Kathleen Johnston Back - Ventura County Bar Association

NOVEMBER 2008 • CITATIONS 3PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEBy Matthew P. GuascoIs it November already? It must be, because Ihave seen Christmas decorations at variousstores for the last several weeks, the Santa Anawinds have begun their yearly havoc on mygarden, and baseball season, alas, is no more.I am also nearing the end of my term as yourPresident. It has been a wonderful year. Beforeit ends, I have an enjoyable duty to perform:promoting and presiding over VCBA’s AnnualDinner on November 15, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ventura.to make this event special: Cheri Kurman(Chair), Don Hurley (Auction), Tony Strauss(Sponsorships), Eric Reed, and Christian Arrieta.Additionally, this event would not be possiblewithout the hard work of our ExecutiveDirector, Steve Henderson, and his capablestaff: Alice Duran, Alejandra Varela, and CeleneValenzuela. There are more volunteers toonumerous to mention, but we thank you forhelping to make the Annual Dinner happen.Apart from being a fun evening, the AnnualDinner also serves an important purpose: Nsetproceeds from the event help the VCBA to continueand expand the Volunteer Legal ServicesProgram. The ticket price covers the cost ofthe event and, depending on attendance, usuallyleaves a little left over which is used to runthe VLSP. In recent years, we have relied onthe auction and event sponsorships to increasethe funds which go to VLSP. It is not too lateto be an event sponsor or to donate an auctionitem. You probably have already receiveda sponsorship invitation. Become a sponsor.Donate a weekend getaway or day spa package,or fine wines, or fine art, or sports tickets, or acondominium stay. Sponsorships and auctiondonations are the most cost-effective meansof raising funds for VLSP. Bid generously onauction items at the Annual Dinner. Your investmentin VLSP helps us to provide legal assistanceto the growing number of people inour community who cannot afford to pay forit themselves.If you want to be a sponsor, let Tony Straussknow. If you want to donate an auction item,contact Don Hurley. When you get your invitation,please send the RSVP back right awayso we can do as much advance planning aspossible. Mark your calendars now, and lookforward to a great evening with your colleaguesfrom throughout Ventura County.Coming together, having fun, supporting agood cause, honoring the community workof our colleagues. The Annual Dinner is theplace to be on November 15, 2008. I hope tosee you there.Matthew P. Guasco is the President of theVentura County Bar Association, and he is OfCounsel to the law firm of Arnold, Bleuel, LaRochelle, Mathews & Zirbel, LLP, in Oxnard,where he handles appellate litigation as wellas trial court litigation in business, real estateand probate matters. He is also a mediator andarbitrator.At the dinner, we will present the Ben E.Nordman Public Service Award to KathleenJohnston Back. Ms. Back’s long-standingservice to her community, especially to familiesand children, exemplify the qualities typicalof past Nordman Award recipients. In additionto honoring Ms. Back, we will recognizethe achievements of the following individualswho have given their time so generously to theVCBA Volunteer Legal Services Program: JosefMarc Dion, Janie Hall Beach, Sandra CannadayKnapp, and Kimberly Kay Shean. Eachwill receive the James D. Loebl, VCBA/VLSP,Inc. Pro Bono Award. In addition to being afun evening of socializing, dining and dancing,the Annual Dinner honors these people andtheir service to the Ventura County community.At this year’s dinner, there will be excellent music,a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues,a silent auction with many great items,a nice dinner, and dancing. Putting on theAnnual Dinner is no small accomplishment,and our profound thanks and appreciation goto the following members of the Annual DinnerCommittee who have worked tirelessly