Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art One-half Banana Stems

Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art One-half Banana Stems - www.kevindayhoff.com Address: PO Box 124, Westminster MD 21158 410-259-6403 kevindayhoff@gmail.com Runner, writer, artist, fire & police chaplain Mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist & artist: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, technology, music, culture, opera... National & International politics www.kevindayhoff.net For community: www.kevindayhoff.org For art, technology, writing, & travel: www.kevindayhoff.com

Showing posts with label Westminster Council Mtgs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westminster Council Mtgs. Show all posts

Friday, January 29, 2010

And the point is…

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/10a4hp or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/359334499/westminster-dir-tom-beyard-watches-as-city

Westminster planning director Tom Beyard on the left, watches the mayor and council members as the new Westminster city attorney Elissa Levan on the right, explains a point; at the January 25, 2010 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council at Westminster City Hall in Westminster Maryland.

January 25, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

[20100125 MCC TBB Elissa Levan] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Westminster city attorney Elissa Levan, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster govt, Westminster Planning Dir Tom Beyard

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2010/01/and-point-is.html http://tinyurl.com/y9hfakp

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

Westminster dir Tom Beyard watches as city attorney Elissa Levan explains a point http://tinyurl.com/y9hfakp http://twitpic.com/10a4hp http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/359334499/westminster-dir-tom-beyard-watches-as-city

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The new year means a new city attorney in Westminster

Last Monday was the second meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council for Westminster’s new attorney, Elissa Levan of the law firm of Funk & Bolton.

Folks have asked where my story appeared on the new attorney. It may be found here: http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3801/attorneys/ 1/12/10 http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb or here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-means-new-city-attorney-in.html http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb

Posted below is the original copy I filed, before it was edited for length, for the newspaper:

January 26, 2010 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-means-new-city-attorney-in_27.html http://tinyurl.com/yb3b77p

Photo caption: Westminster appoints new city attorneys. New Westminster city attorney Karen Plumer Ruff (right) looks up to follow the discussion at the Westminster Common Council meeting last Monday as Elissa Levan (left in the background) studies her meeting notes. Seated beside Ms. Levan is the Westminster director of planning Tom Beyard. Picture by Kevin Dayhoff [20100111 MCCmtg (15)d]

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/zyn29 or here; http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/355686994/elissa-levan-karen-plumer-ruff-funk-bolton

