Recent News

August 3, 2012

Visitation Committee Makes Comeback

For years, Columbus Bar Past President Jack Alton was visitor-in-chief, dedicated to letting members who were ill know they were cared about and valued. Jack personally made almost all visits as long as his health allowed. That spirit of humanitarianism and collegiality is being reinstituted by the newly revived Visitation Committee, thanks to a generous grant from the Carpenter Visitation Fund of the Columbus Bar Foundation. Committee members and volunteers will again visit colleagues as representatives of the Columbus Bar Association and Foundation whenever appropriate, as long as the visit is agreeable to the attorney (and family).

The new committee includes Michael Carpenter (chair), Judge John Bessey, John Hartranft, Richard Loveland, Sandy McIntosh, Judge Stephen McIntosh , Robert Meyer, Maurice and Susan Milne, Gretchen Mote, Robert Perry, Judge Guy Reece, and David Spialter. In addition to making visits, the committee members will serve as the eyes and ears of the Columbus Bar, identifying lawyers who are ill.

The committee will also present a memorial gift to the families of deceased lawyers. The cost of flowers, food baskets, the memorial gifts etc. are all underwritten through the Carpenter Visitation Fund.

The complimentary Lawyer-to-Lawyer Foundation Fund provides financial assistance to lawyers who are ill by providing funds to enable a law office to operate for a short time until a lawyer can be back at work or make arrangements to close an office .

Lawyers are encouraged to contact members of the committee if they are aware of an attorney who would appreciate a visit.

An orientation meeting for lawyers interested in getting involved with the Visitation Committee will be held at noon on September 19 at the Columbus Bar. If you would like to participate, contact Marion Smithberger at marion@cbalaw.org or call at 614/340.2070. Volunteer for the committee even if you cannot attend the orientation session.