Retiring Judges Receive Well-Deserved Recognition

There were many poignant moments during three ceremonies this month as the three new judges in Montgomery County took their oaths of office. Heartwarming speeches were provided by the family and friends of Judges Risa Vetri Ferman, Daniel Clifford and Todd D. Eisenberg as the new judges officially donned their black robes for the first time.

Montgomery County Courthouse

But the most poignant moment, I believe, came when President Judge William J. Furber Jr. took the time to recognize the accomplishments of three judges who retired at the end of 2015, Judge Stanley R. Ott, Judge Bernard A. Moore and Judge Joseph A. Smyth Jr.

“Ladies and gentleman,” Furber addressed the crowd, “the investiture of new judges is always an exhilarating time for the court because it engenders an invigorating spirit and energizes the bench by virtue of an influx of fresh ideas from our new colleagues, which in turn tends to promote experimentation with new methods.”

“This dynamic creates opportunities to improve how justice is administered in a timely and transparent fashion. This natural progression is vital to the preservation of our system,” Furber continued.

“Although we welcome innovation and new blood I would like to take a moment this morning to acknowledge three of our colleagues whose most recent retirements graciously created the three vacancies which our newest members have filled,” Furber added.

“The legacies of these three men have created over almost three decades of devotion to the law and to the Bar and to the court and to the public. Their legacies are immeasurable. I speak, of course, of Judges Ott, Smyth and Moore,” said Furber, inviting the three respected jurists to rise from their seats at the bench.

The crowd of 250 or so spectators erupted into thunderous applause and a standing ovation, delivering respect and gratitude for the three jurists who smiled humbly. The recognition was well-deserved.

Smyth, who served as county district attorney from 1979 to 1984, was appointed to the bench in May 1984 by then Gov. Dick Thornburgh and he was elected to a full 10-year term in 1985. Smyth, a graduate of Temple University School of Law, was retained in 1995 and 2005, and he previously served as president judge.

Moore, a former assistant district attorney from 1970 to 1975, was elected to the bench for a 10-year term in 1989. A graduate of Temple University School of Law, Moore won retention elections in 1999 and 2009.

Ott, a graduate of Cornell University Law School, was elected to the bench in November 1987. He was retained in 1997 and 2007 and served as the administrative judge of the Orphans’ Court division.

Thank you, judges, for your service.

Kim White Bids Good-bye to her County Family

Montgomery County Courthouse/Photo Carl Hessler Jr.

After 27 years working for the Montgomery County court system, Kim White has said good-by to her county family.

White has seen a lot of courthouse changes during that time.

White, of Downingtown, began her career in 1989 as an unassigned court clerk, at a time when such clerks were paid on a per diem basis and received no benefits. That all changed around 1993, when county officials approved benefits packages for court clerks, who assist judges in the courtrooms on a full-time basis.

In 1994, White said she was “blessed” to be asked by then Judge Bernard A. Moore to sit as his assigned court clerk. For most of those years, Moore presided in Courtroom A, the ceremonial courtroom at the courthouse.

“I clerked for Judge Moore for 13 years. Working for Judge Moore was the best. He’s such a funny man behind the scenes. He’s a very contemporary man. He’s very private. But behind the scenes he’s a very, very nice person and very funny,” White said. “I enjoyed my time working every minute for Judge Moore. I was very blessed to have worked for Judge Moore.”

Kim White / Mercury Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

Moore also retired Jan. 1.

“We both retired the same year. Who would have thought that?” White said.

In 2008, White was promoted to court clerk supervisor. There are 31 court clerks employed by the county and one sentencing guidelines clerk who were under White’s direction.

“I’m the type of person who likes to pass my knowledge on. I like other people to learn from my accomplishments and from what I have to offer,” White said. “It was a challenging experience. I enjoyed teaching, watching them develop. It helped me to become a manager.”

White said she will miss the employees and the job. But she's looking forward to her free time.

Kim White /Mercury Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

“I would like to spend time with my family and I want to have fun while I’m young,” said White, who laughed when she said she wouldn’t reveal her age but added after 27 years with the county she was eligible to retire.

Everyone at the courthouse wishes Kim a happy and fun-filled retirement.

The Mystery Continues

While conducting my end of day checks of courtrooms late Tuesday afternoon, I suddenly heard thunderous applause coming from Courtroom A, the ceremonial courtroom at the courthouse. My interest aroused, I just had to investigate.

Montgomery County Courthouse/Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

Officials invited me to peek in.

Turns out newly-elected Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele was holding court, so-to-speak, proudly, passionately and warmly addressing his entire staff of prosecutors and detectives and some members of the law enforcement community, during what felt a bit like a pep rally. A few county officials and judges also were present at the informal gathering.

“It’s important for us to do this together, to dedicate to this together,” Steele urged the 150 or so staffers who packed the ceremonial courtroom. “The people of our community expect a lot from us. They expect us to be ministers of justice. I expect a lot from all of you.

“I’m not going to be easy on you but I will have your backs because we’re all in this together,” added Steele, telling all those in attendance that he looks forward to working with them. “We have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Montgomery County DA Kevin R. Steele

Steele, the Lower Merion Democrat who won the post in November’s election after spending eight years as first assistant district attorney, told his staff that being ministers of justice comes with sacrifices.

“There are sacrifices and no one knows that better than my family,” Steele said to the standing-room-only crowd, urging his staff to have courage and to strive to do the right thing.

During the gathering, President Judge William J. Furber Jr. administered oaths of office to the entire staff of prosecutors and county detectives.

“Kevin, I wish you all the best as you go forward with this most important endeavor,” Furber said as the event came to a close.

Quoting from the “Star Wars” film he just saw over the weekend, Steele told his prosecutors, “’May the force be with you’ and let’s go do a great job.”

I, and I think everyone else in the room, was secretly wondering if Steele was going to make the “BIG” announcement, that being who he had selected as his first assistant, the second-in-command in his office, the district attorney’s go-to person.  

But it was not to be.

And so the mystery continues.

In recent history, incoming county district attorneys have had their first assistants in place on their first day in office. But as of Tuesday, the district attorney’s official letterhead still has only Steele’s name there. Steele appears to be keeping this decision close to the vest for now.

Since the New Year began, I’ve been asked on a daily basis by judges, lawyers and courthouse staff as to whether Steele has named his first assistant. It’s the number one inquiry folks are making as I make my daily rounds in the halls of justice. It’s unbelievable the amount of interest that’s swirling around the courthouse regarding that one decision.

Naturally, rumors abound, and there have been plenty. It’s the best kept secret, that’s for sure.

So, as I posted last week on Twitter, we’re still #WAITING

Stay tuned.

Goodwill, Paying It Forward, Plentiful This Season at Courthouse

Goodwill is everywhere during the holidays at the county courthouse. Collection barrels for Toys for Tots, the district attorney's Holiday Coat Drive and SPCA Holiday Drive and the Lt. Patty Simons Law Enforcement Food Drive dot the courthouse hallways and are filling up fast, signs of generosity among employees and visitors to the courthouse.

Christmas at the courthouse/Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

But two courthouse employees recently gave new meaning to "goodwill toward men" and "paying it forward." 

Anne Schools and Susie Sobotka, two Court Administration employees well-known at the courthouse for their contagious sense of humor, often joked as they left work and passed the ATM on the plaza level, “Look, there’s a $20, grab it!” But on one particular day last month, it was no joke.

“I said, ‘Susie there really is a twenty in there,’” Schools, a writ clerk, recalled. “We looked and it happened to be $40. It was lying right in the tray. I was shocked because we always joke about it. To see it, was like, ‘Oh my God!’ We decided we better go to security because it belonged to somebody.”

Susie Sobotka (on left) & Anne Schools/Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

“Ever since the ATM machines were placed at the courthouse we’ve joked about it. I ran over and I pulled it out, and there were two twenties,” Sobotka, a receptionist, recalled. “Couldn’t believe it.”

While some surely would have pocketed such a find, Schools and Sobotka took the money to courthouse security officials for safekeeping.

In the meantime, later that evening, Elizabeth Oreo, court clerk for President Judge William J. Furber Jr., was at a restaurant and when it came time to pay her bill she realized the $40 she had withdrawn from the ATM, and thought she had put in her purse, was nowhere to be found. A sinking feeling came over her when she realized she had taken her ATM receipt but never collected the cash that dropped into the ATM tray.

The following day, Oreo, believing it was a longshot she would ever see her cash again, checked with security officials and learned that Schools and Sobotka had turned it in.

“I was so happy and flabbergasted to find out cash that I withdrew from the ATM machine, and I thought was lost, was returned to me,” Oreo told me recently. “I was shocked that the money was returned to me, but after finding out the names of the two employees that found the money and did this good deed by turning it in to security, I was not.

Elizabeth Oreo/Mercury Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

“Once again, honesty is the best policy and two of our Montgomery County employees, Anne and Susan, are proof of that,” Oreo added. “So kudos to Anne and Susan and thank you again for all you do!”

Oreo was so grateful she showed her own kindness and generosity by offering to treat Schools and Sobotka to lunch with a cash reward, which they would not accept. Instead Schools and Sobotka suggested donating the reward money to charity, specifically the Toys for Tots program overseen by the sheriff’s department. Oreo loved the idea.

“I think it’s wonderful to pay it forward. I’m glad that it’s going to go to help the unfortunate children for Christmas, to make their Christmas a little brighter,” Sobotka said.

“We paid it forward,” Schools added. “It makes me feel great. 'Tis the season, right?”

Indeed Anne and Susie and Liz. You all did good things and are shining examples of the kindness and generosity that should abound during the holiday season. May you all find the joy you so richly deserve this holiday season and be treated with the same kindness you deliver to others year round.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!  

