CCBA Members Active as Summer Ends - Clark County Bar ...

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John Foster Loses Battle With CancerMARIA SOSNOWSKILaw LibrarianJOHN FOSTER 1959-2009John Foster, who ran the snack shop in the Clark County Courthouse,had a smile and a kind word for all of his regulars. Those ofus who work in the courthouse, and many attorneys as well, wereamong the people who ate lunch there, or got our morning caffeinebuzz. John knew everyone’s food favorites. All I had to do was say“hi” to him in the morning, and he would ask if I needed my Coke.“John was a wonderful person to do business with,” said JudgeRoger Bennett. “Although he never saw me, he recognized myvoice immediately every time I talked to him. I had him convincedthat I was tall and slender, with thick dark hair. He, hiswife and children were very gracious and friendly and were atremendously valuable component of the courthouse family.”Judge Bennett ate a chicken salad so regularly, it became knownas a “Bennett” and others ordered it by name.Judge Robert Harris got popcorn in the mornings, and theymade a batch while they made breakfast sandwiches so he couldget it fresh. Attorney Tana Bieniewicz likes her sandwichesgrilled, and they were always happy to serve them hot or cold,whatever your preference.John handled the cash register and the business end of things –ordering products, dealing with taxes, and maintaining thebooks. His wife Jeanette shopped for supplies and preparedfood. They had various helpers over the years, most recentlyDoreen. And their children learned how to make coffee drinksand helped out before school.On August 17, 2009, after a battle with cancer, John died. Heendured multiple surgeries in the last few months, including havinghis entire leg amputated in an effort to stop the cancer.2009 EntertainmentBooks are Here!While in the hospitalhe heard about ayoung woman in herearly twenties whowas hit by a car. Shelost one leg and herother foot wascrushed, and she willspend the rest of herlife in a wheelchair.He told his wife thathe realized he couldbe much worse off,and he was glad thecancer happened toJohn Foster owned and operated ‘Jack’s Snacks’ in thehim rather than their Clark County Courthouse for many years.daughter Jeneva, who was about the same age as the woman.Despite being blind, John was able to see the bright side ofthings. He always wanted to be a counselor, but couldn’t findanyone willing to hire a blind therapist. However, he willinglygave up that dream to work in the snack shop to support his children.He was quietly proud of his kids, and made sure they hadthe chance to fulfill their dreams with music and sports lessons.John and his family worked hard, but were unable to afford healthinsurance. The medical bills will force Jeanette to file for bankruptcy.She also needs to find a job, as she spent the last 21 yearshelping John run the snack shop. Jeneva started a graduate programin September, and their son Jess will hopefully be able tobegin college in the fall. If you can help Jeanette by either providingpro bono legal assistance for her bankruptcy, know of a jobshe can apply for, or can help with cash assistance, please contactMaria in the law library at 360-397-2268 to be put in touch.Available until December while supplies last. They continue to offer great deals onrestaurants, hotels, rental cars, and much more. Cost per book is $20.Checks may be made out to the CCBA. Books may be picked up at theClark County Bar Association: 500 W. 8th Street, Suite 65, or Sent by Courier in Vancouver.14 CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
CCBA Monthly Board of Directors’ MeetingANDREW WHEELERCCBA SecretaryThe September 3rd 2009 Clark County Bar Association Boardmeeting found the Board looking toward technology to streamlinethe workings of CCBA. The Board has been exploring the use ofweb-based surveys, an initiative spearheaded by John Fairgrieve.The Board considered positive feedback from bar associationsthroughout the state about the implementation of programs suchas “Survey Monkey” and the related security issues involved. TheBoard’s discussion was mixed with excitement and reservation atthe implementation of this new technology.Continuing in the technology vein, an “electronic” option for ourBar newsletter Hearsay was also discussed by the Board, with theassociated printing and distribution costs at the forefront of the discussion.The Board also discussed the relative costs of advertisingand the added benefits to advertisers of our full-color edition. Itwas agreed that CCBA members will continue to get priority bothin terms of their advertising dollar and positioning within thenewsletter. Getting new advertisers on-board and offering discountsfor those who subscribe or advertise during the infancy ofHearsay were also discussed.The next Board of Directors’ meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,October 7, 2009, at the CCBA’s offices, and is open to all members.Family Law Section MeetingELIZABETH CHRISTYFamily Law Section PresidentThe Family Law Section had its first meeting of the year onSeptember 10 and opened with an amazing turnout of almost 60people. The new president, Elizabeth Christy, introduced thenew board members; Kirsten Samwell - Secretary; KristenParcher – Treasurer; and Kathy McCann - FLEC liaison.She also introduced a new blog created for the Family Law Sectionmembers. Visit the blog at http://ccbafamilylawsection.blogspot.com.Dayann Liebman and Jolene Sell presented to the group aboutthe new child support guidelines being implemented inOctober 2009.Among other issues, the presenters discussed whether or not theimplementation of the new child support guidelines constitutesa substantial change in circumstance that would justify requestsfor modification. Judge Rulli, Judge Collier, CommissionerStahnke, and Commissioner Schienberg, who were present atthe meeting, indicated that they are scheduled to meet September22, 2009 to discuss the family law bench’s position on thisissue. Any guidance offered by the judges following their meetingwill be posted on the blog. (Judge Rulli reminded the groupthat the Judges will also be checking the blog!)The Family Law Section’s next meeting will be October 8, 2009from 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m at Tommy O’s. Laramie Robertsfrom Advanced Diagnostics will give a presentation about thelatest in drug testing. As usual, we plan to seek CLE credit forthose present for the program. Those interested in attendingthe meeting should RSVP by contacting Treasurer KristenParcher of Green & Ritchie at 694-8718 by the Monday prior tothe meeting.HEARSAY - OCTOBER 2009 15
Page 3 and 4: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEExerciseAppare
Page 5 and 6: 2009 CCBA Golf Tournament at The Ce
Page 7 and 8: Judicial Evaluation CompletedHEARSA
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Page 11 and 12: Phil Foster Takes Onthe Trans-Ameri
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Page 17 and 18: GETTING TO KNOW:BARRY BRANDENBURG
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Page 21 and 22: LAW LIBRARY NEWSWashington Practice
Page 23 and 24: 2009/2010 CCBA OFFICERS & TRUSTEESP

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