|
Orphans' Court Lunch & Learn
The Franklin County Bar Association is pleased to announce we will be hosting:
Orphans' Court Update Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jury Assembly Room
Franklin County Courthouse, 3
rd
Floor
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Learn about the new state-wide Orphans' Court rules and how they will affect your practice in Franklin County. James F. Mannion, Esquire and the Honorable Shawn D. Meyers will be facilitating the CLE session.
Lunch will be provided and attorneys will earn 1 CLE substantive credit. The cost for the lunch & learn is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
|
|
Greencastle Antrim Middle School's History Day
On Friday, April 22
nd
, 8th grade students from Greencastle-Antrim Middle School participated in History Day activities in Chambersburg. One of the five locations visited was Courtroom 1 of the Franklin County Courthouse. All students were provided pocket copies of the US Constitution and Miranda bookmarkers complimentary of the PBA. The Honorable Shawn D. Meyers, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the 39th Judicial District, welcomed the students and enlightened them as to the plethora of legal matters that come before the Court. Judge Meyers interacted with the students, shared a bit of history with them related to the US Constitution, and personalized his discussions to the workings of our local Courts.
In addition to visiting historical Courtroom 1, students toured the Heritage Center, Ft. Chambers Park, the Old Jail, and the John Brown House.
|
|
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
WIN's fourth annual walk will take place on Friday, May 6th, 2016 and, again, we need your help! We're looking for men to don a pair of bright red high heels and walk just 6 blocks along Main Street in Downtown Chambersburg. Men may walk individually or as a team, challenging friends and co-workers for this very worthy cause. We'll also ask participants to secure sponsorships and donations from their friends and family.
With the generous contributions from our 168 walkers, their families, and the community, last year we raised over $20,000 for Women In Need to help service victims of domestic and sexual violence in Franklin and Fulton counties.
Online Registration is now live!
Keep up-to-date with the event!
|
|
Race Against Poverty
The FCBA YLD is proud to sponsor the Race Against Poverty!
Join us on Friday, June 3rd in downtown Chambersburg.
Race Against Poverty is an opportunity to take a stand together as a community against the poverty that grips many of our own, and stifles our full potential.
REGISTRATION FEES
Kids Dash 1k - Donation Items
Kids 1 Miler - $10 & Donation Items
5K Walk/Run Youth (17 and under) - $20
5K Walk/Run (18 and older) - $30
*Registration by May 18 is required to guarantee you receive a race shirt.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
5:30 pm - Check In Opens
6:30 pm - Kids Dash 1k
6:40 pm - Kids 1 Miler
7:00 pm - Walk Start
8:00 pm - Race Start
8:45 pm - Awards Ceremony
AWARDS
The overall top male and female finisher receive $150. Second and third place finishers receive $125 and $100 respectively.
100+ DOOR PRIZES will be given at awards ceremony. All registrants are eligible for the name drawing.
TROPHIES are given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (both male & female) finishers of the 5k in each age bracket:
12 and younger, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and Up
THE CAUSE
Support Circles is a collaborative effort working to build relationships that inspire and equip our community to overcome poverty. Through this initiative, we are seeing community members move into long term stability as their dreams become reality! Learn more about how to be involved in this important work
Keep up-to-date with the event!
|
|
Law Day Mock Trial
Law Day 2016 is right around the corner! The FCBA YLD will be hosting Law Day on Friday, May 6th in Courtroom 1 at the Franklin County Courthouse. Eighth graders will be able to attend and participate in a Mock Trial.
This year's theme is "Miranda - more than words". Students have submitted 28 posters with this year's theme and the winners will be selected at today's YLD meeting. The top 3 will receive a gift certificate. Winning posters will be displayed during Juror Appreciation Day, as well.
|
|
Friends of Legal Services Book Sale
70,000 BOOKS GO ON SALE AT BARGAIN PRICES MAY 6-8
70,000 books will go on sale at bargain prices when the 32nd Annual Friends of Legal Services Book Sale opens its doors this Friday at 9:00 AM. "We invite all book lovers and bargain hunters to our sale," said Carolyn Carter, a volunteer with the organization. "This is our 32nd year, and it has become a wonderful community event."