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Elissa Levan Karen Plumer Ruff Funk & Bolton appted new Westminster city attorneys http://tinyurl.com/yb3b77p http://twitpic.com/zyn29

~~~~~

The new year means a new city attorney in Westminster

Elissa Levan and Karen Plumer Ruff of the law firm of Funk & Bolton appointed to be the new Westminster city attorneys

By Kevin Dayhoff for the Westminster Eagle January 12, 2010

The new year for Westminster city government will begin with new municipal attorneys for the first time in 30 years.

At the first meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council for 2010, the city announced the appointment of Elissa Levan and Karen Plumer Ruff to take the place of Westminster city attorney John Walsh who retired last December after serving the city for over 30 years.

In the meeting the council voted to authorize the Westminster mayor Kevin Utz to execute a letter of engagement, dated December 23, with the law firm of Funk & Bolton, with offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and Chestertown, to represent the town.

A city press release, noted that the process for finding a new attorney began last November. Westminster council president Damian Halstad said that the city had sent out a request for proposals for legal services and received six responses. “We interviewed all of them and it was really, I think, an impressive crew. I think we hired – um … we made an excellent choice,” said Halstad.

Halstad introduced both attorneys who were in attendance for the council meeting. “We welcome them and look forward to a long relationship because we sure don’t like interviewing lawyers. The last one we kept for what, 30 years. So ah, that would make me 78, when they retire, and that would be fine.”

Councilman Greg Pecoraro responded when Halstad asked if there were any questions by saying “… it was a very good process as you mentioned. I was pleased that everyone was able to participate. I think that we did have a difficult choice to make…”

“It was helpful to go through it for learning. I mean you learn things when you go through the interview process... This firm … and ah, Ms. Levan and Ms. Ruff had read our comprehensive plan. They had a lot of good questions for us. And they just knew - I think they knew the most about the city. And that goes a long way towards winning over a prospective employer. We were all impressed,” said Halstad.

The firm’s web site notes that “Funk & Bolton, P.A. is a Mid-Atlantic-based law firm practicing primarily in five areas: commercial litigation, insurance regulation, government relations, local government law, and creditors' rights.

“We provide counseling, litigation and legislative services to insurers, other financial services companies, health maintenance organizations, managed care organizations, health plans, dental plans, counties, municipalities, businesses, and trade associations.”

According to the city press release, “With eleven attorneys, this firm is the most experienced of its kind, providing representation to numerous municipal corporations, counties, and other public entities in the state of Maryland, including the cities of Bowie, College park, Church Hill, Rock Hall, St. Michaels, Upper Marlboro, and Forest Heights.”

The release explained that Levan will be designated the city attorney and that Ruff will serve to “provide backup representation… Levan will have the overall responsibility of coordinating the legal services to the city.”

Funk & Bolton announced in April 2009 that Levan had “rejoined the firm after a year as a Maryland Assistant Attorney General. Ms. Levan is a member of the Local Government Practice Group in the firm's Baltimore office. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Levan will resume her practice of counseling Maryland municipalities and public entities.”

Levan’s web site bio indicates that she “has been representing governmental clients since 1992, when, after a few years at other firms, she joined Levan, Schimel, Belman & Abramson, P.A. in Howard County (later, a regional office of Miles & Stockbridge, P.A.)

“Since then, Ms. Levan has provided advice and counsel to a diverse group of Maryland municipalities, including several of the largest jurisdictions in the State, the Cities of Bowie, and College Park, and many smaller towns, such as the Town of Church Hill on the Eastern Shore.

“She has recently been designated as the town attorney for the Town of Chesapeake Beach. She also spent a year in the Office of the Attorney General, representing the twenty-four Maryland sheriffs and their sworn deputies.”

Her bio also indicates she “has also provided general representation to private sector businesses, including several not-for-profit entities, such as the Corridor Transportation Corporation.

“Ms. Levan has been active for many years in the Maryland Municipal Attorney's Association and served, among other capacities, for several years as its liaison to the Maryland Municipal League's Legislative Committee. She has also been a member of the Maryland State Bar Association's Local Government and Administrative Law Sections, for both of which sections she has served on the governing Councils. She is currently completing her term as Chair of the Administrative Law Section (2008-09).

“She is a Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation. Ms. Levan was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the Baltimore-Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce and for several years chaired its Public Affairs Group, which undertook legislative education and advocacy functions for the Chamber.”

Levan is a 1985 graduate, with distinction, from University of Michigan. She was awarded her J.D. from George Washington Law School, where she graduated with honors in 1988.

Ruff’s Funk & Bolton web site bio indicates that she “began her career practicing in the area of zoning and land use law at Zanecki, Lally and McDonough, in Prince George's County, Maryland. In 1989, she joined the Howard County firm of Levan, Schimel, Belman & Abramson, P.A. (later, a regional office of Miles & Stockbridge, P.A.)

“For the past twenty years, Ms. Ruff has provided advice and counsel to a diverse group of Maryland municipalities, including the City of Bowie, the City of College Park, the Town of Church Hill, the Town of Edmonston and the Town of St. Michaels.

