PRESIDENT'S CORNER

BY JANET MENDEZ (INGHAM)

Hello, fellow RAM’ers!  I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the lovely summer weather!
 
We have concluded our annual conference, which was held in Midland from May 21-23, 2025. Thank you to all members that were able to join us. It is your active participation and the camaraderie that is shared over the three-day event that makes the annual conference so special. This year’s conference was phenomenal. Thank you to Sahera Housey and Kate Weaver for all of their hard work and dedication in planning the conference.  We had speakers and presentations that provided legally relevant information to all of our members, including juvenile and domestic relations issues. We also had a presentation specific to our own self-care, recognizing the stressful work that we all do, and discussing ways to combat the pressures and stressors that we face. Although the weather was less than ideal on the first day of the conference, this did not prevent people from getting outside and enjoying the quaint downtown area of Midland. And a big thank you to Ilyssa Cimmino for planning a fun and unique social activity for Thursday evening. Members made their way to three different establishments to collect playing cards, ending up at a final destination to turn in their cards and see who collected the best poker hand.  The event culminated in a social hour at the local distillery, with snacks and fellowship.

At the conclusion of the presentations, we had our annual awards ceremony. All of the new referees that have been in their positions for less than one year were recognized. And let me say, we have a very large and impressive group of new referees. To all of you, welcome to the family, and please do not hesitate to reach out to other members for tips and/or advice when needed, whether through the listserv or directly by phone and/or email. We also recognized members that have reached a notable milestone in their careers, having reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service. A huge kudos and congratulations to all of the certificate recipients. Your dedication to the work you do is recognized. Finally, five awards were granted to individuals being recognized for important work they have done for our organization. The 2025 award recipients were as follows:
 
Presidential Award – In recognition of Gregory Toler, Macomb County, for his longstanding and dedicated service in the role of referee. Greg has been a referee for 34 years.
 
Outstanding Recognition Award – In recognition of Erin Magley, Ottawa County, for her exemplary service to the board in consistently volunteering and going above and beyond in representing RAM and assisting its members.
 
Valuable Member Award – In recognition of Tyler Martinez, Oakland County, for his dedication to the Referees Quarterly, and for going above and beyond in his diligence in revamping the listserv and website.
 
Service to the Bard Award – In recognition of Peter Stathakis, MJI, for his steadfast commitment to working with the board in ensuring quality and relevant training for RAM members and all referees across the state. Pete was not able to join us at the conference, so his award will be presented to him at an upcoming board meeting or training session.
 
Past President Award – In recognition of Kate Weaver, Oakland County, for her outstanding leadership as President of RAM from 2022 – 2024, and long-standing service as co-chair of the Conference Committee.
 
Next year’s conference will again be held in Midland, Michigan. Hopefully everyone will be able to join us for this exceptional event. And remember, RAM is an approved provider of MCJE, so you will earn credits towards your continuing legal education requirements.
 
That’s all for now. I hope everyone has a fantastic summer. And safe travels to all with vacation plans.