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Russell, Krafft and Gruber, LLP is excited to be featured in the Women in Business section of the November/December 2011 issue of Susquehanna Style. The feature highlights just some of the great qualities and community work of Christina Hausner, Holly Filius and Julie Miller. If you are interested in viewing the feature, you can purchase a copy at newsstands or view the publication online (page 91-92). Susquehanna Style is a bi-monthly regional lifestyle magazine for the residents of south central Pennsylvania.

In conjunction with the Women in Business feature, Chris, Holly and Julie will be attending the Celebrate Women event held on November 30, 2011, at the Accomac Inn. If you are interested in attending, you can purchase tickets and find out more information on Susquehanna Style's website. The $10 admission donation will benefit the Power Packs Project which is a school hunger initiative.

November 1, 2011

Matthew Grosh will be on the faculty for the National Business Institute's seminar Tax Exempt Organizations from Start to Finish, on November 9, 2011 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  This seminar will cover topics such as:

• Establishing, operating and terminating tax-exempt organizations.
• Studying the various categories of 501(c)s under the internal revenue code, and learn how to properly apply for tax-exempt status.
• Making sure to include all of the key provisions in articles of incorporation and bylaws.
• Recognizing the two Sarbanes-Oxley requirements for nonprofit organizations, and learn what other SOX practices may be extremely valuable to implement.
• Gaining a better understanding of the fiduciary duties and potential liabilities of the Board of Directors and officers.
• How to ensure organizational transparency on Form 990, while using it as a positive marketing opportunity.
• Avoid inadvertent paperwork mistakes that may trigger a compliance check by the IRS.
• Understand what documentation needs to be filed to authorize dissolutions of exempt organizations.
• Maintain an ethical practice by knowing how to handle multiple representation and confidentiality dilemmas.

If you are interested in attending you can register online.

July 5, 2011

Matthew Grosh has joined the S. June Smith Center's Board of Directors. Matt is proud to be given the opportunity to support the mission of the S. June Center which is to, "...support children with developmental needs through education, therapeutic services, and family-centered programming. We seek to educate children, support families and strengthen communities through our Infant/Toddler and Preschool Programs, as well as Project Together, Community Outreach, SPLASH, Miracles `n Motion, Community Training, and Tiny Miracles."

In addition to Matt's efforts to support the mission of the S. June Smith Center, he will be working with his colleagues Holly Filius and Julie Miller who both serve on the S. June Smith Center Foundation's Board of Directors. Holly has served on the board since 2006 and currently serves as the President. Julie joined the board in 2009.

 May 11, 2011

On April 27, 2011, Holly Filius received a Letter of Commendation from the Lancaster County Commissioners in recognition of the Central Penn Business Journal's Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award. She will formally receive her award on May 16 at the Women of Influence Luncheon. Holly was presented with the Letter of Commendation during the Lancaster County Commissioners' Meeting. The letter acknowledged Holly's commitment to her clients and community,

"With respect and appreciation, the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners would like to congratulate you on being named the 2011 Central Penn Business Journal's Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. We are honored to recognize your impressive career, leadership skills and accomplishments in the business community. You have committed your life to making Lancaster County and all of Central Pennsylvania a great place to work and live."

 April 20, 2011

Holly S. Filius, Managing Partner, of Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP in Lancaster, PA has recently been named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence Awards program.

Filius received her B.A. in Political Science from Villanova University and her J.D. from Widener University School of Law. She concentrates her law practice in Family Law, Adoption and Estate Planning. Filius joined the firm as an associate in 1998 and attributes her early success to hard work, a commitment to client service and integrity, which has earned her a solid reputation among her clients and the legal community. This success led to a partnership offer after only five years in private practice. Six years later in 2009, she was elected Managing Partner of the firm. Filius' commitment to excellence and her leadership skills made her an ideal candidate for the position.

