Happy New Year! I can’t believe I am halfway through my Presidency, and  now I know why several past Presidents have noted that it's gone in the "blink of an eye." I am quite thrilled with our progress and with all of the accomplishments and outstanding events of our association. I have all of you to thank for the success of the past six months and I'm sure it will continue into 2007!

I recently had another reminder of how "time flies" when I had the honor and privilege of addressing the Maryland Court of Appeals and the new admittees to the Maryland Bar. Next year will be 20 years since I was seated in that courtroom in Annapolis, anxiously awaiting my admission. I don't know where that twenty years went, but I do know that my involvement in this Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association has made my career more productive and enjoyable. My remarks to the new admittees encouraged their participation in bar association activities, particularly should they seek a solo or small practice.
   
The holiday party was a huge success and I thank the Valley Country Club, Debbie Donovan, our DJ Santana and all of you who helped us celebrate!  The Valley Country Club was beautifully decorated and over 180 members had a wonderful time enjoying fabulous food, friends and libations. I  enjoyed reminiscing with Debbie Donovan about our horse riding adventures long ago and, of course, my conversation with Artie Donovan  brought back fond memories of the ‘ol Colts and football Sundays. 

I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed your time with friends and family. Once again, we need to remember and give thanks to our brave troops serving overseas, most of whom did not come home for the holidays. But for their courage and commitment, we would not have had the peaceful and joyful celebration with our families.

In keeping with our appreciation of those who have served our country it would be wonderful to know which members of our Bar Association have received recognition for their service.  I am urging all veterans to proudly wear their medals, ribbons, rank insignia, patches, etc. for military service at the annual Bar Banquet on January 29, 2007. The Bar Banquet is a much anticipated event at Martin's West with over 700 of our members in attendance, so why not proudly display the honors you have received.  You deserve the recognition and I thank you for your service to this great country.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the "prom," and lets make 2007 a great year!