ROSCOE  — The Sullivan County Magistrates Association (SCMA) held their annual dinner at the Rockland House on Wednesday night.   The dinner honored Town and Village Judges who have retired within the past two years, because COVID-19 restrictions forced the association to cancel the dinner during that time.

Before getting into the awards, the group elected the 2023 SCMA Officers. President: The Honorable Peter Feinberg, Vice President: The Honorable Charles Nystrom and the Treasurer/Secretary: The Honorable Zachery Kelson.

The first award of the night was given to Past President of the SCMA, the Honorable Klu Padu.

“He took over during the pandemic. Klu stepped up to the plate and did a great job,” Feinberg said.

The Honorable Brian Edwards, who served eight years on the bench, was the next award recipient. He was presented with his official retirement plaque after being introduced by The Honorable Michael Scagnelli.

The Honorable Cynthia Dolan, the Honorable Josephine Finn, the Honorable Harold Bauman, the Honorable Martin Miller, and the Honorable Maryjean Carroll were also presented with plaques and warm wishes on their “official retirement.”

Cynthia Dolan spent eight years on the bench, and was introduced by the Honorable Terence Mullen. 

“I never knew anyone that had a bad thing to say about her,” Mullen said. “You exemplified the title of ‘Your Honor.’”

The Honorable Harold Bauman served 20 years on the bench, and was introduced by the Honorable Troy Johnstone. Bauman was awarded Magistrate of the Year by the New York State Magistrates Association.

The Honorable Martin Miller, who served 25 years on the bench and 15 years as the SCMA Treasurer, was introduced by the Honorable Zachery Kelson and the Honorable Maryjean Carroll.

“Marty served this association admirably for over 15 years,” Kelson said. “I learned how to be a judge by watching you.”

After presenting Miller’s award, the Honorable Maryjean Carroll was honored for her 35 years of service. “Judge Carroll is truly a local. She graduated from Monticello high school and Sullivan County Community College.”

“You should be very proud of all of your accomplishments, thank you for your service,” Richard Baum said to Carroll. 

After the honorees were presented their awards, the crowd settled into their seats and enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation.