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SPRING 2015 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DELAWARE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
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The Hobby of Kings What is Law Day?
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Content
T H E O FFI C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E D E L AWA R E CO U N T Y B A R A S S O C I AT I O N
The Official Publication of the Berks County Bar Association
SPRING 2015
Delaware County Bar Association Board of Directors PRESIDENT Kristen M. Rushing, Esquire VICE PRESIDENT Scott C. Gottel, Esquire
4
President’s Message
6
Past Presidents’ Committee Celebrates Special Dinner
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Craig B. Huffman, Esquire
7
Conference of County Legal Journals
PAST PRESIDENTS Lyn B. Schoenfeld, Esquire Joseph T. Mattson, Esquire
8
The Hobby of Kings
TREASURER Robert R. DeLong, Jr., Esquire RECORDING SECRETARY Vincent B. Mancini, Esquire
YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION PRESIDENT Patrick T. Daley, Esquire
10 What is Law Day?
DIRECTORS Patricia H. Donnelly, Esquire Karen E. Friel, Esquire Michael R. Galantino, Esquire Patrick T. Henigan, Esquire Eugene F. Jarrell, III, Esquire Robert F. Kelly, Jr., Esquire Steven R. Koense, Esquire Joseph A. Malley, III, Esquire Kathleen A. Piperno, Esquire Matthew M. Ryan, Esquire Douglas L. Smith, Esquire Gina Gorbey Zarko, Esquire
12 Magna Carta: Symbol of Freedom Under Law 13 Law Day 2015 14 Alternate Dispute Resolution 18 An Unparalleled Opportunity... Mock Trial Competition 2015
DCBA Staff William L. Baldwin, Esquire Executive Director
20 Honorable Francis J. Catania Memorial Resolution
Tracy Price Marketing Director & Editor 610-566-6627, x 225 Tracy@delcobar.com
24 Ciao Bella! 25 Step Right Up!
Delaware County Bar Association 335 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063-2340 PO Box 466 P (610) 566-6627 • F (610) 566-7952 www.DelcoBar.org The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific legal or other advice or recommendations for any individuals. The placement of paid advertising does not imply endorsement by the Delaware County Bar Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the express written permission of the publisher or editor.
P U B L I S H E D
B Y
Reading, PA | 610.685.0914 x201 hoffmannpublishing.com For advertising information contact Tracy Hoffmann at tracy@hoffmannpublishing.com
26 Commonwealth Court Comes to Delaware County 28 What’s Trending: The Designer Sandwich
31 The Delaware County Bar Association thanks...
Editorial Submissions
If you would like to provide editorial content for future issues of DelCo re:View please forward your story ideas to Tracy Price, Marketing Director & Editor, 610-566-6627, x 225, or Tracy@ delcobar.com. Article and content consideration will be given to Association members, sponsors and vendors first but we welcome content suggestions from the Delaware County community. All content placement is solely at the discretion of the Association. Cover photo is taken from a piece of art created by the late Elizabeth C. Price, DCBA Executive Director, 1974 to 2010.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message Kristen M. Rushing, Esq., President
I The Delaware County Bar Association exists to serve its members and the community at large by fostering respect for the law, by advancing the competent, collegial, and ethical practice of the legal profession, and by creating opportunities for attorneys, judges, and the public to work collaboratively for justice. 4 | Spring 2015
am both honored and humbled to be the 80th President of the Delaware County Bar Association, one of the most prestigious and historic Bar Associations in the country. I want to take this opportunity to share my goals for the Association in 2015 and to provide an update on an issue currently facing not only the legal community, but also the local community of Delaware County. As one of the younger Presidents of our Association and a Past President of the Young Lawyers Section of the DCBA, I believe that I am in a unique position to understand the needs of the younger members of our Association, while also appreciating the rich history of the DCBA and the vast wisdom our more seasoned attorneys have to offer. Accordingly, one of my priorities as President of the DCBA is to ensure that newer members of our Bar have the opportunity to develop relationships with the more experienced members of the Bar, which I believe will better the entire Bar Association and the practice of law in Delaware County. I, along with a dedicated group of DCBA members, have developed a Mentoring Program that will commence this April. Delaware County is no longer comprised primarily of large law firms as it once was. Consequently, more and more new attorneys are having to “hang their own shingle� without the benefit of partners or senior associates from which to learn not only local practice, but also the professionalism that is so vital to the practice of law. The goal of the Mentoring Program is to provide newer members with someone they can call on to discuss issues that face new attorneys, to answer questions, to introduce them to other members of the Bar and the Bench. The Mentoring Program will match newly admitted members with attorneys who have been members of the DCBA for 10 years or more and will require a 12 month
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commitment from both the mentor and the mentee. They will be expected to meet a minimum of 9 times throughout the year and the mentee will have the opportunity to shadow the mentor in the courtroom and at other legal proceedings. I would encourage anyone that is interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee to visit www.delcobar.org for more information on the Mentoring Program. By now, many of you reading this article have heard of Governor Wolf’s Budget Proposal, which includes a tax on legal services. It has been presented as part of an overall tax reform plan that proposes to reduce Pennsylvania’s property tax. While such a proposal may sound appealing, the reality of the 6.6% tax on legal services will have devastating and far reaching effects on Pennsylvanians in dire need of legal representation to obtain worker’s compensation, Social Security benefits that have been wrongly denied, to deal with landlord tenant disputes, to prepare a simple will or perform the probate of an estate for a
family member or to avoid foreclosures. The Delaware County Bar Association has taken a stand, along with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, to oppose this tax on legal services, as it will negatively impact our clients. We recently sent letters to each of our legislators in Delaware County advising them of the DCBA’s position on this issue and requesting a response from each legislator as to his or her position. We are urging members of our Bar as well as members of the local community to immediately contact your local representatives and urge them to oppose the tax on legal services. The Delaware County Bar Association and its members have a long tradition of serving the people in the community. I am proud to be a part of that tradition and look forward to the year ahead. Kristen M. Rushing, Esq., President
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FEATURE
PAST PRESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE CELEBRATES SPECIAL DINNER
O
n March 26, 2015, twenty-five Past Presidents of the Delaware County Bar Association joined current President Kristen M. Rushing for a special dinner at The Rose Tree Restaurant. Past Presidents’ Committee Chairs, Colleen M. Neary and Michael P. Pierce, planned this event to recognize the contributions of the many esteemed lawyers who have served as leaders of the Bar Association.
