Budget woes dominate Westminster mayor and council meeting

To the left, please find an image of my news brief on the meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council on Monday, September 28, 2009. The news brief appeared in the Carroll Eagle on Sunday, October 4, 2009 on page 3.

Oct. 4, 2009 p3 Carroll Eagle Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/kcern Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/budget-woes-dominate-westminster-mayor.html http://tinyurl.com/ydumjah

http://twitpic.com/kcern Westminster Eagle News Brief: Budget woes dominate Westminster mayor and council meeting http://tinyurl.com/ydumjah

Below, please find the news brief as it was filed. The “long version” of my article on the meeting has not, as yet, been posted on www.explorecarroll.com. Hopefully it will be posted on Monday, October 5, 2009… If not, I’ll post it here on the blog…

Westminster Eagle News Brief: Budget woes dominate Westminster mayor and council meeting

Westminster Eagle – http://www.explorecarroll.com/

September 28, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

Westminster City Hall - The meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council last Monday began with plenty of smiles, but the mood quickly turned somber as a discussion on budget woes dominated the balance of the evening.

Mayor Kevin Utz conducted a public hearing on the 2009 Comprehensive Plan for Westminster. Later in the meeting the council voted to adopt the plan after more discussion of how proud the council and staff were to have received such good feedback from the state on how well the plan was developed and written.

Council president Damian Halstad brought up “Budget Amendment No. 1” for adoption. Utz explained “this reduction in the budget came as a direct result of the governor’s reduction in highway user revenues…”

Other council member joined-in as it was explained that the state Board of Public Works recently voted to not send $818,000 in revenue due the city from taxes collected by the state designated for the city’s coffers – in order to balance the state budget.

A press release describing the budget amendment explained, “The State of Maryland reduced the Highway User Revenues from $747,580 to $74,758 and Police Aid from a budgeted $400,000 to $254,826.”

City administrator Marge Wolf said that she expects the state to withhold an additional $329,000 from the city in January.

According to the press release: “Among the cuts approved by the Common Council were cancellations of the paving contract, technology purchases and a police vehicle which totaled $267,950 in capital expenditures; diversion of the $100,000 contingency reserve to operating accounts…

“… conversion of $215,000 of Union Street property proceeds to operating accounts; reduction of departmental operating budgets by $155,086; revision of the take home vehicle policy to institute a partial employee payback of costs by $15,768; and captured $65,000 in savings from reduced tipping fees.”

Wolf tried to put a bright face on a bleak picture at that by remarking that “this is not the best of times, but it doesn’t mean we don’t have good projects underway.”

As if on cue, Lori Graham, representing the business community, gave a report on the “Midnight Madness,” downtown business celebration held in conjunction with Fallfest. She also gave an update on plans for the upcoming community ‘electric’ Christmas parade.

“The community has its share of problems but we still come together to do good things,” said Graham.

Want to learn more about the recent meeting of the Westminster mayor and council meeting? For a longer version of this story go to http://www.explorecarroll.com/.

- 30 –

Dayhoff Media Westminster Eagle, MD State Budget, People Graham-Lori, Westminster Council Meeting Notes, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster Finance Budget, Westminster Mayor 2009 Utz Kevin

*****

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Westminster council meeting report for the July 13 2009 meeting

Westminster Eagle Town Hall Ticker, by Kevin Dayhoff Wednesday, July 15, 2009 – July 27, 2009

Westminster council meeting details city improvements and comprehensive plan

The agenda for the July 27, 2009 Westminster mayor and common council meting may be found here: http://www.westgov.com/citygov/agendas/mcc_agenda072709.pdf

The last Westminster mayor and common council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2009, ran a little longer than usual as Westminster officials found themselves with a full agenda and lots of ground to cover.

The meeting began with a mayoral proclamation for “Recreation and Parks Month” which Westminster mayor Kevin Utz presented to Ron Schroers, the Westminster director of recreation and parks.

Then it was Schroers turn to take center stage as he stood to receive, not one, but two, citizen recreation organization checks that were presented for the community’s recreation facilities.

With the economy continuing to lag and the city coffers running low, city officials seemed more than eager to accept checks from the Westminster Stingrays swim team and the United States Tennis Association.

Schroers displayed a broad smile on his face as he accepted a check in the amount of $4,800.00 for refurbishments to the municipal pool. The Stingrays “are more than just a competitive swim team… but provide a great service to the community,” said a beaming Schroers.

The Mid Atlantic Maryland U.S. Tennis Association turned over to Schroers a check for $2,888.00 for improvements to the tennis courts on the municipal playground.

Schroers did not have the donations for long as Utz quickly extended his hand to get the check.

Then it was down to business. The bulk of the meeting was taken-up with another in a continuing series of presentations, by Westminster city planner Melissa Hynes, on efforts to update the city’s comprehensive plan.

With the county’s “Pathways to Carroll’s Future Landscape” comprehensive plan so much in the news these days; councilmembers peppered Hynes with questions as she presented the transportation, community facilities and public services, and community design elements components of the city’s vision for the next twenty-years of planning for the community.

Hynes displayed large maps and had plenty of briefing papers for the city’s elected officials to review. She concluded with an overall summary of the work that lies ahead.

Westminster city attorney, John Walsh, remarked at one point, “We’re at the start of the process.”

Hynes further explained that it is hoped that a 60-day public-input and review process will begin in weeks. This part of the process includes the city’s planning and zoning commission also taking a long hard look at the document.

The comprehensive plan will be available to the public on the city’s web site, the city offices in hardcopy document form, CD, or at the county library. Officials stressed the need for public input.

Westminster’s comprehensive plan was last prepared in 2004. The plan, which is to be updated, according to Maryland law, every six years, is not legally scheduled to be completed until June 2010; although Hynes expressed an interest in hopefully having a finished document in front of common council, for their approval, by the end of September.

However, an hour later, as councilmembers continued to ask questions, Hynes said that she was allowing the timeline plenty of flexibility if it’s needed.

Meanwhile city officials allowed themselves to show signs of relief and quickly moved-on to other business.

Schroers presented bids for the council’s approval to replace a city shed on the municipal playground. He referred to the current building and an accompanying trailer, also slated to be replaced by the new building, as the “eyesores in the back of the Armory” – (the city’s Longwell recreational building.)

As discussions continued over anticipation for the building’s replacement, one member of the audience was overheard to say that the city won’t have to tear the old building down “because it’ll fall down soon.”

