David King, Executive Director of the Hi-Y Leadership Center, and Bar Foundation Board Member Barbara Allen.
David King, Executive Director of the Hi-Y Leadership Center, and Bar Foundation Board Member Barbara Allen.

BAR FOUNDATION GRANT-
Recently, the Bar Foundation Board of Directors provided a grant to the Hi-Y Leadership Center in Point Pleasant to support its highly regarded Youth and Government Seminar Program. Each year, hundreds of 8th grade students from throughout West Virginia spend three day sessions in Charleston in January and February learning about the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government. Their participation in this long-running law related education program gives them a better understanding of civic leadership through attending Night Court, watching the Legislature in action, visiting the Supreme Court, participating in a mock trial, reviewing legislative proposals and meeting government officials.

REAL ESTATE OPTION AGREEMENT-
The Bar Foundation Board of Directors has received a proposed real estate option agreement from the WV State Bar regarding the purchase of the buildings located at 2006 Kanawha Blvd., East (State Bar Center) and 2008 Kanawha Blvd., East (Lawyer Disciplinary Board/Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel office) in Charleston. Based upon the prior negotiations between the two groups, the option would be in effect for a few months while the State Bar undertakes the necessary actions to prepare for the building of a new office on that property. The Bar Foundation Board will make the necessary final decisions concerning this high priority matter.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE-
On November 2, the Bar Foundation’s Strategic Planning Committee met and reviewed numerous activities affecting the organization and its future endeavors.  After extensive discussion relating to the Real Estate Option Agreement with the State Bar, the Committee members also spent time on the 2010-11 budget, possible fund raising activities, programs and services to improve the administration of justice, as well as future activities. The Committee will meet again prior to the next quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors on December 9, 2010.