The sale runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Friday, May 6, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 7, and from noon to 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 8, at Laird Hall on the Wilson College campus in Chambersburg. The sale features not only books of every type imaginable, but also CDs, DVDs, sheet music, artwork, maps, puzzles, games, books on tape, rare books, and collector's items
. Volunteers will be replenishing the tables with more books throughout the sale. Most paperbacks are just 50 cents.
""We have an enormous assortment of wonderful books," said Ellen Gigliotti, the group's President. "This year we have particular fine offerings of best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks, kids' books, literature, and books about Russian history and language. We also have an especially large number of Civil War books, including many, many Civil War magazines. Please come out and see for yourself how large, varied and wonderful our selection is!"
Books will be displayed at the sale by category to make it easy for patrons to find the books they want. In addition to fiction, history, literature, cookbooks, Civil War, and children's books, the sale will include a huge collection of hardback and paperback mysteries, tables upon tables of romance novels, science fiction and fantasy, art, architecture, religion, biography, supernatural and the occult, young adult books, humor, poetry, Westerns, Americana, military, do-it-yourself, home and garden, nature, hobbies, needlework, pets, music, politics, science, education, large print, travel, world cultures, foreign language, computers, women and gender studies, reference, regional interest, medicine, science and technology, education, business, and many more categoeis.
A special feature this year will be an outstanding collection from the late Cesi Kellinger's notable library, including particularly fine books on the arts and humanities. These books will be offered for sale only on Friday and Saturday. Mrs. Kellinger, who passed away in 2014
, was a book lover and one of the founders of the Franklin County Friends of Legal Services group.
Another notable offering this year is a huge collection of fine instrumental-music teaching materials (fresh and unused). Much of it is for the piano student (including special materials for adult learners), but there are also collections for guitar, winds, strings, and other instruments - even the harmonica! There are also materials for brass, wind, and string ensembles. "Our sale isn't just for book lovers, but for music lovers, too," said Joan Applegate, a Friends of Legal Services volunteer.
Sunday, May 8 is bargain bag day. From noon to 4:00 PM, patrons will be able to fill a grocery sack with books of their choice for just $5.00. After three grocery sacks, the fourth is free. There are usually tens of thousands of books still available on Sunday.
There will be a table of rare books and collector's items offered for sale by silent reserve auction. Bids will be accepted from the start of the sale through the end of the day on Saturday.
For a complete list of the books available for bid please CLICK HERE.
The sale is possible because of the work of over a hundred volunteers who collected, sorted, and priced books all year, and the many local businesses that served as collection sites.
The Law Offices of DiLoreto, Cosentino, & Bolinger and F&M Trust provided generous financial support to Book Sale.
Parking is free at Wilson College during the sale, but patrons should follow the parking signs and the directions of officers who will be stationed in parking areas. Lunches, snacks, baked goods, and gourmet coffee will be sold throughout most of the sale. Proceeds of the sale help provide legal services to local low-income residents and victims of domestic violence.
The organization is also seeking volunteers to help transport, sort, price, and box books, to help set up the sale and clean up afterwards, and to staff the sale. Anyone interested in volunteering, whether this year or next, should contact Gloria Keener at
717 262 2326.
|
|
FREE PIRC TRAINING
Best Practices for Serving Immigrant Survivors in Rural Areas
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 10AM-12PM
United Way Community Room
800 East King Street York, PA 17403
REGISTRATION IS FREE!
To Register, please e-mail Sarah by clicking here or call 717-600-8099, ext. 209
This two-hour training will be presented by representatives from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). PCAR works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims by partnering with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope and healing around issues of sexual violence to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The NSVRC's mission is to provide leadership in preventing and responding to sexual violence through collaboration, sharing and creating resources, and promoting research. The NSVRC coordinates a range of special projects that address building collaborative and culturally specific approaches to preventing and responding to sexual violence, including The Rural Training Project, which focuses on the unique resource, training and technical assistance needs of rural communities.
|
|
Legal Secretary/Receptionist Position
Cognetti & Associates, a prestigious Central PA family law firm, is looking for a full time Receptionist/Legal Secretary to join our growing team. This position requires a very organized individual with exceptional professional appearance to greet clients, answer phones, schedule meetings and appointments, and perform other clerical duties as needed in a fast-paced environment.
