On A Personal Note

Jose Pedro Santos became a United States citizen on February 29, 2008

            Becoming a U.S. citizen is a very unique experience.  I honestly was humbled by some of the new citizens who have struggled to reach the US while escaping certain death, torture, imprisonment or persecution by the governments in their own countries.  Their teary eyes, heart-felt applause and sighs of relief and exultation were very contagious at the end of the ceremony.

            The same way it is said that you cannot choose your family, no one can control in which country they will be born, let alone the nationality of their parents.  Yet, we can always choose our friends.  Thus, in my opinion, it becomes an act of ultimate freedom to choose the country that will consider you a citizen.  I was fortunate that I did not have to escape a country ruled by tyranny or hatred.  But I still feel excited and honored to have become part of this country’s destiny.

Maggie Beck, long-time BYH secretary, retires

            Maggie Beck, one of our legal secretaries, retired on March 7, 2008.  Maggie first started working for our firm in September, 1964, using a manual typewriter.

            Maggie’s first stint with us only lasted until 1968 when she left the work force to raise her children.  She returned to our firm 11 years later, in 1979, and has worked continuously with us since that time.  Throughout her extended tour of duty, she primarily worked as Jack Benjamin’s secretary, and most recently worked as the secretary for Rick Hamilton and Brad Weber.

            Maggie’s retirement coincides with the onset of warm weather, which is fortuitous, as she loves to work outdoors and has one of the best looking yards in
Anderson Township.  Now, with her additional free time, she’ll probably have one of the best looking yards in Hamilton County!

            We at BYH will sorely miss this valuable member of our team, but she certainly deserves many years of happiness as she starts this new chapter of her life.