Those Presidents who attended included: John J. Maffei, 1973 Lewis B. Beatty, Jr., 1974 Murray S. Eckell, 1979 Alexander A. DiSanti, 1983 Carmen P. Belefonte, 1984 Donald J. Weiss, 1990 James F. Proud, 1991 John M. Gallagher, Jr., 1993 Frank J. Wesner, Jr., 1995 Richard A. Mitchell, 1996 Leonard A. Sloane, 1997 Eugene J. Malady, 1998 David E. Robbins, 1999
Rocco P. Imperatrice, III, 2001 Norman L. Haase, 2002 Gail M. Whitaker, 2003 Colleen M. Neary, 2004 Gerald C. Montella, 2005 J. Michael Sheridan, 2006 Mary V.Z. Wachterhauser, 2007 Robert M. Firkser, 2008 Joseph W. Chupein, Jr., 2009 Michael P. Pierce, 2011 Joseph T. Mattson, 2012 Lyn B. Schoenfeld, 2013
The Delaware County Bar Association salutes these attorneys who dedicated their time, talent, and energy to make this such a vibrant Association! 6 | Spring 2015
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FEATURE
CONFERENCE OF COUNTY LEGAL JOURNALS The County Conference of Legal Journals (“CCLJ”)is the representative organization for those counties in Pennsylvania which publish Legal Journals/Law Reporters. The CCLJ has been in existence for over 30 years and maintains a centralized database on legal notices.
to publish that county’s legal journal. Types of ads published include Estate Notices, Fictitious Names, Incorporations, and Sheriff Sales. Additional information can be found in Purdon’s PA Statutes and Consolidated Statutes, Title 45 Pa.C.S.A. Legal Notices.
Frequently Asked Questions about centralized, statewide access to legal ads
Yes, there is! CCLJ developed www.palegalads.com. All uploaded legal journals are archived on the site and are easily searched – free of charge -- by county, by type of ad, and by keyword.
WHAT ARE “LEGAL ADS”? Also referred to as legal notices or public notices, they are ads that are required by statute to be published in the local court’s designated publication for legal notices — in Pennsylvania (and only in Pennsylvania), county Bar Associations are designated
IS THERE A CENTRALIZED, STATEWIDE SITE FOR PA LEGAL JOURNALS?
Note: notices published in PA newspapers are also online, at www.mypublicnotices.com. Not all ads published in newspapers are published in legal journals, and vice versa; but, many notices require dual publication in both a legal journal and a “newspaper of general circulation.”
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The Hobby of Kings By Anthony LaVerghetta
O
ne of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies one could have is the collecting of coins. Contemporary coin collecting and appreciation began around the fourteenth century. During the Renaissance it became a fad among members of the privileged classes, especially Kings and Queens. Many European Kings, Princes and other nobility kept collections of ancient coins. Perhaps because only the very wealthy could afford the pursuit, in Renaissance times coin collecting became known as the “Hobby of Kings.� This remained so until the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when coin collecting then became a leisure pursuit of a growing middle class eager to prove their wealth and sophistication. Collector interest expanded to not only ancient coins, but all types of currencies from all over the world. Motivations for collecting coins are varied. The most common type of collector is the hobbyist, who collects purely for fun with no expectation of profit. Another frequent reason for collecting coins is for investment. As with any commodity, coin prices are cyclical in nature and based on supply and demand. Investors buy with the expectation that the value of their collection will increase over time. Coin hoarders are another type of investor in the sense that they accumulate coins for potential long term profit. However, unlike investors they typically do not take into account condition or rarity. A final type of collector is the inheritor (this is the type likely to be encountered by a reader of this publication), an accidental collector who acquires a coin collection from another person as part of an inheritance. The inheritor in most cases may not have an interest or know anything about coins or the pursuit of collecting them. In this case an expert appraisal may be required, performed by a qualified professional numismatist. Numismatist, pronounced NU_MIS_MA_TIST, is a person who studies collectible currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and related objects. Most casual collectors and dealers are not numismatists; to be a numismatist one must commit to a lifetime pursuit of reading and studying the history and nuances of coins and their manufacture. There are some sub-fields in which advanced numismatists, like myself, can immerse themselves. One of my
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current with market trends and fill customer orders. As a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association I am bound by a code of ethics that transcends into a mutual respect among my peers as well as instilling confidence among my many customers. In closing , I guess I’m kind of “old school” in so much as I really try to perpetuate a more simple time when a hobby didn’t involve a computer or smart phone or other piece of modern technology. Immersing one’s self in things like art and history are quite calming and I can think of no better way than the collecting of coins which is no longer just “The Hobby of Kings.”
favorites is Exonumia, the study of coin-like objects such as Tokens and Medals and other items used in place of legal currency. I like to think of Medals as miniature metallic works of art that you can hold in your hand. My collecting pursuits began in the mid 1970s, around the time of our nation’s Bicentennial, which left a permanent imprint of U.S. history upon me which went hand in hand with coin collecting. Plus I had friends that collected too. I can remember using money I made cutting grass and delivering papers to buy coins from a local coin shop. The feeling of “owning” a Ben Franklin silver half dollar made me feel important, almost “Regal.” As with most childhood hobbies, the pursuits of high school, college and starting a family can put a hobby that requires money on the back burner. As I found out later, although dormant for a while the numismatic fire was still lit, it just needed some extra fuel. Getting back in, I guess around 1992 or 1993, a chance meeting put me in that same coin shop where I bought the Franklin Half; the dealer was older now and much less cranky and the coins were more “within reach” financially as an adult. All of the excitement I felt as a young collector started to flood back and I needed more, a lot more. I bought every book I could find on the subject and began my journey from casual childhood collector to the Fulltime professional Numismatist I am today. The journey was by no means easy but something worthwhile never is. After a five year apprenticeship I was ready to go it alone and I have never looked back. I particularly enjoy encouraging young collectors and always take the time to listen to the many questions they have. When I decided to choose a location for my brick and mortar I knew it had to be in Delaware County where I was born and raised. I really liked Drexel Hill since it is situated equi-distant from Media and Philadelphia. I can often be found in my office and gallery doing research and estate appraisals which I love to do. I also travel to many trade shows along the east coast to stay
Submitted by Anthony LaVerghetta: Owner and Operator of Drexel Hill Rare Coin, 1016 Warrior Road, in the Pilgrim Gardens section of Drexel Hill. Contact: Phone (610) 449-3483 or Email: dhrarecoin@aol.com.
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FEATURE
What is Law Day? By Robert R. DeLong, Jr., Esq.
P
resident Eisenhower issued presidential proclamation No. 3221 on Thursday, May 1, 1958, and thus created the first official celebration of Law Day in the United States. Beginning his announcement that day, President Eisenhower declared that we “should remember with pride and vigilantly guard the great heritage of liberty justice and equality under law”, and that “it is our moral and civic obligation as freeman and as Americans to preserve and strengthen that great heritage.”