“Additionally, from 1998 until 2002, Ms. Ruff was the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Annapolis. Ms. Ruff has also served as counsel to the Annapolis Board of Appeals. Ms. Ruff has been a member of the Maryland Municipal Attorney's Association of the Maryland Municipal League for many years. She has served as President and Secretary. Ms. Ruff is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and the Anne Arundel County Bar Association.

Ruff earned her J.D from Catholic University of America in 1987, and graduated with a B.A. cum laude, from LaSalle University in 1984.

Halstad later indicated that Funk & Bolton will charge the city a rate of $150.00 per hour which is a slight increase over the $125.00 an hour charged by the previous city attorney.

A review of past court cases and council minutes of other municipalities throughout the state indicates that both attorneys have an extensive background in all aspects of municipal law ranging from zoning and land use law to immigration law enforcement.

After the meeting, the two attorneys then got right to work as the mayor and council convened a closed meeting to discuss property acquisition and emergency response procedures for the city.

####

Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos Wster gov't, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays Westminster, Westminster Council Mtgs


*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Friday, October 30, 2009

Explore Carroll most read most emailed

Explore Carroll most read most emailed http://www.explorecarroll.com/ most read/emailed

home , , , ,

most read

Westminster to get federal stimulus grant
Posted: October 29th, 2009 in Westminster Eagle

Officials may face sharp critics, but in 1946 it was real knives
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

Sykesville police investigating burglary
Posted: October 29th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle

Police seek suspect in ID theft scheme
Posted: October 19th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

Schaum weaves a creative display at Westminster's Off Track Art
Posted: October 21st, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

SHA to add turning lanes at busy Liberty intersection
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle

Sykesville approves trimmed budget
Posted: October 27th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle

Eldersburg family turns trick-or-treat into food drive
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle

Fire destroys home at Liberty, White Rock roads
Posted: October 23rd, 2009 in Eldersburg Eagle

Sykesville warms up to fall festival
Posted: October 18th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle
most emailed

Ramps on Md. 140 and 27 to be closed for construction
Posted: October 28th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

County's Pathways Plan falls off the trail
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

Mason-Dixon Mayhem
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

CULLETON: Perhaps people are finally coming 'round to my roundabout disdain
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

Fueling a few thoughts for warmth as we head into winter
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

County rejects all bidders for Krimgold Park
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

County schools posting attendance-absentee info
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

Float, march or play in Westminster parade
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

Sykesville-Catonsville connection links cafe patrons and soldiers
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle

Sibling Rivals
Posted: October 25th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle

20091029 sdsom Explore Carroll most read most emailed

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/explore-carroll-most-read-most-emailed_30.html

Dayhoff @CarrollEagle Explore Carroll www.explorecarroll.com most read most emailed http://tinyurl.com/yz4urlv #writing

@
cfschelle Dayhoff @CarrollEagle Explore Carroll www.explorecarroll.com most read most emailed http://tinyurl.com/yz4urlv #writing

@
mseanschmidt Dayhoff @CarrollEagle Explore Carroll www.explorecarroll.com most read most emailed http://tinyurl.com/yz4urlv #writing

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Thursday, October 29, 2009

News brief: Westminster to get fed stimulus grant, names arts task force

Westminster to get fed stimulus grant names arts task force http://tinyurl.com/ygpgt76

Photo caption: Westminster director of public works Jeff Glass explains
Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/nd594 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/226742793/westminster-director-of-public-works-jeff-glass

Westminster director of public works, Jeff Glass, explained the Westminster water department water meter replacement initiative at the Monday, October 26, 2009 meeting of the Westminster MD mayor and Common Council meeting at Westminster city hall. October 26, 2009 photo by Kevin Dayhoff [20091026 CowMCC Mtg (11)eGlass]

Westminster to get federal stimulus grant and names arts and culture task force

By Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster announced at last Monday night’s mayor and Common Council meeting, that skillful navigation of a “sea of paperwork” enabled the city to double a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – “ARRA” federal stimulus funds, to replace aging water meters throughout town.

Westminster director of public works, Jeff Glass, explained at the meeting that last May the city applied for a grant 2009 in the amount of $400,000 for water meter replacements.

The grant application process was complicated. “To our credit we met the deadlines… To our credit others did not,” explained Glass. As a result, “the City’s grant was increased to $821,200 which is sufficient to install ‘wireless’ read capable meters for the remainder of the City’s meter inventory and cover all costs associated with the project such as required advertisement etc...,” said Glass with visible pride.

The bidding process was performed in August and September; and the Maryland Department of the Environment signed off on the project on October 13. Glass presented the council with a proposal to approve a winning bid from Ben Franklin/PHS Burgemeister Bell, Inc. in the amount of $817,139.19 to complete the water system upgrade.

