NWSBA Members Celebrate the Holiday Season
The Northwest Suburban Bar Association's annual Holiday Party at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Arlington Heights surpassed everyone's expectations, both in attendance and entertainment value. More than 170 people were on hand at the December 16th event that not only honored several people, but provided a festive evening of socializing and camaraderie during the holiday season.
Ronald F. Wittmeyer, Jr., president of the NWSBA welcomed everyone to the event. He emphasized the best part of this organization is always the people, and that there is a long history of giving back to the community. "This year, the Northwest Community Hospital Foundation's program, "Be Healthy, Stay Healthy" was selected as the recipient of the annual Holiday Assistance drive. This organization funds more than 1,000 annual on-site nursing and social work visits to 320 residents of local apartment buildings for low-income seniors, including preventive health and disease management education," said Wittmeyer.
Representatives from the NCH Foundation included Lindsey Mucha, Kathi Grummel and Andrea Flynn, who were on site and collected a total of $2,895 to help out low-income seniors from those that were in attendance.
"We are very fortunate to have such kind-hearted and giving members of our organization, who generously open their wallets to support a cause that gives back to our community thought out the entire year," said Julie Barth, Executive Director, Northwest Suburban Bar Association.
In addition, the NWSBA honored several people who have given their time and service to benefit the NWSBA, its programs and the programs of the third district courthouse.
Donald Cosley, former NWSBA president, introduced the first recipient and affectionately referred to her as the "Queen of Everything". Hon. Ellen B. Mandeltort received the award for Excellence in the Judiciary. Her appreciation for the attorneys at the courthouse, as well as the positive manner in which she addresses all judicial matters were cited as examples of her worthiness of the this award.
"I would like to thank the Northwest Suburban Bar Association, Judge Maki and all of my fellow judges at the Third District Courthouse, as well as the attorneys that have appeared before me. I view what I do as a good opportunity to serve, and have had a great career as a judge," said Mandeltort upon receipt of this award.
Shannon DePeresia, Coordinator to Judge Hyman I. Riebman, was honored with the Friend of the Bar award. Miriam Cooper, who presented this award, sang her praises. "The judges depend on her. She helps to keep things moving, and is always there for Judge Riebman. This is a difficult job and she handles it well."
"The best part of my job is the people I get to work with," said DePeresia as she accepted this accolade.
NWSBA Past President, Lee DeWald, presented the final award of the evening, Scales of Justice, to Joseph M. Etchingham, Esq. Etchingham's background includes a rich history of criminal defense that became so successful the villages he was prosecuting convinced him to work for them instead. He is well respected by both prosecuting and defense attorneys.
"Joe is a consummate professional no matter who he represents. He makes sure justice is done, hence the award," said DeWald.
Etchingham accepted this honor, and was blessed to have such a long list of people to thank. With his wife Kristin standing at this side, he thanked his brother who helped him with caseloads in the beginning of his career. "I consider myself a little bit luckier than most because of who my brother is," he said of Judge James. P. Etchingham, who retired in 2012 after eighteen years on the bench.
"The ultimate obligation of an attorney is to help and do the right thing, and I have tried to do that my entire career," he said. "I may sometimes complain of the 'business' of law, but never complain about the 'practice of law'.
Joe went on to thank fellow attorneys, his family and friends for all of their support.