The MPS will be celebrating its 50^th Anniversary with a Gala Celebration at the American Visionary Art Museum on Saturday evening, June 3, 2000. The festivities will begin with a cocktail reception and tour of the museum followed by an installation of officers and dinner catered by Spike and Charlie’s Restaurant Group.

“The Silverbacks” featuring MPS member Donn Teubner-Rhodes will play “soft” music during the cocktail reception as well as more lively dance music later in the evening. A prominent keynote speaker has been invited and acceptance is pending. An MPS Lifetime of Service Award will be presented to an MPS member for years of meritorious service to the organization as well as a special award to Dr. Ben Carson for his outstanding service and commitment to the Baltimore community.

Black tie optional is the attire and the cost is $60 per person for MPS general/life members and their guests; members-in-training as well as their guests will be charged only $25 per person with the hope that many early career psychiatrists will comfortably be able to afford the cost. Pharmaceutical companies, institutional facilities, and other companies providing sponsorship for the event are helping defray costs; we are thankful that Abbott Labs, Bristol Myers-Squibb, and Searle Pharmaceutical have already pledged their sponsorship. Additionally, the MPS is grateful for the generous support of Taylor Health System, Johns Hopkins Bayview, Sheppard Pratt Health System, St. Joseph Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and St. Agnes Hospital Department of Psychiatry.

We are hopeful that many members and their guests will be able to share in this special anniversary event. Prominent APA Leaders and Maryland Legislators will be invited to attend as will other medical and mental health leaders in Maryland. Past MPS Presidents have been requested to write a brief article about their experiences during this presidential year; additionally, other MPS members influential in the psychiatric community have been requested to write about their experiences. Articles will be compiled in a 50^th Anniversary Booklet that will be distributed to all MPS members. Old photographs of MPS members and events are requested from everyone for consideration of inclusion in the booklet and/or display at the Gala.

More details will be forthcoming and it is hoped that there will be

a large turnout of MPS members and guests to share in this cele-bration of our heritage and future.