Just before the council voted to approve the project, council president Damian Halstad said that the grant will “go a long way in our budget process… It is always nice to ask for $400,000 and get $800,000.”

Under new business councilman Greg Pecoraro gave a detailed six-month status report on the findings of the Tri-Street Advisory Committee.

The committee had been established by the city “on August 25, 2008 to address neighborhood issues and concerns in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue, Union Street and West Main Street, with the objective of creating an action plan for improvement,” explained Pecoraro.

One of the recommendations acted-on by the council at the end of Pecoraro’s report was “under the goal of building economic vitality.

“The report recommended the creation of a task force of representatives from the City, Carroll County Arts Council, Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee, property owners, artisans and others, to be called the ‘Arts and Culture Task Force,’ to develop an ‘arts, culture and small business overlay zone’ for the Tri-Street neighborhood. The report urged the task force to focus on the Carroll Arts Center as a critical anchor in the Tri-Street neighborhood.”

For more, read the Nov. 1 edition of the Carroll Eagle http://www.explorecarroll.com/

Read the Westminster press release on the water meter replacement project pasted below:

MEMORANDUM

TO: The Mayor and Common Council

FROM: Jeffery D. Glass, Director of Public Works

DATE: October 21, 2009

RE: Water Meter Replacement Project- ARRA Stimulus Funds

The Department of Public Works applied for a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Funds) in May 2009 in the amount of $400,000 for water meter replacements.

Due to the complicated nature of requirements and stringent deadlines, a number of applicants were culled from the initial applications. This decrease in applicants provided an increase in available funding available to the City.

As a result, the City’s grant was increased to $821,200 which is sufficient to install “wireless” read capable meters for the remainder of the City’s meter inventory and cover all costs associated with the project such as required advertisement etc.

This project was put out to bid on August 12th, 2009. Three bids were received, opened and read aloud on September 8th, 2009. The bids ranged from $817,139.19 to$1,043,752.00 with one bid disqualification. The apparent low bidder was Benjamin Franklin/PHS Burgemeister Bell, Inc. This bid was reviewed by staff and found to be complete and acceptable for forwarding to MDE for review.

The City received a letter of confirmation from MDE on October 13 2009, which acknowledges the review and approval of the project, which in general terms provides the green light to proceed. The next step is to provide the notice of award to Ben Franklin, the low bidder

I recommend The Mayor and Common Council accept the bid of Ben Franklin/PHS Burgemeister Bell, Inc. in the amount of $817,139.19 to complete the Water meter Replacement Project. This action will allow Notice of Award, and Contractual Documents to be executed.


20091026 sdosm d4 Westminster to get fed stimulus grant
*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Hernandez gives presentation to a friendly witch


Click here for a larger image: http://tinyurl.com/yzsdexq or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/226357461/hernandez-gives-presentation-2-friendly-witch

Nancy Hernandez gives a presentation about upcoming services and programs from the Community Media Center to a friendly witch and the Westminster mayor and Common Council at their meeting at Westminster City Hall last Monday, October 26, 2009

From left to right: public works director Jeff Glass; Nancy Hernandez, Beth Fahey, Administrative Coordinator, City Hall; councilmembers Dr. Robert Wack and Tony Chiavacci; council president Damian Halstad; mayor Kevin Utz; councilmember Greg Pecoraro. Un-pictured, except for her folded hands is councilwoman Suzanne Albert. And yes, that is a witch that kindly attended the council meeting, in the foreground.

Picture by Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009 [20091026 CowMCC Mtg (2)]

Related: “The Journalist and the snallygaster” http://tinyurl.com/yhnjnb6 Witches politicians journalists too http://twitpic.com/n4dt9 & http://twitpic.com/n4k7r - - “Journalist may have been startled by snallygaster at city meeting - The snallygasters of Westminster’s Emerald Hill” - The Westminster city council report by Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009 Read the entire story here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/journalist-and-snallygaster.html http://tinyurl.com/yhnjnb6

For more information, please see: Dayhoff literature of the absurd, Dayhoff writing essays, Journalists Schutt-Bryan Schutt, People Zappardino-Pam, Westminster Annual Halloween, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster PW Dir Jeff Glass, Annual Halloween, Dayhoff erratum reductio ad absurdum, Dayhoff writing essays people, Dayhoff writing essays politics, People Glass-Jeff, Westminster Council Meeting Notes, , , , , , , , , , #art #writing #Halloween

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/hernandez-gives-presentation-to.html http://tinyurl.com/yzsdexq
*****


Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Journalist and the snallygaster


Journalist may have been startled by snallygaster at city meeting - The snallygasters of Westminster’s Emerald Hill

The Westminster city council report by Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009 http://tinyurl.com/yhnjnb6

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/n4dt9 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/224678669/journalist-may-have-been-startled-by-snallygaster

Unforeseen drama erupted last Monday night, on October 26, 2009, just days before Halloween; as the bright light of a snallygaster suddenly shone upon Carroll County Times writer Bryan Schutt.

All the while, Mr. Schutt kept a steady and wary eye on the “witch” seated directly in front of him while he covered the meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council well into the dark of the night.

