Kay Church, 66 of Manchester, July 6, 1946 - June 6, 2013

Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack: 20060713 Happy Birthday Kay Church: Happy Birthday Kay Church July 13 th , 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff Carroll County Commissioners Julia Gouge, Dean Minnich, and Perry Jon...

Kay Church, 66 of Manchester, July 6, 1946 - June 6, 2013 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2013/06/kay-church-66-of-manchester-july-6-1946.html

Labels: Carroll Co Commissioners, Carroll Co Govt News, People Carroll Co, People Church Kay, People Obituaries, People Tributes, Tributes

Related: 20060706 KDDC Aunt Kay Birthday Cake and the Commissioners and 20060713 Happy Birthday Kay Church

On Thursday June 6, 2013 Florence Kathleen (Kay) Church age 66 of Manchester, Md. passed away at the Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster, MD.

Born July 6, 1946 in Bluefield, West Virginia she was the daughter of the late Garland Wiley and Betty Jane Shupe and the wife of 43 years to Ronald Church. http://www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2112316&fh_id=11311

Surviving in addition to her husband is daughter Lisa Lynne (Church) Breeden, son Ronald A. Church Jr. son in law Andrew Breeden, and grandchildren Ethan, Chandler, Abby, Hannah and Elijah, sisters Karen Sipe of Columbus Ohio and Jinny Lynn Brooks of North Beach Md. and brothers David and John Shupe of Roanoke Va, Jason Shupe of Laurel Md, and Mason Shupe of Alexandria Va.

Kay Grew up in Silver Spring Md and was a 1965 graduate of Montgomery Blair High School. She was the Main Desk receptionist at the Carroll County Government office building for 20 years, retiring from that position in 2010.

Viewings will be held at Eckhardt Funeral Chapel P.A. 3296 Charmil Drive Manchester Md 21102 on Monday evening June 10 from 7:00-9:00 pm, and Tuesday June 11 from 10:00 am until noon.

Following the Tuesday viewing a memorial service will be held officiated by Father James K. Hamrick.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company ambulance crew for their exemplary service and care during our trying time. Donations of any amount will be accepted at both viewings to benefit this most worthy cause.

Online condolences may be made to www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com.

On July 13^th, 2006, I wrote in a piece titled, “20060713 Happy Birthday Kay Church” http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2006/07/20060713-happy-birthday-kay-church.html:

Happy Birthday Kay Church

July 13th, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

Carroll County Commissioners Julia Gouge, Dean Minnich, and Perry Jones surprise Carroll County Office Building receptionist Kay Church with a birthday cake for her birthday.

People Carroll County, Carroll County Commissioners, Carroll County Government News

Related: 20060706 KDDC Aunt Kay Birthday Cake and the Commissioners

Last Thursday was a milestone birthday for the receptionist at the Carroll County office building information desk, Kay Church, aka “Aunt Kay.

How old is she did you ask? Well, here at the Westminster Eagle, we’re not in the business of competing with The New York Times when it comes to divulging state secrets, but we will give you a hint. She’s the same age as President George W. Bush.

So just what does an “information desk receptionist” do? After all, I have always been focused on the fact that she has a friendly greeting, warm smile, and almost always has cookies. She sits almost exactly where the old Crowl ice cream factory used to be, long before the office building was there, so she is continuing a great tradition of hospitality through food.

When I wander into the building, Aunt Kay is quick to tell me where to go. In my years of working for the public I’ve been told where to go on a number of occasions, but no one does it as nicely as Aunt Kay.

According to our sources, Aunt Kay is part guidance counselor, honorary bailiff (armed with a salad shooter and hard carrots at the ready,) tour guide and mother confessor.

She is also the mother of two grown children. Well, three, if you count her husband, Ron, who also works for county government in the Bureau of Development Review.

Aunt Kay has worked for the county since August 1988, when, after working for Black and Decker in Hampstead, the Manchester Pharmacy and the Hampstead sewing factory, she took a job in personnel services (now called production distribution,) on the bottom floor of the building.

In November 1989 she got a promotion and a raise – to the first floor, where she has been found ever since in her “command station” at the main entrance of the building.

As for her job, Aunt Kay says, she’s “taken an avocation and turned it into a career. I like people and I like talking.”

Recently I had an opportunity to sit down with Aunt Kay so she could talk a little about her job. And talk is exactly what she did. It was like opening the flood gates of genuinely friendly southern charm.

Then again, getting Aunt Kay to talk was not only easy, but getting Aunt Kay to take a break is not really that unusual since she always takes time to help citizens as they hustle and bustle by her command post. And usually, no matter how busy she is, she acts like her sole job is to help you.

