On February 12th, members of the local legal community gathered at the Fort Wayne Curling Club for a Learn to Curl event that welcomed participants from the Allen County Bar Association (ACBA). The evening brought together attorneys and court officials for an introduction to one of the most strategic and tradition rich sports on ice, while strengthening connections within the local bar.
Instruction and Community in Action
Burt Blee’s Martha Lemert volunteered as an instructor for the event, teaching alongside club President Craig Fischer. The session covered the fundamentals of delivery, sweeping, scoring, and the etiquette that defines curling.
Among the participants were:
- Hannah Alderks, HallerColvin
- Zachary Barron
- Sarah Beiswanger, Social Security Administration
- Magistrate Judge Brian D. Cook
- Stephanie Crandall, Barnes & Thornburg
- Ethan DeFauw
- Montgomery Pattison, HallerColvin
- Audrey Van Gilder, Fletcher Van Gilder
The event was generously donated by local attorney and club member Jerri Mead, who practices immigration law.
An Evening of Strategy and Camaraderie
Curling places a strong emphasis on communication and respect between competitors. Players are expected to resolve on ice questions amicably and support one another, even across opposing teams. It is a tradition that feels surprisingly aligned with the practice of law.
For Marty, the evening came with an added bonus. While helping instruct, she found herself calling out sweeping instructions to Magistrate Judge Brian Cook from across the ice. As she joked afterward, it may have been the only time she could raise her voice to a judge and walk away without so much as a warning. Fortunately, on the curling sheet, loud encouragement is not only acceptable but also expected.
Supporting the Legal Community
Events like this reflect the strong connections within the Allen County legal community. By supporting ACBA initiatives and participating in local gatherings, Burt Blee remains engaged beyond the courtroom and committed to the community it serves.
We also extend our appreciation to the Fort Wayne Curling Club for hosting the event and providing such a welcoming environment for members of the bar to learn the sport.
