Robinson & Cole Sponsored “Living Root Dragon Boat” Wins Gold At Hartford Dragon Boat Race
Living Root Dragon Boat won gold in the B and E Divisions at the Hartford Dragon Boat Race on September 16, 2006. Living Root Dragon Boat, Captained by R&C's Bob Lee, raced with 2 teams on a 500-meter race course. Both teams won by a boat-length or more on their respective final races. Living Root Dragon Boat captured the B Division, which it narrowly lost by several seconds in 2005. Click Click here for photos.

Living Root Dragon Boat, Inc., is a Boston-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the Chinese sport of dragon boat racing. More details are available at "www.livingroot.org".

Robinson & Cole Partner's Role in Sister Cities International Recognized by Hartford Courant
A recent article in the Hartford Courant noted that the "citizen diplomacy" initiative of Sister Cities International's Hartford Chapter, led by Chapter President and R&C partner Brian R. Smith, has worked beyond expectations towards creating and sustaining relationships with cities abroad. The organization was founded in 1956 by President Eisenhower with the purpose of promoting mutual respect and understanding around the world. The Hartford Chapter is planning a 50th anniversary celebration of Hartford's Sister City program this winter.

Robinson & Cole Chosen for Best Places to Work in Connecticut
Robinson & Cole was the only law firm selected as one of the Best Places To Work In Connecticut by the Hartford Business Journal. Last fall the Hartford Business Journal teamed up with Best Companies Group to survey which companies in Connecticut are excelling in creating an atmosphere where employees are motivated, empowered, productive and happy - a place where enthusiasm, hard work and team spirit are most evident. The three Connecticut offices of Robinson and Cole were selected in the top eight of the larger businesses category and were featured in a special section of the Journal. Read it here

Robinson & Cole Sponsor of Goodspeed Summer Production
Robinson & Cole is sponsor of Goodspeed Musicals' Summer production of The Boy Friend, directed by Julie Andrews, running from July 8 to September 18, 2005. Click here for photo

R&C Hosts WALKS Scholarship Luncheon
On November 9, Robinson & Cole hosted the annual WALKS Scholarship lunch held this year at the Pond House Cafe in Elizabeth Park. The WALKS Foundation provides scholarships to inner city children to attend the five private secondary schools who are members of the Foundation, namely Westminster, Avon Old Farms, Loomis Chaffee, Kingswood Oxford, and Suffield Academy. Attendance for the event was at a record high (over 145). The keynote speaker was Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, who kept her remarks to less than ten minutes since the highlight of the event were the speeches given by the students who received the scholarships. Attending on behalf of Robinson & Cole were Eric Daniels, Alice DeTora, Dave Hadden, Judy Keppelman, Jeanmarie Shea, Bob Smith, Rick Vitarelli, and Edward Samorajczyk. In the audience were numerous firm clients and friends, including our own retired partner, George Hastings, a member of the WALKS Foundation Board. An excellent time was had by all.

R&C Hartford Employees Enjoy Summer Picnic in Granby
Granby's High Meadow Resort was the site for another fun filled R&C picnic for Hartford employees and their families on Friday, July 30. As usual there were activities for everyone including swimming, softball, volleyball and miniature golf. The children really enjoyed the face painting, arts & crafts, magic tricks and a variety of games that were available. Of course, there was plenty of good food to eat and lively music for the evening. See Photos

R&C Volunteers Donate Their Time to Support Village for Families & Children
R&C helped paint a beautiful wall mural in the Eagle House lounge at the Village for Families & Children. We also brought a bagful of beanie babies for the children. View photo.

On June 5th, R&C was a lead sponsor of the Village for Families & Children's walkathon. The firm was specifically recognized at a reception earlier that week for board members, senior management and large donors. Thanks to those who participated in the walkathon and the Village volunteer team who give their time to produce entertaining events for foster kids at the Village: Michele Sexton, Sandy Paisley, Ron Domin, Denise Carron, Carol Feldmann, Shannon Holden, Jovita Carrion, Kim Glasper and David Hadden.

The New London office is busy in the SE Connecticut community...
On March 28, Robinson & Cole co-sponsored a performance of "A Few Good Men Dancing" at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut. This was an all-male dance troupe with acts ranging from "stomp" to classic modern dance. May 14, 2004, Robinson & Cole sponsored the All-Star Ball for the benefit of Lawrence & Memorial Hospital of New London. A week later, Robinson & Cole was a sponsor at the annual dinner dance for Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality, Inc. (MASH). MASH serves as the homeless shelter for the Groton/Stonington area and is a unique joint venture between local churches and municipalities.