“I love serving the public. Carroll County citizens are the best,” as she bubbled over with pride about working for Carroll County government and flowery praise and admiration for her co-workers in the building.

She’s not the first to be the friendly public gatekeeper for the building, Bea Sauble had served in the position for ten years. Aunt Kay was quick and adamant to be sure that it was mentioned that she works with a team that includes, Patsy Hughes, Brenda Wetzel, Gina Ellis, Courtney Hammond and JoAnna Crone.

“This building is really something,” she elaborated. “Oh, everyone has their day now and then, but by far, this is the greatest, kindest and most caring group of folks … This building is all one big team.”

She also quickly added that she wished everyone could be aware of the “dedication, hard work and everything that goes into public service” by the county employees.

As Aunt Kay has now worked for county government for three decades and five different commissioner administrations, she has seen some changes over the years.

Every commissioner she “has ever worked with has been really dedicated. They take the time to get to know each employee’s name and they make you feel like an equal and valuable part of a team. Each and every one of them has been especially good to me.”

“Of course, the building was smaller. The county was smaller, but county government is still small enough to know its customers and be in the customer service business.

“I used to walk to work until the traffic began to worry me”, she lamented. Of course, what most readers don’t know, is that when Aunt Kay, the energizer bunny, talks about walking to work, we’re not just speaking of traveling by foot from around the block. “It’s only 10 miles from home to the county office building,” she adds casually.

One of her goals when she retires is the walk the 2,144 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. But no one wants her to retire anytime too soon.

Asked how the tradition of the cookies began, she said that “cookies have always been a part of who I am. Being raised in the south, when visitors come you feed them. Besides, I love to bake.”

“This job… working with the public has been so good to me that the cookies are the least I can do to give something back. Folks used to be surprised (that cookies are available at the receptionist desk,) now folks stop by her desk before they see the bailiffs and ask for a cookie.”

Always greeting citizens with a smile and a cookie does give way to humor from time to time. When asked for a funny story or two, she lit up and immediately responded, “My favorite one - and it happens every day is the question: ‘Do these stairs go down?’”

For Kay Church everything is always looking up and the county is fortunate to have her and the many other hundreds of great county employees working for our quality of life and future.

Next time you are in the county office building - or call, say happy birthday to Aunt Kay. Her birthday was last week, but when you walk in the county office building, every citizen is special and every day is your birthday.

####

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

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E-mail him at: kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

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Dr. Art Peck, Carroll County community leader dead at age 86

Art Peck, WWII veteran of the Vosges Mountain Campaign, local veterinarian, conservationist, church and community leader, dead at 86

By Kevin Dayhoff August 5, 2009

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Dr. Arthur Howard Peck, 86, of Westminster, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at his home.

He was a community leader who wore many different hats in Carroll County.

Many folks will recall that he was the popular veterinarian who came to Westminster after he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1950.

He joined the veterinary medicine practice of Dr. Charles Kable in Westminster. After Kable retired, Peck maintained the practice until he retired and sold the practice in 1985.

He was born Sept. 23, 1922, in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was the oldest son of the late George Newberry and Lillian Howard Peck; who made a living farming and raising their own livestock, food and vegetables.

He was married to Barbara Cole Peck for 62 years.

Before he enlisted in the Army in 1942, he attended school in Barre, Massachusetts, the Wilbraham Academy in Wilbraham, Mass., and went on to Massachusetts State College before World War II interrupted his studies.

During World War II he served in the 100th (Century) Infantry Division, commanded by Colonel John M. King, 397th Infantry Regiment of the Seventh Army, commanded by Gen. Alexander Patch, in Europe.

He was seriously wounded on November 30, 1944, while fighting in harsh winter weather and rough terrain in eastern France.

The Seventh Army was advancing on the well-established fortifications of Vosges Mountain portion of the Maginot Line - near the Rhine River and the German border, just above Switzerland. His unit was up against Hitler’s own Wehrmacht's Army Group G in the “Vosges Mountain Campaign,” (October 1944--January 1945.)

The Vosges Campaign was on the southern periphery of the Battle of the Bulge, which began on December 16, 1944, and is studied to this day.

Gerhard Graser, a German combat veteran of the Vosges Campaign, and the author of “Zwischen Kattegat und Kaukasus,” 1961, the official German history of the German 198th Infantry Division; wrote:

“The fighting [in the Vosges] always consisted of small battles in the underbrush, man on man. The American infantrymen, accustomed to the protection of superior air power and artillery, and used to advancing behind tanks, suddenly found themselves robbed of their most important helpers. The persistent bad weather hindered their air force, and the terrain limited the mobility of their armor to a significant degree. Here the individual soldier mattered the most… both sides fought with unbelievable bitterness andseverity.”