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President Eisenhower’s declaration of the first Law Day was the culmination of an idea that had been first articulated by the American Bar Association in 1957. The lawyers of the ABA hoped to deflect and displace the celebration of May 1st as International Workers Day in the communist Soviet Union. The ABA defines Law Day as: “A national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law; …(to) underscore how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share.” The language of the 1958 statute passed by our Congress ordaining May 1 as Law Day calls for “a special day of celebration by the American people in appreciation of their liberties and rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law.” Many of us will recall the dramatic military parades in Moscow’s Red Square in the 1950s and beyond that featured the Communist’s latest nuclear missiles and similar weapons of mass destruction. In the 1960s young school children were regularly drilled in how to respond to a nuclear attack. The Soviets were not bashful, but boastfully declared that their Central State System of controls, devoid of religion or morals as its foundation, was the ideal model of world governance; and they expected to eventually subjugate the entire world. It was a frightening time indeed, but thus far the people of the United States have survived. May Day as a festival day predates recorded history in various parts of the world. Back in the day, May Day was a more benign carnival. Gatherings were annually held to celebrate the calendar arrival of warmer spring weather and the “rebirth” of nature. Many of us will have early childhood
FEATURE
memories that include a colorful “May Pole” decorated with ribbons, joyful dancing and colorful early season flowers. These annual springtime gatherings also provided an opportunity for people to share their hopes and dreams. In the young United States of the 1700s most people were to be found working on a farm. But by the 1800’s, technology had begun to dramatically impact the lives of more of our citizens. Steam power and the industrial revolution had caused dramatic change in how most people earned a livelihood. By the time of the Civil War, at least in the North, many more people worked in factories, coal mines and other industries, and they lived in cities and growing towns. Thanks in no small part to our great liberties of free speech and assembly, during the 1800s U.S. industrial workers continued to organize and act collectively to argue for improvements in their quality of life. Yes, there were many terrible strikes and riots – with many casualties among organized laborers and police alike. Nonetheless, in the U.S., the standard of living of most of the population continued to steadily, albeit at times sporadically, improve. In other parts of the world, the desires of workers to improve their circumstances took another and more ominous turn. In Eastern Europe and Russia, titled nobility ignored the rising tide of literacy and freedom of ideas. Sadly, their populations did not share anything like the freedoms of speech, assembly and due process that our founding fathers had structured for our Republic in our Constitution, Bill of Rights and later, democratically enacted amendments. The Soviet Revolution that followed the First World War resulted in a population who were subjects of an omnipresent central government. The Communist System endured in the former Soviet Union almost a century. Finally, in 1991, the communist central authority collapsed. Among the free and democratic nations of the world, the Soviet collapse was seen as a victory of the ideals of freedom and the rights of the individual over the State and served as proof of the superior benefits of democratically regulated capitalism over the tyranny of state controlled socialism. Sadly, in our new century, we were violently reminded of the barbarism of intolerance when the United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Not only was our capitol and greatest city attacked, but here in our own Commonwealth we were left with another battlefield of freedom and silenced heroes to remember in Shanksville, Somerset County. Around the world, we have recently witnessed older political alliances wobble and shake in the continuing winds of violent change. In the most recent years we have witnessed the invasion of a sovereign state, Ukraine, by a more bellicose
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Russia go thus far unchecked. More immediately in the Middle East and, now, Africa, a fundamental and religiously inspired Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham seeks to subdue and impose its worldview worldwide. More locally, our capacity as a civil society, held to the ideal of tolerance of individual differences, continues to be tested and stressed. Civil and social structures are constantly pressured by our ever-evolving world as new manifestations of free choice and volitional self-expression have gained acceptance and lawful recognition. We know that in a free society change is inevitable. Collectively we strive to ensure that individuals are respected as new ideas and ideals are freely debated and gain traction in our Republic.
In light of many challenges facing our people in this new century, with reverence for the great legacy of freedom that our young republic represents and mindful of the many challenges we face both at home and around the world, The Delaware County Bar Association is honored to promote and foster the Law Day observance on May 1, 2015. Together with our Board of Honorable Judges, the DCBA members stand ready to defend and protect the rights, freedoms and privileges of our local citizens of our freedomloving and civil society. As need be, we will also enforce the duties incumbent upon us all as stewards of our many liberties. On this Law Day, may we all remember and honor the sacrifices of those patriots who have and who continue to risk their lives each day, both here and abroad, to defend the freedoms we continue to enjoy in these United States. And, as President Kennedy declared in his inaugural address, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
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FEATURE
MAGNA CARTA:
SYMBOL OF FREEDOM UNDER LAW By William L. Baldwin
I
n June of 1215, in a meadow at Runnymede, England, King John affixed his royal seal to a document known as the Magna Carta or “Great Charter.” This document was to become the foundation for the evolution of British constitutional law, which would in turn influence the Founding Fathers as they wrote the United States Constitution. The Magna Carta was an early declaration of political rights. Its genesis lay in the tension that had developed between the English monarchy and nobility. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the English throne was one of the most centralized and powerful in Europe. King John gained the crown after contending with his rival successor and nephew, Arthur, who had been supported by the King Philip II of France. Upon his ascension, John consolidated power, but he had engaged in a costly war with the French and was to take a number of political missteps which would drain the English treasury. By 1204, John had lost most of his ancestral lands in France to Philip II, but he continually needed to raise taxes from the English barons to support his war effort. John also antagonized the Church because of his heavy reliance on taxing the Church to support his military campaigns. (This led to extreme tension between the papacy and the English monarch.) By 1214, upon King John’s return from the disastrous campaign in France, the barons of England bristled at the king’s demands for financial support. Some of the barons led a rebellion, and by June of 1215, John and his forces were cornered at Runnymede, and he was forced to grant concessions to the nobles in what was originally known as the “Articles of the Barons,” but which later was called the “Magna Carta.” The major impact of this Great Charter was that it limited the power of the king, primarily forcing the monarchy to recognize that it was subject to the law, not above it. Over the course of the next five hundred years, the British constitution and the body of Common Law developed, and by the time of the American Revolution, the principle that the government and its leadership were subject to the rule of law had a profound impact upon the framers of our Constitution. American democracy is indebted to the political thought which originated in that English meadow in the thirteenth century. The Magna Carta truly is a symbol of freedom under the law.
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FEATURE
LAW DAY 2015 “MAGNA CARTA:
SYMBOL OF FREEDOM UNDER THE LAW” Friday, May 1, 2015
10:00 A.M. COURT ROOM #1, DELAWARE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 2:00 P.M. OLD CHESTER COURTHOUSE, CHESTER, PA Recipients of the following awards will be announced: The Themis Award to a non-lawyer who has performed outstanding services in an area which has engendered great respect for the law, stimulated the concept of individual responsibility, and encouraged recognition of the responsibilities of citizens.
All members of the Bench and Bar are cordially invited and encouraged to attend... The Delaware County Bar Association’s Law Day ceremonies on Friday, May 1, 2015, to be held in the Honorable John V. Diggins Ceremonial Courtroom at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme will be “Magna Carta: Symbol of Freedom Under the Law.” Several months of activities led by Bar Association Members culminate on Law Day, including a program held in area high schools and at Delaware County Community College. Law Day events include a Court House Program for area elementary schools. The Young Lawyers’ Section holds a Mock Trial Competition, which concludes just before Law Day, and there are essay and art contests for area elementary, middle, and high school students.