Beyond the Call of Duty

Defense lawyer Michael John recently went beyond the call of duty when he provided his client, Larry Westwood, of Reading, with one of his suits to wear to court for his trial on charges he assaulted his former girlfriend in Lower Pottsgrove.

Learning on a Friday that Westwood’s trial was to begin the following week and not having enough time over a weekend to check with the public defender’s office, which has a few suits available for indigent clients to borrow for court, to determine if there was a suit available for Westwood to wear, John quickly found another solution.

“I just figured it would be a whole lot easier if I just brought one of my nice suits that my client could wear for the trial,” John said recently, adding Westwood changed into the brown suit in the courthouse holding cell in time for his appearance in court. “He’s pretty much the same size. It’s a nice Jos. A. Bank suit.”

Larry Westwood in John's suit/ Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

John said Westwood, 74, formerly of the 500 block of Penn Street in Reading, was appreciative.

“He said, ‘That’s nice,’” John recalled.

Kudos to John for taking the extra step to help a client.

Incidentally, John also won an acquittal for Westwood on an attempted murder charge.

However, a jury, after a two-day trial, did convict Westwood of a lesser aggravated assault charge in connection with the ice pick attack of his girlfriend in her Lower Pottsgrove home during an argument.

Testimony revealed the woman suffered a puncture wound to her lower back and a scratch wound to her head during the Oct. 19, 2013, ice pick assault inside her Dogwood Court home after she told Westwood she wanted to end their relationship.

By acquitting Westwood of attempted murder jurors determined he did not intend to kill the victim when he attacked her with the ice pick. By convicting Westwood of two felony counts of aggravated assault, the jury determined that he attempted to cause serious bodily injury and caused bodily injury to the woman with a deadly weapon.

The jury also convicted Westwood of charges of simple assault, possessing an instrument of crime and terroristic threats. Judge Thomas P. Rogers will sentence Westwood sometime early next year.

No word on whether Westwood will be wearing one of John’s suits for his sentencing hearing.

Courting Awareness

As October comes to a close I just want to send a shout out to Rich Womelsdorf, the skilled trades manager for Montgomery County, for finding a way to bathe the courthouse in pink to acknowledge national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Each evening as the sun set, the pink illumination caused all those who walked or drove by the courthouse to take a moment to remember loved ones who have suffered from the disease and to reflect on the fight that continues to end it.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

Every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. The total number of breast cancer cases in the U.S. is forecast to be 50 percent greater in 2013 than it was in 2011, according to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and National Cancer Institute/American Association for Cancer Research.

Thanks, Rich, for doing something that helped serve as an inspiration to everyone in Montgomery County to continue to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

"Courting Awareness" -Courthouse Illumination was Front Page News!

A Judge Comes To The Rescue

Prosecutors, defense lawyers and courthouse employees were buzzing Wednesday about what some characterized as the heroic efforts of Montgomery County Judge Steven T. O’Neill, who apparently didn’t think twice before springing into action after witnessing a car crash at a gas station on Montgomery Avenue in Lower Merion about 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Montgomery County Courthouse

Turns out O’Neill was pumping gas, minding his business, when suddenly a car entering the gas station lot crashed into a pillar holding up the canopy over the gas pumps. The female driver was unresponsive, her foot still on the accelerator, tires spinning, and smoke began filling the interior of her burning vehicle, according to sources.

O’Neill reportedly yelled for the attendant to call 911 while he dashed to the woman’s vehicle and banged on the windows to try to get a response from the driver while the vehicle’s tires continued to spin. Finding the doors locked and the woman still unresponsive, O’Neill grabbed a crowbar from the station attendant and smashed the back window of the vehicle to allow the smoke that was building inside to escape.

Judge Steven T. O'Neill

By that time, emergency crews arrived and were able to get the woman out of the vehicle, sources said.

Part of the rescue reportedly was videotaped on a cell phone by a bystander and appeared on a local television station’s web site.

O’Neill, who is the administrative judge for criminal courts and who has presided over the county’s Drug Treatment Court since April 2006,  wouldn’t comment about the incident when I asked him about it on Wednesday, apparently not wanting to draw attention to his actions or the incident. He only offered, “The cop got her out. The cop clearly was the hero.”

But O’Neill’s courtroom staffers see it differently.

“He is a hero. He doesn’t want any attention or accolades but the man is a hero. He really is. Just my opinion,” O’Neill’s trusted court reporter Ginny Womelsdorf said upon hearing about the incident.

Court Reporter Ginny Womelsdorf/Photo by Carl Hessler Jr.

I have to agree with the defense lawyer, who was full of praise for the judge and who I overheard say, "Maybe the judge should turn his robe in for a cape."

Wow. The incident surely is an example of how we can’t predict what situations will come at us during our routine, daily lives. It’s how we respond that truly defines us.

O’Neill should be commended for his quick thinking and dramatic efforts to help a fellow citizen in trouble.