Another debated, but relatively definitive account of the battle has been written by Keith E. Bonn, a West Point graduate who wrote, “When the Odds Were Even: The Vosges Mountains Campaign.”

For his part, Peck earned the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Combat Infantryman Award for skill and heroism while engaged in active ground combat. Peck received a medical discharge in June 1945.

Over his many years in professional veterinary practice in Carroll County, he served as state president of the Maryland State Veterinary Medical Association from 1973 until 1974 and president of the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from 1974 to 1984.

From June 17, 1988 until 1993, he served on the Board of Review of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, having been appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Maryland Senate.

He was also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the Maryland Wildlife Administration, the Science Advisory Board, and the National Wildlife Health Foundation.

Aside from his many accomplishments in the field of veterinary medicine, he once served as President for the Carroll County PTA and was a life member of the Carroll County Farm Museum. He helped set up the display of Veterinary Surgeon's office at the museum in 1985.

He served on the Hashawha Environmental Center board; the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board, and a county solid waste disposal committee in the 1990s.

The Carroll County commissioners appointed him to the Carroll County Farm Museum Board of Governors in 1984 where he served as chairman from 1986 until 1989.

The commissioners appointed him to the county Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in 1989, where he served as chairman from 1994 until he retired from the IDA in 2008.

He was honored on February 5, 2009 by the commissioners with a proclamation which recognized his 19 years of leadership “advancing economic Development in the county,” according to the Carroll County office of public information.

The county, “in cooperation with the City of Westminster, named a street in the Westminster Technology Park after him. Arthur Peck Drive will serve as the gateway entrance into the park from Maryland Route 97.”

Peck also served on the Board of Trustees of the Raymond I. Richardson Foundation for 14 years and was president of that group from 1988 to 1992.

He was a member of the Westminster Rotary Club since 1952, served as president in 1958, and was elected a Paul Harris Fellow in 1988. He was honored, with his wife, as Outstanding Citizens of the Year in 2001.

Peck was active in his church, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, as deacon and elder, chairman of the Consistory, Building and Grounds and co-chairman and member of the Finance and Investment Committee.

He was a member and past president of the Forest and Stream Club in Keymar, which is one of the oldest conservation groups in the United States.

In 1979, he was instrumental in starting the Carroll County chapter of Ducks Unlimited, the nation's largest nonprofit wetlands conservation group, and served as a past chairman.

At the Carroll County chapter’s annual dinner at Pleasant Valley Fire Hall, in early 2002, Peck was recognized for his decades of outstanding volunteerism for Ducks Unlimited.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a sister, Joyce P. Riffenburg, of New York; daughters and sons-in-law Linda Bloedau, of North Carolina, Babs and Jerry Condon, of Westminster, and Sue and Chris O'Dell, of Colorado; grandchildren Katherine Bloedau, of North Carolina, A.J. and Gregory Condon, of Westminster, Erin and Kelley O'Dell, of Colorado; and a great-grandson, R. J. Haney, of North Carolina.

He was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Donald E. Peck. Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Pritts Funeral Home, 412 Washington Road, Westminster.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Bond and Green Streets, Westminster, with the Rev. Marty Kuchma officiating.

Private interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, for a scholarship for a Carroll County student to attend veterinary school, may be sent to the Dr. Arthur H. Peck Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Carroll County, 255 Clifton Blvd., Suite 203, Westminster, MD 21157.

20090806 d1 WEArt Dr Peck

Animals veterinary medicine, Veterinary medicine, People Peck Art, People Carroll Co, People Tributes, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays people,

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Lloyd at Baugher’s

Lloyd at Baugher’s

February 6, 2009

Lloyd Schaeffer and his wife enjoy dinner at Baugher’s restaurant in Westminster, Maryland.

Dayhoff Daily Photoblog

20090206 DDP SDOSM Lloyd at Baugher’s

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20080521 Westminster Eagle: Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention

Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention

05/21/08 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Political and presidential historians are often quick to point out that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the Unites States.

However, many folks may not be aware that much of the roots of the party are arguably in Maryland.

The U.S. Democratic Party, and specifically, the Maryland Democratic Party "is among the oldest, continuous existing political organizations in the world," according to a brief history of the Maryland Democratic Party written by Carroll County historian and former Maryland Secretary of State John T. Willis.

