After a Decade of Litigation, Relief for NYC Adult Home Residents

 The spring 2014 issue of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder and Special Needs Law Journal features an article by MFY attorney Jota Borgmann detailing the decade-long litigation that led to a settlement allowing thousands of adult home residents in 23 large adult homes to move into supported housing in the community.

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After a Decade of Litigation, Relief for NYC Adult Home Residents

Dog Offers Emotional Bond to Seniors in Hospice

The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro, North Carolina, can be a sad place, but one dog is helping to change that. According to the Courier Tribune, Kota is a certified therapy dog that comes by the hospice to visit residents. This yellow lab has brought new life to the home, making special connections with the seniors there.
“It’s been great, because he will come and we will go into the rooms and even if the patient is unresponsive, we’ll put his hand on Kota’s paw and you can just tell, it’s a sense of relaxing,” Candy Hunter, Hospice House director, told the source. “It’s comforting to the patient and the family because we have all gotten to know Kota.”
The dog has even made a deep connection with Hunter’s grandfather Bill Hunt, aka “Mr. Bill” or “Pop Pop.” Mr. Bill had a dog of his own when he was still living independently, but the animal passed away. Unfortunately, his family thought he wouldn’t be able to care for another pet. Kota has stepped in and taken the role of Mr. Bill’s dog. Staff and the resident alike notice the special connection the two share.
“He’s helped bring me around. He’s my buddy. I believe he would stay with me,” Mr. Bill told the source. “He wouldn’t hurt a flea.”

Read more at http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/dog-offers-emotional-bond-to-seniors-in-hospice/#tI9dajEmQHUtJvkO.99

The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro, North Carolina, can be a sad place, but one dog is helping to change that. According to the Courier Tribune, Kota is a certified therapy dog that comes by the hospice to visit residents. This yellow lab has brought new life to the home, making special connections with the seniors there.
“It’s been great, because he will come and we will go into the rooms and even if the patient is unresponsive, we’ll put his hand on Kota’s paw and you can just tell, it’s a sense of relaxing,” Candy Hunter, Hospice House director, told the source. “It’s comforting to the patient and the family because we have all gotten to know Kota.”
The dog has even made a deep connection with Hunter’s grandfather Bill Hunt, aka “Mr. Bill” or “Pop Pop.” Mr. Bill had a dog of his own when he was still living independently, but the animal passed away. Unfortunately, his family thought he wouldn’t be able to care for another pet. Kota has stepped in and taken the role of Mr. Bill’s dog. Staff and the resident alike notice the special connection the two share.
“He’s helped bring me around. He’s my buddy. I believe he would stay with me,” Mr. Bill told the source. “He wouldn’t hurt a flea.”

Read more at http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/dog-offers-emotional-bond-to-seniors-in-hospice/#tI9dajEmQHUtJvkO.99

The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro, North Carolina, can be a sad place, but one dog is helping to change that. According to the Courier Tribune, Kota is a certified therapy dog that comes by the hospice to visit residents. This yellow lab has brought new life to the home, making special connections with the seniors there.
“It’s been great, because he will come and we will go into the rooms and even if the patient is unresponsive, we’ll put his hand on Kota’s paw and you can just tell, it’s a sense of relaxing,” Candy Hunter, Hospice House director, told the source. “It’s comforting to the patient and the family because we have all gotten to know Kota.”
The dog has even made a deep connection with Hunter’s grandfather Bill Hunt, aka “Mr. Bill” or “Pop Pop.” Mr. Bill had a dog of his own when he was still living independently, but the animal passed away. Unfortunately, his family thought he wouldn’t be able to care for another pet. Kota has stepped in and taken the role of Mr. Bill’s dog. Staff and the resident alike notice the special connection the two share.
“He’s helped bring me around. He’s my buddy. I believe he would stay with me,” Mr. Bill told the source. “He wouldn’t hurt a flea.”

Read more at http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/dog-offers-emotional-bond-to-seniors-in-hospice/#tI9dajEmQHUtJvkO.99

The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro, North Carolina, can be a sad place, but one dog is helping to change that. According to the Courier Tribune, Kota is a certified therapy dog that comes by the hospice to visit residents. This yellow lab has brought new life to the home, making special connections with the seniors there. 

“It’s been great, because he will come and we will go into the rooms and even if the patient is unresponsive, we’ll put his hand on Kota’s paw and you can just tell, it’s a sense of relaxing,” Candy Hunter, Hospice House director, told the source. “It’s comforting to the patient and the family because we have all gotten to know Kota.” 

