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ALA Today

March, 2017 Jeanne Skilton, Editor Volume 6,

Issue 2

AWARDS BREAKFAST AT MIAMI

MIDYEAR MEETING

Volunteer of

the Year

Award

went to

Sue

Patterson

from

Michigan

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More from Miami...

Left: Andrea Stone, our Long-Range Planning Facilitator, helped

us with our planning for ALA’s future.

Below: Awards Breakfast and our Board Meeting.

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Top pictures: Warm weather, delicious Italian food and

eating dinner outside. Bottom pictures: Presentations of

the Auxiliary Support Awards.

ALA Book Donation Project went to Mi-

ami-Dade Co. Head Start Program.

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Message from Mary Ellen (ALA President)

Dear American Lawyers Alliance Members and ALA Friends,

I want to tell you how much we in American Lawyers Alliance appreciate your membership — and friendship —

whether recent or long-standing.

We are at an exciting juncture in the fine history of American Lawyers Alliance. At the recent Board of Directors

meeting in Miami, we set aside an entire day just rethinking who we are, what we believe is truest about ourselves

including the pressing needs and problems we address, why, and how we will flourish in attracting new and grow-

ing support for our program in the future. It was a very inspiring, very productive, fantastic day!

I can’t begin to thank Lucy Harrison for gathering it together, and primarily, for select-

ing the facilitator, Andrea Stone, Executive Director, Texas Bar Foundation, Austin, to

lead it. Andrea established invaluable rapport with our group, not only eliciting our

best thinking, but in sharing similar challenges being faced by similar groups, including

other nonprofit ABA-related organizations (e.g., serving Bar Presidents, Bar Execu-

tives, Bar Foundations), who through voluntarism, are also aiming toward high and

similar goals, nationally.

With Andrea’s help, we moved beyond “worthy but heavy mission statements” and came

up with four short, moving, one-sentence epistles (!) — each one describing us quite

well. As we sought a truer and truer sense of our organization’s worth and identity, we

learned one hard and fast rule: Always say your full name “American Lawyers Alli-

ance”, not the initials, when speaking with others. We shared our own paths of belong-

ing—how we had arrived —and had become part of this organization — with an intent

and spirit toward evolving “how” others, newcomers, might find a similarly exciting, rewarding path into our pro-

gram. We began to plot “where” we might find similar people with similar interests!!! We even discussed an In-

vite Strategy, hoping to reach out to these folks, future friends, in time to see them amongst us for the fast ap-

proaching American Lawyers Alliance Meeting, August 9-11, 2017 in New York! (Please see details about this

meeting on page 8 in this newsletter—and be there!)

I can’t begin to thank “each of you” who came and contributed to our magnificent meeting in Miami!

Auxiliary Support Awards

In Miami, we recognized the invaluable and inspiring contributions also of our outstanding network of local and

state lawyers auxiliaries. Evelyn Albright, with the assistance of Jennifer Benesh, gave high energy leadership to

this initiative. Under their leadership, we have now given $4,000 to twelve auxiliaries this year, and with the help

of our Treasurer Sharon Chappelear, will be determining and reporting the total dollar amount from our treasury

which we, so generously and wholeheartedly, have given over the twelve- or thirteen year- history of the Auxiliary Support Awards — which further the very inspiring work of lawyers’ spouses, nationally.

Volunteer of the Year

I would be remiss if I did not share what a meaningful Volunteer of the Year Awards Breakfast we held on Fri-

day morning in Miami, celebrating the many volunteer accomplishments and dedication of our immediate past

president, Sue Patterson, the recipient and honoree. Martha Ann Franco did a fantastic job chairing this commit-

tee. The room was set beautifully (thank you, Lucy Harrison!), and the photography, printed programs and in-

spirational message given by Linda Eagle made this a very special occasion. (Her message is on page 9 of the

newsletter.)

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Continued Message from Mary Ellen:

Upcoming: Teacher of the Year Awards Breakfast, August 10, 2017 in New York

Looking ahead, we are extremely fortunate that Kitty O’Reilley and Anne Santorelli are chairing, with Bonnie

Mitchell, the recognition of one Middle School and two High School teachers who are teaching law-related and civ-

ics education in an outstanding manner. We are constantly “on search” nationally for these deserving teachers and

should you know of one, please get in touch with Kitty, Anne or Bonnie as soon as possible — as the deadline is

March 15. We are planning another outstanding Teacher of the Year Breakfast in New York where these teachers

will be given beautiful certificates, our heartfelt appreciation, and our admiration expressed through $1,500 to each

honoree and travel expense to get to the Breakfast. The Teacher of the Year Breakfast just gets better every year

— with these teacher honorees, their State’s Bar Presidents and spouses, and hopefully, many new guests, so don’t

miss it! We also will include presentation of our fine Book Donation to a New York charitable group at the

Breakfast — so, don’t miss it!