We invite and encourage all members to attend. Admission is free. All are welcome! “MAGNA CARTA: SYMBOL OF FREEDOM UNDER THE LAW” To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay right or justice.
The Liberty Bell Award of the Young Lawyers’ Section of the Delaware County Bar Association recognizes an individual, not a lawyer or judge, for his or her outstanding community service, an individual whose activities promote the spirit of our Constitution. The Elizabeth C. Price Award to a person whose dedication, integrity and loyalty to the Bar Association most closely exemplify that of the late Elizabeth C. Price, Executive Director, 1974 to 2010. Awards will also be presented to the winners of the Mock Trial and Essay & Art Contest. Law Day continues after the morning ceremony at the old Chester Court House at 2:00 p.m.
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FEATURE
Alternate Dispute Resolution... An Alternative to Protracted Litigation in the Court System
A
nnually, very experienced groups of Trial Lawyers and Trial Judges congregate at the Delaware County Bar Association to share their wealth of experience and knowledge regarding settlements, trials, arbitrations, and valuations of cases before the Delaware County Court. This event, having been held for the past 15 consecutive years, has been the flagship seminar of the ADR Committee of the Delaware County Bar Association and represents the culmination of hard work and commitment of our Delaware County Jurists and Civil Trial Advocates to spread the word and share the gospel of bread and butter settlement and valuation practices.
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www.DelcoBar.org The unique nature of this seminar and its success year after year, is that the “experienced group” referred to above is not just the seminar panel of well known litigators, Trial Judges, and our very well respected Court Administrator. The “experienced group” includes the participating audience, which is comprised of many lawyers and judges alike, who attend from our county as well as neighboring counties, year after year. This latter contingent readily shares their comments, thoughts and wisdom, as much as the panelists do. One should not blink, because the two (2) hour CLE event is fast paced, engaging and over before attendees have time to get comfortable in their seats. Everyone boasts of some reward by way of further education, additional settlement wisdom, being briefed on Delaware County Court statistics, and as always, that “never lose an opportunity to network,” which comes naturally to Trial Lawyers. Even the post-seminar activity buzzes with conversation and collegiality, and one can overhear discussions on medical experts, joint tortfeasor releases, the use of mediation, or anything else one cares to bring up to a colleague or panelist. If you have not taken advantage of this opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from the best — the audience as
FEATURE well as the panelists — treat yourself; take a break from your work this year; and be sure to attend the 16th annual seminar anticipated in late 2015. On a different note, but related to settlement resolution, do not forget to take advantage of the Delaware County Bar Association Voluntary Settlement Program, which was created and implemented by the ADR Committee in the year 2000. The cost is free. Any recommendation by the settlement facilitators is advisory only, and is strictly confidential. Experience has shown that such input has assisted the parties in settling the matter right there, or later in further negotiations with the advisory recommendation. Like the seminar, the Voluntary Settlement Program is high powered, fast paced, to the point, and utilizes outstanding Trial Lawyers and Mediators. It has grown to twenty seven (27) settlement masters, from both sides of the aisle, who regularly volunteer their time to mediate cases. The Program is open to any Lawyer who is a member of the Delaware County Bar Association, or has a case pending in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County. Not surprisingly, many Lawyers from neighboring counties, as well as insurance Counsel, take advantage of this program to resolve cases and claims
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FEATURE
Alternate Dispute Resolution... continued from page 17
pending before our Delaware County Court. In 2006 this co-mediator program was featured by the American Bar Association in The American Bar Association 20th Edition of a publication referred to as the “Best of the Best Projects” – a review of over twenty (20) years of projects featured by the ABA. In an effort to maintain confidentiality and to avoid any party having a particular agenda, the parties involved are not entitled to know the settlement masters prior to arriving. This is the preferred method amongst settlement masters because of their affiliations with other members of the Bar Association or those in surrounding counties.
I have sought feedback from participants and these are just some of the written comments over many years: • “As always, this program was very helpful to me in this case. It was a case that called out for resolution without tremendous effort and costs being incurred, which would have happened if the case had proceeded through the litigation process.” • “I wish to thank you for making this program available to us, and I can assure you that I personally intend to make use of it in the future.” • “Unfortunately, the above case did not settle despite the diligent efforts of the settlement facilitators . . . I believe this a worthwhile program that you offer ... Again, I would like to thank you for offering this valuable program. I would not hesitate to use this program again in the future.” • “This being the first time I was able to utilize this program, I wanted to let you know that my client and I found it very helpful and worthwhile. I would definitely utilize this program and will recommend to other clients and colleagues. Thank you for providing such an outstanding service.” • “This was the first opportunity I had to participate in this program. The entire experience was very positive. I found the service to be invaluable, and it enabled the parties to reach a fair and equitable settlement without the rancor and/ or gamesmanship that normally occurs. Thank you for your efforts in making this program available to us.” • “Thank you - the program got us to talk, which was the most important thing. Thank you again.”
For further information on submitting your case to this free program, please refer to the Delaware County Legal Journal which regularly advertises the Voluntary Settlement Program, or feel free to call me; we are happy to help you. Remember the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever they can. As a peacemaker, the Lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man or woman. There will still be business enough.” *Andrew J D’Amico, Esquire, is the Chairman of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, a practicing Trial Lawyer, Mediator and Arbitrator in Delaware County.
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FEATURE
Interested in joining Delaware County Bar Association? Visit www.DelcoBar.org or contact us at Delaware County Bar Association 335 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063-2340 P (610) 566-6627 F (610) 566-7952
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FEATURE
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An Unparalleled Opportunity... Mock Trial Competition 2015 By Alan J. Borowsky, Esquire Mock Trial Competition Coordinator
What happened to Mandy Pepperidge? Was her untimely passing a criminal homicide? Or was it just a tragic accident? This was the question that high school students from all over Delaware County and the surrounding area came to the Media Courthouse to argue passionately in the 2015 Pennsylvania Bar Association High School Mock Trial Competition. With more than 300 high schools competing statewide, Pennsylvania’s mock trial competition is one of the largest in the nation. This year, the Delaware County district saw record participation, with twenty teams joining the fray to earn one of two berths in the Regional Tournament.
