Having practiced law here in Baltimore County for over twenty-five years I have only experienced two other Chief Judges of our Circuit Court prior to Chief Judge Edward A. DeWaters, Jr. As I reflect back on my legal career I have nothing but fond memories of my contact with Honorable John E. Raine, Jr. followed by Honorable Frank Cicone. Chief Judges do not normally come and go quickly and that has certainly been the situation with Judge DeWaters who has been our Chief Judge for the past twelve years. Like our current Chief Judge J. William Hinkel, Judge DeWaters served on the District Court prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court in December 1975 so he had a composite view of the trial levels here in Baltimore County not enjoyed by every Judge.

We have a rare opportunity on January 9, 2002 to celebrate his nearly thirty years as a trial Judge by having a retirement dinner for Judge DeWaters at the Holiday Inn Select in Timonium beginning at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $65.00 and the opportunity to celebrate this milestone in our local judiciary is obviously priceless.

Accordingly, I would ask that each member make a sincere effort to attend this event, which is being sandwiched in between the beginning of the New Year and the Annual Banquet on January 28, 2002. A flyer is included with this issue of The Advocate so please make your reservation as soon as possible as we are expecting a very early sell-out.

Other activities involving your Association abound, not the least of which is the Phantom Holiday Party concept which has raised over $4,000.00 thus far with donations continuing to come in to assist/benefit the victims of September 11, 2001, their families and those who have assisted the greater American Family. If you still wish to contribute please do so as it will not be until next month that the Executive Council decides which organization will be the beneficiary of your generosity and if anyone who has made a contribution thus far wishes to suggest or recommend a particular organization or charity, please do so in wiring and direct your suggestion to the Bar Office.

Thanks to those members who have contributed thus far, the Phantom Holiday Party is obviously a success and hopefully next year the Association can return to the more traditional, physical function.

With the advent of a new calendar year, on behalf of the Officers, the Executive Council and the Staff of your Association, I want to wish each of you and your families a prosperous New Year and I look forward to seeing every one of you on January 9, 2002 at the retirement dinner for Judge DeWaters.