Wipe out! Yes, that would be me intertwined with the bushes on the side of a mountain, laughing hysterically, unable to get vertical. It has been some time since I had a wipe out and I must say the snow is as soft as ever. I certainly hope all of you have made time to get out and enjoy the winter..it will be gone soon enough!

Our Annual Bar Banquet was a huge success and thanks to all of you who were able to attend. The "photo-show" of past banquets was a hit and everyone enjoyed seeing themselves and others on the big screen. I must admit my myriad of "hairdos" over the last 20 years was somewhat frightening. A special thanks to Jim Gentry for putting the Power Point show together and to Terri Beck and Myles Friedman for their efforts in perusing piles of photographs. Both were seen at the banquet with camera in hand so there will be plenty of new photographs for the next photo-show!

If you have never heard Officer Harold Williams of the Baltimore County Police Department sing, then you are truly missing a moving experience. The banquet room fell silent (the only time that evening)  when Officer Williams began singing  the National Anthem.  Judge Patrick Stringer followed with a wonderful invocation during which he said a much appreciated prayer for our troops. Having read my columns, I'm sure no one was surprised that I started my brief welcoming remarks with a thank you and a round of applause for all of our members who have served this country, or have children/grandchildren serving in the Armed Forces. Although I did not see many wearing  the requested military medals and ribbons on lapels that evening, I did see Mike Lawlor wearing his and I made sure to personally thank him for his service.

A special thanks to Attorney General Doug Gansler for his keynote address and to Past President Steve Nolan for Mr. Gansler's introduction. If you see Carolyn Thaler, be sure to congratulate her for her award as Professional Lawyer of the Year!

In case you have not heard our new Executive Council member is the Honorable Vicki Ballou-Watts. We are thrilled she was nominated and we all know she will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in her new role in the bar association!

Finally, get out there and enjoy yourselves, even if you do "wipe out".....life is too short!