Please check out or firm historian, Vince Roman’s, latest story published in COLUMBIA magazine. The story revolves around Charles Brown and the bank scandal in which he was involved in at the turn of the century. Please click on the link and enjoy!!!

Bank Scandal COLUMBIA mag.

Mr. Gregg’s brother, retired Vancouver judge Robert Harris, recently had a fall in his house and is now doing much better. The firm sent him an orchid and magazines to read while he was recuperating in a convalescent home two weeks ago. Here is the card he sent us in return.

We have a new associate attorneys starting at our Vancouver office. Please welcome Jennifer Kirkman and Michael S. Chin to our team!

Jennifer grew up in the small town of Welches, Oregon, and graduated from Sandy High School. She is a Willamette University alumnae, where she was active in Alpha Chi Omega, the student-run Bistro and the freshmen orientation program Opening Days. Jennifer received her J.D. at the University of Oregon School of Law. She focused her efforts in law school and consequently earned Statements of Completion in Business Law, Tax Law, Estate Planning, and Pro Bono work. Jennifer was active in the Student Bar Association, a director of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), and a member of Phi Alpha Delta. Jennifer enjoys cooking, camping, and exploring Pacific Northwest wineries in her spare time.

Michael is an active member of Washington State Bar Association and most recently was practicing in Snohomish County. During that time Michael worked in the areas of Family Law, Real Estate Dispute, and Estate and Small Business Tax Planning. Originally from Mukilteo, Washington, Michael graduated Cum Laude from Saint Mary’s College of California, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science. He then graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law. In 2010, Michael received his Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of Washington. As an attorney, Michael prides himself on being a zealous and effective, yet compassionate advocate. Understanding that disputes often become personal, it is his goal to provide the best representation for his client without compromising their emotional concerns. With his tax background in both estate planning and small business planning Michael is also capable of dealing with complex property distribution and settlement.

Yesterday we planted a few batches of new flowers to add some color to the front of the office. We also planted more herbs (sage, parsley, basil) in the herb garden and added lavender under an existing Japanese Maple Tree. Summer 2010 is looking great at the Charles Brown House!

It’s time again to start planting veggies and herbs in Vancouver. The compost turned out very nice and Vince spread it down on the beds today for excellent nutrition for the plants.

On Friday October 30 we were pleased to have two of Charles Brown’s great-granddaughter’s stop by the house for a visit and tour. Nancy Brunquist and her sister Deb Ries had been to the house three years ago during an open house but just happened to be in the area Friday and stopped by. Vince presented them with a few stories he has been working on regarding their family. He also gave them a tour of the house and showed them the historical garden. They even clipped branches from the lilac bush to transplant to their own yard. We love it when family members stop by and have interest in their roots.

Thank You card from Judge Robert Harris and wife Jo after attending the historical party on September 10th.

On Thursday, September 10, 2007, Stahancyk, Kent, Johnson & Hook threw a fantastic party and open house celebrating five successful years in Vancouver. The event was planned carefully to fall on the 135th wedding anniversary of Charles and Rebecca Brown, which made the party twice as historic.

Approximately 60 guests attended the historic event, ranging from local judges, attorneys, clients and neighborhood friends.

The menu included salmon sliders (wild salmon fresh off the boat from Astoria), mini cupcakes and candied bacon. Teresa’s sons, Mason and Seth, acted as servers. Beer, wine and water rounded off the drink portion of the menu.

Jody, Lara, Teresa’s sons, neighbor Sallie Reavey and myself dressed in antique garb fitting of the time period in which the house was built, the Civil War era.

Guests were provided with a brief history and description of focal points in each room, house brochures, a slideshow, and tours of the house. All this, as they made their way to the back of the house where the food and drinks were stationed outside.

Special thanks to Javier, Adam, Lara, Humberto and Jesse and anybody else who I may have left out. Your hard work was much appreciated.

Here’s to another five more great years in Vancouver.

Yesterday morning the students workers were in Vancouver helping out with yard work. They pulled and sprayed weeds, raked, cleaned the barbecue and chopped down grass. Their hard work is much appreciated and the yard looks great. Can’t wait to have them back again!

Wow, you wouldn’t believe how fast our garden is growing. Lettuce is huge. Tomatoes are starting to bloom flowers. Snap peas are very tall. Everything else just looks amazing. We have already begun to harvest such crops like lettuce and of course the herbs. Here are a few recent pictures from outside.