The new building, which was earlier anticipated to cost as much as $250,000.00, was bid on by 11 different contractors. Schroers explained that he city value-engineered the winning bid by CRC contractors from $199,600 to the final bid of $176,322.00.

The council voted to go ahead with the playground improvement. The building, which is being paid for by grants and private donations, will also be used by the Fallfest committee and the Optimist Club, which will team-up with the city and pay the operating expenses for 40-foot by 24-foot two-story structure.

Elected officials nodded with approval as it was explained that Westminster general fund tax dollars will not be used for its construction.

Next it was Jeff Glass, the city’s director of public works’ turn as he presented a request for approval for two trucks and the street overlay program. This year’s street-surface improvements will concentrate on resurfacing Bond Street from West Green Street to the city line and Doyle Avenue – Old New Windsor Road - from around the intersection with West Green Street to the city limits.

Glass explained that this year’s budget has allocated $200,000.00 for the road improvements.

Glass also explained and then asked for approval of the city’s latest water conservation measure; a water-conserving toilet replacement rebate program.

There was no new business or old business on the agenda and the meeting moved right along into the department head reports, which included a detailed report of calls for service from Westminster fire department president Bill Brehm, and incident reports by Jeff Spaulding, the Westminster police chief.

Spaulding also gave-out more details on the recent three-alarm apartment fire in The Greens area of town. He explained that an individual was arrested after the fire and charged with arson.

The balance of the department report portion of the meeting saw city administrator Marge Wolf focus on the city’s new web site and plans for employees, to be trained shortly, to use four video cameras to help promote Westminster.

The meeting seemed to flow seamlessly at that point to a report by Schroers on a recent Maryland Municipal League statewide award for municipal excellence for the private-public partnership utilized to refurbish the city’s seven-year-old skateboard park.

Also discussed by Schroers were plans by the Lion’s Club to replace the play equipment in a corner of the playground behind the baseball diamond backstop, dubbed the “cat litter box,” and efforts to bring back an historic holiday tradition, called “Santa’s Treat.”

This led into a report by the Christmas parade chair, Lori Graham, on preparations for the annual Christmas parade.

With that, council president Damian Halstad gaveled the meeting to a close and folks quickly paraded out the door.

One audience member was overheard to say, as they bolted for the door, that in the future, if the meeting is to last “this long, Ron (Schroers) and Melissa (Hynes) ought to lay-in food and supplies…”

Kevin Dayhoff may reached at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/

20090713 d1 WE Westminster council meeting report sdosm 20090727

20090713 photo captions

The July 13, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council began with a mayoral proclamation for “Recreation and Parks Month” which Westminster mayor Kevin Utz presented to Ron Schroers, the Westminster director of recreation and parks.

Westminster officials at the July 13, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council. From right to left: Westminster mayor Kevin Utz, Westminster council president Damian Halstad, and Westminster councilmember Tony Chiavacci.

At the July 13, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council Ron Schroers, the Westminster director of recreation and parks daydreamed for a moment as he pondered all the things he could get done with a check in the amount of $4,800.00 for refurbishments to the municipal pool from the Stingrays. They “are more than just a competitive swim team… but provide a great service to the community,” said a beaming Schroers.

At the July 13, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council the Mid Atlantic Maryland U.S. Tennis Association turned over to Ron Schroers, the Westminster director of recreation and parks, a check for $2,888.00 for improvements to the tennis courts on the municipal playground. Schroers did not have the donations for long as Westminster mayor Utz quickly extended his hand to get the check, as Westminster city administrator Marge Wolf (right) looks on with a broad smile…

From left to right, Westminster town planner, Melissa Hynes and Westminster public works director, the Rev. Jeff Glass, look on as Ron Schroers, the Westminster director of recreation and parks makes a point at the July 13, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council.

As the July 13, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council wore-on late into the evening, Ron Schroers, the Westminster director of recreation and parks slipped into warp drive and another time zone. The Westminster town planner, Melissa Hynes and Westminster public works director, the Rev. Jeff Glass, were amazed.

*****

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Carroll Tech Council 1st Annual Masquerade Ball

Carroll Tech Council 1st Annual Masquerade Ball on January 31, 2009

Exclusive to the Carroll Tech Council, but open to the public.

1st Annual "Come as your aren't" Masquerade Ball

Carroll Tech Council's Masquerade Ball "Come As You Aren't"
1/31/09 at Martin's Westminster from 7pm-12am
Masks required, costumes preferred.
Dancing, eating, drinking, games, auctions, magicians, photos, and tons of fun!
$70 per person, $130 per couple.
More info available on website http://www.carrolltechcouncil.org/
Please rsvp to tracy@carrolltechcouncil.org

Have you ever wanted to attend a masquerade ball just like in the movies? Well now is your chance. The Carroll Technology Council is breaking new ground by staging a Spectacular New Event. The Carroll County Masquerade Ball. Join us for fine dining, mixed drinks, beer, wine and dancing.

Who knows who you might meet. At 12 midnight the masks will come off.

It's the first event of its kind in the county, and we expect to make a spectacular entrance!

It's Coming Up Fast: January 31st, 2009

The event will be held at Martins Westminster from 7pm to 12 Midnight

Sponsors Still Welcome!

If your interested in being a sponsor, you're in good company. Carroll Magazine, Kohn Creative, Fallfest, Carroll County Economic Development, DBED, Pomeroy Jewelers and Gizmo's Art

Get in on it now. Sponsorships include tickets. So why not give it a whirl for a good cause. Here is the break down

$1000 for a table of 10. Includes program advertising and recognition at the event.

Individual tickets are available for $75 each or $130 per couple.

