It amazes me to see the “hoopla” surrounding the Emmy’s, Grammy’s, Oscar’s, etc., as the pampered and privileged in “the industry” celebrate their self-judged accomplishments.  They are overpaid pretenders to the entertainment throne.  And sadly to say, I willingly “plop down” hundreds of dollars each year to entertain my ears and eyes.  I must be living in opposite world where the most important aspects of life are dealt with in a cavalier fashion as opposed to the frivolous cotton candy pleasures receiving attention and honor.

That is why I am so proud to devote this article to honoring those participating in the Baltimore County Bar Association celebration of National Adoption Day.  On Saturday, November 19, 2005 the Circuit Court for Baltimore County will be in session.  The Honorable John O. Hennegan will be sitting in “Old Courtroom No. 5” finalizing  seven or eight adoption cases.

National Adoption Day happens every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  Judges, attorneys, child welfare agencies and advocates in 37 states help finalize the adoptions of more than 3,400 children from foster care.  More than 200 events take place throughout the country to finalize adoptions and to celebrate and honor all families that adopt.  The goals of National Adoption Day are to:  1. Finalize adoptions from foster care;  2. Celebrate families that adopt;  3. Raise awareness and encourage others to adopt;  4. Build collaboration among local adoption agencies and organizations;  5.  Communicate availability and need for post-adoptive services.

The Baltimore County Bar Association has taken the lead throughout the State of Maryland to spearhead this collective effort to raise awareness about the more than 100,000 children throughout our nation in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families.  I personally want to thank and honor our committee members beginning with the Chairman, Judge John O. Hennegan, Carolyn Thaler, Suzanne Farace, Craig Little, Alice Bonner, from DSS, Pat Almony and especially our own Doris Barnes.

I was reading a book the other day and discovered that the author required us not only to love our neighbor as our self but to care for widows and orphans, and stated further that such acts were held in much higher esteem than the vain repetitions of the proud and wealthy.  Please be advised that these are not my words or thoughts.  If for some reason you take issue with these commands please take up your concerns with the author.

I want to thank each of you in advance for any contribution you give which will make this National Adoption Day celebration a success.