Filius has earned a reputation as one of the best Family Law attorneys in Lancaster. Over the years she has acted as a mentor to all of the young lawyers at Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP. In addition to mentoring lawyers in her own firm Filius often makes time for law clerks and even lawyers in other firms who recognize her expertise and appreciate her professional and approachable demeanor.

Currently, Filius serves as President of the Board of Directors of the S. June Smith Center Foundation. She is active in numerous community and professional groups, has served on the Board of Directors of The Pennsylvania State Foster Parent Association and as a member of the Women in Business Committee of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Filius' career achievements are ones that stand out among both the men and women in her field. Under her leadership the firm has been able to successfully balance growth and caution in the midst of a struggling economy and position the firm for the future. As a long time resident of Lancaster County, she feels a commitment to her community and strives to make Lancaster county a better place to live and work.

The Women of Influence awards were created in 2010 to recognize midstate women leaders who are influential in their companies, industries and communities. In total, 28 local women business leaders will receive awards recognizing their outstanding leadership, integrity and accomplishments in the midstate’s business community at the Central Penn Business Journal’sWomen of Influence event on Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Hilton Harrisburg. The award recipients will also be profiled in a special supplement to the May 20, 2011, issue of the Central Penn Business Journal. This list will also appear in the Business Journal’s 2012 Book of Lists publication.

The complete list of honorees and award descriptions are:

25 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: Influential women leaders who have a solid reputation based on their experience, integrity and leadership, and have a proven track record of accomplishments.

Denise Marino Clelan, Co-Owner, The Clelan Companies

Debra B. Cohen, Executive Vice President & COO, Capital BlueCross

Kara M. Darlington, Associate Member of the Firm, Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC

Patricia M. Doll, Owner, Publicity Works

Jennifer Kay Engle, Owner/Principal, jke marketing & communications

Jennifer Englerth, CEO, Family First Health

Lynn A. Fitzsimons, CPA, Partner, Walz, Deihm, Geisenberger, Bucklen & Tennis, P.C.

Randy Freedman, Executive Director, York Jewish Community Center

Patricia Gingrich, President/CEO, American Personnel Managers & Consultants, Inc.

Ann Marie Hall, Owner, FASTSIGNS of Lancaster

Deb Hodges, SVP of Operations, Triple Crown Corporation

Leigh A. Hurst, President/Founder, Feel Your Boobies Foundation & Say Something Big

Jane D. Koppenheffer, President and CEO, The Insurance Alliance of Central PA, Inc.

Holly Williams Leppo, AIA, Architect & Vice President, SMB&R, Inc.

Jo Ellen Litz, President/Owner/Commissioner, Swatara Watershed Association/Litz Company/County of Lebanon

Patricia A. Martin, Vice President, Human Resources Manager, Union National Community Bank

Michele M. McHenry, President, Laser Lab, Inc.

Renee C. Mattei Myers, Member, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

Donna M. Newell, President, NTM Engineering, Inc.

Lisa D. Riggs, President, James Street Improvement District

Barbara A. Sindicich, CEO, Bituminous Paving Materials of York, Inc.

Kim R. Smith, Attorney/Partner, Hartman Underhill & Brubaker, LLP

Margaret L. Stauffer, CPA, CCIFP, Partner, Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP

Cynthia A. Sudor, President/Owner, Cynthia A. Sudor Enterprises/Cynergy Marketing

Tina Weyant, Executive Director, World Trade Center of Central PA

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Community Achievement Award: Presented to a woman who has dedicated a significant amount of time, energy and expertise to helping midstate community organizations thrive.

Presented to Aimée L. Urban, COO, Way Services Inc.

Woman to Watch Award: Presented to a woman, age 30 or under, who is stepping up to help shape the Central Pennsylvania of tomorrow.

Presented to Kristina A. Pae, Communications Associate, Harrisburg Academy

Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to a woman who has committed her life to making Central Pennsylvania a great place to work and live.