Contact Tracy Turner 443-244-1262

20090112 Carroll Tech Council 1st Annual Masquerade Ball

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

20081231 Admin various link lists 12 through 33

20081231 Admin various link lists 12 through 33

33 NGOs Advocacy Organizations and Thinktanks
C-Span Q and A
Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, The George Washington University
The Heritage Foundation

32 Art Theater and Movies
American Collage Network for Educators
Carroll County Arts Council
Gizmos Art, Lyndi McNulty's
Maloney Violin Studio in Westminster
Movie Mistakes.com
On Location with Rick Lee (photography)
Rabbit Prince
Reel Fanatic
Silver Spring Daily Photo

31 Writing and Journalism
"You Don't Say" by John McIntyre: "This Web log looks at issues of language and writing, particularly grammar and usage..."
Associated Content
MD DE DC Press Association
Newspaper Association of America Foundation - and information on Newspapers in Education
Rhyming Dictionary
Society of Environmental Journalists
Writer's Almanac from American Public Media

30 Columnists Authors and Journalists
Editor and Publisher
Examiner articles by Kelsey Volkmann
Krauthammer, Charles on Town Hall
Mychal Massie
Webb, James - a colllection of works

29 Environmentalism
Audubon Sociey of Central Maryland
Everglades National park
Sierra Club Catoctin Group
Smart Growth Online
Society of Environmental Journalists

28 Carroll Co MD municipalities
Government Accounting Standards Board
Hampstead, MD
Maryland Municipal League
Mount Airy Maryland town government
Taneytown Chamber of Commerce
Taneytown History Museum
Westminster City Government

27 Carroll Co Scrapbook
Black Oak Associates
Bowling Brook Preparatory School
Carroll Community College
Carroll County (MD) Chamber of Commerce
Carroll County Arts Council
Carroll County Board of Elections
Carroll County Democratic Central Committee
Carroll County Demographic Profile 2006 update
Carroll County Farm Museum
Carroll County Government
Carroll County Government Press Releases
Carroll County Government Press Releases
Carroll County League of Women Voters
Carroll County Progrssives
Carroll County Public Library
Carroll County Public Schools
Carroll County Regional Airport
Carroll County Tourism Web-site
Carroll Hospital Center
Carroll Lutheran Village
Carroll Technology Council
College Square Shopping Center Westminster Maryland
Community Foundation of Carroll County
Community Foundation of Carroll County, Maryland
East Middle School 121 Longwell Ave. Westminster
Freedom Area Citizen's Council FACC
Giulianova Groceria 11 E. Main St Westminster
Gizmos Art, Lyndi McNulty's
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Illiano Family's J&P Pizza Restaurants
Interfaith Housing Alliance - Building Independence, One Home at a Time
Main Street Advisors
Maryland Association of Counties
McDaniel College and Westminster Good Partners for Over 137 Years
McDaniel College in Westminster
McDaniel College October 2002 information post
Mount Airy Gazette
Mount Airy Messenger
Office Depot
Rager, Lehman and Houck, PC, CPA
Republican Central Committee of Carroll Co.
Shepherd's Staff
St. John Roman Catholic Church
Sykesville Freedom District Fire Dept.
Tevis Oil and Modern Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning
U. S. Census Bueau Carroll County Quick Facts
Union Mills Homestead
United Used Cars
West Carroll Republican Club
West Middle School 60 Monroe Ave. Westminster
Westminster Fallfest
Westminster Fire Department
Westminster Municipal Band
Westminster Restaurant Directory
Willow Bend Books, 65 East Main St., Westminster, MD 21157
Woman's Club of Westminster, Inc.
Women in Black Speak Out
Women in Black Westminster
WTTR the "Voice of Carroll County"

26 Maryland Municipalities
Frederick Co. Town of Walkersville
Institute for Governmental Service
Maryland Association of Counties
Maryland Municipal League

25 Maryland Scrapbook
Maryland Association of Counties
Maryland Manual online
Maryland Public Service Commission
Maryland State Board of Elections
MD Gov. Martin O'Malley Press Releases
Stateline's collection of State of the state speeches from throughout the United States

24 Alaska Scrapbook
Anchorage municipal web site

23 Delaware Scrapbook
Delaware Grapevine

22 India Scrapbook
Bangalore Daily Photo
The Times of India

21 Florida Scrapbook
Everglades National Park
Florida Dept. of Community Affairs
Historical Museum of Southern Florida
Miami Herald
Monroe Co. and the Florida Keys
My Florida - the official portal for the State of Florida
Truman Key West Little White House

19 Governance
Government Accounting Standards Board

18 Frederick County Scrapbook
1895 Frederick County Atlas
Frederick County Government
Historical Society of Frederick County
WFMD AM 930 Frederick

17 Harford County Scrapbook
Craig - David Craig for Harford Co. Executive
Harford Co. Government
Harford County Board of Elections
Harford Republican
Harford Vista

16 North Carolina Scrapbook
Durham, Chapel Hill & the Research Triangle Region Herald Sun
Elon University

15 Pennsylvania Scrapbook
Gettysburg College

14 Virginia Scapbook
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Virginia Gazette - covering Williamsburg area
William and Mary Flat Hat student newspaper
William and Mary News
William and Mary, College of
Williamsburg Colonial Williamsburg VA

13 Technology Scrapbook
Blogdigger
Carroll Technology Council
Digital Universe Foundation
Federal Computer Week
FUCC - Web 2.0 Examples and User Sites
Hello photo hosting
InfoPathways LLC
Nexpoint
Reverberations
Slashdot:News for nerds, stuff that matters
Snap.com
Technorati

12 Baltimore Scrapbook
Baltimore City Government
Maryland Zoo

Kevin Dayhoff E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr DOT org His columns appear in The Tentacle, http://www.thetentacle.com/; The Westminster Eagle /Eldersburg Eagle The Sunday Carroll Eagle - Opinion: http://explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/kevindayhoff http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835 http://picasaweb.google.com/kevindayhoff

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Westminster Mayor and Common Council meeting agenda for December 8 2008

Westminster Mayor and Common Council meeting agenda for December 8 2008

Home >> City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Public Hearing Notice

The public hearing set for Monday, December 8, 2008, to receive comments on proposed Ordinance Nos. 796 and 797 dealing with sewer charges and water rates for metered services provided by the City of Westminster will not be conducted as scheduled and will be rescheduled early next year.

THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF WESTMINSTER

Thomas K. Ferguson, Mayor
AGENDA

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of December 8, 2008

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Fallfest Presentations

Holiday Parade Awards

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2008

3. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

4. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

5. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Introduction of Ordinance No. 798 – Modifications to General Fee Ordinance - Thomas Beyard

Introduction of Ordinance No. 799 – Chapter 94, Section 5 – Peddlers’ and Solicitors’ Fees – Thomas Beyard

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. Approval of Agreement CB-1108 – Commitment of Intent for the Redevelopment and Occupancy of the City Park Concession Stand/Community Building – Ron Schroers

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Cancellation of December 22, 2008 Meeting

8. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

9. CITIZEN COMMENTS

10. ADJOURN

PLEASE NOTE: THE DECEMBER 8, 2008 MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE JOHN STREET QUARTERS OF THE WESTMINSTER FIRE COMPANY. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE

David S. Babylon Jr. Memorial Community Building Groundbreaking

Westminster Mayor and Common Council
P.O. Box 710, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane,
Westminster, Maryland 21158-0710 410-848-9000

Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158 (410) 848-9000

David S. Babylon Jr. Memorial Community Building Groundbreaking
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 3:30 p.m.
Westminster Playground, Westminster, Maryland

Westminster Dir. of Recreation & Parks Ron Schroers
Westminster Mayor Thomas K. Ferguson
Delegate Tanya T. Shewell District 5A, Carroll County
County Commissioner Dean Minnich
Fallfest Treasurer & Building Chair Marshall Green
Evelyn Fluck Babylon
Closing Ron Schroers
Cake

The building is being named in honor of David S. Babylon, Jr., who served the citizens of Westminster for twenty-five years as a distinguished member and President of the Westminster Common Council, was a life member of the Westminster Fire Department, and was a well-respected and successful Westminster businessman.

This new two-story building will replace the current outdated structure and is designed to continue to function as a snack shack and storage facility, but will also include a community meeting room and office facilities for Westminster Fallfest Inc.

The building will be owned by The City of Westminster and will be operated and maintained through a partnership with The City of Westminster, Westminster Fallfest, Inc., and The Westminster Optimist Club.

Funding for this exciting project was made possible by a lead private sector gift of $50,000.00 from the family of David Babylon, along with A State of Maryland Project Open Space grant of $59,470 and matching grants from Carroll County Government and The City of Westminster of $3,304.00 each.

Councilwoman Suzanne Albert and the Westminster based architectural firm of Dean Camlin & Associates, the Westminster based engineering firm of CLSI, and the Board of Directors of Westminster Fallfest, Inc. each have made important contributions to this endeavor.

If you’d like to contribute, checks can be made out to:
Westminster Fallfest “Paving the Road,”
Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158
(410) 848-9000

Groundbreaking for the Babylon Community Building slated for Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 3:30 PM

Groundbreaking for the Babylon Community Building on the Westminster Playground slated for Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 3:30 PM

The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster cordially invite you to attend the Groundbreaking ceremony for the David S. Babylon Memorial Community Building to be held at 3:30 p.m. on September 24, 2008 on the grounds of the historic Westminster City Park.

The building is being named in honor of David S. Babylon who served the citizens of Westminster for twenty-five years as a distinguished member and President of the Westminster Common Council, was a life member of the Westminster Fire Department, and was a well-respected and successful Westminster businessman.

This new two-story building will replace the current outdated structure and is designed to continue to function as a snack shack and storage facility, but will also include a community meeting room and office facilities for Westminster Fallfest Inc.

The building will be owned by The City of Westminster and will be operated and maintained through a partnership with The City of Westminster, Westminster Fallfest, Inc., and The Westminster Optimist Club.

Funding for this exciting project was made possible by a lead private sector gift of $50,000.00 from the family of David Babylon, along with A State of Maryland Project Open Space grant of $59,470 and matching grants from Carroll County Government and The City of Westminster of $3,304.00 each.

Councilwoman Suzanne Albert and the Westminster based architectural firm of Dean Camlin & Associates, the Westminster based engineering firm of CLSI, and the Board of Directors of Westminster Fallfest, Inc. each have made important contributions to this endeavor.

Please contact Mr. Ron Schroers, Director of Recreation and Parks, at 410 848-6962 by September 15th to confirm your attendance.

For more information go to: 20080414 A History and overview of The David S. Babylon Jr. Community Building project

Babylon Fam Babylon Bldg Playground

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Babylon%20Fam%20Babylon%20Bldg%20Playground

20080924 Groundbreaking for the Babylon Community Building

Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt

Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt

By Bryan Schutt, Carroll County Times Staff Writer Saturday, September 13, 2008

The Westminster Playground Community Building will be demolished in the coming months and a new building will be built that’ll serve as the headquarters for two community organizations.

The new building will become the joint headquarters for the Optimist Club of Westminster and Westminster Fallfest Inc., according to Ron Schroers, Westminster’s director of parks and recreation. He said the project should be done by next year’s Fallfest and it will allow both groups to have a central location amid the heart of activity in the city.

Schroers said the majority of the $149,000 needed to pay for the project will come from Maryland Project Open Space grant money and fundraising by Fallfest. The ongoing electric costs will be covered by the Optimist Club.

A face-lift for the fixture wouldn’t have been practical, according to Schroers, so the building, which is located between the basketball court and baseball field at the city park, will be torn down and a new two-story structure will be erected.

The first floor will be the home of the Optimist Club. It will have a meeting room and a new concession area so the Optimist Club can operate a snack shack again during events. The current concession stand is inoperable, so the club abandoned the use of it.

The second floor will be the home to Fallfest, and it’ll have an office and multipurpose room. The building will also have a basement, which will serve as storage rooms for both groups.

Schroers said the fundraising took off after a donation from the Babylon family. The family donated $50,000 during the Fallfest Gala last April. Because of that, the new playground building will be renamed the David S. Babylon Memorial Community Building, in honor of Babylon and his contributions to the city.

Babylon, a lifelong Westminster activist, passed away in August 2006. He served as a councilman in Westminster for 25 years, was a volunteer in the Westminster fire company and was involved with several other community organizations.

Darlene Dorsey, president of the Optimist Club of Westminster, said she was floored when the idea was floated to her, and she still gets energized when she thinks about the project.

“That building now is an eyesore and needed so many repairs … we haven’t really used that shack for years,” Dorsey said. “It’s going to be useful again and that, in itself, is wonderful.

“I’m really excited. This is a great thing and the area will look much nicer, too.”

The Optimist Club used the building for years, but it’s mainly used as a storage shed now because it is so run down, she said.

Dorsey said that with all the club does, operating a good-looking building in the park will serve as a reminder to the community of their services and they hope it will further their outreach to the community’s children. Tom Canon, board member for Fallfest in charge of the capital campaign for the project, said he believes in the project’s practicality.

He said the groundbreaking will take place Sept. 24, the day of the Fallfest parade, and people will be able to see the redesign concept then.

“Making it bigger will enhance its service to the community,” Canon said. “Certainly, city [officials] and citizens take great pride in the facilities and [the area]. That’s what’s getting this done and it’ll be a nice thing to finish.”

