ANNUAL REUNION LUNCHEON

The association holds an annual reunion luncheon to which all current and past Marin County Grand Jurors, and guests, are welcome.

This year the luncheon was held on May 9, 2007 at The Club, in McInnis Park, San Rafael

56 former and current Grand Jurors attended, along with two guests, Judy Lazenby - President of our parent organization, the California Grand Jurors Association, and our speaker, Brad Breithaupt of the Marin Independant Journal.

Jack Zepp, a long time member now living in Southern California, was also scheduled to attend but was in an automobile accident (not his fault) and could not make it at the last minute.

The reception table was tended to by Alison Seaman and Ann Marie Melanephy.

Folders containing information about the meeting, the chapter's officers current members, and a membership application form were given to all attendees.

The room was nearly full to capacity with all of the attendees.

Our President, Betty Mattea, made introductory remarks ....

and then introduced Judy Lazenby who brought greetings from the CGJA and thanked Marin members for their years of service and consistent contributions to the state organization.

Betty also presented a floral prize for the person who served on the earliest Grand Jury. This year it was Al Lozano from the 1981 Grand Jury.

The lunch, arranged by Ann Marie Melanephy, gave us three meal choices and an innovative ice cream "bar" desert with many different toppings.

After lunch, Betty introduced Brad Breithaupt of the Marin Independant Journal, our speaker.

The presentation by Brad Breithaupt which was very well received. Comments were made about our general appreciation of the IJ coverage of the reports. Brad commented that, in general, he thought the Grand Jury was a valuable county asset - even when we were wrong! He went on to point out the many times we were right. He had obviously researched many of our past reports, as he made specific comments on some of them. He stressed the importance of report continuity, a subject always at the top of any discussion amongst former jurors.

Upon concluding his talk he generously answered questions from the audience.

After Brad's presentation we had a drawing from amongst those who had joined or renewed membership in the chapter and/or the state organization. The winner was Ms. Kay Antongiovanni from the 2002-2003 jury, who renewed to both organizations.

Past President Owen Haxton made some closing remarks.

Perhaps the most important result of this reunion was the opportunity the participants had to meet and greet colleagues they may not have seen for a long time. Several groups were notice comparing notes of their Grand Jury days and a couple of them had even brought newpaper articles about their reports. One brought the group photo from his jury to show to others, especially if they were in the picture.

Many compliments were received and the general opinion seemed to be that the reunion was very successful.

At the next General Membership meeting it was agreed to continue this as an annual event.

Special credit is given to the team that organized this event:

Ann Marie Melanephy who made all of the arrangements.

Owen Haxton, Betty Matea and Catherine McKown who prepared the handout folders.