Court Celebrates Families During Adoption Day in November

By MSC Public Information Office

"Today is a rare day in the court when there are no losers--only winners," said Chief Justice Stephen J. Markman, as he welcomed families, judges, case workers, and other guests to the Michigan Hall of Justice on November 26 for the Michigan Supreme Court’s annual Adoption Day celebration.

Joining Chief Justice Markman on the bench that day were Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, Berrien County Trial Court Chief Judge Gary Bruce, and fellow Berrien County Judges Brian Berger and Mabel Mayfield.

(l to r) Current DHHS Director Nick Lyon,
retired DHHS Director and
MSC Justice Maura Corrigan,
and Justice Beth Clement

Two families from Berrien County were able to brave some severe winter weather to see their families grow at this special event in Lansing.  Also on hand to lend support were adoption agency case workers and representatives of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services who helped the families navigate the adoption process.

Berrien County Chief Judge Gary Bruce
makes the Flener Family adoption official

Chief Judge Bruce finalized the adoption of two children by the Flener Family.  "You have opened your home and hearts to these children by saying the most important word—which we don't hear enough of with regard to children in need—'yes,’" he remarked.

The newly expanded Jordan Family
celebrates their new addition

The Jordan Family, who already counted four adoptive children as part of their family, made it official as they welcomed another daughter.  Judge Mayfield, who presided over the adoption, experienced her own version of the movie “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” to travel from Boston back to Michigan in time for Adoption Day.

“I wouldn’t have missed today because finalizing adoptions is one of the most special moments we have in court,” she shared. 

Although Judge Berger was not able to finalize the adoption for another Berrien County family, who was detained because of the bad weather, he joined his colleagues’ enthusiasm for the celebration: “We are all here to share the joy of family!” 

(l to r) Chief Justice Stephen Markman,
Judge Butts, and Elaine Butts

Cheboygan County Probate Judge Robert J. Butts, who has just retired from the bench, received the 2018 Daniel Wright Award for service to children in need.  He shared that he has finalized more than 350 adoptions.  Among many people he named in his remarks, Judge Butts most importantly thanked his wife, Elaine, whom he noted was adopted herself, adopted two children, and then "at age 37, adopted me."

Justice Corrigan presenting award to
foster mom extraordinaire Raham Krontz

Capping off the program was the presentation of the inaugural Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award.  Former Chief Justice Maura Corrigan herself presented the award to 91-year-old Ramah Emily Krontz, of Burr Oak, who has not only fostered 38 children over 12 years, but she also has five children of her own, 20 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, many of whom were in attendance for the presentation.

Nothing says "celebration" like cake!

Berrien County Judge Mabel Mayfield
brought her mother and husband to make
it a true family affair