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Commencing in late January and concluding by mid-March, the district-level tournament of the competition is sanctioned by the Young Lawyers’ Section of the Delaware County Bar Association. The 2015 season was run by co-coordinators ADA Alan J. Borowsky and Gina M. Gerber, Esq. Per competition rules, each team is composed of three students acting as attorneys and three as witnesses, who are encouraged to be “in character.” Each attorney must conduct one direct-examination of one of its own team’s witnesses, and a cross-examination of an opposing team’s witness. Both sides must also choose one attorney to give an opening statement, and another to deliver a closing argument. Much like in a real courtroom, the students try their cases without a script or the assistance of their coaches. They must also be prepared to raise and defend objections, and are expected to know how to proceed in the event of an adverse ruling. Each team competes twice during the regular season, once as the prosecution and once as the defense, with every undefeated team advancing to a bracket-style, single-elimination playoff round. The playoffs then whittle the field down to two teams, both of which will advance to the Regional Tournament. Logistically, the execution of this year’s competition became a much greater challenge than expected, as eight trials had to be rescheduled due to weatherrelated school closings. Thanks to the flexibility and strong commitment to the competition on the part of our Bar Association members, we were able to finish the district-level on time and in accord with competition rules. When the dust settled, Regional Tournament berths were won by Strath Haven High School and Merion Mercy Academy, both coached by Delaware County attorneys, ADA Christopher Goldschmidt and Carmalena del Pizzo, Esq., respectively. What makes Delaware County’s competition truly unique is the way it is generously supported by our local attorneys and judges. In Delaware County, every trial was presided over by a Common Pleas or Magisterial District Judge, and decided by a jury of least three practicing attorneys, who score the students on presentation. At the conclusion of each trial, the judge and jurors are invited to draw on their own
FEATURE
wisdom and experience in giving feedback to the students. This year, both of Delaware County’s Juvenile Masters of Court, six Common Pleas Judges, nine Magisterial District Judges, more than 50 local attorneys, and District Attorney Jack Whelan all volunteered their time to participate as presiding judges and jurors. The active participation of our legal community, combined with the students’ own commitment and hard work, made for an unparalleled opportunity for the students to develop a wide array of practical skills that will serve them well as they move forward in life. By supporting the competition so strongly, the Delaware County Bar Association sent a very clear, positive message in just how much we value our ties with the surrounding community, particularly in regard to the personal growth and development of our local youth. On behalf of all involved in this year’s district competition, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who came out to participate, and we hope to see you all back in the Courthouse for mock trial in 2016!
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HONORABLE FRANCIS J. CATANIA MEMORIAL RESOLUTION Jun e 4, 2010
Honorable Francis J. Catania
Edwin Markham wrote:
“He held his place – He held the long purpose like a growing tree – Held on through blame and faltered not at praise. And when he fell in whirlwind, he went down As when a lordly cedar, green with boughs, Goes down with a great shout upon the hills. And leaves a lonesome place against the sky.”
N
ormally, what would have been a happy Valentines Day, 2010, was an extremely sad one for Pennsylvania and particularly Delaware County. Francis James Catania died that Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m. No one would quarrel with the observation that Judge Catania was, in the second half of the 20th Century, the most dominating judicial force in this region. To have known him, to have worked with him or for him, or to have appeared before him in court were all uplifting and learning experiences. Even the unsuccessful lawyer knew he would have a prompt and decisive disposition from a jurist who possessed that very special talent of quickly seeing through all the smoke and mirrors and identifying and resolving, with dispatch, the core issues. On the other hand, to have known him personally and to have been fortunate enough to socialize with him was to love him. Judge Catania was a Delaware Countian his entire life. He was born in Woodlyn on March 26, 1920. With the exception of two sisters who died as infants in the 1918 influenza epidemic, he was the oldest of eight children born to James V. Catania, a building contractor, and Mary Catania. He attended the Woodlyn Public School, Swarthmore High School for one year, and graduated from Ridley Township High in 1937. He completed his undergraduate work at Temple University in 1941 with a B.S. degree. He was then admitted to Temple Law School, which at the time was located on the 13th Floor of the Gimbel Building at 9th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. This was the era of World War II and Fran Catania found himself as one
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of only approximately 25 first year students at Temple Law in September of 1941. Most of his male classmates had entered special programs for enlisting students known as the V-7 and V-12 programs. He also applied, but was not accepted because he failed the Holmgren Yarn test for color blindness. As a result, he was drafted on October 17, 1941 and reported for duty at Camp Lee, Virginia. His military service spanned four and one-half years from October 7, 1941 to March 10, 1946. He was a member of the 14th Air Force and served in the China-BurmaIndia theatre. He was a veteran of “flying the hump” and spent 16 months in China as a statistical and personnel officer. Undoubtedly those facts bore heavily on his aversion to flying and Chinese food. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in 1946. The war time draft and the enlistments reduced his law school class to four, one of whom was Rosemary McMonigal, a long time member of this bar. Upon his return to Temple following his discharge from the service, he and the late former judge James H. Gorbey, of this bar, commuted by train to law school each day. He graduated Temple Law in 1949 and was admitted to the Delaware County Bar to begin practicing law on December 5, 1949. On July 29, 1950, Judge Catania married Elizabeth Ann Frandsen. The ceremony took place at St. Michaels Church in Chester. Betty had been a legal secretary for Chester lawyer, Archie Levy. Together Fran and Betty raised six children, two boys and four girls, while residing in Woodlyn in a home built by Fran’s father. Betty Catania was an ideal partner for the Judge. She was gracious, kind and smart. The family life they created together produced an environment where they and their children, surrounded by love and encouragement, flourished. The Judge was able to accomplish so much in his professional life because his personal life at home provided contentment and purpose. The Catanias were wonderful parents. They raised their children in a happy, God fearing home, with Uncle Nick, the younger brother of Judge Catania who lived with them. Theirs was a home which had modest beginnings, but as more children came along additions were made and the walls bulged, but never cracked. It was known as the castle of Woodlyn and boasted of its own tennis court where all family members became proficient players. Judge Catania may have ruled the roost in the Courthouse but Betty was the monarch at home. We have been told that upon Betty’s command, the Judge took out the garbage.