Presented to Holly S. Filius, Managing Partner, Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP

March 31, 2011

Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP is pleased to announce that Julie B. Miller has become a partner with the firm and Derek P. Dissinger has joined the firm as an associate.

Miller joined Russell, Krafft & Gruber in 2005 after several years in private practice. She received her B.A. in English literature from Penn State University and earned her J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law of Penn State University. Before attending law school, she worked as a legislative research analyst for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. After law school she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph C. Madenspacher of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County. Julie concentrates her practice in Family Law, Collaborative Law, Municipal Law, Land Use, Land Planning and Zoning.

Dissinger joins the firm as an Associate Attorney. He received a B.A. in English Literature and a B.A. in History, summa cum laude, from Lebanon Valley College. He earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Duquesne University School of Law. He is currently attending Penn State University to complete his MBA, which he began as a joint degree in law school. He will concentrate his legal practice in Banking and Finance, Business Law, Estate Planning, Employment Law, Real Estate and Taxation.

February 8, 2011

Matthew Grosh has joined the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Lancaster, whose mission is to, “improve the nutrition by providing meal service to the ill, disabled and senior residents within the greater Lancaster area.” Matthew is looking forward to use his experience as legal counsel for nonprofit organizations to help Meals on Wheels of Lancaster achieve their mission.  If you would like to volunteer for or donate to Meals on Wheels of Lancaster, please visit the website.

December 28, 2010

On December 13, at the Lancaster Bar Association holiday party, Christina Hausner was presented with a Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Award recognizing  the extensive legal services she has provided voluntarily and without payment to those who are unable to afford them. Chris has actively participated in the Volunteer Attorney Program,  regularly representing income eligible clients referred to her by MidPenn Legal Services, handling over 55 cases since 1989.  While she has handled a variety of  cases over the years,  in this past year she has provided representation to  unemployment compensation claimants exclusively, and has been successful in obtaining benefits for most of these clients.  Russell, Krafft & Gruber is proud of her accomplishment and her dedication to the community.

Christina Hausner is a partner at Russell, Krafft & Gruber. She practices primarily in the areas of Employment Law, Municipal Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury.

November 2, 2010

Matthew Grosh has been selected as a Preferred Consultant for the Nonprofit Resource Network (NRN). The mission of the Nonprofit Resource Network is to "enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations, providing professional development, networking opportunities and access to critical information resources."

The NRN describes the Preferred Consultant Network as a directory that provides access to prescreened consultants that you may need to build and operate an effective nonprofit. All consultants in the NRN’s Preferred Consultant Network have successfully completed a consultant screening application and have agreed to engage in a post-engagement evaluation process with agencies who have contacted them through the NRN.

Matt is passionate about helping Nonprofit & Tax-Exempt Organizations succeed. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations and has presented several seminars on Nonprofit legal issues. Matt is a frequent contributor for the content for the Nonprofit & Tax-Exempt Organizations section of the Lancaster Law Blog.

August 10, 2010

Matthew Grosh will be on the faculty for the National Business Institute's seminar How to Keep Tax-Exempt Organizations in Compliance, on August 25, 2010 in Harrisburg, PA. This seminar will cover the various aspects for protecting your tax-exempt status, like information to stay current on the latest regulations, study the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on tax-exempt organizations, avoid intermediate sanctions and ensure accounting practices are up to par.

 The National Business Institute lists the top five benefits of attending as:

• Gain strategies for safeguarding directors, officers and executives from potential liability.
• Create an environment of accountability by establishing comprehensive internal controls.
• Follow annual reporting requirements and comply with the rules governing disclosures and solicitation.
• Know how to identify what qualifies as unrelated business income – and what the exceptions are.
• Adhere to the accepted guidelines for determining appropriate executive compensation.

If you are interested in attending you can register at the National Business Institute website.