Mr. Willis is considered by many to be a nationally known authority on political history -- especially Democratic Party history.

In his historical account he notes that it was on this day in 1827, "that a meeting of Andrew Jackson supporters organized a political structure in the State designed to help one of the national founders of our Party win the PresidencyÉ"

Five years later, on May 21, 1832, the first national political convention of the Democrat Party was held in Baltimore.

According to Willis, it "was held at the Atheneum (and Warfield's Church) É located on the southwest corner of St. Paul and Lexington Streets. Twelve delegates from each county and six delegates from Baltimore City were invited to attend."

From 1832 to 1872, eight of the 12 Democrat party national conventions were held in Baltimore. Considering that two of the main routes to Baltimore, from all points west, travel through Carroll County, an historian's imagination can run wild as to what national political figures may have passed through Carroll in those days.

Fast-forwarding to the present, as the Democratic primaries draw to a close, presidential historians are looking forward to a very busy summer.

However, one portion of the drama of the longest presidential campaign in history may be coming to an anti-climatic finish, as presidential candidate and Illinois Senator Barack Obama seems to be close to a mathematical edge over his rival for the Oval Office, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

In one important development that made national news, just last Friday, Westminster Common Councilmember and Democratic National Convention superdelegate Greg Pecoraro endorsed Senator Obama.

The term, "superdelegate" is relatively new in our political lexicon.

It's actually an informal term coined for a credentialed delegate at the presidential convention who is either a party leader or an elected official. For example, Gov. Martin O'Malley is another superdelegate.

They are free to endorse whomever they choose at the national convention.

Mr. Pecoraro's announcement was carried by outlets as far and wide as the Associated Press, Time magazine's political blog, "The Page," as well as the highly entertaining and controversial political blogs "The Daily Kos" and "The Huffington Post."

In a statement released on Obama's Web site, Pecoraro said, "Today, I am very excited to join the large majority of Maryland Democrats who expressed their enthusiasm for Senator Obama's candidacy in our state's presidential primary. Like them, I believe Barack Obama is the right leader for our time."

Pecoraro praised Senator Clinton, too, but ultimately decided: "I strongly believe that Senator Obama offers us the best opportunity we have had for many years to turn away from the politics of division and despair, and look towards an America of opportunity and progress."

Mr. Pecoraro will join Maryland's 99 delegates who will vote at the Democratic National Convention, which will be held this year from Aug. 25 through the 28th in The Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.

Mathematics has been a preoccupation of many political observers for the past number of months as the numbers involved in the convention are bewildering.

One published account estimates that it will cost approximately $15 million just to prepare The Pepsi Center for the estimated 35,000 folks who are expected to attend. That includes more than 15,000 members of the media.

However, it's the sheer numbers of the delegates that is mind-boggling -- there are 4,048 voting convention delegates attending.

In a phone conversation with Pecoraro the other day, he seemed unfazed. He said he's attended every National Democratic Convention since 1980 except one.

Moreover, he said it's a great honor to be a part of history and that he was looking forward to this year's convention.

He's not the only one. Outside of the summer blockbusters in movie theaters, it might be the best source of suspense we'll see this summer.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff@carr.org.

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20071226 A Tribute to former Carroll County Delegate Richard C. Matthews

A Tribute to former Carroll County Delegate Richard C. Matthews

December 26^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

Recently, the death of former Carroll County Delegate Richard C. Matthews caused me to pause in thought about the many county leaders that have gone before us - and how they dealt with challenges. Delegate Matthews passed away on Dec. 13, 2007, at the age of 81.

Carroll County has been fortunate to have many native sons and daughters who made a great difference and contribution to our community, Maryland and our great nation.

As 2007 draws to a close and we all look forward (or not) to the opportunities and challenges of 2008, the lull between Christmas and New Years Day is often the time of some retrospection and assessment.

Anecdotally, this theme of reflection on the past year and thoughts of the future year has been shared with me by several community leaders in a number of conversations.

Of course, for an historian, there are always examples of past periods of time when the community had overwhelming problems in which the current challenges pale in comparison. Nevertheless that information provides us with little solace today.

In November, over the Veterans Day weekend, I attended a conference on “The Presidency and the Supreme Court.” Conversations with other historians about past eras in American history certainly put today’s challenges in a certain perspective. Be relieved as I will spare you a column on constitutional and economic challenges “The Revenue Act of 1862.”

Off the top of my head, in Carroll County issues like the adequate and safe supply of water, attracting local employment, police protection, and solid waste management come quickly to mind. Let’s also not overlook that because rural local government had its revenue cut as a result of the Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly in November – the question remains as to how we are going to pay for these services and infrastructure.