Reach staff writer Bryan Schutt at 410-857-7886 or
bryan.schutt@carrollcountytimes.com.

20080913 Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt

Carroll County Board of Commissioners agenda for the week of September 22 2008

Carroll County Board of Commissioners agenda for the week of September 22 2008

Board of County Commissioners
Julia W. Gouge, President
Dean L. Minnich, Vice President
Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary
Carroll County Government
225 North Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978
fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

Agenda for the Week of September 22, 2008

Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be held at the Carroll County Office Building Room 311. (Unless otherwise noted)

Indicates Outside Activities

Monday September 22, 2008

10:00 a.m.
Marada Industries, Inc. Tour
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Zimmer

7:00 p.m.
Union Bridge Community Meeting
Union Bridge, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

Tuesday September 23, 2008

9:00 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Old New Windsor School
County Government Offices & Presentation of Proclamation
for the Carroll County Public Library’s 50th Anniversary
New Windsor, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

11:00 a.m.

Board of County Commissioners Open Session

County Office Building Room 311
2009/2010 Budget Challenges
County Commissioners Office Mr. Steve Powell/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski

FOLLOWED BY:

Board of County Commissioners Administrative Session Closed
Westminster, Maryland

1:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

4:00 p.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

Wednesday September 24, 2008

8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

10:00 a.m.
Issues & Insights with Mayor McCarron
Taneytown, Maryland
Commissioner Gouge

3:30 p.m.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for David Babylon Community
Building @ Westminster City Playground
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich

Thursday September 25, 2008

8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

8:30 a.m.
Economic Development Commission Meeting
County Office Building Room 105
Commissioner Minnich

10:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
County Office Building Room 003
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich

11:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session
County Office Building Room 311
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich

Request Approval Town/County Agreements
Towns of Sykesville & Mt. Airy
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski

Exercise Option to Purchase Daniel Shaffer Property
Greenwood Campus Option -
Department of Public Works Mr. J. Michael Evans
Department of General Services Mr. Tom Rio

Update on Carroll County Food Sunday -
Carroll County Food Sunday Mr. David Taylor

BCC signing of Bond documents for Issuance of Economic
Development Revenue Bonds for Fairhaven, Inc. and
Copper Ridge, Inc. -
County Attorney's Office Kim Millender, County Attorney

Request Approval of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department
FY 2009 Violence Again Women Act (VAWA) Award and
Operating Budget Resolution O-03 to Transfer Funds -
Carroll County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Tregoning/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski

Chief of Staff Time Mr. Steve Powell

Administrative Session Closed

Friday September 26, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

7:00 p.m.
Induction of Filipino Americans of Carroll County
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Minnich

Saturday September 27, 2008

Sunday September 28, 2008
8:05 a.m.
“The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR
Commissioner Gouge

20080922 CCBOC agenda

20080700 Westminster MD A Month of Sundays 2008 Summer Concert Series

Westminster MD A Month of Sundays 2008 Summer Concert Series

“A MONTH OF SUNDAYS” – 2008 Summer Concert Series

We cordially invite you to join us at 6:45 pm in the Westminster City Park (off Main Street & Longwell Avenue) each Sunday in July for a variety of great music.

We are celebrating our 14th summer of bringing great entertainment to the public!

Food and beverages will be sold.

Concerts are Free and Open to the Public.

Check the attached schedule and come earlier to join in the fun if we're hosting a display of beautiful cars by Free State Corvette Club, Street Cars of Desire, Classic Corvette Club of Maryland, or touring motorcycles by Gold Wing Road Riders Association! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Join us as we host a "Spotlight on Local Talent"...an opportunity for community talent to be featured opening each concert week by singing The National Anthem and performing a song to open our second hour of entertainment after our half-time concert break.

Be sure to come early and receive your free ticket for our "Best Seat in the House" drawing held at the beginning of each concert. You could win special seating for your group to view the concert, a free CD from our host entertainment, a free summer concert series t-shirt, and cold beverages to quench your thirst as you sit back and enjoy the show!

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Westminster City Park. Public bathroom facilities are located in the park. Audio and video recording of concert performances is prohibited. No pets are allowed.

In the event of possible bad weather that might be a threat to our weekly performance or questions about the scheduled entertainment, you may telephone Linda Silfee, Concert Event Program Coordinator, at 443-286-2367 for updated information.

While no admission is charged to attend the free Summer Concert Series, we encourage donations of personal care items for all ages (i.e. newly purchased deodorants, toothbrushes & toothpastes, soaps), paper goods (i.e. toilet paper, paper towels), cleaning supplies (i.e. Windex, Formula 409, furniture polish), baby food, diapers or formula will be collected to help the homeless & low-income individuals served by the Human Services Programs, Inc. of Carroll County. Items will be collected at each performance.

(The concert series is presented in joint cooperation with the City of Westminster Recreation Department, the Carroll County Department of Recreation & Parks, and the Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc.)

We hope to see you in July at the Westminster City Park for our free summer concert series!

(concert info: call 410-876-6639, 410-848-6962, 410-876-5407, 410-386-2103, 443-286-2367)


July 6, 2008 – IRON RIDGE – Traditional Bluegrass, Country, Light Gospel

Kicking off our summer concert series is a repeat performance by Iron Ridge, a band dedicated to preserving old-time traditional bluegrass while adding some original and light gospel tunes that will melt your heart. Delight in the awesome picking of Denny Kopp on mandolin & fiddle. Jerry Leitner is a stand-out on rhythm guitar. Max Allison excels as bass player and on vocals in the group’s awesome 4-part harmonies. Listen closely to Jay Mosley’s velvet voice along with his sweet-pickin’ banjo! Jay’s son, Joey, an award-winning musician, is a real delight with his special touch on guitar and vocals. Miss Jen Starsenic adds a fine dimension to the group with her sizzling fiddle. Listen closely as these voices blend in a crisp and clean, tight harmony, while they present a refreshing and professional performance on stage, coupled with superb instrumental work. http://www.ironridgeband.com/

“National Anthem” will be sung by Miss Alexia Mercedes Van Horn, a 20-year old Westminster local talent, who currently attends Towson State University and is also in the process of recording her musical debut CD in Nashville, Tennessee. Our 2nd set will begin with Alexia performing “God Bless America”.

