Dearest Members,
����� My name is Christopher Ranney. I have been Chapter President of Fathers For Children a little over a year. I am writing this letter to let everyone know that these are exciting times for fathers and their children.
����� Broome County has a new family court judge. Her name is Rita Connerton. She has been the clerk to Judge Hester for at least 10 years. She won the November election and will be at her new job for at least the next 10 years. Many of our members followed her along the campaign trail this past fall, and asked many of the questions that are important to our relationships with our children. She does feel that there is a "generational bias" in the courts, meaning that some of the older judges may impose a 50's style setting on our current divorced families. Please send her a letter of congratulations just to let her know that we care. Also, can we get some reports from everyone who goes in front of her ? Thanks...
����� Another great story was our participation in the Holiday Parade in the village of Johnson City. It was a beautiful night. We had 8 or 9 volunteers who marched down Main Street and let the crowd of a few thousand know that THE BEST PARENTS ARE BOTH PARENTS-SUPPORT SHARED PARENTING ! I was the lucky guy that worn the CAT IN THE HAT costume. We were a big hit among the children, the fathers and second wives and girlfriends. It is very inspiring to go down that street with our 6 foot banner and get the "thumbs up" from just about everyone. If you would like to participate in DEC. 2002 parade, get ahold of us and we will put you on the list to call. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Other happenings:
Next meeting Jan 10 and Jan 24. Let us know if you need a ride.
State meeting in Albany Jan 19. Come and see how it works at the state level.
Legislative season begins this month. It is time to educate Senator Tom Libous. If you haven't called him this week, his number is 607/773-8771.
Legislative Education Awareness Day L.E.A.D.
����� We are in the greatest struggle of our lives. We all have incredible hurts from being treated unfairly by an unfair family court system. For the good of our children, we must stand in front of the mirror and ask ourselves, "What are we going to do about it ?" I would encourage every person reading this to join forces with other mothers and fathers. Even if you think everything is okay for now. We will win this struggle if everyone bands together and makes our legislators and judges realize that THE BEST PARENTS ARE BOTH PARENTS.
See you at the next meeting.
Christopher Ranney
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