LAW DAY 2003 - "Giving Back to the Community"

Law Day 2003 was a celebration of America and the rule of law, therefore, we restate our commitment to judicial independence as an essential component of the rule of law and our dedication to ensuring fair and impartial judicial decision making under federal and state constitutions as essential to American democracy, liberty, and freedom.

Adams/Broomfield Bar Association’s celebration is known as one of Colorado’s largest Law Day events and draws many distinguished guests. This year was again successful with approximately 600 attendees.

The program began with Thornton Police Department Color Guard’s presentation of colors giving a well-timed performance.

The national theme is "Independent Courts Protect Our Liberties" of which ABBA choose children’s rights as our sub theme. This years Law Day 2003 speaker was Dr. Kathryn Wells, Pediatric Fellow, Kempe Child Protection Team. Dr. Wells is completing her second year of Fellowship training at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, The Kempe Children’s Center, and The Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric subspecialty field of Child Abuse and Neglect. She has begun working very closely with the North Metro Drug Task Force in addressing the difficult issue of child protection as it relates to clandestine laboratories. During that process, she has help from Colorado’s Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. Dr. Wells’ moving speech expressed concerns for drug-endangered children, and the efforts being made in Adams and Broomfield Counties to protect those children.

Congratulations to Law Day 2003’s recipients of awards for "Giving Back to the Community".

The joy on the faces of award winners expressed surprise and delight. Legal Assistant of the Year was awarded to Betsy Sadler, with Patricia Riley, Esq. Clerk of the Year awarded to Kim Troudt, Division Clerk for Division R. Liberty Bell Award winners were Deon Mahaffie and Tammy Fantin, North Metro Drug Task Force Web Site Developers. Floyd Marks Scholarship Award went to Pinita Watkins First Year DU Law Student. Michelle Miller Sprague Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Marian Stohs. Peace Officer of the Year received by Sergeant Mark Carlson, Brighton Police Department.

Sarah Boensch patterned the table decorations with children in mind. The primary colors of yellow, green, blue, and red were chosen to correlate with our "protecting children" topic.

Keeping with the theme, Deborah Kershner of the County Attorney’s office designed the centerpieces consisting of decorative boxes full of hours of fun for children. These centerpieces were donated to the Kempe Children’s Center and will be distributed to abused children. Deborah’s time and talent is certainly appreciated by the board.

The District Attorney’s office offered a presence in the form of Brad Varmo, Sean May, Jay Tiftickjian, Rychel Vossler, Yvette Rodriquez-Werner, and Sharon Holbrook. We couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you.

The Brighton High School Yearbook Club worked diligently to serve and clean up after the breakfast. They did a great job. Thanks.

Table sponsorship offered abused children a little joy to otherwise damaged lives.

Adams County Bar Association
Adams County Coroners Office
Adams County District Attorney’s Office
Ciancio and Associates, P.C., Private Attorney
Randy Davis, County Court Judge, Broomfield
Kathy Delgado, District Court Judge
Tom Ensor, District Court Judge
Robert Grant, District Attorney, Adams County
Jennifer Leslie, Adams County Attorney’s Office
Christopher Melonakis, District Court Judge
Thomas Merrigan, Private Attorney
Patricia Riley, Private Attorney
Theresa Spahn, Exec.Director, Office of the Child’s Representative
Merna Thane, Magistrate
David Worstell, Private Attorney

Our sincere thanks for your generous contributions.