Professional Documents
Culture Documents
September 2013
Monthly Message
Student Scholarship 8, 9 Professional Development Scholarship 10,11,12 2013-14 Board Listing Sponsors 13 14, 15
The support of Silvia and Brevard Legal Aid, my confidence, and my professional I would like to introduce myself to you all. My name is Debbie Gapsch and I was skills were strengthened. Before I graduated from BCC, I was offered a position recently installed as Member-at- Large. with a local attorney, and have been emIm very excited to work with the current Board and members, as well as our ployed as a paralegal since May, 2013. community. The last three years with BPA, I was the Student Liaison between Brevard Community College and BPA. Beth Morrone and myself co-chaired this position for two of these years, and during this time, we became friends as well as paralegals. Membership during this time increased, and the commitment by us brought in many students who became members of BPA. Im married to Al and we will celebrate our 25th Anniversary next year. We have one child, his name is Logan and he is currently a senior at Stetson University in Deland. We have three Pembroke Welsh Corgis, one who will start Conformation and Obedience shows in September. Im an avid gardener, and currently the Secretary of our Homeowners Association. Looking forward to seeing you all at our monthly meetings.
Follow us! Search Brevard Paralegal Association and join! We list useful links, information regarding upcoming meetings and events!
I have always been a volunteer in our community. My most memorable exDebbie Gapsch periences were with the Guardian Ad Litem Program. I really did make a difference in a childs life with this organization. During my twenty years as a stay-at -home Mom, I was involved in many clubs and schools. When our son went off to college, I thought I would return to the work force, and guess what? I could not find
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Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. 466 94th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33702 Tel. 727-258-0460 www.pafinc.org
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Jayne Brogan Penny Chambers Jennifer Christian Cathleen Cummings Marcy Hoover Suzanne Mair Lisa Schmidt
Happy Birthday to Ya
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INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS SUNTREE COUNTRY CLUB AUGUST 8, 2013 The Installation of Officers was conducted by Louis Jiannine, J.D., Professor and Curriculum Coordinator for the Paralegal Studies Program at Eastern Florida State College. Below, from left to right, Anne Cope, President; Tracy King, Vice-President; Hope Lutz, Treasurer; Linda Goettsche, Secretary; Debbie Gapsch, Member-at-Large.
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SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING September 12, 2013 6:00 P.M. Suntree Country Club One Country Club Drive Melbourne, FL 32940 E-Filing - Everything You Need to Know But Didnt Know Who to Ask PRESENTERS BREVARD COUNTY CLERK OF COURT e-FILING TRAINING TEAM
Rachel Sadoff, Customer Service Supervisor Kim Powell, Civil EDP Supervisor Angela Roberts, Child Support Supervisor Sherry Sanker, Project Lead for Criminal e-Filing Doug McDaniel, Recording Clerk Ann Morgan, Court Clerk Lisa Baumgartner, Civil EDP Clerk
BPA Members are encouraged to send their questions in advance to the training team at efilingquestions@gmail.com on or before September 10, 2013.
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STUDENT SEGMENT
We want to welcome back all the students from their summer break and hope that you will actively participate in all that BPA offers. We especially want to encourage you to attend the September membership meeting which is highlighted on page six of this newsletter. A panel of Brevard County Clerk of Court training staff will be presenting information and answering questions about e-filing. If you are a BPA member you will be receiving an e-vite . If you are not currently a member, reservations can be made through bpameetings@yahoo.com. E-filing is going to be part of your daily routine when you are out working in the legal community. Now is the time to get informed. Just a friendly reminder, if you make a reservation but for some reason are unable to attend, it is important to cancel your reservation through either e-vite or bpameetings@yahoo.com at least three days prior to the meeting. Jodi Granger is the Student Liaison between the Paralegal Studies Program at Eastern Florida State College (formerly BCC) and BPA. Jodi can be contacted at jgranger@outlook.com.
COMMUNITY SERVICE This September BPA proudly supports the Wounded Warrior Project.