July 7, 2010

On July 13, 2010, I will again be serving as a faculty member for the Seminar “Landlord Tenant Law; Beyond the Basics”, which will be held in Harrisburg. This is the second year that I have served on the faculty and I am looking forward to interacting with my colleagues and other professionals who handle landlord and tenant problems on a regular basis.

This seminar presents an opportunity to update lawyers, property managers and other real estate professionals about the status of landlord/tenant issues and any recent changes to the law. Last year, it provided every participant with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss particular issues that they encounter in their everyday dealings with tenants and landlords. If you are interested in attending this seminar you can register at the Sterling Education website.

 April 15, 2010

Aaron Zeamer has joined the Board of Directors for the Hands-on House. The mission of the Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster, " is to create and provide interactive learning opportunities for all children and their families through self-directed exhibits and programming that stimulate curiosity and invite the joy of discovery through play."

For more information about the Hands-on House, please visit their website.

March 23, 2010

Russell, Krafft & Gruber is proud to be exhibiting at the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) Annual Conference held on April 6, 2010. This event features keynote speaker Robert Egger of the DC Central Kitchen and 9 educational workshops. The workshop topics include:

• Using Technology to Move Your Mission Forward
• Partnering with Corporations: Five Strategies to Increase Sponsorship Income
• Nonprofit Advocacy Engagement: Now Is the Time for Community Benefit Organizations to Step Up
• Emerging Trends in Health Insurance for Employers
• A Look at Nonprofit Collaboration and Shared Services
• Make Your Teams All They Can Be and Much More
• Jumping In With Both Toes... How To Immerse Your Organization in Social Media Without Drowning
• "To Merge or Not to Merge?"
• The Pollyanna Principles: A New and Revolutionary Way to Approach (and Enhance!) "Nonprofit" Governance!

March 17, 2010

Matthew Grosh recently joined the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County's Government Affairs Committee. The committee monitors proposed state and federal laws and regulations, meets with elected officials and works with the Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA) to ensure that township, county and statewide laws and regulations are fair and equitable to the home building industry.  

February 25, 2010

The Rotary Club of Ephrata, PA, a service organization benefiting the citizens and community organizations within the Ephrata Area School District, is accepting applications for monetary grants from organizations within the Ephrata Area School District which provide services or opportunities to persons within the Ephrata Area School District. Monetary grants may range from $500.00 to $2,500.00. Grants will be awarded based on purpose and community benefit.

Grant Applications may be requested by contacting Gary G. Krafft by mail at 930 Red Rose Court, Suite 300, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by phone at either (717) 733-9500 or (717) 293-9293 or by email at ggk@rkglaw.com, or by using the link below. Completed applications must be returned to Gary G. Krafft by mail at 930 Red Rose Court, Suite 300, Lancaster, Pennsylvania or by e-mail to ggk@rkglaw.com by no later than April 15, 2010. If an application is submitted via e-mail, please call 293-9293 to confirm that it has been received. Successful applicants will be notified on or about April 15, 2010.

 Application:2010 Rotary Grant Application

December 17, 2009

July 30, 2009

Holly S. Filius was recently elected President of the S. June Smith Center Foundation Board of Directors. Holly has served on the board since June of 2006.  Julie Miller also recently joined the board to assist the foundation in their effort to provide financial support for the S. June Smith Center.

The S. June Smith Center website describes their work as, "support[ing] children with developmental needs through education, therapeutic services, and family-centered programming. We seek to educate children, support families and strengthen communities through our Infant/Toddler and Preschool Programs, as well as Project Together, Community Outreach, SPLASH, Miracles `n Motion, Community Training, and Tiny Miracles."

July 29, 2009

Lancaster County residents are now given an opportunity to save money on prescription medications at participating Caremark pharmacies. These discount cards are being sponsored by NACo (National Association of Counties) and offer an average savings of 22%. The program offers discounts on prescriptions that are not covered by other health insurance plans. The discount can be used as often as needed with no limitations or restrictions. Simply present the card at a participating pharmacy to receive qualifying discounts on medication. There are no enrollment forms, membership fees, or eligibility guidelines. One card can offer coverage for an entire family. Cards are available at any county or municipal office, recreational facility, library, pharmacy or senior center.  In an interview with Lancaster County Commissioner Scott Martin, Martin comments that pet medications are also eligible for discounts.