Outside, the winds howled, dogs barked and the moon winked from behind passing dark clouds as the august common council body deliberated passionately upon the various imperatives of the small principality in the shining white castle on Emerald Hill – Westminster City Hall.

In the background, calm and oblivious to the sudden appearance of the snallygaster, were Westminster volunteer fire department president Bill Brehm and Westminster director of public works Rev. Jeff Glass, who never skipped a beat as he waxed poetically and eloquently about the subtle nuances and ecstasies of the Westminster water meter replacement installation initiative...

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/n4k7r or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/224740261/westminster-director-of-public-works-rev-jeff
As Rev. Glass’ voice rose in quivered and fevered praise of being stimulated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; Mr. Schutt stoically continued with his hypergraphic note taking and Dr. Pam Zappardino surveyed the room the room adorned with her capital ornamentation and the studied pique of Elizabethan puritan curiosity and bemusement.

One wondered if Dr. Zappardino’s capital ornamentation was constructed of velvet, taffeta, or the wool of a cottager’s hand. One could only wonder if she were acting-out on strict obedience to Elizabethan sensibilities or maybe the Westminster Common Council had recently reenacted, in closed session, the Westminster Sumptuary Laws which dictated the styles of hats for dignified women of class and stature.

If you will recall it was during the years between 1968 and 1974 in Westminster – err, strike that - 1568 and 1574 that “all Citizens wives in generall were constrayned to weare white knit Caps of woolen yarne, unlesse their husbands were good value in the Queenes booke, or could prove themselves Gentlemen by descent.”

The curiosity of the hat was only one of the many subplots and oblique soliloquies that played out in the audience as Rev. Glass reported that he was infused with the idea of receiving the wireless signals of the new water meters with their variable attenuators and adjustable phase-shifters and that as a result he saw an apparition of Ben Franklin himself as he found himself awash in a sea of paperwork.

But wait; was that really a drop of sweat appearing on Mr. Schutt’s brow or was he simply moved by the shared spirit of the moment or the contemplation of actually being able to use a semi-colon in his news article?

Perhaps we’ll never know.

Moments later, the councilmembers gratefully accepted the bidding of Rev. Glass so that Westminster water meter reader officials may be turned-on as they stalked city neighborhoods in search of a sign or a wireless signal or perhaps even a glimpse of Mr. Franklin himself.

Over the years, paranormal apparitions and unusual occurrences have come to be accepted as de rigueur at Westminster council meetings.

Sudden chilly air, unaccounted brief gusts of winds, the odd clapping of hands, folks cackling to themselves as they clanked weaving utensils and others lapsing into the speaking in tongues are nothing unusual at the bi-monthly meetings of Emerald Hill.

Many have attributed such occurrences to the appearance of snallygasters…

For those who are not aware of snallygasters; in Carroll County Maryland, the belief in witches and supernatural spirits were part of the northern European-German culture brought into this area by its settlers.

For example, the word "snallygaster" doesn't seem to be used as much in recent years, but it comes from a combination of two German words: “schnell geiste,” meaning “quick spirit.”

Not to be confused with the “auĂźenseiters” or “aus landers,” which have recently visited upon the city with their sea gull daze, wanting us to quit our redneck ways…?

At this point, please join Elton John, Bernie Taupin and the Greek chorus as we sing the honky cat blues: “When I look back boy I must have been green, Bopping in the country, fishing in a stream, Looking for an answer trying to find a sign, Until I saw your city lights honey I was blind.

“They said get back honky cat, Better get back to the woods, Well I quit those days and my redneck ways, And oh the change is gonna do me good…

“And all the folks back home well, said I was a fool, They said oh, believe in the Lord is the golden rule…

“They said stay at home boy, you gotta tend the farm, Living in the city boy, is going to break your heart, But how can you stay, when your heart says no, How can you stop when your feet say go…”

Anyway, where were we? Oh - for those of us who grew up in Carroll County, the “Schnell Gieste” or snallygasters were often responsible for the shivers that resulted from a sudden drop in the temperature or gusts of wind that closed doors and scattered papers.

Anyone who has spent time in Westminster’s city hall is well aware of the unaccounted-for footsteps on the stairs, apparitions in the windows, the eerie creaking of woodwork, the moans of sheer delight, and the groans of the ancient historic structure that has bore witness to the vagaries of the American Civil War, deaths of children during the Spanish Influenza outbreak in 1918; and contemporary personal character assassinations that accompany small-town politics.

This brings to mind a curious remark by Mr. Schutt as he was leaving City Hall that evening. For some background, as you may be aware, the unofficial symbol of Halloween, the jack-o'-lantern, has its origins in the carving of a turnip. Not as tasty, by the way, if you are making pie.

Although several hundred years ago pumpkins were quite smaller than they are today, colonials used a pumpkin because it was more easily available than turnips.

The practice of carving a frightening face and placing fire inside the pumpkin was to frighten away banshees or “schnell geistes” from the spirit world.

Mr. Schutt was apparently unfazed by the appearance of Mr. Schell Geiste and labored-on with his work, without flinching…

Although unconfirmed reports indicate that as Mr. Schutt left the council meeting, he quietly inquired as to where might be the best place to buy a carving pumpkin in Carroll County.

Hmmm. Maybe after all – he believes. Ask him. Inquiring minds want to know…

####

Okay, okay – OKAY - - I’ll write a different account for the newspaper. But my gosh I love it on this side of the note pad. Meanwhile stay in the shallow end of the pool.

Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009
~~~~
Photo captions:

