	January 2009

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Picture This: DBA Happenings

60 Foster Children Home for Holidays
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Judges and magistrates were busy finalizing the adoption of more than 60 foster children with permanent families during Adoption Day, Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Denver Juvenile Court. This is the fourth year that Denver has participated in the National Adoption Day program, and the occasion was marked by adoption proceedings throughout the morning at the Denver City and County Building. A balloon artist and magician were on hand to provide entertainment for the children.

Magistrate Melanie Gilbert (left) officially approved the adoption for Oliver (far right) and Heather Meylemans’ (center) children, Karma and Blaise.

Judge Donna Schmalberger (far right) finalized the adoption of baby Amillani Lucero, who is being held tightly by her mother Emelia Lucero.

Photos courtesy of Scot Henderson

Vets Get Help
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The Denver Bar Association participated in the 18th Annual Veterans Stand Down, an event that offers many services for homeless veterans, including benefits, medical, grooming, clothing, food and shelter services. DBA attorneys staffed a booth to answer homeless veterans’ legal questions and hand out legal resources. More than 200 volunteers worked to serve 400 homeless veterans. Thanks to those volunteers who staffed the Nov. 6 event, including Brad Hill, Keith Robinson, Sima Patel, David Doughty, John Sharp, Bob Thibault, Amy Costello, Mike Milazzo, Belinda Begley, Bill Burns, Jim Carr and L. James Eklund.

From left, David Doughty, Amy Costello, Belinda Begley and Keith Robinson donated their time to help veterans with legal questions and resources at the Vet Stand Down on Nov. 6.

Special LawLine 9 -- Your Money Marathon
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The Colorado Bar Association had several members volunteer at the Your Money Marathon on Tuesday, Nov. 18. 9NEWS teamed up with News Radio 850 KOA and Rocky Mountain PBS to host the event. Nearly 100 financial experts answered money-related questions by e-mail and telephone. The calls came in at a rate of about 1,000 per hour. By the end of they day, they had received nearly 14,000 phone calls. The experts offered advice on everything from managing credit card debt to saving for college or retirement. All of the advice was free, as a public service to the community.

Gregg Moss with 9NEWS interviews DBA member and volunteer Jon Nicholls on-air during the Money Matters Marathon.

DBA members and volunteers for the Money Matters Marathon Jon Nicholls, Cyndi Kennedy (center) and Sarah Clark answer legal questions for members of the public.

Judges Totally Rock!
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The Colorado Judicial Institute hosted the Sixth Annual Judicial Excellence for Colorado Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Denver Marriott City Center Hotel. There were more than 600 judges, attorneys, court staff, business professionals and community members in attendance. The 2008 CJI Judicial Excellence Award Honorees were recognized, and included: Denver County Court Judge Al Harrell, 16th Judicial District Judge M. Jon Kolomitz, 18th Judicial District Judge Robert H. Russell and 21st Judicial District Magistrate Jane Westbrook. The keynote speaker was Bert Brandenburg, executive director of the national Justice at Stake Campaign in Washington, D.C. Funds raised through the dinner went to benefit the Judicial Education Fund.

From left, Colorado Judicial Institute award winners Hon. Robert H. Russell, Hon. M. Jon Kolomitz and Magistrate Jane Westbrook (not pictured: Hon. Al Harrell).

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