In 2008 we can all look forward to some solutions to the many pressing challenges in our community. Perhaps you have a list of your own that you may want to share. If so, drop me an e-mail.

On July 30, when the acclaimed enigmatic Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, 89, passed away, I wrote that he drew much of his inspiration by attempting to figure out the various, often-conflicting dynamics of a small college town. His movies often made me think of Westminster.

Mr. Bergman, like so many community leaders – present or long-since passed away- spent a lifetime engaged in mortal combat with the big questions of mortality, morality, faith, community, existence, family, despair, and betrayal.

The Carroll County of my childhood was a complex interesting paradox of rugged individualists who moved the ball forward and made our community successful by way of their social and business relationships.

Like making sausage, our quality of life was furthered by the relationships of folks combining their efforts so that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts, but it was often foreboding, disenchanting, and bewildering to watch it happen.

Delegate Matthews represented Carroll County in Annapolis from 1967 to 1994 and for many of those years was the chairman of the Carroll County legislative delegation. It was during the period of his service to our community that history is sure to reflect there were enormous changes in Carroll County.

His sure and steady, unassuming yet confident leadership served Carroll County well. Yet, in a series of anecdotal conversations with younger readers and new folks to Carroll County, it appears that many are not aware of Delegate Matthews.

He graduated from Hampstead High School in 1943. In Annapolis he was champion of small business and in that role, he was a charter member of the Maryland Legislative Small Business Forum.

He knew the challenges of running a small business in Maryland - most certainly as a result of the fact that from 1946 until he passed away, he owned and operated Matthews Service Station and Matthews Tire Co. Many folks recall that he was also the owner and operator of Hampstead Auto Parts from 1957 until 1985.

Many years ago, I did some business with him and in later years, at social occasions and community events, we would laugh about the fact that he defeated my cousin, Wilbur Magin, in the 1967 election. Delegate Magin served Carroll County from 1959 until 1967.

I will always remember him as thoughtful and friendly; qualities that former Delegate Joe Getty echoed in a recent conversation. Former Delegate Getty said that Delegate Matthews was a family friend. He noted that Delegate Matthews was a “very modest, yet a strong advocate for small businesses and Carroll County… But he was a humble person and did not become self-important.”

Delegate Getty continued:

“Dick maintained a self-defined role in the Maryland House of Delegates in his representation of a rural agricultural community and representing the small mom and pop businesses.

Of course, he ran a small business himself. He kept rooted in his advocacy of small business and in that role, he found the right committee – the House Judiciary Committee.

He had no aspirations of higher office. He was confident and self-assured in the role that he played. In 1989, when Carroll County Senator Ray Beck was appointed to be a Circuit Court judge by Governor Wm. Donald Schaeffer.

In those days, I was on the Republican Central Committee. If you will recall, when there is a vacancy, it is the local county Central Committee that recommends to the governor who should fill the seat.

Don Taylor and I were asked to interview Delegate Matthews. We called him up and he told us to meet with him over at his Mom and Dad’s house.

There, in his Mom and Dad’s living room, the subject was broached that Dick was the logical person to move up to the Senate seat. He had no interest. He responded that he was very happy where he was.”

As to why Delegate Matthews was so influential and helped shape the Carroll County we know today, Mr. Getty reminded me that during Delegate Matthews’ “long tenure as an elected official, he served with – or worked with folks, whose span of leadership goes from the 1950s to the present.”

Including folks like Maryland State Senator Charles H. Smelser and former 6^th District Congressman Goodloe E. Byron when he was a Maryland State Senator. He also served with Maryland State Delegate – and later a Senator, Raymond E. Beck and Senator Larry Haines; Delegates Richard N. Dixon, Lanny Harchenhorn and Jake Yingling.

Former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich thought highly of Delegate Matthews and considered him a good friend. They served 8 years together served on the house judiciary committee. Every time Governor Ehrlich visited anywhere near Hampstead, he would make sure to stop by (Delegate Matthews) tire store.

Delegate Matthews’ sure and steady, unassuming yet confident leadership served Carroll County well and he will be missed.

####

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

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20070919 Part 1 of Herb Ruby and Ruby Field - Resetting a local gem to mark Ruby Field

Part 1 of Herb Ruby and Ruby Field - Resetting a local gem to mark Ruby Field

September 20^th, 2007

Friday night football is one of my fondest childhood memories. For entertainment and getting together outside in the fresh air with your family, friends and neighbors there is hardly anything better. As a community builder, sports teams and sporting events are a great democratizer. It’s folks from all walks in life and fellow community members that you wouldn’t meet if it weren’t for sports

It’s hot dogs and French fires, family and good friends and you can get in touch with your feelings and scream to your heart’s content. Call it family primal scream therapy.