The bright light of a snallygaster suddenly shone upon Carroll County Times writer Bryan Schutt and he kept a steady eye on the “witch” seated directly in front of him while covering the meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council on Monday night, October 26, 2009.

In the background, oblivious to the sudden appearance of the snallygaster, is Westminster volunteer fire department president Bill Brehm and Westminster director of public works Rev. Jeff Glass. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009 [20091026 CowMCC Mtg (3)b] Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/n4dt9 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/224678669/journalist-may-have-been-startled-by-snallygaster

~~~~

Westminster director of public works Rev. Jeff Glass never skipped a beat as he waxed poetically and eloquently about the subtle nuances and ecstasies of the Westminster water meter replacement installation initiative at the Monday, October 26, 2009 meeting of the Westminster MD meeting of the Common Council.

As Rev. Glass’ voice rose in praise of being stimulated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Carroll County Times writer Schutt stoically continued with his hypergraphic note taking and Dr. Pam Zappardino studied the room adorned with her capital ornamentation... Photo by Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009 [20091026 CowMCC Mtg 4 5 6] Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/n4k7r or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/224740261/westminster-director-of-public-works-rev-jeff

20091026 sdosmked The Journalist and the snallygaster


#art #writing #Halloween
*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Monday, October 12, 2009

Recent Explore Carroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/l7x4a

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/recent-explore-carroll-columns-by-kevin.html http://tinyurl.com/yla2ess

ARCHIVE: Guy Babylon made world class music, but never really left Carroll
Published October 11, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... a kind-hearted family man and friend ... who happened to play keyboard for Elton John. When he is not listening to "Madman Across the Water," Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Westminster city clerk dies
Published October 9, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
Westminster and Carroll County officials are mourning the loss of City Clerk Laurell Taylor, who died at her home Thursday morning.“She was a very dedicated city employee,” Mayor Kevin Utz said in an interview with The Eagle. “She did everything asked of her ... ...

Budget woes dominate Westminster council meeting
Published October 5, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
The meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council last on Sept. 28 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 ... ...

Truman on television and German POWs on the farm
Published October 4, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... has had a lasting impact that certainly wasn't predicted at the time. When he's not watching President Barack Obama on television seven days a week, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

DAYHOFF: Dedication of fire hall in 1899 was a hot time in Manchester
Published September 27, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... They protect you night and day, 365 days out of the year.When he's not putting out fires somewhere, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

DAYHOFF: Silver Run is rich in history, yet still a real hometown
Published September 20, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... call them at 410-346-6816 or visit them at www.budsatsilverrun.com. When he is not watching Anthony Bourdain, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/...

DAYHOFF: what should we think when Kanye West grabs the mic from Taylor Swift?
Published September 14, 2009 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle
... say you? … the actual moment West grabbed the microphone from a visibly startled Swift. When he is not listening to Lawrence Welk, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/...

William Henry Rinehart found his true calling in Union Bridge
Published September 13, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... in Washington while he was working in Italy. Rinehart died at age 49 on Oct. 28, 1874, from tuberculosis. When he's not checking out art in Union Bridge, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

President Eisenhower shared Carroll County's love of farming
Published September 6, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... regarding Finksburg with the Carroll County Genealogical Society and the Carroll County Historical Society. When he is not roaming around Gettysburg, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Guy Babylon of New Windsor, long-term keyboardist for Elton John
Published September 4, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
Guy Babylon, 52, died Wednesday evening in Los Angeles, Calif., according to family sources and Elton John’s official website.He was born on December 20, 1956, in New Windsor, the son of Graham and Mary Babylon, owners of the Babylon Vault Company, a ... ...

Spiritual and historical pilgrimage to the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg
Published August 30, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... for a spiritually moving and truly meaningful experience. For more information go to setonshrine.org. When he is not on the road exploring local history, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/...

Dayhoff: Mythologizing the great unwashed self-importance of Woodstock
Published August 27, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... Me, I was moved to watch a lot of the Food Channel.When he is not listening to Jimi Hendrix, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/...

Appetite for history and cuisine both satisfied in Union Bridge