You will also not want to miss the full itinerary of “fun,fun,fun”

things Janet Bullinger is planning for us to see and do while in

New York. As President, I want to entice everyone to not only come

and take part in the tours and dutch-treat dinners, but if you are

new to our group, to please feel free to come to our Board and An-

nual Meeting as special guests. We are here serving in this fine pro-

gram on your behalf, so please come listen and learn and contribute

alongside us!

The Roster

Last but not least, I want to thank Judy Weldy for completing a fine new edition of the Roster! Lots of detailed

work takes place in this area and many, many, many areas of responsibility.

I cannot thank each and every one of you “enough” for all such good work done in

your Board capacity!

Thank you for the privilege it is to be your President.

With highest regards and great respect,

Mary Ellen Borgelt ALA President

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The following slate will be voted on at the ALA Annual Meeting in NYC:

2017-18 Executive Committee:

President: Anne Santorelli

President-Elect: Joette Reger

First VP: Jaquie Rothermel

Second VP: Evelyn Albright

Secretary: Rita Thompson

Treasurer: Sharon Chappelear

Immediate Past President:

Mary Ellen Borgelt

2017-2019 Directors:

Nancy Butler

Judy Weldy

Sue Bennett

Mary Ann Welch

Pauline Neely

Nominating Committee

Pauline Krieger

Jeanne Skilton

(Fulfilling their second year of a two year term are: Pauline Krieg-er, Linda Jarvis, Cheryl Lantz, June McManus, Negin Stern, and Karen Townsley)

Auxiliary Support Awards

The following auxiliaries/alliances re-

ceived this year’s Auxiliary Support

Awards:

Austin Lawyers’ Auxiliary

Columbus Bar Association Auxiliary

Grand Rapids Lawyers Alliance

Houston Bar Association Auxiliary

Indian River County Lawyers Auxiliary

Ingham Co. Bar Association Auxiliary

Kalamazoo Lawyers Alliance

Law of Polk County, Inc.

National Capital Lawyers Auxiliary

Saginaw County Lawyers Auxiliary

San Antonio Bar Auxiliary

Texas Lawyers Auxiliary

A total of $4,000 was awarded to

auxiliaries all over the country to

promote legal education in the local

communities.

Evelyn Albright (co-chair of Aux-

iliary Support Awards) is shown on

page 3 presenting the awards at the

Miami meeting.

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Volume 1, Issue 1 Sue Patterson: 2017 Outstanding Individual Volunteer

Sue is President and Treasurer of the Ingham County Bar Auxiliary (ICBA), and has been active in many ways for many years. She was awarded the Fran Ryan Award for Ex-emplary Member of ICBA. Sue was President and Treasurer of Michigan Lawyers Alli-ance (MLA), as well as well as chair of various committees. Even with decreasing cooper-ation from the State Bar of Michigan, Sue was selected as a member of its Law-Related Education/Public Outreach Committee. They have kept her on this committee for many years and is just one of two “non-lawyers” on that committee. She and her husband, Richard, also participate as volunteers for Michigan’s “We The People” contest. Sue has been active in ALA as President, State and Local Affiliate Chair, Past President/Life Mem-ber Affiliate. Presently, she is the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award Chair, Chair of the Carr Committee and on the nominating committee.

A few highlights of her other community involvement: Sparrow Women’s Hospital Association’s Board of Managers: House committee Chair, Physician Recognition Din-ner chair, and Co-Chair for the Education Committee and Annual Volunteer Luncheon. Sparrow Hospital Guild: Fundraising Committee, Membership Chair, Secretary, Arrange-ments Chair, and Charity Ball Chair, Signature Fundraiser Committee and the Mini-Grant Committee. Wharton Center for Performing Arts: President of the Inner Circle Board, Engagement Initiatives Chair, and Education Docent. She received the Arthur Luedders Circle Award for Outstanding Volunteer and Directors Award for Volunteer Commitment. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University: Received the Peg Mur-phy Award for Outstanding Art Museum Docent.. She has been involved with her church as an Elder, served on various committees, and the Forum speaker selection. Sue and her husband, Richard, have a summer home in Pentwater, Michigan, here she serves on the Planning Committee, Centennial Fundraising Committee, and the By-Law Committee for the Pentwater Yacht Club. She is also Treasurer for their condominium association.

