2008 Annual Banquet

The Lycoming Law Association honored its past presidents at the 2008 annual banquet on January 14.  The ceremony recognizing the service of past presidents was only part a program that included pro bono awards, recognition of retiring president John Pietrovito and comments by former President Judge Thomas Raup.

The event began with the customary cocktail hour and social and then moved to the banquet facilities of 33 East.  A splendid buffet of pasta, chicken and beef dishes was offered, concluding with chocolate cake.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition given to 28 living former presidents of the Association.  Nineteen of the former presidents were in attendance: Gary Harris, Robert Wise, John Pietrovito, Craig Harris, William Knecht, Paul Roman, C. Edward Mitchell, Charles Szybist, Gary Weber, Robin Read, William Carlucci, John Humphrey, Carl Barlett, Ronald Travis, Charles Greevy, Joseph Rider, John Felix, Andrea Bower and William Nichols.

The dean of the bar, Judge Malcolm Muir, is the oldest living president, having served in 1955, but he, along with the second oldest, William Askey, were both hospitalized and were unable to attend the event.

Each of the former presidents were given a lapel pin with the insignia of the Association.

Judge Raup then gave the keynote speech.  He spoke on leadership.  He discussed his involvement with several statewide determinations that had wide impact on the courts and practice of law in Pennsylvania.  He discussed the creation of regional judicial units as one such decision.  Leadership exercised in the local region led to the creation of the first unit, and the later recognition of multiple such units statewide.  Likewise, the exercise of leadership and timely intervention led to cooperation between the Supreme Court and the legislature in the establishment of Pennsylvania's rules of evidence.

PBA County Bar Services Director, Michelle M. Shuker spoke briefly on the challenges faced by statewide judicial candidates in the most recent election.  Past President Pietrovito was recognized for his involvement in the effort to keep qualified judges on the bench.

The banquet concluded with the pro bono awards.   Joseph Rider received the 2007 Equal Access to Justice Award for his willingness to perform free legal work for those in need of assistance in his area of specialty, particularly guardianships and related areas.   Additionally, several law firms and many members of the Association were recognized for pro bono work.