(Join us for a special summer evening in the Westminster City Park as Free State Corvette Club showcase their beautiful cars for our enjoyment…all the while taking advantage of this opportunity to cast a vote for your favorite car and contribute to our charity!)


July 13, 2008 – THE CRAWDADDIES – Cajun, Zydeco, Swing, Roots, Rock & Reggae

This 5-member band, founded in 1995, infuses these sounds of music into an incomparable, groove-laden sound that is unquestionably their own. The eclectic, good-time spirit of their set and twelve years of touring the national festival and college circuits has earned the band a strong following. They have performed locally for Westminster’s Fallfest and the Maryland Wine Festival. Join us to experience the accomplishments of these talented musicians, who along with the use of traditional guitars, keyboards & drums, also perform using an accordion and rubboard. The Crawdaddies have come together to form an extremely unique musical group to present an infectious pulse and high-energy classic cajun/zydeco rhythm with cool swing grooves, country, rock, funk and soul.http://www.thecrawdaddies.com/

“National Anthem” will be sung by Ginger Jefferson, a local talent from Hampstead, who has participated in nine September Song productions and currently sings with “The Candlelighters”, a music ensemble based at the Glyndon Methodist Church. Ginger is a student of vocal coach, Phyllis Rudolph. Our 2nd set will begin with Ginger performing “Amazing Grace”.

(Join in the excitement as Street Cars of Desire will be in the City Park at 5:30 pm displaying their cars for our enjoyment!)



July 20, 2008 Rich Clare – PENTAGON w/ Rico and The Ravens – Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues…from then until now! (This concert may last until 9:30 pm.)

Pentagon is a 6-piece show band that plays Rock & Roll and Rhythm & Blues from the time it started until now, showcasing the music from Wilson Picket to Smash Mouth…from Buddy Holly to U2! They will conjure up a memory, make you laugh along the way! Pentagon is best known for their 6-part vocal harmonies and unique brand of humor. The band has performed in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Puerto Rico. Pentagon has been a mainstay at Hershey Park Amphitheater for the past 30 years! http://www.richclarepentagonbandfanclub.com/

“National Anthem” will be sung acappella by Jennifer Rose, a well-known entertainer & very dear friend to many of us at our summer concert series through these past years, who is an extremely talented country, rock, pop singer. Our 2nd set will open with Jennifer performing “America the Beautiful”.

(Join in the festivities and be sure to vote for your favorite touring motorcycle as the Gold Wing Road Riders Association will be displaying their bikes at 5:30 pm!)


July 27, 2008 The Van-Dells – Oldies, Rock & Roll Show Group

The Van-Dells are an oldies show group that specializes in 50’s and 60s Rock & Roll and are billed as “the Nation’s #1 Rock & Roll Review!” Back by popular demand for a repeat performance, be entertained by a cross section of oldies combined with a unique blend of comedy, choreography, tight harmonies and costume changes. http://www.van-dells.com/

“National Anthem” will be sung acappella by ONE ACCORD, a 17-voice men’s chorus from Sandy Mount United Methodist Church in Finksburg, who has been singing together for more than 10 years, under the skilled direction of Linda Wheat. Our 2nd set will open with the chorus singing “God Bless America”.

(Join us in the City Park as Classic Corvette Club of Maryland will begin showcasing their cars at 5:30 pm!)

Annual events holidays Month of Sundays in July

20080414 A History and overview of The David S. Babylon Jr. Community Building project

Westminster Mayor and Common Council
P.O. Box 710, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane,
Westminster, Maryland 21158-0710
410-848-9000

Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158 (410) 848-9000

“Paving the Road to a Better Community”

A History and overview of The David S. Babylon Jr. Community Building project: “Look what we started.”

If you’d like to contribute, checks can be made out to:

Westminster Fallfest “Paving the Road,”
Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158
(410) 848-9000

Monday, April 14th, 2008

For more information please contact Westminster Mayor Tom Ferguson at (410) 8488-2522 or Westminster Director of Parks Ron Schroers at (410) 848-9000 or e-mail him at rshroers@westminsterfallfest.com

*****

At the sixth annual Fallfest Gala, the Westminster mayor and Common Council, Westminster Fallfest, Inc., and the Westminster Recreation and Parks Advisory Board kicked off a capital campaign to replace the Westminster Municipal Playground concession stand with a new two-story multi-purpose community building.

At the event held last Saturday at Martin’s Westminster, Evelyn and Caroline Babylon represented the family of the late former Westminster Common Council president David S. Babylon, Jr., and presented the Fallfest Paving the Road to a Better Community Committee with a pledge of $50,000 in his memory, to get the capital campaign off to a good start.

The gift to the city of Westminster is in honor of Mr. Babylon who dedicated his life to public service for the community he loved.

Mr. Babylon’s daughter, Caroline announced the memorial gift on behalf of the family and turned the podium over to her Mom, Evelyn Babylon.

Mrs. Babylon, remarked: “The last night of the last family vacation in which David was able to participate, the whole family was sitting at the long dinner table – about 20 of us – and Dave nudged me with his elbow, and, gesturing with his other hand, said, ‘Look what we started!’ It was, indeed, a scene of joyful conviviality.

“The family joins me in believing that David would be proud to be here [he loved parties like this] and add his voice of approval to the kick-off of this campaign. We think he would nudge each of you to join in this endeavor so that we could soon all say, ‘Look what we started!’”

Mr. Babylon began a lifelong love affair of service to our community when he joined the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company #1 on June 1st, 1949. Serving in the fire department was another of the passions in his life. He served for many years as secretary/treasurer. He had fond memories of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Company’s annual summer carnivals which were held at the playground.

Mr. Babylon was born on September 4, 1923 in Westminster, and when he was a child, the city did not have a playground. The Westminster Municipal Playground was not inaugurated until 1936 and dedicated by the Westminster Mayor George E. Matthews, Council President Joseph L. Mathias, councilmembers Walter H. Davis, Edwin S. Gehr, Jesse C. Royer, and City Attorney D. Eugene Walsh, in 1937.

By the time the playground was in use, Mr. Babylon was attending Valley Forge Military Academy. He graduated from Valley Forge in 1941 and was one of the youngest Captains commissioned in the U. S. Army during World War II.

When Mr. Babylon was young, providing recreational opportunities was a hot-button political topic as was exemplified by an editorial in the Democratic Advocate, on April 7, 1922, “Westminster, and the Recreation Problem.”