Candidate must possess:
* Prior legal receptionist and legal secretary experience
*
Minimum typing speed of 60 wpm
*Excellent grammar and attention to detail
*Ability to handle issues in a proactive and professional manner
*
Prior experience greeting clients and answering phones
*
Extensive experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Firm offers an attractive compensation and excellent benefits package including retirement plan, and contributions to health insurance premiums.
Send resume with requirements and references to: Firm Administrator, 3304 Market St., Camp Hill, PA 17011 or email to
emogel@cognettilaw.com.
|
|
Office Furniture for Sale
For Sale: 2 wood credenzas, in 4 components--each about 3.3' L by 2' D by 2' H. One component has pull out computer keyboard drawer. Photos available--contact Amelia at Bar Association. Also, metal file cabinets. Best offer; buyer to handle pick up.
|
Press Releases, Memos and Important Notices
Franklin County Legal Services
|
|
Visiting Professorships for Senior Lawyers
The Center for International Legal Studies, in cooperation with law faculties in Eastern Europe and the former republics of the Soviet Union, will offer short-term appointments to as many as 100 senior lawyers from Common Law countries in spring and autumn 2017.
A "senior lawyer" has accumulated at least 15 years of significant practice experience in the area in which he or she proposes to lecture. The term of teaching may be from two to six weeks, and the length of appointment and dates of teaching are subject to negotiation between the appointee and the host university. The subject areas are not limited, but there is special interest in corporate and business law, intellectual property, litigation, arbitration, and criminal procedure.
The purpose of the seminars will be to introduce particular areas of Common Law legal systems to the law students and junior faculty of the host university. These faculty appointments are not remunerated, and the appointee is responsible for his or her travel. The host university will assist with lodging. A one-week orientation seminar in Salzburg, Austria, in March 2017, is mandatory prior to assumption of the appointment. Interviews will be conducted from May through September 2016 via video conference.
To learn more please visit www.seniorlawyers.net
|
|
FCBA Offers Local &
Convenient CLE Credits
Did You Know?
Each month your Franklin County Bar Association hosts 8 to 10 CLE classes. This is a great opportunity to gain CLE credits close to home. Our CLE credits are just a short distance away and cost efficient. In addition to offering the CLE credits; we serve a delicious array of breakfast and/or lunch items for your convenience and enjoyment. In 2015 between PBI and Lunch & Learns there were a total of 550 CLE credits completed here at the Bar Association. Furthermore, last year there were a total of 153 CLE participants. So far in 2016 there are 148 CLE credits completed with 33 CLE participants.
|
Upcoming PBI CLEs at FCBA
Wednesday, May 4:
Workers Comp Practice & Procedure 2016, Live via Simulcast, 4 sub credits
Click here for more information and to register
Friday, May 13:
Big Data in Healthcare, Live via Simulcast, 4 sub credits
Click here for more information and to register
Monday, May 16:
PA Tax Law Update, Live via Simulcast, 3 sub credits
Click here for more information and to register
Tuesday, May 17:
Winning at Trial (Shane Reed), Live via Simulcast, 5 sub & 1 ethics credits
Click here for more information and to register
Thursday, May 19:
14th Annual Nonprofit Institute 2016, Live via Simulcast, 5 sub & 1 ethics credits
Click here for more information and to register
Tuesday, May 24:
Cyberterrorism, Live via Simulcast, 2 sub credits
click here for more information and to register
Thursday, May 26:
Trials: Tips, Tactics & Tales (PEG), Live via Simulcast, 5 sub & 1 ethics credits
Click here for more information and to register
Thursday, June 2:
Medicare - What's Behind the Curtain?, Live via Simulcast, 4 sub credits
Click here for more information and to register
Friday, June 3: Real Estate Agent & Broker Liability, Live via Simulcast, 2 sub & 1 ethics credits
Click here for more information and to register
Monday, June 6: Adv. Piercing the Corporate Veil, Live via Simulcast, 3 sub credits Click here for more information and to register
Thursday, June 9:
Basics of Wage and Hour law, Live via Simulcast, 4 sub credits
Click here for more information and to register
Tuesday, June 14: Writing for Lawyers, Live via Simulcast, 3 sub credits Click here for more information and to register
Tuesday, June 14: Trials: Tips, Tactics & Tales, Video Replay, 5 sub & 1 ethics credits Click here for more information and to register
Wednesday, June 15: Representing Residential Landlords and Tenants in PA, Live via Simulcast, 5 sub & 1 ethics credits Click here fore more information and to register
Thursday, June 16:
He Died with Guns in His Closet Firearms and Estates, Live via Simulcast, 3 sub credits
Click here for more information and to register
|
|
Member News
* Rosby Carr, who joined the FCBA in 2014 as President Judge Van Horn's Law Clerk, is now Franklin County's newest Assistant District Attorney. Congratulations!
