On Thursday evening, February 22, 2018, Middle District North hosted a CLE entitled “ADR Alternatives – A View from the Neutral” and PDI’s First Corn Hole Tournament. Led by Rob Aldrich of Marshal, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, assisted by Ryan Blazure of Thomas Thomas & Hafer, and Ryan McBride of Weber Gallagher, a well organized and fun event was held at the Susquehanna Brewing Company, 65 S. Main Street, Pittston, Pennsylvania.
This event was held in partnership with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Food Bank. The attendees generously contributed to the Food Bank and it was successful in providing needed resources to this worthwhile and necessary charity.
Federal Magistrate Judge Thomas M. Blewitt (Retired) now affiliated with JAMS, an organization that provides mediators and arbitrators to the legal profession, provided a very interesting and informative presentation concerning specific tips to the practitioner from the viewpoint of the neutral. Judge Blewitt led an active discussion about the mediation process and shared a number of thoughts concerning the process that are extremely helpful. PDI thanks Judge Blewitt for his presentation.
Following the excellent presentation by Judge Blewitt, refreshments were served and the First PDI Corn Hole Tournament commenced. The competitors fought hard during the rounds in both the winners and losers brackets during this friendly and engaging competition. The participants had a great time mingling and enjoying the evening. After a number of rounds, the the Championship Round between the Cipriani Warner team of Patricia Lafferty and Christian Francis against Jason Banonis of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin and Eric Wassil became the center of attraction.
After an exciting Championship Round, Jason Banonis and Eric Wassil emerged as the Champions with Patricia Lafferty and Christian Francis the Runners-Up.
The Middle District North Champions send out a challenge to the other PDI Districts to come up with a Champion in the East District, Middle District South, and the West District for a final challenge at the PDI Annual Conference and 50th Anniversary Celebration at Bedford Springs Resort on July 11, 12, and 13, 2018.
