Civil Court judges help bring holiday cheer to the entire courthouse at annual party

December 17, 2019 By Caroline Ourso

Civil court judges gather to serve food to colleagues on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

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Judges from the Kings County Civil Court treated their staff and colleagues to a festive holiday lunch, where they served a variety of dishes along with some holiday cheer, during the annual party hosted at the courthouse, 141 Livingston St., on Friday.

Judge Connie Mallafre Melendez, who chaired this year’s annual event, grouped volunteer judges into three different committees — food, decorating and entertainment.

“Everyone was so helpful, enthusiastic and full of ideas,” said Judge Mallafre Melendez.

Justice Rosemarie Montalbano serves food to colleagues.

Judge Rosemarie Montalbano, who will become Justice Montalbano when she moves from the Civil Court to the Brooklyn Supreme Court in January, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to volunteer to serve food during what will be her last holiday party as a judge in that court.

“Today is really about the staff in the building,” said Montalbano, “for all the help and support they give.”

Montalbano noted that her committee made an effort to include dishes from the diverse cultures represented by court employees, including Chinese, Polish, Italian, Caribbean and kosher entrees.

“Everyone is here just to enjoy themselves,” said Rawle Griffith, who has worked in the downtown building as a court officer for 21 years.

(L-R) Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo, Judge Odessa Kennedy and Robin Garson smile during the annual holiday party on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

The event was meant as a way for court employees to relax a bit and enjoy themselves around the holidays. Judge Mallafre Melendez’s committees also organized games for the guests to play, including musical chairs and a dance-off.