For additional information on the free prescription discount cards, you can visit the Caremark website or call their customer service hotline at 1-877-321-2652.

July 22, 2009

Melissa-Ann Smith was recently named Treasurer of the Lancaster Area Paralegal Association (LAPA). Melissa has been a member of LAPA since 1997. Melissa commented on her recent appointment, "In the past, LAPA has worked without budget because it didn't really need one. But, as LAPA grows a budget is the only practical way to make sure funds are being used in the way they were intended. My goal over the next few months is to create and get board approval of LAPA's first ever budget. Some may see that as a daunting task, I see it as just plain old fun."

The Lancaster Area Paralegal Association is a non-profit corporation, which has been serving Paralegals and Legal Assistants in the Lancaster area since 1984. LAPA is a charter member of the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations and an affiliated association of the National Association of Legal Assistance. LAPA's goals and objectives are:

• To encourage and foster continuing legal education of its members.
• To establish good fellowship and networking among association members, other local paralegal associations, and the members of the legal community.
• To promote the profession of the paralegal; educating the public for the advancement and improvement of the profession; and broadening public understanding of the skills and functions of the paralegal.
• To support and carry out the programs, purposes, aims and goals of the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations.
• To encourage a high order of ethical and professional attainment.

July 20, 2009

The Lancaster Law Blog has officially joined the micro-blogosphere on Twitter. You can find our "tweets" at www.twitter.com/LancLawBlog. We would love for our readers to follow us on Twitter. If you are already  on Twitter it's a convenient alternative to subscribing via email . New posts featured on our blog are posted immediately to Twitter, so you won't miss any updates. If you aren't really sure what Twitter is all about visit their F.A.Q to learn more about "tweeting".

June 20, 2009

Matthew Grosh will be on the faculty for the National Business Institute, Legal and Financial Aspects of Tax-Exempt Organizations on August 10, 2009. This seminar is an opportunity for Nonprofit business professionals such as Attorneys, Accountants, CPAs, CFOs, Presidents, Executive Directors, Vice Presidents, Officers and Trustees, Enrolled Agents, and In-House Counsel to continue their education. The seminar will cover How to become Tax-Exempt, Financial and Tax Considerations, Lobbying and Political Activities, Changing Regulatory Environment, Ethical Considerations, Advising Directors and Officers of Tax-Exempt Organizations, and Maintaining Tax-Exempt Status.

Program Summary

"Build a Comprehensive Understand of Practical Foundational Nonprofit Concepts."

7 Benefits of Attending

• Gain practical knowledge on Form 990 to ensure your client's compliance with IRS standards.
• Save your clients money: learn about special exceptions available to nonprofits.
• Make sure your client's fundraising and political activities go off without a hitch - get an insider's grasp of regulations governing lobbying and charity work.
• Don't miss any important steps in applying for exempt status - let our faculty walk you through the process.
• Ensure your clients full disclosure by crossing the T's and dotting the I's on Form 1023.
• Find out how recent legislative efforts and court decisions will affect your practice.
• Clearly outline the duties and liabilities of officers, directors, and managers to protect your clients from inadvertently breaking the law.

If you are interested in attending you can register at the National Business Institute website.

July 1, 2009

Matt and Sara Grosh welcome a new baby boy, Devin Matthew, born on Friday, June 19. Devin weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. His big sister, Tessa, age 3, is excited to have a new baby brother.

Congratulations to the Grosh family!