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Wounded Warriors: Can you even imagine what our military and wounded veterans must be going through. As reported in the Lamp, many heroes are returning with multiple amputations or other disabling injuries not completely fixed even by fancy prosthetics, methodical rehabilitation, and job retraining. The Pentagon counts more than 29,000 combat wounded in the Middle East since the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Tens of thousands more were hurt outside of combat or Jodi maintains a bulletin board in in ways that show up later. . . . insurgents have relied on disfiguring bombs and bombardment as chief the Paralegal Studies Classroom tactics. At the same time, better armor and field medicine have kept U.S. soldiers alive at the highest filled with helpful information. On rate ever, leaving 16 wounded for every fatality, according to one study based on government data. The the bulletin board and in this news- ratio was fewer than 3-to-1 for Korea and Vietnam. . . . Treatment, recovery and retraining often can't letter is information about a student be assured quickly or cheaply. . . .These troops are just starting to seek help in large numbers, more than scholarship. You must be a mem185,000 so far. But the cost of their benefits is already testing resources set aside by government and ber of BPA to apply. Applications threatening the future of these wounded veterans for decades to come. . . . http://www.military.com
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.aspx
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SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
In keeping with the tradition of BPA, the Board of Directors is happy to announce that two scholarships are being announced in this newsletter. The applications and the instructions for each are found in this newsletter. Scholarship applications are due no later then October 15, 2013.
Student Scholarship :
This scholarship is directed to students who are currently enrolled in the Paralegal Studies Program at Eastern Florida State College, formerly known as BCC. We all recognize the fiAny student applying for the nancial burden of going to school and the struggle it can be for many stuStudent Scholarship MUST be dents. It is just not the cost of tuition and books, but often transportation expenses, child care and stretching food budgets that make it difficult to finish a student member of BPA. a degree. The Student Scholarship has been designed to help relieve some of that stress. Please be sure and tell your
Roseann Nelson, CP was a founding member of BPA and the long time paralegal to Leonard Spielvogel, Esquire. Ms. Nelson exemplified the professionalism required to be a successful paralegal and was a great mentor to all members of Brevard Countys legal community, in particular its paralegals. Mr. Spielvogel, wanting to honor Roseann after her untimely passing, endowed a scholarship to BPA to be maintained in Ms. Nelsons name. The Roseann Nelson, CP Professional Development Scholarship was established to encourage a chapter member to attain the CP, ACP, or CFLA designation, through the National Association of Legal Assistant (NALA) and the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (PAF).
fellow students about the scholarship and the membership requirement. Students interested in PAF/BPA membership only need to go online for the application and instructions on how to apply. www.pafinc.org
If you are interested in certification but want to understand more please review your copy of the June/July Newsletter issued last month that gives a detailed overview. If you do not have a copy of the newsletter, it is posted on-line under our Chapter page on the PAF website at www.pafinc.org.
MESSAGE FROM A RECEIPENT: On May 31, 2008, I received from the National Association of Legal
Assistants my certificate of designation as a Certified Paralegal. BPA directly made this possible with the Roseann Nelson, CP Professional Development Scholarship. I applied for and received this scholarship while still attending classes for my paralegal studies. What a relief it was, especially as a student, to know that as soon as I graduated, my certification exam and study materials were already paid for - all I had to do was pass! The application process for BPA scholarships is simple. BPA wants to help its members and encourages us to continue striving for professional recognition. Roseann Nelson exemplified the professional paralegal. Receiving this scholarship, and subsequently my CP designation, made me proud to be part of these organizations and this group of individuals. I encourage current students to apply for any scholarship they are eligible for. There is nothing to lose and so much to gain! In fact, I am pleased to have just received my new certificate, qualifying me for five more years as a CP. Thanks again to BPA and Mr. Spielvogel, as well as my current employers, Michael Kahn, Esq. and Roma Molinaro, CP, FRP, who have consistently encouraged and fostered my growth in this field and as a person. Jessica Pauley, CP
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RULES
1. Applicant/Recipient must be a student member of BPA enrolled in and attending paralegal studies classes at Eastern Florida State College, formerly BCC and provide evidence of same with the Application. Membership must be confirmed by PAF and BPA. Applicant must submit the $250.00 Cash Scholarship Application to the BPA Education/Scholarship Committee (Committee) Chair no later than October 15, 2013. Applicant must legibly complete the essay portion of the application, which will be judged on originality, writing clarity, and content. The Committee shall judge the applications and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. Upon ratification by the Board of Directors, the scholarship recipient will be notified in writing and the name will be published in the BPA newsletter. The cash award will be given at a BPA meeting. By submitting this application, the applicant agrees that the winning essay may (but will not necessarily) be published in the BPA Newsletter or publications of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. or the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. No application received after October 15, 2013, will be considered. BPA reserves the right to not award a $250.00 Cash Scholarship. A runner-up may be chosen, but will not be notified unless the winner forfeits the award.