What ICBA, MLA, and ALA members and friends say about Sue: “I can’t think of a woman more deserving of this award. She has worked tirelessly for all groups and or-ganizations in which she is a member. She has literally kept our local auxiliary alive. Sue accomplishes so much, has been a great leader, and a joy to work with. Her energy is boundless, always with a smile and a chuckle. It is difficult to say ’no’ to her when asked to help because ’no’ is not part of her vocabulary...thank good-ness! She definitely gives generously of her time, talents and treas-ures.” “There is only one word to describe Sue, and that is amazing. She offers her graceful, quiet leadership in her community and be-yond I can think of no other person who is more deserving of this award.” “Most enjoyable working with Sue during her term as presi-dent of ALA. She was always open to suggestions, made suggestions and made life easy while planning events for us.” “Sue is truly deserv-ing of the recognition. I love working with her.” “Sue is one of the kindest, most sincere, generous ladies that I’ve had the pleasure to know. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body and is gracious to everyone. She is tremendous fun and a delight to spend time with! She does not take credit for what she does, but makes sure others are thanked.” “Sue has been an amazing role model and is has been such a learning experience to be part of her team!”

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AMERICAN LAWYERS ALLIANCE MEETING SCHEDULE

ANNUAL MEETING ~ NEW YORK CITY

August 9, 2017 ~ August 12, 2017

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

3:00pm – 4:00pm Carr Committee Meeting

4:00pm – 5:30pm Executive Committee Meeting

Activity or dinner

Thursday, August 10, 2017

8:30am – 11:30am ALA Board Meeting

Activity and dinner

Friday, August 11, 2017

8:30am – 10:30am Teacher of the Year Breakfast and Book Donation Presentation

11:00am – 1:00pm ALA Annual Meeting

Activity and dinner

Saturday, August 112, 2017

9:00am – 11:00am New Board Meeting

Farewell!!

THE AMERICAN LAWYERS ALLIANCE EXPLORES NEW YORK

While the ABA is holding their Annual Meeting in New York City, the American Lawyers Alliance will be exploring and having fun in New York as well. Our home-away-from-home will be the Westin Hotel at Times Square, 27 West 42nd Street. What a vibrant location, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and within walking distance of 40 theatres, world famous shops and restaurants! We will have a ball! As soon as the ABA registration opens, directions for registration and making hotel reservations will be sent. Please register and make your hotel reservations as soon as you receive this information. The ho-tels fill up quickly.

An exciting idea that developed from the Long-Range Planning Workshop held in Miami, will take place in New York. We plan to invite guests to the Teacher of the Year Breakfast, which will be held in New York. We will invite spouses of members of other ABA associated groups who are holding meetings in New York during this time. Of course the winners of the TOY Award and their families will be invited as well. We also plan to include the Book Donation Project presentation. In this way our guests will be included in two meaningful ALA activities while being introduced to our members and our organization. We are committed to and excited about this event!! And we will need help from every-one to make this a successful PARTY!! More details later.

Please save the dates of our meeting – Wednesday, August 9 ~ Saturday, August 12.

As well as the Teacher of the Year Award and Book Donation presentations, Anne Santorelli will be installed as our next President. And the highlight of the meeting will be the wonderful activities and dining experiences planned by Janet Bullinger, our Event Planner Forever!!!

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March Birthdays:

15 Janey Pettiette

16 Jan Lamoreaux

22 Rick Lantz

22 Marsha Orloff

April Birthdays:

3 Judy Weldy

4 Jennifer Benesh

8 Edie Vilarubia

30 Anne Santorelli

April Anniversaries:

30 Anne and Albert

Santorelli

May Birthdays:

4 Pauli Krieger

4 Cathy Bomberger

7 Jeanne Skilton

12 Cheryl Lantz

24 Elouise Willliams

May anniversaries:

29 Nancy and Jesse Butler

31 Sue and John Bennett (pictured)

Linda Eagle wrote and presented this inspiration at the Awards Breakfast:

Let us pause for a moment and imagine a world without volunteers. Let’s reflect on

what life would be like without people who care and give of themselves every day.

What would our world look like without people who keep our parks clean, or people

who help at our hospitals, or bring meals to those who can’t get out. What would

our schools look like without the efforts of dedicated people?

Our group has an important mission as well, perhaps more important today than

ever. Thankfully, this room is full of people who care and are willing to give in

beautiful ways!

Margaret Mead so wisely said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens

can change the world.”

We live with challenges, opportunities, and even discouragement, but we continue on, knowing that what

we do matters! We strive to raise up future generations who are informed citizens, and doing this year after

year will change our world!

And, we celebrate those who go above and beyond to make our lives richer.

What a world this would be without people who roll up their sleeves and work where there is work to be

done, and who faithfully continue to model how our world can be better just because of their willing heart.

So we say “thank you” to the person who gets up early to attend a meeting designed to award money to our

teachers. Thank you to the people who organize beautiful meetings. To those in our churches who give of

their time and resources faithfully to help those who are hurting. Thank you to those with a pure heart for

our animals, our beautiful environment, and our people who don’t seem to have a voice.

May we roll up our sleeves and start another day, another week, another year...but before that, we stop for a

moment to thank those who are so deserving of our gratitude because they make our world amazing!