Sports for young adults are a great equalizer. If your child is willing to work hard, stay disciplined, have a goal, and stay off of drugs and alcohol, everybody benefits and everyone can learn to understand the positives that come from achieving. It is inspiring to witness these young adults come together, play their hearts out and learn the value of teamwork. See:

20051207 Carroll Public Schools’ Extracurricular Activities teaches values

Friends and family gathered at the rededication of the “Ruby Field” sign at the Westminster High School football field on September 7. From Left to Right Adults: Jim Head, Dr. "Chuck" Ecker, Rani Ruby, Mike Ruby, Mark Ruby, Dr. Sandra Ruby, Heather Ruby, Brad Ruby, Shelley Ruby, Dr. Herbert E. Ruby III, Sally Ruby, Dr. Douglas E. Ruby, Terry Malloy, and John Seaman. From Left to Right - children: Cole Ruby, Max Ruby, Carter Ruby, Blake Ruby, and Anna Ruby. Photo courtesy of Tom Welliver.

_____

My September 19^th, 2007 Westminster Eagle column is the “rededication” of the “Ruby Field” sign under the scoreboard at the Westminster High School football field right before the Westminster – Francis Scott Key football game on Friday, Sept. 7.

Westminster Eagle: Ruby Field - Resetting a local gem to mark Ruby Field

September 19, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

I had the pleasure to attend the “rededication” of the “Ruby Field” sign under the scoreboard at the Westminster High School football field right before the Westminster – Francis Scott Key football game on Friday, Sept. 7.

A gathering of friends and family of the late Coach Herb Ruby were in attendance. In the tradition of Coach Ruby it appears the sign rededication was the result of many folks working together as a team.

It got downright humorous as everyone interviewed gave the credit for the effort to someone else. This is only fitting as Coach Ruby was well known for putting the athletes, the team, and the community above himself and abhorred having attention drawn to him individually.

It wasn’t a big splashy affair. It was small group of folks who gathered to pay their respects. A few stories were traded back and forth – in somewhat hushed tones. A picture was taken and everyone went about their business.

Coach Ruby would’ve approved.

Over the roar of the pre-game excitement from the large crowd, the football team warming-up, the cheerleaders and the band practicing, my conversation with Carroll County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ecker and (my high school football coach,) Jim Head turned to the sign and the history of “Ruby Field.”

20070907 WHS Owls entrance on to Ruby Field

When the “new” Westminster High School (WHS) opened in the fall of 1971, the sign did not accompany the football field moving from its former location on Longwell Avenue on the grounds of the “old” Westminster High School facility located there from 1936 to 1971.

No one interviewed for this column seems to know why. It just didn’t happen. Besides, many of us in the community called the “new” field at the “new” high school “Ruby Field” anyway. It’s an honor and tribute to a great Carrollinian that remains in our hearts; a community covenant that certainly was not broken for the lack of a physical sign.

Dr. Ecker explained that in the spring of 1964, the Board of Education decided to name the football field at the old WHS, (where I graduated in 1971 and played football from 1968 – 1970,) Samuel M. Jenness field. Mr. Jenness was, at the time, the superintendent of Carroll County schools.

However a movement in the community quickly developed, which was supported by Mr. Jenness that the field ought to be named “Ruby Field.” It was “renamed” Ruby Field in the fall of 1964.

1957 Westminster High graduate Coach Head, former schools superintendent Ed Shilling, a 1958 WHS grad, and 1949 WHS grad Coach Earl Hersh had a series of 4 meetings with Dr. Ecker (WHS class of 1945) in recent months about moving the sign. Dr. Ecker subsequently looked into the minutes and found that the name of the field didn’t specify a particular address, just the Westminster High School…

Dr. Ecker and Coach Head said there “were happy to see it moved… a fitting memorial.” The sign “should’ve been moved when the field moved was moved” years ago, remarked Dr. Ecker.

Later, as I watched the game, a spectator come over and asked, “Who is Ruby?”

I’ll bet many readers are wondering the same thing. Moreover, it is only fitting and appropriate that the question was posed in the present tense. Coach Herb Ruby passed away in April 1990 and yet his legacy is alive in our community now - more than ever.

And this is where we’ll pick up the story of Coach Herb Ruby next week, after the halftime show. For now let’s enjoy the marching band.