|
|
Newsletter items deadline
The deadline to submit items for The Causeway is the 20th of each month.
|
"Since our last chat..."
"Since our last chat..." is a periodic column in The Causeway by Bar member Barb Townsend.
I learned that Franklin County is the home of the
Tastykake defense...this is not the Twinkie defense of myth, but a nickname label for a successful representation of an alleged perpetrator after an alleged sexual assault. The Twinkie defense is a myth that an alleged murderer was exonerated from first degree murder because he ate too many Twinkies. Reality is that the perpetrator's expert witness used the fact that the perpetrator, who had been a health nut, began eating excessive Twinkies as a demonstration the perpetrator had severe mental illness. The perpetrator was then convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
The Tastykake defense is a bit more connected to a verdict. It seems that the defendant, who was represented by Ian M. Brink, Esq., our Public Defender, was accused of sexually assaulting a coed. [The coed had boyfriend issues]. As Ian cross examined the alleged victim, his client kept asking him to question her about her 'gift' to the defendant at the end of the encounter. When Ian was just about done with the cross, he asked the witness if she gave anything to the defendant as he was leaving. Indeed, she admitted that she had...she presented him with a Tastykake as he had never previously tasted one. A Franklin County jury did not deliberate more than about half an hour before rendering a not guilty verdict.
 Ian attended school in Spencerport, New York, a suburb of Rochester, New York, about an hour east of Niagara Falls, near Lake Ontario. He graduated from Spencerport High School in 1990 and then headed to Penn State in State College. Ian graduated in 1994 with a degree in the administration of criminal justice, although he'd started out as a student in chemical engineering. Not finding employment in his field upon graduation, he worked two jobs: a day position at Kodak making single use cameras and a night job as a security guard. He laughingly noted he saved a lot of money because he was working 80 - 85 hours each week, but he later confessed that he married a classmate, Billie Jo, that he met at Penn State. The marriage coincided in 1996, with his enrollment in the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Billie Jo, from Tyrone and a graduate of Penn State, has a degree in food science and found corporate employment easily.
After graduation in 1999, Ian worked as a law clerk for a judge in the Saginaw County Circuit Court. After about a year and a half at that position, he took employment with a private firm in general practice in Lansing. This led to his being hired to provide prepaid legal services for the UAW in Flint, Michigan. [He's sure that he did not drink the water]. Most of his work was in property law: contractor issues and property line disputes. In 2005, planing for a family, Ian and Billie Jo looked to Pennsylvania for employment. Ian was looking for a position in the public sector and took a job offer in the Public Defender's office.
Ian, who has since succeeded Mike Toms, Esq., as Public Defender, does not miss a Penn State football game. He and Billie Jo have season tickets. His free time is consumed traveling to pools on the east coast as his daughter, Abby, age 11, is a swimmer and member of the Shippensburg Aquatic Club. Billie Jo was substitute teaching, but she's now managing food services in part of the Shippensburg Area School District.
Mallary Willatt, Esq., is a dedicated Baltimore Orioles' fan. She also can speak Japanese, having completed a dual major in history and East Asian Studies at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in 2008. Oberlin is a few miles west of Cleveland, along Lake Eire. Both Mallary and Ian know what 'lake effect' snow is.