June 19, 2009

Yesterday Craig Russell and I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Penn Square Marriott. We have served as solicitors for the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority since July 2007, and it has been an interesting and challenging assignment. We appreciate the opportunity to work with dedicated and capable Authority employees Kevin Molloy, Mary Ellen Davis and Lynette Colon, as well as Board Chairman Art Morris and other Board members, who volunteer their time and have provided talent, judgment and commitment to the project.

As you can imagine, everyone at yesterday's ceremony was excited and in a great mood. The contributions of politicians and community leaders, contractors and construction managers, architects, and owners were acknowledged.   For us, who reviewed countless two dimensional plans and documents referring to various spaces, it was great to see the real building, not a concept, computer model or something on paper. We discussed that one of the most gratifying things about doing real estate development work is the opportunity to see a tangible and enduring end result. That is surely the case with the Lancaster County Convention Center, and we appreciate the opportunity to be part of the project.

P.S. We had dinner at the Penn Square Grille, which is located on street level facing King Street, where Appel & Weber used to be. Let me recommend it - beautiful, gracious service and fantastic menu and food.

June 11, 2009

The Rotary Club of Ephrata, PA, a service club benefiting the citizens and community organizations within the Ephrata Area School District is accepting applications for monetary grants from organizations within the Ephrata Area School District which provide services or opportunities to persons within the Ephrata Area School District. Monetary grants may range from $500.00 to $5,000.00. Grants will be awarded based on purpose and community benefit.

Grant Applications may be requested by contacting Gary G. Krafft at 930 Red Rose Court, Suite 300, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by phone at either (717) 733-9500 or (717) 293-9293, by email at ggk@rkglaw.com, or by using the link below. Completed applications must be returned to Gary G. Krafft at 930 Red Rose Court, Suite 300, Lancaster, Pennsylvania or by e-mail to ggk@rkglaw.com by no later than July 15, 2009. If an application is submitted via e-mail, please call 293-9293 to confirm that it has been received. Successful applicants will be notified by August 15, 2009.

Prior grant recipients include Ephrata Recreation Center, Pioneer Fire Company, Lincoln Fire Company, Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

Application: Rotary Grant Application.pdf 

May 4, 2009

Considering the historical background of the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge, officially the Veterans Memorial Bridge, it is no surprise that it has been chosen to receive stimulus money. Although the bridge is beautiful in its current state, the hope is that it can be restored to its original beauty with a little TLC and fresh ideas. The plans include restoring the street lights with reproductions of the original art deco lights, renovating the travel plazas at both ends of the bridge and under-lighting the reinforced concrete arches. The renovations are intended to attract tourists and create new jobs for local residents.

An article published by The Intelligencer Journal notes that developers hope to have more details by the end of summer regarding the amount of stimulus dollars and the date the monies will be available. Renovations are anticipated to take between six to nine months to complete once funds are available.

This news was of particular interest to us as our Lancaster office is located only a few miles east of this historic Lancaster County landmark. Also, you may have noticed The Lancaster Law Blog features a picture of this bridge in the mast head. We are excited about the prospect of the bridge renovation and decided to take a moment to briefly recount the important role the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge played in Lancaster County and Pennsylvania history.

Here is an excerpt from www.civilwaralbum.com

 "... 2500 Confederate troops under the command of General John B Gordon were moving to the south in York County, advancing on the small town of Wrightsville to capture the wooden bridge across the Susquehanna River there. This bridge was the only way over the river for 25 miles to the north or south of Wrightsville. Opposing Gordon's battle-tested troops were about 250 local militia and volunteers in trenches around the western end of the bridge. The Federal troops were ordered to prevent the Southerners from gaining the bridge and were prepared to destroy it with explosives to prevent its capture. The Confederates quickly moved in and easily overwhelmed the defenders who fled across the bridge to the town of Columbia, Lancaster County. And when the explosives failed to detonate, the Union troops set fire to the bridge. It was a windy night and several embers from the burning bridge blew back into the town of Wrightsville, causing fires in the town itself which destroyed some homes and a lumber yard. The invading Rebels, halted by the loss of the bridge, helped the townspeople fight the fire by forming bucket brigades and working shoulder-to-shoulder with the 'conquered' citizens. The Confederates then left Wrightsville and headed west to rejoin Lee's army outside Gettysburg. The stone piers which supported the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge can still be seen standing in the river today from the Route 462 bridge." 