The Robinson & Cole Family Series at The Bushnell
Our firm is the title sponsor of The Bushnell's most diverse series, designed for families who are looking for exciting and affordable entertainment options. For the past four years, the Robinson & Cole Family Series has allowed families to introduce their children to the performing arts by making the theater accessible to customers of all ages. This sponsorship is a dramatic example of our continued commitment to the children and families in the communities we serve.
[View photo of families after an enjoyable performance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.]

A Night Out with the Wiggles
Robinson & Cole attorneys, their clients and families enjoy a night out with The Wiggles at The Bushnell. This unique children's musical entertainment troupe performed for the Robinson & Cole Family Series at the Bushnell. Managing Partner Eric Daniels and his family have a wiggly good time meeting the Wiggles backstage.[View photo.]

Hartford Stage Sponsorship
For the past two years, the firm has sponsored the production of A Christmas Carol at The Hartford Stage. This seasonal drama provides one more way for the firm to ensure that children and families in our community get to enjoy quality entertainment.

So many pencils, so many books. So many happy children's looks...
...as Robinson & Cole delivers support for The Village for Families & Children, Inc.'s Eagle House. The Village is a private, nonprofit community service agency dedicated to building strong, healthy families. Eagle House provides 24-hour safety from emotional and physical abuse for children ages 5-13. Over the past two years, our volunteers have come to know each child individually through a monthly commitment of activities such as enjoying the circus, flying kites, making sundaes, riding the carousel in Bushnell Park, and making holiday wreaths. No matter how seemingly small the activity, we see the kids' delight, excitement and eagerness. They flourish at "just being kids." During the year, we also respond to requests for all kinds of donations and financial support. This Autumn, for example, we organized our contribution of school supplies: globes, maps, pens and pencils, books and office supplies.Read it here.

Governor Rowland appoints David Hadden to the Connecticut Council on Mental Retardation
The Council is authorized by Connecticut statute to advise the Governor, Commissioner and others on policy issues in the field of mental retardation. David is a recognized expert and leader in this field, having served in numerous capacities for the Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens (HARC), including past service as HARC Board Chair (1987-1991) and continuing as a Vice Chair and member of the HARC Board. HARC is a leading not-for-profit agency offering residential and day programs and providing advocacy services to persons with mental retardation and their families. Robinson & Cole attorneys Kevin Rasch and Charlie Duffy are also members of the HARC Board. In 1987, Robinson & Cole became the first law firm in Hartford to host an employment site supervised by HARC.

Mentoring Program at Milner School, Hartford
For the fourth year, Robinson & Cole associates are sponsoring a group of children in one of Hartford's North End elementary schools, Milner School. The opportunity is coordinated with the assistance and support of The Gathering Place, whose mission is to bridge the gaps between Hartford and its surrounding suburbs by bringing people together to break down barriers created by ignorance and lack of opportunity. It involves mentoring children and planning educational activities for them each year. Ten of our attorneys spend 2 hours each month during the school year at Milner reading to the children, helping them with their projects, working on computers, and creating projects.

Carolling at Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Each year, R&C staff members visit our client, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and sing holiday carols to kids and staff. We also donate hundreds of stuffed animals as holiday gifts for children at the hospital.
[View photo of the Robinson & Cole chorus, complete with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!]

United Way Campaign
Each year, attorneys and staff raise thousand of dollars for the United Way Campaign.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
Robinson & Cole and its employees contributed more than $38,000 to the Red Cross, including a matching contribution by the firm, to help those affected by the September 11 attacks.

R&C Women Attorneys Events for Charity
Robinson & Cole women attorneys host an annual wine tasting reception and fundraiser for a Connecticut charity. In past years, our lawyers and their guests have made in-kind donations for such charities as The Village of Families & Children and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Robinson & Cole participants regularly participate in the 5 mile walk in Hartford raising nearly thousands of dollars to fight breast cancer.

Counselor Hispanos Unidos Summer Camp For the past four years, an R&C lobbyist has volunteered as a camp counselor at Hispanos Unidos Summer Camp, devoted to children affected by HIV and AIDS because they're living with a parent who's sick or may have lost a parent or sibling to the illness. Each summer she takes one week off from work and sleeps at the camp. In addition to her volunteer work, other R&C employees have made monetary contributions and in-kind donations of sleeping bags, blankets and towels for the camp. The organization that runs Camp Meechimuk is Hispanos Unidos/Contra El Sida, based in New Haven.

Town of North Haven Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission
Since 1995, an R&C analyst has volunteered with his town commission to review projects in the Town of North Haven that may impact wetlands and watercourses.

St. Joseph's Basketball League
A partner in our Hartford office is director and coach in St. Joseph's Basketball League, a town-wide league open to all boys and girls in the fourth to eighth grades. He works with the senior boys division.

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk For A Cure
For the past seven years, a team of walkers participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk for a Cure. The 2-mile walk takes place every September in Bloomfield. This year, the R&C team raised $1,705.