Thanks  to all of you who donated supplies or funds to our school supplies’ drive for  the FAMILY CRISIS CENTER OF BALTIMORE COUNTY.  Doris had a vast collection in the bar office of  pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, back packs, etc., and the Center was very appreciative of your generosity.  Many of you, including Judge Alexander Wright who was seen toting bags of supplies to the bar office,  personally shopped for and dropped off the much-needed items.  Others generously donated cash, which was used to purchase additional school supplies.  Please remember we have a year-long commitment to the FAMILY CRISIS CENTER and their needs for specific items will be posted in The Advocate each month. It’s a great feeling, "giving something back!"

Have you ever contemplated the purpose and function of the Baltimore County Bar Foundation?  I certainly have, and this year I have the privilege of serving on the Board.  I'm discovering the worthwhile charitable activities in which our Bar Foundation participates. Did you know that the Foundation is donating  money to the law schools at the University of Baltimore and the University of Maryland to assist them with their pro bono activities? Our Bar Foundation has paid for the dinners for all of the volunteer attorneys who received pro bono training in the much-needed areas of family law and landlord tenant law. The Bar Foundation also donated funds to the National Adoption Day program last year.  This was a day celebrated throughout our country recognizing the creation of families through private adoptions and the foster care system.   The Bar Foundation is researching other avenues for charitable giving and fundraising, and your suggestions would be welcome.  Remember, when you receive your BCBA dues notice, please add a donation to the Baltimore County Bar Foundation!
 
Thank you to the Committee Chairs who attended the July 19, 2006 Chairperson's Dinner.  Lisa Muscara, Assistant Director of the FAMILY CRISIS CENTER also attended.   Lisa gave a brief presentation about the goals and purpose of  the CENTER.  I encouraged all committees to assist with  providing legal and financial support to the CENTER throughout  the  year.  Each  Committee Chair informed the group of their plans for the upcoming year.  We have numerous seminars, dinners, and other functions that will certainly be of interest to all of our members.  Additionally, to keep the "lines of communication" open with our members, we have implemented Executive Council-Committee Liaisons whereby each committee has an assigned Executive Council member through which to convey suggestions, complaints, comments, etc. to the leaders of the Association. 

It’s going to be a great year and we look forward to working with you to better serve our Bar Association!