Paid for by Citizens for Colburn Committee. Authority John W. Phillips, Jr., Treasurer

CASA of Talbot County celebrates 16 years
By SUSAN WESTERMAN
Assistant Community Editor
June 7, 2006

EASTON — The theme was pink, pink, pink for the “Sweet 16” party celebrating CASA of Talbot County’s 16 years of service. Ladies in flowered dresses and spring wear along with men in suits gathered at The Oaks in Royal Oak amidst decorations of pink heart balloons, pink napkins and pink flower arrangements.

“At first I thought this was a fundraiser for Addie Eckardt,” joked Sen. Richard Colburn, R-37-Mid-Shore, referring to Del. Eckardt’s, R-37B-Dorchester, longtime love of pink.

CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a non-profit organization which appoints advocates to act as a voice for children and make recommendations or assessments of the child’s needs to the court judge.

Roughly 50 volunteers were each recognized for years of service as court appointed child advocates — from Willard Lockwood with 15 years of work, to advocates who just completed the required training.

The recognition dinner held special importance to volunteers as well, as the first event where volunteers could bring their spouses or loved ones.

“Congratulations to your deep commitment and investment,” said Eckardt. “Because of you, every child in Talbot County without support has had the opportunity for a CASA advocate.”

“I really believe it takes a village to raise a child. You are that village for so many children,” said Jeannie Haddaway, R-37B-Talbot.

“What you do for our children, we thank you,” added Sen. Colburn.

Several recognized volunteers of CASA received standing ovations for their dedication and time.

Lin Layton, Linda Laramy and Rima Parkhurst were recognized as retiring board members. “But if we didn’t do this dinner, it would not be a bad thing,” said Layton, expressing her hopes of one day children not having to experience court proceedings.

Special awards were given in the name of the late Marilla McCarthy, former CASA volunteer and advocate who passed away in 2005. Rima Parkhurst received the 2005 Marilla McCarthy award for an unparalleled passion for her work, and Sara Jane Davidson received the 2006 award for her uncannily ability to talk to a parent or child on their level of understanding.

Gloria Farrare, Peggy Paul and Parkhurst received citations for 10 years of service.

Special thanks also were given to Candy Chiaruttini and Paul Milne, owners of The Oaks, Maggie Ferree for her gift which made the event possible, and Liz Freedlander and Parkhurst for decorations and cupcakes.

Colburn, Eckardt and Haddaway, who presented the awards, were joined by state-appointed government officials who also attended the recognition dinner to show their support, including Talbot County Circuit Court Judge Sidney Campen Jr., former Talbot County Circuit Court Judge William Horne, Talbot County State’s Attorney Scott Patterson, and Master of Domestic Services for Queen Anne’s County, Patrick Palmer.

Jerry Friedman, husband of CASA advocate Barbara Friedman, presented a special Powerpoint presentation on what it means to be a CASA volunteer.

Executive director Robin Davenport finished the evening by reading a fictitious letter written from the number of children helped by CASA volunteers in thanks.

“You sent us cards even when it wasn’t our birthday,” read Davenport. “When we didn’t want to talk, you gave us dogs to hug and cookies to eat ... you reminded us that we always had choices to make, you spoke respectfully about our parents, even if we didn’t live with them anymore, and you kept your promises and taught us to trust.”