When did you join Rotary?  1998

Why did you join Rotary?  I joined because of the exceptional projects, and the purpose of eradicating polio.  I was a polio victim and I thank God for our medicine and want all others to have the opportunity to acquire proper medications.

What offices have you held while in Rotary and what years if you know?  What committees are you currently involved in and what is your role?  I have not held any offices or committees due to time constraints and in accordance with judicial canon’s wherein we are not allowed to ask for money or donations.  I help out at almost all events.

What do you enjoy most about being a Rotarian?  I most enjoy the benefits to our community and the hard working members.

Tell us about your career/occupation. I was a registered nurse and charge nurse in child psychiatry for 13 years.  I then went on to law school, practiced toxic tort litigation and environmental law at Jones Day.  I gave 650 hours of free pro bono time as a guardian ad litem.  For 8 years I was a state representative, writing the laws.  I was Chairwoman of the Children and Youth Committee and Chairwoman of the Pensions Committee.

For 15 years I have been your Appellate Judge, covering Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, and Trumbull Counties.  I have published over 19 articles.  The chief justice has requested me to participate on 9 cases for the Ohio Supreme Court.  Ninety-eight of my cases have been published by the Ohio Supreme Court.  Also, I was a JAG Officer in the Ohio Military Reserve (a second lieutenant.

I have received several awards, including the Armed Forces Seven Seals Award, the Wilson Academic Achievement Award, the ARC of Ohio Legislator of the Year Award, and the Watchdog of the Treasury Award.  I love the people of my district and believe we should help them as much as possible.

Any personal interesting facts you would like to share?  I wouldn’t be in any public servant or political position if it weren’t for President George Bush, Sr. and my husband.  The notion of being in politics never entered my mind.

My husband and I enjoy fly fishing, dancing, and spending time with our children and grandchildren.  We should strive to make our children’s world a better place.
I was the first woman elected as State Representative to the 68th District.  I was also the first woman judge from Geauga County.

What other community/volunteer activities are you involved in? I work at pancake breakfasts, I work to acknowledge special people within our community, eagle scouts, girl scouts, civic oriented people, and good citizens to name a few.  I teach at schools and at conferences.  I participate in the Supreme Court’s Lawyer Mentoring Program.  I helped start and also participate in Geauga Learn.  Every year Tim and I bring 450-650 students to our Geauga County Fair for a day of education on various things, such as agriculture.  We provide lunch to all students during this event.