Judge finds great joy in helping others

WHO: Karen L. Morris, a 1968 graduate of Watertown High School, has been town of Brighton justice since 1994. On May 1, she received a humanitarian award from the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar for her service to the community.

Justice Morris received a juris doctor degree from St. John's University School of Law and a master of laws degree from New York University School of Law, both in New York City.

She is a professor at Monroe Community College, Rochester, and an active member of the Monroe County Bar Association.

She is the daughter of Emmeline Morris, Watertown, and the late Dr. Hugh B. Morris.

WHAT COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS/ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED WITH? "I am a Big Sister in the Big Brother-Big Sister program and have been for about 14 years. I am a Girl Scout leader of an inner-city troop. I have done that for about six years.

"I am a member of Brighton Kiwanis, a service club, and a past president. As part of Brighton Kiwanis we organize picnics for underprivileged kids, host an annual spaghetti dinner to raise money (I have developed an expertise of sorts in salads) and operate a program called Santa at Your Service.

"The club provides a Santa, helpers and gifts to nonprofit agencies that serve children. Members of the club play Santa and his assistants. I am often Santa's helper, but have also been Santa. Too fun!

"I am also a member of the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys and chair of the Nominating Committee."

DO YOU PREFER ADMINISTRATIVE OR HANDS-ON VOLUNTEER WORK? "Definitely hands-on. I much prefer dealing directly with the people who are receiving the services.

"I used to be a member of several boards of directors, but recently I have resigned from most boards in favor of direct service with clients.

"Few things in life are as rewarding as serving a plentiful, well-balanced meal to someone who could not otherwise afford to eat, or watching a Girl Scout learn something new that she would not be exposed to at home, or seeing a child's face light up when he sees Santa."

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE? "I am very fortunate that the scales of life have been balanced in my favor. I have always felt so lucky to have parents who wanted and loved me, who had means to provide for my needs and valued education. I am motivated by the hope of balancing those scales for others — those who, due to little more than vagaries of birth, did not have the opportunities I did."

HOW DOES COMMUNITY SERVICE FIT IN WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE AS A TOWN JUSTICE AND LAW PROFESSOR? "As a judge I see many people who have not had the good fortune I have had.

"Some lacked caring parents to guide them in law-abiding directions in life and to instill values consistent with living in a civilized society.

"Others, for a variety of reasons, missed out on educational opportunities and are unable to secure a job with a living wage, which prompts them to engage in illegal activity.

"This reinforces for me the need to help others.

"As a professor I am faculty adviser to a club. I encourage students in that organization to engage in activities that lend a hand to others, such as walking in a Relay for Life (a fundraiser for the American Cancer Association) or making Valentine's cards for residents of nursing homes."

WHAT ARE YOUR VOLUNTEERING GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? "Brighton Kiwanis recently served lunch at a soup kitchen. The experience was very rewarding. Now I plan to do that weekly. I hope to continue leading my scout troop and am always on the lookout for new activities for the girls that teach life lessons."

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO WANT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES? "Do it! It's a great way to contribute to our world, to feel good about yourself and to gain potentially important contacts.

"When you are hanging wallpaper at your local battered-women's shelter or painting the children's waiting room at a not-for-profit substance-abuse treatment center, you make fast friends and possible business contacts with the people applying the glue or painting next to you."

If you would like to suggest a Q&A subject, contact Times intern Gabrielle Hovendon at ghovendon@wdt.net.