Fun at the Old Law Office
David B. Collins
Fun at the Old Law Office, Part I
After work on Friday, November 12, QJHP&C attorneys and staff gathered in the kitchen for the inaugural QJHP&C Chicken Nugget Eating Contest. The rules? Simple. Be the first to eat 50 chicken nuggets. The competitors were Attorneys Kevin Shields, Dennis Merkley and Peter Jennetten. Shields, the youngest participant, was the most vocal throughout the day up to the event. Merkley had a quiet confidence about the competition. Jennetten, the oldest of the three, was the darling of the over 40 crowd.
You could have heard a pin drop (or stomach growl) just prior to the start. As the three men started downing nugget after nugget, cheers and chants echoed in the crowded kitchen. It took Merkley just over eight minutes to devour his nuggets. Jennetten had downed 26, and Shields 24.
The crowd hoisted Merkley upon their shoulders, transporting him out of the kitchen and around the law firm (not really). He addressed the crowd indicating that he would return in 2011 to defend his crown.
Fun at the Old Law Office, Part II
The QJHP&C Christmas Party was held on December 3. Greg Cerulo, or “Santa Cerulo,” as we like to call him this time of year, was the master of ceremonies. Greg recognized retired partner Mick Henderson (wife Joani), retired office administrator Paul Sullivan (wife DD) and newcomers, Greg Hill (wife Mary), Kevin Shields (wife Emily), Mike Mersot (wife Sarah) and Ryane Flatt. He also recognized anniversaries of Marsha Stoltz (25 years), Brenda Smith (10 years), Paula Monroe (5 years) and Elizabeth Larsen (5 years).
Matt Maddox delivered a moving tribute to John Kamin, Nancy Honings, Mindy Schweigert, Amy Arp, Sandy Jensen and Kim McCoskey for their assistance in getting the QJHP&C Springfield office back up and running after the calamitous May storm that destroyed the office.
Thereafter, Dave “DBC Master DJ” Collins emceed a karaoke contest that allowed QJHP&Cers to share their talent for singing with their colleagues. The karaoke highlights included a special presentation by the legal assistants regarding the attorneys, John Kamin’s rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues,” Melissa Kraft’s rendition of “Walking After Midnight,” Dennis Merkley’s rendition of “Bust a Move,” Jennifer Morris’ rendition of “Jack and Diane,” Brett Johnson’s rendition of “Minnie the Moocher” and a spontaneous conga line that broke out during a recitation of Barry Manilow’s classic hit “Copacabana”.