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As a practicing lawyer in Chester, Franny Catania was a generalist as were most lawyers in the 1950s. But his desire to contribute to a broader segment of the public than his personal base of clients, led him to seek a position in the political arena. He first became a Republican committeeman in Ridley Township serving in that capacity from 1950 through 1963. He was the Republican leader in Ridley Township for many years and was elected to his first political office as Coroner of Delaware County in 1957 and served in that office through 1963. He was Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 1951 through 1955, and an Assistant Attorney General serving as general counsel for the Department of Revenue in 1963. During his tenure of service in Harrisburg, he earned the speed record for travel time to the Capitol. The record has yet to be broken. Locally he was solicitor for: Chester Township, Brookhaven, Eddystone, Prospect Park and Folcroft Boroughs, and the County’s Sheriff and Controller’s offices. He served as solicitor for numerous civic and charitable organizations and participated in the activities of many other public service groups. Of particular importance to Judge Catania, of which he was very proud, was his close affiliation with his alma mater, Temple. He served Temple as a Trustee from December 1970 until shortly before his death. He also lectured at Temple Law abroad in Rome during one summer in the early ‘80s. On December 17, 1963, he was appointed by then Governor William Scranton to the Delaware County bench as a Common Pleas Judge and was sworn in 10 days later. He was elected to a ten-year term commencing January 1966 and was retained for another ten-year term commencing January 1976. He became Administrative Judge on December 1, 1970 and President Judge on January 5, 1976 in which capacity he served until mandatory retirement in 1990. Additionally, he was honored to have served as president of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges in 1986-87 where he earned a resounding “thank you” from all of the Pennsylvania trial judges past, present and future for his efforts and those of his co-lobbyist, Judge Labrum, in seeking pay raises for judges throughout Pennsylvania. In addition to pay raises, Judge Catania led the battle for equality in pension benefits for all judges. Judge Catania took great pride and interest in the people who worked with him in the Court House. He made it his business to know everyone and what they did; and despite his sometimes stern countenance on the bench, he was known throughout the Court House as a pushover for a snow day. He missed no opportunity to boast about the Delaware County Courts and was delighted when the newly renovated Court House law library was dedicated and named for him in 1992. His human side is what made people so loyal. He was always supportive of others who worked with him. He knew everyone by his or her first name—what a gift. New lawyers walking down the hall would be greeted by name by the President Judge. continued on page 18
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HONORABLE FRANCIS J. CATANIA continued from page 17
Some younger members, or perhaps, not so younger members of our Association do not realize the incredible legal legacy that Judge Catania left to this Association and to the Court system of Delaware County by programs that he initiated or implemented which are still in use today. Consider the following which are just some of his contributions to our Court system: the one-day, one-trial jury selection system; the construction of the court rooms on the first floor, numbers 7, 8, 10 and 11; the Domestic Relation Master system – a system which seems indispensable to the practice of law today which was created by Judge Catania when he appointed the first Master in support court; the legal audio visual system; the electronic recording system which was the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the appropriation of $25,000.00 a year from the Arbitration program to the Bar Association for “training purposes”; and the creation of the modern day Court Administrator’s Office. Prior to Judge Catania, the Court Administrator was an office essentially staffed by attorneys on a part-time basis. The ARD program began in the early ‘70s under the name PIP with the guidance of Judge Catania. Certainly his personal work ethic should not be ignored. The clearest demonstration of this was when the Court Administrator would assign cases; if 25 were assigned to other judges, 35 would be assigned to Judge Catania. It is exceedingly difficult to categorize or even describe his alliance with our Bar Association. On the one hand, he always treated his Bar brethren as brothers-in-arms, so that there was a fraternal element to his affiliation. On the other hand, he understood the long range goals and aspirations of the Bar and its interconnectedness with the needs of the Bench. To that extent, he exhibited a paternalistic involvement. He also demonstrated a filial aspect when he staunchly promoted the Bar and participated in its activities. Whatever cast is placed on his association, one thing is clear: he held the Bar in deep esteem as an institution and today’s unique and close kinship between the Bench and Bar is largely attributable to Judge Catania. Judge Catania’s siblings, Dolores C. Willert, James V. Catania, and Josephine Catania, pre-deceased him. He is survived by his two brothers, Nicholas F. and Charles J. Catania,
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and by his six children: Francis J. Catania, Jr., Betsy Leighton, Nancy Gremminger, Mary Louise Esten, Christopher Catania, and Amy Kulper, their respective spouses, and 14 grandchildren. The Judge was very close to his brother Nick. Although Nick’s illness prevented him from participating in the daily scene, this never deterred the Judge from regularly spending time with his brother, encouraging him, caring for him, and seeing that all his needs were met. This very kind and compassionate side to Judge Catania was not confined to his family. On one occasion, a district judge indicated he would have to resign because he did not make sufficient money to pay his child’s Catholic school tuition. When this fact was reported to Judge Catania, he picked up the phone, talked to the sister who was the principal of the school (of course he knew her by name), and made arrangements to have the tuition waived for a year. No account of Francis J. Catania would be complete without mention of the strength of his religious faith and the strong influence it had upon him. To quote his son- in-law, the Reverend Christopher M. Leighton, who delivered the eulogy at his funeral, “Almost every day that he sat on the bench, he first visited Our Lady of Peace. Not only was he awed of Father Nall’s ability to recite the Mass in a single breath, he situated his judicial responsibility within the context of the holy. He knew that life and death hung in the balance and that he was entrusted with a fearsome authority, one that could open doors or lock them tight. He knew that listening required a big heart and not just a discerning mind. He was keenly aware that reason has its limits and judgments can be subtly and mischievously segued. He sought a strength and a wisdom beyond his own powers to make good on his commitments.” In the early days of his judicial tenure, Judge Catania became a member of the Men of Malvern, a Roman Catholic retreat house, and he was active in the activities of the retreat for many years. He served on the Board of Directors and served as the captain of the Delaware County Thomas A. Curran retreat group for over 30 years. In addition to the law and religion, sports played a major role in his life. Judge Catania loved the game of golf. He was an enthusiastic player as a member of the Springhaven Club in Wallingford and the Jonathan’s Landing Club in Jupiter, Florida. Prior to his disabling illness, he played regularly and delighted in the competition of golf tournaments, particularly those sponsored by our Bar Association. Then there was baseball. After the retirement of his cousin, Danny Murtaugh, as manager of the Pirates, his enthusiastic love of the Phillies became legendary. Whenever given the opportunity, he was at the ballpark cheering them on. He even attended Spring training games in Florida when the Phillies played near his Jupiter home. When not at the park, he was glued to a recliner watching the game on television, and even when the game was not televised, if he was home, he listened on the radio. No one
FEATURE dared to criticize the Phillies in his presence. Although his temporal being is no longer with us, his spirit and dedication to our profession will never die. To again quote Reverend Leighton, “He was convinced that hard work, bulldog determination, and personal integrity could carry you to the top. Obstacles were challenges to overcome. Roadblocks were minor detours. Dead-ends were opportunities for creative innovation. When confounded by an impasse that resisted the authority of his indomitable will, he knew that he could recruit the Pink Sisters of Philadelphia to break the stranglehold and subdue the impossible.� The last few years treated the good Judge unfairly. His illness was debilitating. It prevented him from physically enjoying the many activities he previously pursued. Even talking on the telephone was challenging. But his will was indestructible and his mind was crisp and sharp to the very end. Others in the same situation would not have had the courage and spiritual strength to carry on. He even looked forward to the regular Friday evening dinners he enjoyed with some of his friends. But he never got over the loss of his beloved wife Betty. She left a void that could never be filled. The Delaware County Bar Association is a permanent benefactor of the dynamic energy, wisdom, persuasiveness, enthusiasm, decisiveness, compassion, and vision of this giant of a man. His spirit will forever influence and watch over the practice of law in this County. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.