Westminster Eagle

For the latest in Carroll County Sports coverage, read Steve Jones in the Westminster Eagle

Related on Soundtrack: Sports in Carroll County, Sports in Carroll County Football, Sports in Carroll County Football Westminster High School

See also:

20070912 Westminster Eagle: Carroll County High School Football Results and Schedule

20070907 Francis Scott Key vs Westminster High Game Video Clips

20070912 Westminster Eagle: Eagles top Owls to gain early edge in county

20070907 WHS Owls entrance on to Ruby Field

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com and Winchester Report.

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20070907 WHS Owls entrance on to Ruby Field

Westminster High School Owls entrance on to Ruby Field

September 20^th, 2007

My September 19^th, 2007 Westminster Eagle column is the “rededication” of the “Ruby Field” sign under the scoreboard at the Westminster High School football field right before the Westminster – Francis Scott Key football game on Friday, Sept. 7.

(See: 20070919 Part 1 of Herb Ruby and Ruby Field - Resetting a local gem to mark Ruby Field)

I had the pleasure to attend the “rededication.”

A gathering of friends and family of the late Coach Herb Ruby were in attendance. In the tradition of Coach Ruby it appears the sign rededication was the result of many folks working together as a team.

Over the roar of the pre-game excitement from the large crowd, the football team warming-up, the cheerleaders and the band practicing, my conversation with Carroll County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ecker and (my high school football coach,) Jim Head turned to the sign and the history of “Ruby Field.”

Just then the Westminster Owl football team made its entrance on to the field through the “fog” of a smoke machine. I captured this quick video of the entrance – and the “Ruby Field” sign.

20070907 WHS Owls entrance on to Ruby Field

Kevin Dayhoff September 7^th, 2007 www.kevindayhoff.net

Westminster Eagle

For the latest in Carroll County Sports coverage, read Steve Jones in the Westminster Eagle

Related on Soundtrack: Sports in Carroll County, Sports in Carroll County Football, Sports in Carroll County Football Westminster High School

See also: 20070912 Westminster Eagle: Carroll County High School Football Results and Schedule

20070907 Francis Scott Key vs Westminster High Game Video Clips

20070912 Westminster Eagle: Eagles top Owls to gain early edge in county

20070919 Part 1 of Herb Ruby and Ruby Field - Resetting a local gem to mark Ruby Field

20070907 WHS Owls entrance on to Ruby Field

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20070721 Frederick News-Post Letter to the Editor: “Trash talk no longer funny” by Gregor Becker

Frederick News-Post Letter to the Editor: “Trash talk no longer funny” by Gregor Becker

'Trash talk' no longer funny

Originally published July 21, 2007

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_lte.htm?storyid=62768

The July 11 editorial oversimplifies the trash issue.

[See: 20070711 “Trash talk” - Frederick News-Post editorial]

And also see: 20070714 Solid Waste Management Forum at Frederick Community College

The county has only pursued a $100 million waste-to-energy facility without even trying to reduce its waste stream. Comprehensive recycling programs are lacking countywide, while the landfill has been filled with recyclable materials for the last 15 years.

Disposal -- landfill, incineration, etc. -- is going to be expensive. Why not get the county to commit to maximizing recycling over the next three years and then look at the disposal needs after that. Why not generate income from some waste before we burn or bury it?

Officials have taken industry-funded WTE tours in Europe, but have not investigated recycling programs or composting and materials recovery facilities in Delaware, New Jersey and elsewhere. These options aren't being researched because they aren't a part of the county's chosen "integrated approach."

Residents might ask how viable is a technology that even a Fortune 500 company won't put up the capital for? According to budget reports, the Montgomery County facility processed 640,101 tons of waste in 2004, generating 387,141 megawatt hours of electricity valued at $15M, or $23.43 per ton. But, per ton, the net operating cost was $21.78 and the net debt service cost was $42.36.

That year, Montgomery County spent $41M to operate and upgrade the facility. Not included in this figure: non-financed capital of $2.09M; non-contract operating costs of $772,000 for risk management; county work worth $275,134; residue disposal of $10.80 per ton; and charge backs to the Department of Environmental Protection worth $43,603.

Do Frederick residents want this annual bill and to pay increased tipping fees or higher taxes? Or would they prefer working together to reduce their waste stream before deciding if a capital-intensive disposal method is necessary?

GREGOR BECKER

conservation chair

Sierra Club Catoctin Group

20070630 Daily Photoblog - Jim Pullen in the spotlight

Daily Photoblog - - Jim Pullen in the spotlight

June 30, 2007 – posted July 4^th, 2007

Last Saturday, Grammy, Mrs. Owl, and I had dinner at “Legends Café” off Rte 140 in Westminster. We had a great dinner.