Published August 23, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... Inn. Just tell them a "well-rounded" writer and artist from Westminster sent you. When he is not eating, Kevin Dayhoff is asleep. Nevertheless, he may be reached at ... , or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Shriver remembered for Special Olympics and also for a connection to Carroll
Published August 16, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... ; and the mother-in-law of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, it is through the Special Olympics that she will live on through the ages. Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Not a great president, but Harding sure was a busy guy
Published August 9, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... his death was caused by a heart attack, triggered by complications of exhaustion. Gee, I wonder why? When he's not feeling sorry for Mrs. Harding, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Dr. Ira Zepp, 79, McDaniel College and Westminster civil rights leader, dies
Published August 4, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
The Rev. Dr. Ira Gilbert Zepp Jr., professor emeritus of the religious studies department at McDaniel College, died peacefully at his home on Aug. 1. He was 79.In a memorial tribute by McDaniel College president Joan Develin Coley, she recalled that Dr. ... ...

Charles Carroll influenced world view of 'Democracy in America'
Published August 2, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... Maybe we inherited it from our namesake. Or maybe we've just read enough of "Democracy in America." When he's not channeling Charles Carroll, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

High winds in Sykesville might not be a twister
Published July 27, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle
SYKESVILLE — Strong winds whipped through Carroll County’s rolling hills Sunday evening was enough to cause damage to homes, but the National Weather Service says that it did not appear to be a tornado. The storm downed trees and power lines, damaged cars ... ...

Lighting the faces of children, and a dark day for taxation
Published July 26, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... of state and national government, we may be feeling "very blue over the outcome" for many years. When he is not feeling blue over taxes, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... , or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...
Hoby Wolf advocates for things the county has already done

Published July 26, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... on this project.They have. On Feb. 26, 2007, Commissioner Michael Zimmer visited Harford County's facility (along with Eagle columnist Kevin Dayhoff.) Then, the board traveled to York, Pa., on April 30, 2007, to view that operation. They have also been to ... ...

Westminster council meeting details city improvements and comprehensive plan
Published July 25, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... for the annual Christmas parade.With that, council president Damian Halstad gaveled the meeting to a close and folks quickly paraded out the door.Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/...

Jackson's death created a wave of empathy in Westminster
Published July 19, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... our citizens on hearing the mournful intelligence of Jackson's death ..." When he is not listening to the music of the "Jackson 5," Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... , or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Hampstead man arrested for setting Greens Apartments fire
Published July 13, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... s damage is estimated at $450,000, according to fire marshals.Kevin Dayhoff contributed to this report....

DAYHOFF: 11th Air Cavalry Troop memorial recalls service of Carroll natives
Published July 11, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... to help honor these men and their families, as well those others named on the memorial who paid so dearly in the service of their community and nation. Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... , or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Bringing Corbit's Charge, and Douglass, back to Westminster
Published July 5, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... for his age," Crutcher responded that Douglass has "rested a lot" over the years. When he's not traveling back in time to the 1800s, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

DAYHOFF: Margaret Mitchell wrote what she knew; the rest is gone with the wind
Published July 2, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... And that is all I know for right now. Hope you and your family have a great Fourth of July weekend.Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Westminster was all abuzz for the great fly roundup of 1914
Published June 28, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... reminds me that it was Groucho Marx who once said, "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana." When he is not swatting flies, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

DAYHOFF: Hoffa Field and the Sheathing of the Sword
Published June 23, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... . Lightner and the June 1922 American Sentinel newspaper article have left us with an extensive and fascinating account of the “The Sheathing of the Sword.”Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

'Year without summer' killed crops ... and created a monster
Published June 21, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... village folk that it's not a bad idea to keep a torch handy on these cool summer nights. When he is not playing with laboratory-harnessed lightning, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Historic Blue Ridge College bell dedicated In Union Bridge
Published June 20, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
UNION BRIDGE — Several hundred folks braved threatening weather June 20 to witness the unveiling and dedication of the historic 1900 Blue Ridge College bell in Lehigh Square, the original site of the college which had thrived in Union Bridge from 1898 to ... ...