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C O M M I T T E E M E M BE R S
Honorable Edward J. Zetusky, Jr., Co-Chairman Murray S. Eckell, Co-Chairman Honorable Joseph P. Cronin, Jr. Honorable Frank T. Hazel Honorable Domenic D. Jerome Honorable Charles C. Keeler Honorable George Koudelis Honorable Joseph P. Labrum, Jr. Honorable Gregory M. Mallon Honorable R. Barclay Surrick Honorable William R. Toal, Jr. Carmen P. Belefonte, Esquire Francis P. Connors, Esquire Robert E.J. Curran, Esquire Michael P. Dignazio, Esquire Angelo A. DiPasqua, Esquire Alexander A. DiSanti, Esquire Michael F.X. Gillin, Esquire Timothy J. Gorbey, Esquire Donald S. Guthrie, Esquire William G. Halligan, Esquire Richard L. Hughey, Esquire Rosemary C. McMunigal, Esquire Richard A. Mitchell, Esquire Francis G. Pileggi, Esquire David E. Robbins, Esquire John J. Whelan, Esquire Dennis Woody, Esquire
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Ciao Bella! March 2015 Delaware County Justinians & CIAO First Annual Gravy Master Showdown
T
he Delaware County Justinian Society in cooperation with Ciao Delco (Coalition of Italian American Organizations) invited all to the First Annual Gravy Master Showdown 2015! All home cooks were invited to put their gravy to the test against other local advocates. A beautiful evening it was, filled with vino, pasta, and music by local crooner, Carlo Morelli; all to benefit Ciao Delco’s endowment to Widener University to fund a Study Abroad program in Italy.
The success of the Ciao Delco Gravy Master and Wine Maker Contest is a result of the great efforts extended by Al Greto, Esq., and other members of the Delaware County Justinian Society in collaboration with other Italian American Organizations that work together under the Ciao Delco “umbrella” to promote and protect the Italian American culture and other charitable causes. Special recognition and thanks to the Honorable William “Chip” Mackrides, the Honorable Linda Cartisano and the Honorable John Capuzzi, for their time in officiating at the Showdown. A special thanks and recognition to Delaware County Court Administrator and Delaware County Justinian member, Jerry Montella, Esq., for single-handedly (due to a protracted recovery from a rotator cuff surgery) preparing and serving eggplant parmigiano to the 100 plus attendees! “A beautiful life does not happen by chance. It is built by remaining honest to cause, by remaining honest to self, humility, sacrifice and hard work.”
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STEP RIGHT UP... April 2015 Family Law Section Spring Carnival & Silent Auction
T
he Family Law Section of the Delaware County Bar Association welcomed several guests to their Spring Carnival and Silent Auction. The proceeds of the event were collected to benefit Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) who provides quality legal representation to low-income and vulnerable people in Delaware and surrounding counties. There was magic in the air at the carnival themed event which included live music, magician Arioch, and a silent auction boasting art, jewelry, floral arrangements, gastronomic tours, bubbly, and sporting event tickets. STEP RIGHT UP . . . and they did in grand and committed style! Many thanks to Kathy Piperno, Esq., for her tireless efforts in organizing the event and her many contributions to its success. To those who generously contributed to the Silent Auction, we thank you: Tiffany Shoemaker, Esq.; Abbey Varga, Esq.; Amanda Konyk, Esq.; Andrew Edelberg, Esq.; Silvestri Mushrooms; Dr. Theresa Agostinelli and Liz Fritsch, Esq., LASP. “Kindness is a magical spell—performed by enlightened beings—meant to enchant hearts and lift weary souls that they might fly.”
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FEATURE
COMMONWEALTH COURT COMES TO DELAWARE COUNTY
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n May, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court will be visiting Delaware County. This is the first time that this Court will be sitting in Media, and it is a great honor
for the County to be able to host the Commonwealth Court judges. Commonwealth Court was created as a second appellate court in 1970 pursuant to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, which was held between 1967 and 1968. Prior to this, the Superior Court was the sole intermediate appellate court. Commonwealth Court hears cases dealing with “public” or “administrative” law, and it also has original jurisdiction in approximately 10% of its cases. At present, there are eleven judges who sit on the court, and in 2013, 4,098 cases were filed or appealed to Commonwealth Court. On May 7, 2015, the Delaware County Bar Association
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Commonwealth Court Judges. On May 8, 2015, President welcome the Commonwealth Court to Media in a special ceremony in the Honorable John V. Diggins Ceremonial Courtroom. Immediately following the ceremony, the Commonwealth Court will sit in session. All members of the Delaware County Bar Association are invited to attend the May 7th and May 8th programs.
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FEATURE
What’s Trending The Designer Sandwich By Tracy E. Price, Editor
The sandwich . . . More than a food item
consisting of one or more types of food placed on or between slices of bread. The sandwich . . . Originally a portable food item or finger food which first gained popularity in the Western World, but is now found in various versions in a number of countries around the world. The sandwich . . . Considered to be the namesake of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat. It is said that he ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, and others began to order “the same as Sandwich!” The convenience of bits of cold meat tucked between two pieces of bread allowed the Earl of Sandwich to continue playing cards, particularly cribbage, while eating, without utensils, and keeping his cards free of grease. The modern concept of a sandwich using slices of bread (as found within the Western World) can be traced to 18th century Europe. The use of some type of bread to lie on or between some other food, or used to scoop, is found in a number of much older cultures worldwide. 28 | Spring 2015
FEATURE
The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped meat from the Paschal lamb and bitter herbs between two pieces of old-fashioned soft matzah — flat, unleavened bread — during Passover. Flat breads have long been used to scoop or wrap small amounts of food throughout Western Asia and northern Africa. During the Middle Ages in Europe, thick slabs of coarse and usually stale bread, called “trenchers,” were used as plates. After a meal, the food-soaked trencher was fed to a dog or to beggars at the tables of the wealthy. A portable food item or finger food . . . the sandwich was initially perceived as food that men shared while gaming and drinking at night. Slowly, it began appearing in polite society as a late-night meal among the aristocracy. The sandwich gained further popularity in Spain and England during the 19th century when the rise of industrial society and the working classes made fast, portable, and inexpensive meals an essential. By the early 20th century, the European-stye sandwich appeared outside of Europe. In the United States, bread became a staple of the American diet, and the sandwich became the same kind of popular, convenient meal. Law and the sandwich . . . Can a restaurant that sells burritos move into a shopping center where another restaurant has a no-compete clause in its lease prohibiting other “sandwich” shops? A court in Boston, Massachusetts ruled that the sandwich includes at least two slices of bread and under this definition, the court found that the term ‘sandwich’ is not commonly understood to include burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, which are typically made with a single tortilla and stuffed with a choice filling of meat, rice, and beans. In Spain, the word sandwich is borrowed from the English language; it refers to a food item made with English sandwich bread. It is otherwise known as a bocadillo. In the United Kingdom and Australia, the term “sandwich” is more narrowly defined than in the United States; it refers only to an item which uses sliced bread from a loaf. An item with similar fillings on a bread roll is referred to as a “roll.” If hot