The dog has even made a deep connection with Hunter’s grandfather Bill Hunt, aka “Mr. Bill” or “Pop Pop.” Mr. Bill had a dog of his own when he was still living independently, but the animal passed away. Unfortunately, his family thought he wouldn’t be able to care for another pet. Kota has stepped in and taken the role of Mr. Bill’s dog. Staff and the resident alike notice the special connection the two share. 

“He’s helped bring me around. He’s my buddy. I believe he would stay with me,” Mr. Bill told the source. “He wouldn’t hurt a flea.”

Source:
Dog Offers Emotional Bond to Seniors in Hospice

Alzheimer's roadshow stops off in Ammanford

John Church and Caroline Smith from the Alzheimer's Society

ALZHEIMER’S Society took their information and advice to the people of Ammanford recently as its Dementia Community Roadshow stopped off at the town's Tesco store.

The touring information vehicle, which parked up on Friday, May 23 in Ammanford was manned by Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers who provided dozens of passers-by with information and advice about the condition which affects more than 6,000 people in West Wales. The event is part of a wider tour of Wales.

Carol Jones, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Operations Manager for Wales said "It is really exciting to be able to reach out to people who may otherwise not know where to turn for information and advice about dementia. The response in Ammanford and Carmarthen has been fantastic and we had a whole range of people come on board the vehicle today to either talk to our experts or simply pick up some information.

"We hope as many people as possible will take advantage of this vital free information service while it is travelling round Wales. We want to tackle stigma by raising awareness of the condition and by encouraging people who are worried about their memory to visit their GP or to get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society to find out more about the support that is available." 

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Alzheimer's roadshow stops off in Ammanford

Guardian problems prompt call for action

Key lawmakers have said they will take action in the wake of a Dispatch investigation that revealed serious shortfalls in how the state protects children, the elderly and those with mental illness and disabilities under the control of court-appointed guardians.

“It’s the damndest thing I’ve seen in a while,” Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder said. “ It just seems to me we better hold some hearings.”

Batchelder, R-Medina, an attorney and former common pleas judge, said the legislature should address the problems revealed in the Dispatch investigation.

A yearlong look at guardianships in Ohio found numerous examples of guardians — chiefly family members and lawyers — who were ignoring their wards for months while draining their bank accounts. And it revealed a lack of oversight by the probate courts that appoint guardians, which allowed the behavior to continue.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor cautioned against a legislative fix, however, pointing out that probate court judges have the power to enact strict rules that she said can ensure people under guardianship are protected from exploitation and abuse.

“Across the state, there are judges who have kind of taken the bull by the horns and instituted local rules that address some of the concerns you may have uncovered,” O’Connor said, adding that they have done so under the rules already in place.

Full Article & Source:
Guardian problems prompt call for action

Former Phila. Judge Willis W. Berry Jr. arrested on corruption charges

Willis W. Berry Jr.'s decision to run his real estate business out of his judicial office got him suspended from his Philadelphia judgeship in 2009, and in April, a real estate deal cost him his license to practice law.

Now, those dealings could put him behind bars.

On Thursday, state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced that her office had charged Berry with theft and conflict of interest for running the business from his judicial chambers for more than a decade.

Berry, 71, surrendered to Philadelphia police Thursday morning and spent several hours behind bars before being released on his own recognizance by Magistrate Francis J. Rebstock. Rebstock, who addressed Berry as "judge" during a brief arraignment, set a preliminary hearing for May 27. As The Inquirer reported in 2007, Berry, then a Common Pleas Court judge, moonlighted as a landlord, renting a string of derelict properties in North Philadelphia and managing them out of his office at the courthouse.

Berry had his judicial secretary, Carol Fleming, collect rent, place ads for the apartments, handle maintenance complaints, and attend hearings in landlord-tenant court - all on the taxpayers' dime.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Kane's office, Berry bilked Philadelphia taxpayers out of $110,000 by using Fleming to run his business during the work day. She was Berry's primary contact for tenants at his 16 rental properties - some rundown, vermin infested, and beset with code violations.

The judge listed his official court address and office telephone in advertisements of apartment vacancies.

He used court computers, telephones, and fax machines for his business and had his tipstaff, Henry Reddy, moonlight as handyman at the properties.

All of this led to Berry's suspension from the bench without pay for four months in 2009. The state's Court of Judicial Discipline called the judge's conduct "flat-out wrong," and judicial investigators said his actions amounted to the crime of a "theft of services."

That led to criminal investigations - but no charges - by the state Attorney General's office and former District Attorney Lynne Abraham.