In the book Flames Across the Susquehanna, Glenn Banner describes the importance of the bridge during this time,

"Students of Civil War history have long known of the significance of events which took place a century and a half ago in and around the Susquehanna towns of Wrightsville and Columbia, Pennsylvania. Historians have, from time to time, written just briefly of the Underground Railroad in Columbia and the patriotic actions of the local citizenry when the Confederates arrived on the west shore of that bridge in June of 1863. There are some historians of the era who were convinced that had the bridge not been burned, it is extremely likely that the battle of Gettysburg would never have been fought, and that the South, therefore, could have eventually swept to victory". 

If you are interested in learning more about Lancaster County history please visit: www.lancasterhistory.org and www.padutchcountry.com

Julie Miller will be on the faculty for the Sterling Education seminar, Landlord & Tenant Law: Beyond the Basics on June 2, 2009. This seminar is an opportunity for property managers, developers, building owners, leasing agents, landlords & tenants and other real estate professionals to continue their education.

Program Summary

"This landlord-tenant law seminar covers the rights and responsibilities of both parties in rental agreements. Our presenters, experts in the successful management of rental property, will share their experience and judgment on handling the more difficult legal and practical aspects of landlord-tenant law and provide workable answers to your questions. You will benefit from this seminar if you are involved in any aspect of property rentals."

If you are interested in attending you can register at the Sterling Education website.

December 23, 2008

Melissa Smith, Paralegal at Russell, Krafft & Gruber has celebrated her ten year anniversary with the firm. Thank you, Melissa for ten years of loyal service. Usually we celebrate these kinds of occasions with cake, however Melissa loves pie. So we celebrated her anniversary with two enormous pies that contained enough calories to begin celebrating for the next ten years. Yum.

Congratulations to Melissa and additional thanks to all of our long-term employees who work hard every day to meet and exceed our high standards for client service. 

October 15, 2008

Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP is pleased to announce that David Greer and Aaron Zeamer have joined the firm.

David joins Russell, Krafft & Gruber as Of Counsel. A Lancaster County native, he received his B.A. from Gettysburg College and his J.D. from the Mercer University School of Law. After a four year tour with the U.S.A.F. JAG Corps, David returned to Lancaster and practiced with the late Carl G. Herr and the late Hon. Louise G. Herr in the firm Herr & Greer. He concentrates in business, estate planning, estate administration and related matters.

In addition to all Pennsylvania Courts, Dave is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

Aaron joins the firm as an Associate Attorney. He received his B.A. in Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Sociology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Aaron earned his J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 2007. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph C. Madenspacher of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County.

Aaron began his association with Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP as an employee while attending college. He later returned as a Law Clerk. He will concentrate his legal practice in Family Law, Business Law and Civil Litigation.

September 30, 2008

Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP is proud to sponsor the Dome Parties on October 10 & 11, 2008. The parties take place under a 60 foot dome in Binns Park hosted by the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOOSE).

This 2 day event is comprised of 3 separate parties. The Bow Arts Bash is on October 10, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Come with your best bow or bow tie for food, beverages and the music of Third Power. October 11^th features two parties Pajama Rama and Brews and Bands. The Pajama Rama party is from 10 a.m to noon. In the comfort of pajamas, kids and parents can enjoy the The Jimmies as well as other hands-on activities along with food and beverages. Brews and Bands is just as the name implies, come and enjoy a variety of beers from our local breweries food and live music.

Julie Miller will be attending the Bow Arts Bash and Matt Grosh will be attending the Brews and Bands. We hope to see you there.