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items are placed on a roll it is referred to as a “burger,” never a sandwich. Conversely, hot sliced (not ground) beef between two slices of toasted bread is referred to as a “steak sandwich.” In Northern England (butter is often used in British sandwiches), “butty” is slang for “sandwich.” You may enjoy a “sanger” in Australia; a “piece” in Scotland, or a “piece and ham,” meaning “piece of bread and ham”. There’s a whole wide world of amazing sandwiches out there; some are American regional specialties and others are likely in countries that many of us have yet to visit. A popular Brazilian sandwich and a cheese-lover’s dream . . . Bauru A scooped-out French bun loaded with melted mozzarella cheese, topped off with a few slices of roast beef (or occasionally ham), tomato, and cucumber pickles. A roast beef sandwich that dreams are made of . . . Beef on Weck A hallmark sandwich of the Buffalo, New York area, which tucks rare, thinly sliced roast beef, into a roll called a kummelweck. The wek has been dusted with coarse salt and caraway seeds and the top is dipped in beef jus. The only condiment is a hefty spoonful of horseradish. A delicious bite . . . Cemita Traditionally served on a brioche-like, egg-dough roll covered in sesame seeds, the Cemita includes a variety of meats (milanesa, beef that’s pounded, breaded, and fried, is typical), and panela, or some other mild white cheese. Add avocado, onions, leaves of the soapy-tasting herb pápalo, and red chile sauce. There are numerous variations, be creative. continued on page 26
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What’s Trending: The Designer Sandwich continued from page 25
Invented in Chicago in 1996 by a Puerto Rican chef, the . . . Jibarito This sandwich is best known for replacing the bread with fried green plantains. Fillings typically include steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aïoli. Steak is the most popular meat, but pork and chicken aren’t uncommon. A staple street food in Florence, this sandwich is a tripelover’s dream . . . the Lampredotto It starts with the fourth stomach of the cow (the abomasum), which is slow-cooked with tomato, onion, parsley, and celery until it has the texture of tender roast beef. It’s then tucked into a crusty bun that’s been dipped in the broth and topped with a green parsley sauce and hot sauce. Outdoor stands selling the sandwich can be found (and smelled) all across Florence, and it’s something that you should definitely try!
One of the Uruguayan national dishes . . . Chivito Start with filet mignon, and top with mozzarella, tomatoes, mayo, olives, bacon, ham, and eggs. Occasionally, you will find other add-ons like beets, fried red peppers, sliced cucumber, or peas. It is served on a crusty bun, and there are a wide variety of variations, including the “Canadian Chivito” made with Canadian bacon. A native dish of Trinidad and Tobago, the . . . Double This super-popular vegetarian street food starts with two bara (flat fried bread) and is topped with chana, or curried chickpeas. It can then be finished off with mango, coconut, cucumber, tamarind, culantro (an herb related to cilantro), and hot sauce. Originating in the Portuguese city of Porto, the . . . Francesinha (which translates to “Frenchie”) A wonder to behold! Between two slices of bread you’ll find ham, two types of sausage (fresh and cured, usually linguica and chipolata), and steak or roast meat. The whole mess is covered in melted cheese and a hot, thick, beer-based sauce. Each restaurant has its own special version (and the sauce, which usually contains tomato, tends to be a well-protected house secret), and just about every resident of Porto has his or her own personal favorite.
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One of Belgium’s most popular (not prettiest) sandwiches . . . the Mitraillette It starts with a small baguette, which is topped with fried meat (including steak, burger, or sausage), fries, and any of a range of sauces including ketchup, mayo, garlic sauce, or béarnaise. The Belgians love their fries, and this is a delicious and gut-busting way to eat them. Ironically, in certain regions, this sandwich is known as the “Américain.” A popular Mexican sandwich, especially in Mexico City, the . . . Pambazo It starts with a firm, slightly dry round roll that gets a lengthy dunk in a warm red guajillo pepper sauce. Because the bread is dry, it soaks up the sauce and retains its shape. It is then sliced in half and filled with either potatoes and ground chorizo or longaniza sausage and refried beans. It’s topped off with shredded lettuce, salsa, crema, and fresh white cheese. Muy delicioso! Cleveland is home to one of the sloppiest, yet delicious, sandwiches in existence, the . . . Polish Boy. This is one serious sandwich starting with a kielbasa sausage (either grilled or deep fried) on a bun, but then it’s topped with French fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce. Whether you call it a sandwich, a burger, a butty, a roll, a sanger or a piece . . . enjoy being creative . . . “The Same as Sandwich” .
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The Delaware County Bar Association thanks... E. Wallace Chadwick Memorial Fund
E. Wallace Chadwick (1884-1969) was a distinguished member of the Delaware County Bar Association and well-respected judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Born in Indiana, his family moved to Chester when he was a young boy, and he graduated from Chester High School in 1902, University of Pennsylvania in 1906, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1910. In his will, Judge Chadwick provided for a trust to be established for the benefit of charitable and educational endeavors in Delaware County. One of Judge Chadwick’s Trustees, Frank I. Ginsburg, proposed that a substantial sum from the trust be given to the Delaware County Bar Association, and thus the E. Wallace Chadwick Memorial Fund was established. Today, the fund is used to assist law students in obtaining education and to sponsor lectures, educational programs, and meetings at the Bar Association.
George B. Lindsay Foundation
George B. Lindsay was a distinguished member of the Delaware County Bar Association from 18751918. Upon his death, he made a gift in trust of the contents of his personal law library to be made available to attorneys whose principle offices were located in the City of Chester. Between 1919 and 2009, the Lindsay Law Library operated successfully at its Widener University site. In 2009, the physical library facility closed, and the Lindsay Law Library Board expanded the mission of the trust to encompass general education of attorneys. The George B. Lindsay Foundation, as it is now known, works closely with the Delaware County Bar Association and maintains its principal office in the Bar Building. In 2011, the Lindsay Memorial Foundation made a generous grant to the DCBA to build a “Lawyers’ Lounge” so that attorneys who do not have an office in Media would have a space where they could work or do research. In October 2011, the Lindsay Memorial Lawyers’ Lounge was dedicated and is now open to all members of the DCBA. The Foundation also funds educational opportunities for DCBA attorneys, including sponsoring the keynote speaker at the annual Bench Bar Conference.
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Published on Apr 27, 2015
Delco re:View is the official publication of the Delaware County Bar Association. For membership, visit www.DelcoBar.org. Chester County Med...
Published on Apr 27, 2015
Delco re:View is the official publication of the Delaware County Bar Association. For membership, visit www.DelcoBar.org. Chester County Med...