LSHV Hosts Successful 2nd Ulster Partners in Justice Reception

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY: On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) held its 2nd Ulster Partners in Justice Reception at Stonehedge in West Park, NY. During the fundraising event, which was created to support LSHV’s work in Ulster County, the organization honored Ulster’s oldest firm, Rusk Wadlin Heppner & Martuscello, LLP as “Champion of Justice” and Dr. Alan Roberts, President and SUNY Ulster as “Advocate for Justice.” Close to 100 people attended the networking reception which had been rescheduled due to inclement weather in November, and 22 community leaders lent their support to the organization as Honorary Event Committee Members.

LSHV is the only provider in the Hudson Valley of free, comprehensive, legal services in civil (noncriminal) matters for individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney when their basic human needs are at stake. This includes urgent legal needs such as: domestic violence, housing emergencies including eviction and foreclosure prevention, healthcare, disability and benefits, elder law, consumer fraud and more. In 2018, LSHV handled 15,285 cases, impacting more than 35,000 household members throughout its seven-county service area. 1,358 of those cases, 50% of which involved housing issues – impacting 3,023 household members, including 1,147 children and 389 seniors – were handled for residents of Ulster County.

LSHV’s Attorney-in-Charge, Kingston Office, Lauren Sheeley explained to the guests in attendance why this event and the work LSHV does is so important, saying, “As the only provider of free civil legal services in the area for individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney when their basic human needs are at stake, we know that the people we help are our neighbors. They are just like us, but after one major illness, job loss, or tragedy, the dominoes start to fall, and they end up in a desperate situation and in need of a helping hand.” Oftentimes, people need a lawyer to protect their rights and assure fairness in the justice system. That’s where LSHV’s 90 attorneys across seven counties make a difference.

Rusk Wadlin Heppner & Martuscello, LLP
The event honored Rusk Wadlin Heppner & Martuscello, LLP for its outstanding business achievements, wide-ranging engagement with our community, and philanthropy. Partner John Rusk, who accepted the award on behalf of the firm, said “Now more than ever, civil liberties need to be protected for low income individuals and families when basic human needs are at stake. This is the mission of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, and we are honored to accept this award as a partner in that mission. For 150 years our firm has represented individuals and families in their search for justice. We will continue that tradition and hope everyone will support LSHV in this mission.”

Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP was founded in 1870 by John Rusk, Esq., with an office on Western Avenue, in the town of Marlborough. In 1955, the firm opened a Kingston office and in 1984, became Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner, & Martuscello, LLP (“RWHM”). Since that time, RWHM has grown to the firm it is today. It has 12 attorneys and a professional staff dedicated to personalized attention and service to the Hudson Valley community. With offices in Marlboro and Kingston, RWHM is easily accessible to its clients and able to serve their diverse needs. RWHM represents clients throughout the Hudson Valley including Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, Columbia, Delaware, and Greene Counties. RWHM also serves clients throughout the state as needed. RWHM is a very diverse firm where each attorney focuses his/her practice in specific areas of law. RWHM has a team of attorneys dedicated to personal injury law and trial practice. RWHM also has attorneys specializing in estate planning, elder law, trusts and estates, real estate, mortgage foreclosure, bankruptcy, matrimonial and family law. For nearly 150 years the law firm has been practicing law and managing its clients’ legal concerns. RWHM continues that tradition by providing legal ser­vices to individuals, families, companies, and organizations. RWHM serves the community through knowledge, specialized computer systems, current legal resources, and a helpful, well-trained staff. RWHM is mindful of the human side of every legal issue. Several attorneys in the firm’s office also work part-time for the Ulster County District Attorney’s office. RWHM lawyers are dedicated to the Hudson Valley Community with participation over the years on several local boards: The Ulster County Community College, Ulster County and New York State Bar Association, Committee on Professional Standards for the Appellate Division, Third Department, Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council, Wallkill Valley Land Trust, as well as church and other community organizations. RWHM attorneys have volunteered their time as mentors and coaches for several high school mock trial teams, basketball, baseball and softball teams. John Rusk was recognized by Trial Lawyers Care, the largest pro bono legal services program in history, for his representation of victims and their families who suffered injuries during the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.