What changed to cause the filing of Thursday's charges is unclear. According to court documents, Kane's office initiated a new investigation last year after a citizen complaint was forwarded to prosecutors by State Rep. Garth Everett, a Lycoming County Republican.

Last November, according to the affidavit of probable cause, state investigators interviewed Fleming, who corroborated her testimony before the Judicial Conduct Board and said she spent about 528 hours a year on Berry's real estate business.

Based on an hourly rate calculated on Fleming's $44,000-a-year salary as judicial secretary, investigators estimated that $110,880 in taxpayers money was spent on Berry's private business over a decade.

Berry's longtime lawyer, Samuel C. Stretton, angrily denounced Kane's decision to bring charges, saying Berry had already been punished by a state judicial oversight panel.

"I have no idea why bring these charges now," Stretton said. "It makes no sense. It's outrageous."

Full Article & Source:
Former Phila. Judge Willis W. Berry Jr. arrested on corruption charges

See Also:
Ex-judge's lawyer questions corruption charges

Supreme Court suspends former Phila. judge's law license

Casey Kasem's Wife Jean Kasem Ordered to Appear in Court Over Ailing Star's Care

It is a complicated time for Casey Kasem. The famed radio personality has been battling health problems and the authority of his care has become a very public issue. 

Kasem, 82, is currently in Washington state with his wife Jean Kasem, whose care for him is being questioned by his children.

Authorities are now looking into the matter, as Jean was served papers on Wednesday afternoon, May 28, to appear in court in Washington's Kitsap county. According to the local NBC affiliate KING 5, Jean was given the notice in the parking lot of Harrison Medical Center in Silverdale, Wash. 

Kasem's wife is reportedly required to appear in court on Friday, May 30, by 9 a.m. If she does not show up, she could face arrest.

Full Article & Source:
Casey Kasem's Wife Jean Kasem Ordered to Appear in Court Over Ailing Star's Care

See Also:
Casey Kasem, Legendary Radio Personality, Has Been Found

Authorities: Casey Kasem found in Washington state

Judge orders investigation into Casey Kasem's whereabouts

Judge rejects conservatorship for Casey Kasem

Casey Kasem Near Death but Alert, Children Suing Wife Jean for Conservatorship NOT Will and Money

Patience Bristol escorted from court in handcuffs

 

 LAS VEGAS - Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez this morning sentenced PFSN Inc. “guardian” Patience Bristol to three to eight years in Nevada State Prison for stealing from elderly or vulnerable clients assigned to her by PFSN’s owner Jared E. Shafer.

During the one hour hearing, four victims spoke, often mentioning her employer Shafer and his firm in their emotional pleas for a maximum sentence.

Originally, Las Vegas Metro Police charged Bristol with twenty one counts of exploiting the elderly and vulnerable, but attorneys for Bristol were successful in negotiating a plea bargain with Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson to drop twenty of the counts.

Dr. Ron Dutton told the court that Bristol stole assets from his brother Jean Dutton that were intended to pay for his living in a group home, but he is now forced to be on welfare at taxpayer’s expense.

Dutton tearfully stated; “I thought she was going to be my brother’s guardian angel.” He then described Bristol’s Mercedes Benz paid for from money she stole, and asked the court to render a maximum sentence.

Full Article & Source:
Patience Bristol escorted from court in handcuffs

See Also:
First of Many Expected Lawsuits Just Filed Against For-Hire "Guardian" Jared E. Shafer and Two of His Employees

Court-Appointed Guardian Arrested for Stealing READ the two complaints filed with the CGC

READ the 16 page complaint

READ the full Berger Complaint

The Jason Hanson - Jared E. Shafer Story

New Lawsuit Filed Against Nevada "Guardians" Patience Bristol and Jared E. Shafer

Nevada Guardian Patience Bristol Arraigned on Robbery Charges

Former Public Guardian

Guardian Jared Shafer's Public Signs Become a Public Nuisance

Woman charged in Rockland County with killing mother-in-law for inheritance

NEW CITY >> A woman from Florida lured her 80-year-old mother-in-law to the door of her home with a late-night cellphone call, then killed her in hopes of obtaining part of her multimillion-dollar estate, according to court documents made public Thursday.

The daughter-in-law, Diana Nadell of Cutler Bay, Florida, was charged earlier this week with murder and conspiracy in the stabbing of Peggy Nadell of Valley Cottage. Three other women were also charged.

Police and prosecutors have refused to discuss a motive, but the complaint, signed by a Clarkstown police detective, says Diana Nadell wanted some of her mother-in-law’s $4 million “marital inheritance.”