On our way out, we noticed that Westminster Police Officer Jim Pullen - who is well known for his “Thurmont Maryland accent,” and which is often mistaken for a special English accent, was on the bulletin board for an eating accomplishment…

Police officer Pullen (he has received a promotion or two since I worked with him in an official capacity… so I am no longer aware of his rank… Professor R1 will need to tell me…) is one of my many favorite officers in the Westminster Police Department – in a department full of common-sense and community oriented police officers that are just wonderful folks with which to work.

_____

Legends Café is owned by Jim and Amy Fields and is located at 532 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster Maryland, 21157. Their phone number is (410) 871-9599.

Why not give them a try sometime soon. It is not a chain and it is locally owned…

We really enjoyed our meal, the atmosphere and decorations. Our server was attentive and very pleasant.

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20070617 Happy Father’s Day

Happy Fathers Day

June 17^th, 2007

In case you missed it, the Carroll County Times ran a number of excellent articles today on Father’s Day.

One of the pieces is about a gentleman with whom I have worked very closely with for a number of years, Jimmy Bangerd.

When you look up in the dictionary, what it is to be a good husband, Dad and contributing member of the community, a picture of Jimmy Bangerd appears and although I was not aware that he would be one of the Dads featured today, I’m thrilled for the entire Bangerd family.

And yes, the Carroll County Times does not use permalinks. If you are accessing this at a later point in time and dealing with dead links, please call it to my attention… and e-mail me…

Dads' involvement varies throughout decades

The history of fatherhood over the last century is complicated and doesn't necessarily match conventional wisdom. In each generation, we hear a story that says the previous generation's men were distant, uninvolved in childrearing and absolutely neve…

Like father, like sons: Teenagers plan to pursue careers that they're well acquainted with

By Diane Reynolds

In the James Bangerd family of Westminster, both teenage sons are following in their father’s footsteps. All three are members of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co., a volunteer organization, and like their father, the sons want to become…

Dad faces son going to war

He was a young hippie during the Vietnam War era, born too late for the draft. Instead, Michael Heimbach of Manchester became a Baltimore County police officer, a job he's held for 25 years. Now his son, Justin Heimbach, 18, is off to war, as part of…

Like best buddies: He's 68 and single with a 5-year-old son. but despite the age gap, Ernie Fredrikis says he and Jayson are 'Like best buddies'

Ernie Fredrikis of Littlestown, Pa., has been full-time dad to his 5-year-old son Jayson since the child was born. His story is a window into what fatherhood might look like if men were released from some of their traditional stresses. Fredrikis is 6…

A father faces his son’s deployment

He was a young hippie during the Vietnam War era, born too late for the draft. Instead, Michael Heimbach of Manchester became a Baltimore County police officer, a job he’s held for 25 years. Now his son, Justin Heimbach, 18, is off to war, as p…

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20070606 Dwight Dingle and The Mamas and the Papas

Dwight Dingle and The Mamas and the Papas

June 6^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

I had been in contact with Dwight several times recently as he is included in my Wednesday, June 6^th, 2007 Westminster Eagle column… (As I post this it is not online yet.)

In my column Dwight is credited with remarking:

“I reached Dwight Dingle, a radio personality with WTTR since 1974, on the phone last weekend, while he was in Ocean City with other station staff members, where WTTR was receiving five Associated Press awards.

He said that he was a “The Mamas & the Papas” fan. He was a student at Towson State College when the “Sgt. Pepper” album came out. However, he remembers well that his roommate, “Buck” Jones, the former principle of East Middle School and now the principle of Carroll Lutheran School, was a big Beatles Fan…

Mr. Dingle thought the album cover for “Sgt. Pepper” was fascinating but “it doesn’t compare with “The Mamas & the Papas” album cover with the all the members of the band in a bathtub…”

Hmmm. Perhaps someone may want to call Dwight up at WTTR and ask him “on-air” to explain his affection for that “The Mamas & the Papas” album cover…?

The album, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears” debuted in March 1966 and it has one of my all-time favorite songs on it – “California Dreamin’.” The first of ultimately three covers for the album, (now a valuable collector’s item) was banned in the United States “as indecent,” (for the silliest reasons – by today’s standards; and not because it contained errors in grammar.) Have Dwight tell you the story…

So just what is the explanation as to why Mr. Dwight Dingle is on The Mamas and the Papas” cover for the album, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears?

Perhaps you may wanna give him a call to find out…

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