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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Yesterday I had to appear in federal court in Central Islip and had two unexpected pleasant encounters on my visit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First, I ran into 2023 Networker of the Year (and multi-group member) Crysti Farra in the lobby on our way to our respective hearings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Second, and more relevant for this post, there was a large group of families and individuals in the cafeteria waiting to be sworn in as citizens. When I came out of my hearing, their ceremony was over and the new American citizens were in a long line to have their pictures taken in front of the large American flag in the lobby. Given all of the divisive language and chaos many have experienced this week (thankfully, not in this forum), it felt very good to see a group of people beaming with pride after taking the oath.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy and warm weekend. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mike Steger<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Law Offices of Michael D. Steger, P.C.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>295 Madison Avenue, 22<sup>nd</sup> Floor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New York, NY 10017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(646) 517-0600<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>30 Ramland Road, Suite 201<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Orangeburg, NY 10962<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(845) 359-4600<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(845) 638-2707 (fax)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:msteger@steger-law.com">msteger@steger-law.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.steger-law.com">www.steger-law.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>