The State Bar Association of North Dakota Summer 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 13

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

ANNUAL MEETING AWARDS

From left: Mac Schneider, Scott Jensen (Board of Governors), Darcie Einarson (Board of Governors), Anthony Swain Benson, Joe Wetch (Board of Governors), Reid Brady, Joanne Ottmar, Sherry Mills Moore, Erica Shively (presenter), and Jack McDonald (Board of Governors)

Every year, SBAND presents a Community Service Award to one member from each of the state’s seven judicial districts. SBAND believes that pro bono work is a fundamental role for members of the legal community. It created the Community Service Award to recognize the many attorneys in North Dakota who devote countless hours of their work to improve the quality of life in their communities. Those receiving the award, in addition to adhering to high standards throughout their professional careers, serve actively as heads of local boards or councils, dedicate time as members of myriad volunteer organizations, and involve themselves in various youth activities. This year’s recipients are: Northwest Judicial District JOHN STEINBERGER - Kenmare John Steinberger is a veteran and provides assistance to other veterans. He also assists those involved in domestic issues who are in his community because of the impact of the energy industry in the area. East Central Judicial District REID BRADY – Fargo Reid Brady is a strong advocate and voice for people living in poverty. He has been an active member of the board for the FM Dorothy Day House of Hospitality for nine years, and has served as its president and vice president. He has volunteered in the emergency shelter and food pantry and prepared family style meals for guests and assembled food baskets. Brady assisted in implementing the Choice Model of food distribution, a national best practice used at the Dorothy Day House.

Southwest Judicial District JENNIFER GROSZ – Dickinson Jennifer Grosz is involved in many community organizations in southwestern North Dakota. She is a founding member of the Dickinson Young Professionals Network, serving as a mentor to new lawyers and law clerks. She serves on the board of directors for the House of Manna, helping to meet the needs of those in emergency situations and those who do not have access to public services. Grosz is also actively involved in fundraising for the Dickinson State University Foundation. South Central Judicial District ERICA SHIVELY – Bismarck Erica Shively is on the board for the Area 10 Special Olympics and serves as the volunteer coordinator. In addition to coaching several sports, Shively has also coordinated getting facilities arranged for practices, finding coaches and volunteers for tournaments, and finding partners for certain sports that play alongside the Special Oly mpians. Last year, Shively was awarded the State Area Level Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year Award. She also serves on the board for Northern Plains Dance and on the service team for Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals. North Central Judicial District MAC SCHNEIDER – Grand Forks Senator Mac Schneider is currently the minority leader of the North Dakota Senate. He is involved in his community working for those less fortunate. He serves on the Board for the Red River Valley Community Action and the Community Violence Intervention Center. He is a member of the

University of North Dakota Letterwinners Club, and has worked with other former UND football players to create the Holiday Magic from Markus charity, which raises money for gifts for children who are in the hospital over the Christmas holidays. Southeast Judicial District JOANNE OTTMAR – Jamestown Joanne Ottmar’s parents, Judge Harold and Harriet Hager, taught her that a person’s obligation as a member of a community is to give back. In following this advice, Ottmar was one of the original incorporators of SAFE shelter, an abused person’s outreach in Jamestown, and is a member and past president of the James River YMCA board and Chapter K PEO. She is also member and past chair of the North Dakota Community Foundation, and has served on the North Dakota United Methodist conference Council for Finance and Administration, and the Judicial Nominating Committee. Ottmar is also secretary/treasurer of the Jamestown Regional Medical Center and very proud of the new $50 million campus, which provides quality healthcare in the Jamestown region. Northeast Judicial District: ANTHONY SWAIN BENSON – Bottineau Benson has actively volunteered his time and talents in Bottineau since he began his legal career in 2000. A sampling of his activities include service as president of the Jaycees and on the Board of Directors of Metigoshe Ministries, a year-round summer camp and retreat center. Benson is currently a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and has been a member of the Community Theater since 1987.

The Gavel Summer2013

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