Dr. Alan Roberts, President, and SUNY Ulster
Dr. Alan Roberts, President, and SUNY Ulster were honored for exemplary accomplishment in fostering social justice by creating access to higher education, as well as broad involvement with our community. In accepting this recognition, he said "On behalf of SUNY Ulster’s community of faculty, staff, students and our Board of Trustees, we are honored to be recognized as the 2018 Advocate for Justice by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. SUNY Ulster is proud to champion our commitment to changing lives by providing affordable access to higher education. The contributions from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide advocacy, civil legal representation, and service to families and individuals in need in Ulster County is an inspiration to us all."

Dr. Alan P. Roberts’ tenure as President of SUNY Ulster commenced July 27, 2015. Since his arrival to the SUNY Ulster community, his commitment to student success and community partnerships have been paramount, viewing the challenges facing many of today’s institutions of higher education, including SUNY Ulster, as opportunities. SUNY Ulster prides itself on a strong tradition of providing exceptional education in a student-focused environment. Ranked by BestColleges.com, a partner of HigherEducation.com, as a best community college in New York State for 2018 at #5 out of their Top 25 and as a Gold Top Military Friendly school, we offer 60 academic programs, preparing students to succeed in a wide variety of careers and industry-specific credentialing programs. Serving as a crucial gateway to higher education, over 60 percent of our students successfully transfer to four-year colleges throughout the nation to complete their baccalaureate degrees. SUNY Ulster aims to create, maintain, and better the quality of life for its students and community so they can take away as much as possible from their experience. Most recently, SUNY Ulster partnered with Ulster County on the creation of the College Entry Student Success Program, a higher education access program specifically designed to support and assist TANF families and economically disadvantaged youth in Ulster County in achieving self-sufficiency by earning a certificate or degree from SUNY Ulster as well as pre-college support and programming to help high school students with preparing for college and the college enrollment process. Located in the heart of Mid-Town, the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster (KCSU), developed through the vision of Ulster County Executive Michael Hein (S.T.R.I.V.E. project) and with the collaboration of the Kingston City School District, the State and many local contributors, brings a diverse array of college programs within easy reach for residents of the City of Kingston, including college and career course opportunities. Early College and High School Equivalency programs at the KCSU provide pathways into college. AdultEDge, one of the College’s newest initiatives is geared toward creating easier avenues for adult students to earn a degree or a credential supported and endorsed by local industry that leads directly to in-demand jobs in our community. Dr. Roberts previously served as Vice President of Applied Science and Technology at Indian River State College (IRSC) in Fort Pierce, FL from 2004 to 2015 with 27 years of service working in higher education in various academic and administrative leadership roles. Dr. Roberts received his Associate’s Degree in Marketing and Retail Management from North Country Community College; his Baccalaureate Degree in Business and Marketing and Master’s Degree in Distributive Education from the University of New York at Albany; and his Doc­torate in Community College Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida.

This year’s sponsors included: Gold – Rusk Wadlin Heppner & Martuscello, LLP; Silver – Basch & Keegan and SUNY Ulster; Bronze – Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Robert M. Osgood, Esq., and Sher Tremonte, LLP; Giving Tree – two anonymous individuals; Media – Radio Woodstock/100.1 WDST; Floral – Green Cottage, High Falls.

Information on LSHV’s programs is available online at www.lshv.org. To request assistance, call 1-877-574-8529 (Monday to Thursday, 8AM-6PM, Friday 8AM-4PM).

Pictured (L-R): John Rusk, Esq., Partner, Rusk Wadlin Heppner & Martuscello, LLP; LSHV’s Attorney-in-Charge, Kingston, Lauren Sheeley; Dr. Alan Roberts, President, SUNY Ulster.