Mallary graduated from the Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia in 2004. After completing her degree in Oberlin, she returned to the greater DC Area and began working as a cost accountant for Northrop Grumman, a defense contractor. Jobs were difficult to find in 2008. Mallary decided that she wanted to go to law school and entered Penn State Law School at University Park in 2010. Her last year at law school she participated in the family law clinic and developed a strong interest in pursuing both public interest law and domestic violence issues. A 2013 graduate, Mallary is now employed by WIN here in Franklin County.
Mallary acknowledges that she is care giver to two semi feral cats, one of whom insists that she gets up at 6:30 a.m. every morning. The cats guard her windowsills. She is an associate of Meghann O. Karasic, Esq., legal counsel at WIN.
Meghann has announced that her son Ben is now a year old, having been born in March, 2015. Her daughter, Margo, will turn four years old this July. Meghann began her employment at WIN, an abbreviation for Women In Need, in February, 2012, while she was pregnant with Margo.
A graduate of North Hagerstown High School, Meghann put herself through the University of Maryland, securing a degree in government and politics with a minor in psychology in 2007. She earned her way as a bartender and server at Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery and General Store in Hyattsville, MD. She recommends the wood fired pizza and the great beer at the restaurant/brewery. Since it's inside the beltway, it's a good stop after a day at the Smithsonian or other DC attraction.
 Meghann met her husband, Matthew D. Karasic, Esq., while a Terrapin at College Park, and both headed to University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Matt did delay law school for a year. Because he'd majored in mathematics and economics, Matt first got his MBA. Meghann earned her juris doctorate in 2010, and worked in the Pittsburgh Refugee and Immigrant Center while waiting for Matt, who was awarded his J.D., in 2011. From there, the couple went to Eire. Meghann was a law clerk who also worked at Safe Net, a domestic violence treatment center and Safenet, a facility similar to WIN.
When employment opened at WIN, the couple moved to Chambersburg. Matt's now working for the Social Security Administration in Baltimore.
Meghann has recently added a shelter dog, a Labrador mix, to her household. Like she has time...
I caught up with Eric J. Weisbrod, Esq., when he was appointed to represent a custody client. Eric originally lived in Bradford County, graduating from Troy High School in 1987. After high school, he headed to Dallas, Texas for some life experiences. He returned to Pennsylvania and enrolled in Mansfield University in Tioga County. Eric earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in philosophy in 1994. He headed straight to Dickinson School of Law. Eric was awarded his J.D., in the spring of 1997.
 While a third year student at the law school, Eric interned for Stephen D. Kulla, Esq. He continued with Steve after graduation for awhile until he opened his own private practice, first in Waynesboro and now in Chambersburg. Eric is principally employed in criminal law, only maintaining a foothold in civil law by acting as solicitor and attorney for Fulton County Domestic Relations.
Eric married Bonnie in October 1997. His children are his sons Patrick, age 27, Nicholas, age 25, and Jared, age 18. Eric can usually be found golfing if not in the office or running. Eric enjoys time with family and friends.
Please let me know what you are currently reading if you are enjoying the read...summer is coming.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Calendar of Events
YLD Happy Hour
Thurs., May 5
Law Day Mock Trial
Fri., May 6
Juror Appreciation Day
Mon., May 9
Board of Directors Meeting
Fri., May 20
CLOSED, Memorial Day
Mon., May 30
YLD Happy Hour
Thurs., June 2
YLD Meeting
Fri., June 3
Race Against Poverty
Fri., June 3
Orphans' Court Lunch & Learn
Wed., June 8
CLOSED, Independence Day
Mon., July 4
Board of Directors Meeting
Fri., July 17
|
|
|
|
|
Visit the Franklin County Bar Association's website.
|
|
|
|
|
The Bar is on Facebook! "Like" the Franklin County Bar Association page for event reminders and news of interest to the bar and see photos of member activities.
|
|
|
|
|
Follow the Franklin County Bar Association on Twitter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact the Bar
Amelia Ambrose
Executive Director
|
|
|