The lack of a municipal playground while growing up in Westminster only exacerbated his understanding later, during his public career, of providing community recreation opportunities.

After Mr. Babylon served in World War II, he graduated from Gettysburg College in January 1948 with a BA degree in Economics. He continued in a business, Cunocar Bookkeeping Service, which he had begun in his college years. Many in Westminster have fond memories of Mr. Babylon’s green “office-on-wheels,” in which he would travel from business to business. He sold his business and retired in 1986.

Mr. Babylon, who passed away at age 82 at his home on August 22, 2006, served on the Westminster Common Council for 25 years, from 1964 until he retired in 1989. For 16 of those years, he served as the Common Council President as did his grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon, in 1898 and 1899.

In the mid to late 1970s, the Westminster mayor and Common Council worked hard in a major downtown revitalization effort of Westminster’s business district. To celebrate the successes of that effort, Fallfest was born in 1978.

Mr. Babylon was an enthusiastic supporter of Fallfest. In her remarks last Saturday night Mrs. Babylon noted “Dave was an enthusiastic member of the Common Council when the idea of Fallfest was introduced, and he wholeheartedly backed the idea. Indeed, even when he was not fully mobile, he acquiesced to going down to the celebration in a wheelchair – and fully enjoyed it, of course.”

Westminster Mayor Tom Ferguson has fond memories of the Westminster Playground as a kid growing up in Westminster. He remembers that “my brother and I were among the first to play Little League Baseball (there when the baseball program started) in the 1950s… Along with folks such as Bob and Jim Reck, Art Caples, Pinky Bixler, and Butch Martin.”

“This is another classic example of a successful private –public partnership to what is already a gem in Westminster. If I may say so, I am very appreciative of this generous - magnificent gift from the Babylon family - especially in light of Mr. Babylon’s years of service to the community. He was always so much involved in civic projects and improvements. This will certainly attract other donors to step up to the plate to get it done.”

Doing it right has been an overriding theme of the City. Westminster director of recreation and parks, Ron Schroers, noted that the City has been on a continuous improvement program for the Westminster Playground for the past 15 years. “By using grants and private donations we’ve built pavilions, replaced playground equipment, re-done the basketball and tennis courts…”

“It’s really great to see the community to come together to make this city project happen. This is one of the most heavily used parks in Carroll County… (One of the reasons, besides the facilities is because) it is the best-shaded park…”

Carroll County owns 24 parks in the county and the City of Westminster has eight.

Mr. Schroers noted that in addition to the Babylon family gift, $66,000 has already been obtained for the building from a combination of Carroll County’s and Westminster’s “Program Open Space” state grant.

He hopes to begin construction of the new building after the 30th Fallfest takes place this September. Cost estimates are currently being developed, however preliminary indication is that more money is needed and the City and the Fallfest Committee are currently looking for additional donors of materials, money and in-kind work donations.

The project began in the summer of 2006 according to the Program Open Space grant proposal. At that time:

“The Westminster Mayor and Common Council determined that the existing concession stand needed to be replaced. The 1 story building has a leaky roof, rotten wood siding, no environmental controls, and is a general eyesore.”

“After studying the cost of repairing the existing building, it was determined to be more cost effective to raze the current building … and build a new structure.” (Before the building falls down.)

“The expanded facility will be available for many community groups for a variety of uses. What was formerly only a concession stand and sports equipment storage, will now also have available a multi-purpose meeting facility.

The second story will be made available as offices/workspace for Westminster Fallfest … which is partnering in the building … by securing additional funding, donations of money, materials, and volunteers. This project continues the City’s investment … to make it the best and most heavily used recreation facility in Westminster…”

Andy Biller is in his 18th year serving on the Westminster Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. He currently serves as the chair.

Mr. Biller said, “I grew up in Carroll County and as a youngster I spent a lot of time in town and learned to appreciate the Westminster Playground as one of Carroll County’s true community treasures. The park has always been the shining moment in the City. I’m proud to be a part of yet another historic improvement for our community.”

Mr. Biller has been “impressed with how hard Westminster Council President Roy Chiavacci has worked on constantly improving not only the playground but all of Westminster’s recreation opportunities.”

Mr. Biller was in a meeting recently with President Chiavacci to review the capital campaign and building plans. President Chiavacci is said to have exclaimed, this is “awesome.”

Once the building is constructed the Optimist Club “is going to have our meetings there and use it to support the clubs’ youth activities in the community,” said Darlene Dorsey, the president of Optimist Club of Westminster.

The Optimist Club has “been around for about 50 years. We took over the Little League program years ago from the Civitan Club. Boy, am I excited. I saw the plans the other day when I visited with Ron Schroers… We love the playground improvements. I remember the wooden bleachers and they have been replaced with nice new metal bleachers… (The building plans have) exceeded our expectations. We’re looking forward to it; the present building is an eyesore.”

The Westminster director of public works, Jeff Glass, is also looking forward to the project. After all, it is his responsibility to keep failing buildings such as this useful and safe.

When he heard about the new playground community building, he said that he “fully understands and values the need to expand” the city’s public works and recreation infrastructure.

Mr. Glass, who “began working for the City in 1982 and worked with Mr. Babylon for a number of years when he was the Council President and I was a student of his thinking process… This is exactly the way Mr. Babylon would have wanted it done. Don’t just replace it – prepare for the future.
Take the opportunity to stretch a dollar further and leverage the tax dollars to build what the community needs for the future while the building is being replaced…”

Mr. Glass went on to recall how “Mr. Babylon was known for being fiscally conservative when he was on the council,” and always encouraged the private sector to step up to the plate for needed infrastructure improvements before he turned to taxpayers...

Tom Beyard, the City’s director of planning agreed. He has also worked for the City long enough to have worked with Mr. Babylon. “It’s always a great idea when the public section and the philanthropists can get together for the community.”

Carroll County Commissioner Dean Minnich also knew Mr. Babylon well; they were in the Lions Club together. He recalled that in past years, “the roots of Carroll County recreation were the service clubs.”

He remembers that “it was the Civitan Club that started the Little League program at the playground back in the 1950s… Drs. Klinger Jr. and Senior… (And) the business community took care of the tasks long before government got involved… A bunch of young fathers got involved to make sure softball, soccer, and baseball (were available.) Those guys used to go out on their own time and rake, mow, lime the fields, pick up rocks…”

Westminster Councilwoman Suzanne Albert, (the granddaughter of Westminster Mayor David E. Walsh May 20, 1912 – May 15, 1916,) grew up at 134 East Main Street in Westminster.

