Rotarians and guests were quite literally blown in the door on this blustery first day of Spring.
The Country Club dished up another great meal before President Yvonne called the meeting to order.
There prelude was not entirely traditional. Russ Grazier provided a twist on the customary song, accompanying himself on guitar, and guiding us through “Here Comes the Sun.” Even though we all had printed lyrics, the Beatles would not have been impressed with our musical efforts. Mr. Flagg later fined the entire club a buck.
Yvonne offered an eloquent remembrance of the Mass in honor of Past Rotarian Joan Rice, who will be missed by her many friends and family members. Then she shared the surprising and sad news that Marie Brownell had passed away at home surrounded by family. More information will be provided as it becomes known.
There was at least one piece of very happy news, though. Steve Polhemus was recently married. Yvonne gave him an early 1900’s book of advice for new husbands.
Past-President Aileen reminded that there is a Fundraiser next week for our upcoming Rotoplast trip. All are encouraged to meet at the Atlantic Grill on March 26th, 5:30PM. Donor or not, come hear the Rotoplast founder, Dr. Angelo Capozzi. Aileen assures us he is a dynamic speaker!
Next up were the stylings of Jon Flagg and yours truly. Many of the fines reflected the presence of our speaker, a New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice. More on that coming.
Attorney Hoefle was fined for getting an excess of mileage out of his recent injury. And an additional fine for having his colleague argue a case before the Supreme Court while Dan sat back as spectator- or as he puts it, the quarterback. Attorney MacDonald was fined for winning on appeal a case previously won by opponent Flagg.
The speaker- New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Huntz Marconi
Today’s interesting presentation was in two parts. First, Justice Huntz Marconi offered a biography tracing a career that led to her present Supreme Court judgeship. Then she utilized power point to give a thorough and educational overview of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.
The New Hampshire Court System has three parts. The Supreme Court is the appellate court and has one location in Concord, one Chief Justice, four Associate Justices, and 30 employees providing support. Huntz Marconi is an Associate. If the Supreme Court accepts a case on appeal, its decision is final, according to the speaker.
The Superior Court has 11 locations statewide with 22 full-time judges. The Superior Court processes cases which have gone to jury trial. These include issues of land use, personal injury, murder, and other juried cases. This court handles appeals of Circuit Court decisions, of which there are 700-800 per year.
Half of the appeals are mandatory. Of the remainder about 120 are accepted each year, numbering as many as 15 every two weeks. Little wonder that decisions take so long. The Superior Court also accepts referrals from the legislature and Federal Courts.
There are 32 Circuit Locations statewide including 10 Probate Divisions, 32 District Divisions and 28 Family Divisions. There are 39 full-time judges when fully staffed.
After her appointment by Governor Sununu in 2017, Hantz Marconi was surprised to learn that the Justice Department has many other significant and time-consuming duties. Some of these include:
- Adoptions
- Annulment of Criminal Records
- Bankruptcies
- Bar Examinations
- Child Support
- Complaints
- Divorces and
- Guardianship
The end
After a few questions, a fun and educational meeting rang to an end, but not before Chief Mark collected the meager $28 dollar Raffle winnings. Enough for a couple of dozen donuts for the people in blue.
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
Photos by Sara Treacy and Don Chick
