Golden oldies for the troops

Thanks for Michael Olesker’s Dec. 12 column, “Would you like fries with your oldies?”

I have had the pleasure of hearing “the singing stockbroker,” and in fact our quartet, Stardust Memories, shared the stage with him on a couple of occasions. I am delighted to know that Gary Richman, along with the McDonald’s in Pikesville, is raising awareness of the program begun by A Taste of Home Inc. to send calling cards to members of the Maryland National Guard who are in harm’s way. WCBM has done a tremendous job in helping to publicize this. This is a very worthwhile effort: 100 percent of every dollar goes to supporting our sons and daughters who are serving in dangerous and distant lands.

As a veteran Army nurse, I know the importance of keeping our soldiers mission-focused. Hearing the voice of a loved one can help lift the enormous weight of long periods of deployment. You may wish to let your readers know that they can buy calling cards for our troops by visiting atasteofhome.org.

Eleanor M. Henry
Secretary, A Taste of Home Inc.
Baltimore

Playing by the rules doesn’t always pay

I wanted to respond to Dan Gainor’s Dec. 11 article, “Bush, Clinton pretend to be loan rangers,” and say that I whole heartedly agree with him.

It is not right that the ones playing by the rules must help to bail out the ones who are greedy or ignorant. However, society as a whole has gone this way — borrow today and repay later. This is a “want now” society. I think the majority of Americans are frustrated but have no idea where to turn or whom to turn to. Where is the relief?

Jennifer Campbell
Ellicott City

Cardin shares responsibility for failure

I was surprised and fascinated by Sen. Ben Cardin’s admission that the Democrat- controlled Congress is already a failure (“Cardin frustrated by slow Congress,” Dec. 13). I’m surprised because the Democrats (Cardin included) promised so much and delivered so little. I’m fascinated because Cardin, by implication, acknowledged his lack of leadership and influence with his fellow lawmakers.

Of course, besides his whining, Cardin had little to offer in the way of a solution. So for now, his heavy agenda of pork-barrel spending and protecting suspected terrorists will fall by the wayside. Perhaps next year Cardin and the Democrats will revise their agenda to include tax relief for working Americans and immigration reform and increase their efforts to make our country safe from terrorism. My proposed alternative to a “slow” Congress: Replace Sen. Cardin in the next election with a leader who will work instead of whine.

Timothy Ratajczak
Baltimore

Foster parents ‘baby sitters’ no more

It is a widely accepted concept that all structures that stand the test of time need a strong foundation. That same concept can be applied to the structure of the Baltimore City child welfare system and its improved relationship with foster parents.

This recognition is a rather recent occurrence and goes a long way in improving foster care in our community. There was a time in the not-too-distant past when foster parents were treated as temporary baby sitters. Interaction between the foster parents and the child welfare managers was minimal. Fortunately for the Baltimore community, the new Department of Human Resources, led by Secretary Brenda Donald, and the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, headed by Director Samuel Chambers, have discarded the outdated baby sitter concept and moved to strengthen the foster parent foundation needed to support our most at-risk children.

Foster parents now receive comprehensive child welfare training from the University of Maryland’s Child Welfare Training Academy; specialized training from the Baltimore City Department of Social Services; and additional training from local and national conferences. Foster parents also serve on high-level city and state committees charged with improving outcomes for foster children in the area of education, mental health, the legal process, training, and recruitment and retention. They are also co-trainers and members of review teams that monitor Baltimore City Department of Social Services processes.

The evolution of foster parents from “baby sitters” to professional volunteer team members received a boost under the guidance of Secretary Donald. She and Director Chambers are developing an army of well-trained community members who will be the a strong foundational support for our children and Baltimore City.

Sam Macer
Foster parent
Baltimore