She said that “growing up (the playground) was my backyard... Nothing like having your own playground practically in your backyard. I could walk to it. I guess I took it for granted. I just thought that every community had a playground like that. (Nevertheless) we can’t take it for granted and we need to take care of it for future generations. It’s important to sustain such an important community asset.”

Mrs. Evelyn Babylon reiterated, “It is important that we continue to build upon the work of those who went before us and maintain and improve the park for our children’s children. That’s the way Dave would have wanted it.”

Councilwoman Albert, who knew Mr. Babylon well, said the community is thankful for what Mr. and Mrs. Babylon have started – and not just the playground…

If you’d like to contribute, checks can be made out to:

Westminster Fallfest “Paving the Road,”
Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158
(410) 848-9000

20080414 A History and overview of The David S. Babylon Jr. Community Building project

20071003 Kathryn Leiter watch

20071003 Kathryn Leiter watch

Kathryn Leiter watch

October 3^rd, 2007

Recently folks around town have taken notice of one of the several talented writers for the Carroll County Times - Kathryn Leiter.

I’d post her web site picture, but when I had a chance to talk with her at a community function some time ago, she told me she hates the picture…

I just checked the web site and the same photo she hates is still up on the site…

If I am not mistaken, I was told that she is a former copy editor. Which may explain why her pieces are written so tightly? As opposed to that of an old short story writer such as myself, who all too often goes rambling-on in this and that direction. (There’s a reason I write columns – and only a few articles…)

And – as an added bonus, she is from the area - Catonsville, so she knows the lay of the land and has some insight into our community traditions – and history…

I’m not quite sure when she first started writing articles, but recently many appreciated her articles on disaster preparedness, local governments’ web sites becoming more customer-friendly, the Monarch butterflies, or the non-profits – a subject near and dear to the hearts of many Carroll Countians.

And who can forget the great piece on the vaccination clinic at the Ag Center:

“It’s raining cats and dogs and ferrets. The Carroll County Agriculture Center’s riding barn was filled with hundreds of cats, dogs and ferrets, as owners took advantage of the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Clinic Sunday….”

But her recent “Sunday package” published in the Sunday, September 30^th, 2007 edition of the paper, on our youngest generation beginning to assume leadership roles in the community, really caught the attention of the community.

Ultimately, if one is not academically schooled in the matter of “community leadership succession”; even the most unsophisticated in our community understands that our youth are the folks who will need to take over the reins one day.

If not for any other reason than the fact that at some point, us older folks want to retire and let someone else take on the responsibilities (read: headaches and opportunities) of maintaining our community as a great place to live – and grow old.

Moreover, there are those of us, this writer in particular, who feel that the current 18 to 30 year-olds have a great deal of promise. See also: 20050713 Today’s Youth – They are Fantastic and 20070601 Out of the mouths of today’s future leaders

Personally I have had the pleasure of working with Manchester town councilmember Ryan Warner for several years and it is about time he got the attention that he deserves. Whether one agrees with him or disagrees with him – and I have done both over the years – he is a perfect gentleman and always has what is in the best interests of the community at heart.

And what else can be said about Dr. Herb Smith, he has now been selflessly tutoring future leaders for several decades and it was nice to see him get the attention he deserves.

So the next time you go to the Carroll County Times web site or pick up a copy of the newspaper at the newsstand, be sure to look for her byline, along with my other favorites these days, Ryan Marshall, Carrie Ann Knauer and Jordan Bartel – to mention a few.

Kathryn Leiter watch

Four under 40

Alexander Hamilton hadn’t even reached 20 when he first showed interest in politics. James Madison and Edmund Randolph joined the political arena in their early 20s. Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth held political office in their early 30s.... Sep. 30, 2007;

Starting young

Many Carroll County council members are retired from their careers, giving them the time to put in to the community. When Ryan Warner was 24, he decided he didn’t want to wait until he retired. Warner was first elected to the Manchester Town Co... Sep. 30, 2007;

Prof: Interest in activism steadily rising

Herb Smith has been a political science professor at McDaniel College in Westminster since 1971 and has been involved in politics since he was 14 years old. Q: What do you think attracts younger people to politics? A: Well, there’s always the a... Sep. 30, 2007;

Hampstead moves to online bill payments

Hampstead residents will be able to save their stamps the next time their water bills arrive as the town becomes the first in the county to allow residents to pay their water bills online. The addition to the town’s Web site launched Tuesday, a... Oct. 1, 2007;

Protection for pets: Owners bring animals to Ag Center for Anti-Rabies Vaccination Clinic

It’s raining cats and dogs and ferrets. The Carroll County Agriculture Center’s riding barn was filled with hundreds of cats, dogs and ferrets, as owners took advantage of the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Clinic Sunday. “It’s a g... Oct. 1, 2007;

Learning lessons in lemon lore

When life handed them lemons, even the Victorians made lemonade. At the Carroll County Farm Museum’s final Learning Lunch for the year, food historian Pat Reber gave a group of 17 the history on the summertime drink. The British or European ver.. Oct. 2, 2007;

Fallfest-ivities: Part of food sales go toward selected groups

The carnival rides don’t open until Thursday, but Westminster Fall-fest starts today with a fundraising event. Festivities officially begin with Dine Out Westminster, an event where 10 percent of all food sales benefit four Fallfest groups: Car... Sep. 25, 2007;

Ready to take flight: Youths prepare butterflies for migration at Monarch Madness

Jennifer Jaco delicately handles a monarch butterfly, placing it on the tip of a child’s nose. As the butterfly flutters away, children cheer and parents take pictures. However, this isn’t your average butterfly. This butterfly has a smal...
Sep. 24, 2007;

Goodwill, Salvation Army preparing for busy season

As fall approaches, residents will delve into their wardrobes and don warmer clothes. With the switch from shorts to jeans, residents are cleaning out their closets and donating more to area charity organizations, according to Wayne Hatcher, director...Sep. 20, 2007;

Carroll News Briefs for Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007

Public input sought for emergency plans The public will soon get an opportunity to weigh in on county plans to prevent and manage disasters. A public hearing on a revised Emergency Operations Plan and new Hazard Mitigation Plan is expected to be sche... Sep. 26, 2007; scored 249.0

Labels: Kathryn Leiter watch; Art Writing Essays and articles, Carroll County Times