Lunch – 2nd Tuesday

Municipal Law Lunch – 3rd Tuesday Willowtree Inn, Noon - 1:00 pm

Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Lunch – 4th

Tuesday Sarah’s Cafe

FOR UP-TO-DATE MCBA NEWS and

COURTHOUSE NEWS GO TO

MCBA Legal Links Page

Save the Date

Iron Pigs Baseball Game – Sunday, June 29, 2014 New York City Bus Trip – Saturday, September 20, 2014

Bench Bar Conference – Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort Swearing in Ceremony - Friday, December 19, 2014 Holiday Open House - Friday, December 19, 2014

MCBA Needs You!

Sponsorship & Grant Committee Forming – Members Wanted

Contact Denise at dburdge@monroebar.org

Thanks for your Support!