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DEADLINE:
NAME: _______________________________________________E: MAIL: _____________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________CITY: __________________ ZIP: _______________ HOME PHONE: ___________________ WORK/CELL PHONE: _________________ FAX:_______________ EDUCATION: List name and address of the school you are currently attending, if applicable and attach evidence of enrollment. Please include the name and phone number of the director of the paralegal studies department. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ESSAY: On a separate sheet of paper, tell us why you decided to enroll in a paralegal studies program, what goals you have for your future and your career, and how $250.00 in cash would be of help to you at this point in your studies. Your essay must be legibly printed or typed and not more than 500 words. It will be judged for clarity in writing, originality and content. Please remember to attach it to your completed application. TERMS OF SCHOLARSHIP: I understand that my permission may be asked to publish my essay in a professional newsletter or magazine. I also understand there are no limitations on the way the $250.00 scholarship award can be used. PLEASE REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION CAREFULLY TO BE CERTAIN IT IS COMPLETE DATE: ____________________, 2013 __________________________________________________ Signature DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT IS October 15, 2013 Mail completed application to: Brevard Paralegal Association c/o Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP 482 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 242-2564 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE USE ONLY Date Received: _________________, 2013 __ Scholarship Awarded in the Amount of $250.00 Date Awarded: ______________________
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ROSEANN NELSON, CP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP Brevard Paralegal Association (BPA) awards an annual Professional Development Scholarship to a qualified applicant for the specific purpose of encouraging chapter members to attain the CP, ACP, or FCP designation. Scholarship funds up to $500 are allocated upon the recipient's presentation of proof of completion of the exam OR funds will be paid directly to NALA for registration and books upon proof that application for NALA Certification has been approved. The amount reimbursed to the recipient may include the following: CP Application Fee, Study Guide, lab fees (OR) ACP (CP required) Application Fee, Study Guide, lab fees (if available) (OR) FCP (CP required) Application Fee, Study Guide, Review Course, lab fees (if available) RULES 1. 2. Applicant must be a current active or student member in good standing with BPA and the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (PAF), and meet the qualifications required to take the selected exam. Applicant must submit the Professional Development Scholarship Application to the BPA Education/Scholarship Committee (Committee) Chair by US mail or hand delivery no later than October 15, 2013. Applicant must legibly complete the essay portion of the application, which will be judged on originality, writing clarity, and content. The Committee shall judge the applications and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. Upon ratification by the Board of Directors, the scholarship recipient will be notified in writing and the name will be published in an issue of the BPA newsletter. The award will be given at the December 2013, BPA meeting.
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The Scholarship recipient will be presented with a certificate for the examination application fee, study guide (if applicable) and review course (if the CFLA exam is chosen and course is available). This certificate may be redeemed upon presentation of evidence that the recipient has taken the exam. A runner-up will be chosen, but will not be notified unless the winner forfeits the award or does not meet the requirements to sit for the exam. Any certificate not redeemed within one (1) year will be forfeited. The winning essay may, but will not necessarily be published in the BPA Newsletter or publications of PAF or the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. Applications received after October 15, 2013 will not be considered. BPA reserves the right to not award a Professional Development Scholarship.