Prosecutors are trying to extradite the defendants from Florida, California and Washington, D.C. No lawyers are listed for them yet in Clarkstown Justice Court, where the complaints were filed. The content of the complaints was first reported in The Journal News.

The documents say Diana Nadell and Andrea Benson of Washington, D.C., went to Peggy Nadell’s home on Jan. 25 and called her at 1:17 a.m. to get her to the front door, then killed her.

Full Article & Source:
Woman charged in Rockland County with killing mother-in-law for inheritance

Eviction, Evasion, Invasion?

A fraudulent "guardianship" in a matrimonial action, resulted in an unlawful eviction of the ex-wife.

On 05/19/2014 at 10:10 a.m., four squad cars and a van pulled up to a residence at 21 Equestrian Park Drive, Katonah, NY, to carry out what is now ascertained to have been an UNLAWFUL eviction of the ex-wife (5'2" and 105 lbs.) from the marital residence. 

The victim, Diane Colletti-Rotanelli, peaceably opened the door for a Sgt. Grossi, ready to leave.  Sgt. Grossi, who said he was from the Westchester County Sheriff's office, refused to give her a copy of the eviction order. 

The officers, laughing, scattered throughout the marital residence while she stood there unable to stop them.  They refused to do a walk-through of the house or grounds even after her numerous requests so as to document the furnishings, collectibles, artwork, etc. and to verify things were in good order. A final meter reading could not be obtained, as the former Mrs. Diane Rotanelli was being ordered off the grounds.

Several of the officers, a man and a woman, used intimidating tactics, even grabbing her arm numerous times, but Ms. Diane Colletti caused no problems, acceding to their orders. They refused to let her pick up personal items left on the counter, including a camera.

When "escorting" Ms. Colletti out, they caused damage to her vehicle. Sgt. Grossi loudly told her if she stepped one foot on the property she would be arrested. When she asked to see a court order to that effect, he raised his voice even more, and said he is "telling" her. 

Instead of locking the door and leaving, some of the officers went back inside the residence. She parked on the public street to observe. 

Atty. Kenneth L. Bunting, previously appointed by a judge as Guardian ad Litem ("GAL") "to protect" Ms. Colletti's rights and interests, unbeknownst to her at the time, was in a car on the road, observed the officers escorting her down the driveway to the street, and drove past her, parking in front of the house next door. 

Then a tractor-sized moving truck arrived.  The driver greeted him, they shook hands, and exchanged some kind of paperwork.  The moving truck, after about ten minutes, left and "GAL" Bunting proceeded up the driveway and talked to the officers.

One of the unmarked vehicles came down the driveway to the end of the block, and returned, escorting a vehicle with Mr. Michael Rotanelli, owner of Transit Towing a/k/a Transit Auto Towing, who was recently a Democratic candidate for Yonkers City Council President.  With him was his companion Carol Bengis, secretary to the former Yonkers City Council President, and employed by Michael Rotanelli's attorney, Westchester County Legislator Gordon A. Burrows, who was not present. They were greeted by "GAL" Bunting, and all three entered the residence. The two later were observed signing and exchanging documents while Carol Bengis remained inside the marital residence.

An unidentified woman arrived in a car and she also entered the residence, while several officers stared down Ms. Colletti from the top of the driveway.

During this time an officer had been going in and out of the residence and placing items into the van. When he left, passing Ms. Colletti, he showed her his middle finger.

When "GAL" Bunting finally left, he passed Ms. Colletti where she was observing from the street, and without a greeting of any kind, "The Protector" just smirked at her and took off in his vehicle.

WILL THE WIFE'S SHARE OF THE MARITAL PROPERTY AND HER OWN PRE-MARITAL AND INHERITED PROPERTY, PUT UNDER CONTROL OF "GAL" BUNTING BY THE COURT, NOW BE GIVEN TO HER, BY THIS SO-CALLED "PROTECTOR OF HER RIGHTS"?

Stay tuned!  Copies of the court documents which permitted violation of ex-wife's rights by means of a fraudulent and unlawful "guardianship" leading to this unlawful eviction will be posted.

See Also:

“Go to a homeless shelter, judge tells wife”

Fraudulent "Guardianship" in Matrimonial Action Ends in Unlawful Eviction of Wife

(As told to a NASGA member)

If you don't know 'your rights - you don't have any - especially when judges resort to misuse of and violation of law, such as in this Fraudulent "Guardianship."  (This, we understand, has happened elsewhere in matrimonial cases.)