This past month, I attended the reception for the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society. It was the meeting to introduce the founders of the Society, highlight the upcoming events and showcase the art work which is on display at the Supreme Court.

I wanted to bring your attention to this reception because of the donation that the New Hampshire Bar Association has made in honor of the newly appointed and the retiring judges this year.

Every year at the Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Bar Association, the president recognizes the newly appointed judges and the retiring judges and presents them with a gavel or a paperweight—inevitably, something each already has or does not need.

Last year, Past President Richard McNamara and I discussed the possibility of the New Hampshire Bar Association making a donation to a charity or some other worthy organization in the name of each newly appointed and retiring state and federal judge. A donation in the name of and in honor of each judge seemed a more appropriate gesture than an unneeded token.

Beginning this year, June 2008, Rich McNamara, Jeannine McCoy and I thought it would be a great opportunity/gesture for the New Hampshire Bar Association to make a contribution in the name of each of these judges to the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society.

Each judge so honored will receive a presentation card explaining the gift made in his or her name to the Society. The contribution will be in the amount of $100 for each judge. The Court will receive similar notification, along with a check in the appropriate amount to support the work of the Society. Below is the list of judges so honored this year.

Once again, a brief reminder about the annual meeting in North Conway June 19-22, 2008. There is something for everyone this year: shopping, CLE credit, golf, dinners. It’s a great way to have fun and experience the collegiality of the New Hampshire Bar. The Board of Governors and I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting!