YLD
President ’ s
COLUMN
A Leap into
February
by Natasha Selvaraj , Esq . Berlin Patten Ebling , PLLC
2024 is off to a great start for the YLD ! In January we were able to host the first of our health and wellness-related events with a group walk across Ringling Bridge . Despite having to reschedule due to the weather , we had a great turnout and got to keep our resolution to be active , at least one day in January .
Did you know ? The Earth takes exactly 365 days , five hours , 48 minutes , and 45 seconds to circle the sun , which results in an extra 24 hours every 4 years and our extra day in February . Leap years have different meanings for different people , some remember them as Summer Olympics years , and for others , it is election year . Still , I think we can all agree that the most recognizable part of a leap year is the addition of February 29 to our calendars ( Happy Birthday to any leap year babies reading this !). Cultural traditions and superstitions have emerged around leap years as well , in some cultures they are seen to bring good fortune and positive change , while others view leap years as bringing with them the increased potential for bad luck and unforeseen challenges . In some cultures , there are special meals , and in some parts of Texas and New Mexico festive multi-day celebrations for the occasion !
Here at the YLD , leap year or not , February is the month in which we have the pleasure of hosting our annual Mock Trial Competition
on Saturday , February 3 , at the Judge Lynn Silvertooth Judicial Center . This year , in addition to the typical competition that offers high school students from Sarasota and Manatee counties the opportunity to show off their trial skills , we had the opportunity to include a suit drive . This gave our lawyers who were participating in their annual closet purge the chance to donate suits to high school students participating in the competition . This additional effort would not have been possible without YLD Board Members Cori Coser and Forest Sutton , who not only came up with the initial idea but also followed through to make it happen .
Other events that are on the calendar for the coming weeks include a morning coffee with the YLD and our Table for 8 dinner with Judge Brewer . In March , the YLD is bringing back the ever-so-popular Baseball Outing at Ed Smith Stadium . Please be on the lookout for more information .
Whether you are celebrating the Leap Year , Valentine ’ s Day , or President ’ s Day , I hope that this year is filled with good fortune and positive changes for each of you , and your extra day is well spent doing something that you love . �
8 | THE DOCKET - FEBRUARY 2024