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BREVARD PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION a chapter of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. ROSEANN NELSON, CP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM DEADLINE: October 15, 2013 (Please type or print legibly) I am applying for: _____________________________________________________________________________________ (Exam/Date to be taken) (Amount) NAME: _______________________________________________E: MAIL: _______________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________CITY: __________________ ZIP: _________ HOME PHONE: _____________ CELL or WORK PHONE: _______________ FAX: _______________ EDUCATION: In chronological order, beginning with most recent, list the names and addresses of all schools you have attended, including high school, and any degrees/certificates/awards earned. _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________
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ESSAY: On a separate sheet of paper, tell us why you believe completing this exam is important to you. Your essay must be legibly printed or typed and not more than 300 words. It will be judged for clarity in writing, originality and content. Please remember to attach it to your completed application. TERMS OF SCHOLARSHIP: I understand that, if I am awarded the Professional Development Scholarship, BPA may publish my essay in a professional newsletter or magazine but has no obligation to do so. I also understand that if I am awarded the Professional Development Scholarship, I shall be responsible for paying the exam and/or study material fees. Upon submission of proof that I have completed same, I will be reimbursed for the approved Professional Development Scholarship amount and certify that I will not seek reimbursement from any other source. PLEASE REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION CAREFULLY TO BE CERTAIN IT IS COMPLETE DATE: , 2013 __________________________________________________ Signature DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT IS October 15, 2013 Mail completed application to: Brevard Paralegal Association c/o Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP 482 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 242-2564 roma@michaelkahnpa.com _______________________________________________________________________________________ FOR SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE USE ONLY Date Received: _________________, 2013 Scholarship Awarded in the Amount of __________________ Exam taken: __CP __ACP __FCP; Date Completed: _______________ Date Reimbursed: ____________
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Newsletter Advertising
Half Page $100/Year Or $55/6 months Business Card $50/Year Or $30/6 months Special rates available for onetime ads Submit business card or ad artwork, preferably in .jpg or .bmp format to Kimberly.Nowakowski@ Health-First.Org or send it to: Kim Nowakowski c/o Health First, Inc. 6540 US Hwy 1 Rockledge FL 32955 The Paralegal Pipeline advertising reaches people throughout Florida. The publications revenue supports scholarships and various community service projects, which enables your costs associated to advertising here to be tax deductible. Please make your check payable to Brevard Paralegal Association. Thank you.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Anne Cope acope@annecopeconsulting,com Vice President Tracy King, FRP tracyking@cfl.rr.com Treasurer Hope Lutz, CP hope.lutz@yahoo.com Secretary Linda Goettsche, FRP, CP lgoettsche@cfl.rr.com Immediate Past President
Silvia Cowan silviacwn@gmail.com
ings@yahoo.com Membership Tracy King, FRP tracyking@cfl.rr.com Newsletter Editor Anne Cope
acope@annecopeconsulting.com
Publicity Jessica Pauley, CP Stardust5055@hotmail.com Ways and Means Jeremie Ayala Jeremie@moserpa.com OTHER POSITIONS Vacant Historian/Photographer PAF Website Kim Nowakowski, RP, FRP
kimberly.nowakowski@health-first.org
zzlawtonj@earthlink.net
Treasurers Report
Hope Lutz, CP, Treasurer
momartens@cfl.rr.com
Education/Scholarship Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP, MLA rmolinaro@cfl.rr.com Student Liaison
Jody Granger
Balances for July 30, 2013 currently unavailable due to annual audit. All financial records currently being reviewed by Audit Committee. Full report at September meeting.
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Attorneys John W. Moser, III Lynda Barrow Moser Melissa Engle Peat Paralegal Jeremie Ayala
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