When city got 'sole' in the 1920s, it was cause for a celebration
Published June 14, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... be the guest speaker. There will be a retirement ceremony for worn flags. Guests may bring old flags for retirement. When he is not waving the flag, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

20091011 sdosm Recent SCE columns by KED

Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Fire CC Depts 04 Manchester, Media TV, Music Babylon Guy, Pres 1945 1953 33 Truman-Harry S, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster Employees

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/recent-explore-carroll-columns-by-kevin.html http://tinyurl.com/yla2ess

http://twitpic.com/l7x4a Recent http://explorecarroll.com/ columns by http://tinyurl.com/yla2ess Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ykuy2d5

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/l7x4a

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Westminster Common Council Report: Budget woes dominate Westminster council meeting


Budget woes dominate Westminster council meeting
Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/kkupu
Westminster Common Council Report: http://explorecarroll.com/news/3493/budgetwoe/

By Kevin Dayhoff Posted 10/05/09

The meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council last on Sept. 28 began with plenty of smiles, but the mood quickly turned somber as a discussion on budget woes dominated the balance of the evening. By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 10/05/09

Read the entire article here: http://explorecarroll.com/news/3493/budgetwoe/

More pictures and information: http://tinyurl.com/y95zket

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Council%20Mtgs

Photo caption for [20090928 COWMCCMtg 2mccb]: Westminster City Hall Sept. 28,2009 - The meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council last on Sept. 28 began with plenty of smiles, but the mood quickly turned somber as a discussion on budget woes dominated the balance of the evening. By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 10/05/09 VLeft to right: councilmember Dr. Robert Wack, councilmember Tony Chiavacci, council president Damian Halstad, councilmember Greg Pecoraro, councilmember Suzanne Albert. (Photo by Kevin Dayhoff)
Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/westminster-common-council-report.html http://tinyurl.com/ydgusz6

http://twitpic.com/kkupu Budget woes dominate Westminster council meeting http://tinyurl.com/ycvrd2q

http://twitpic.com/kkupu Budget woes dominate Westminster council meeting http://tinyurl.com/ydgusz6

Historical Society of Carroll Co, MD State Budget, People Chiavacci Tony, People Graham-Lori, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster Council Pres Halstad Damian, Westminster Finance Budget

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Monday, October 05, 2009

Tom Beyard explains comprehensive plan at council meeting

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/kfmn9

Westminster director of planning Tom Beyard explains comprehensive plan at recent Westminster Common Council meeting

At the September 28, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council, Mayor Kevin Utz conducted a public hearing on the 2009 Comprehensive Plan for Westminster. Planning director Tom Beyard explained that the comprehensive plan was the culmination of two years of work and that it was due to be adopted by October 1, 2009 in order to conform with Maryland State law.

The development of the plan, which began in earnest in October 2007, was broken into three phases, Beyard said. The first phase was a citizen survey, followed by additional public outreach, followed by the drafting phase.

Beyard advised that the municipal planned growth footprint and the planned water and sewer service area had not changed since its boundaries were agreed upon with the county government two years ago.

The plan did incorporate for the first time a water resource and municipal growth element. Both of which are new mandates from the Maryland General Assembly.

The city was “probably one of the first (municipalities in the state) to submit the water resources element… many municipalities had asked for an extension,” said Beyard.

Council president Damian Halstad remarked, “I’d just like to highlight that the state found it to be an incredibly thorough plan… very detailed…”

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.

______

Photo caption: At the September 28, 2009 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council, Mayor Kevin Utz conducted a public hearing on the 2009 Comprehensive Plan for Westminster. Planning director Tom Beyard explained that the comprehensive plan was the culmination of two years of work and that it was due to be adopted by October 1, 2009 in order to conform with Maryland State law.

From left to right: Westminster planning director Tom Beyard, Westminster public works director Jeff Glass, Westminster recreation and parks director Ron Schroers, Westminster Common Council members Dr. Robert Wack and Tony Chiavacci. (Photo by Kevin Dayhoff)

20090928 sdosm Tom Beyard explains comprehensive plan at council meeting

Westminster Planning Dir Tom Beyard, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster Planning Zoning, Planning, Dayhoff writing essays land planning, Westminster PW Dir Jeff Glass, People Chiavacci Tony,

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Historical Society presents history book to Westminster


Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/kco5x

Historical Society of Carroll County executive director Timmi Pierce and curator of collections Cathy Baty present Westminster mayor Kevin Utz with a copy of the Historical Society’s latest book, “Image of America: Westminster,” at the meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council on Monday, September 28, 2009. (Photo by Kevin Dayhoff)

Related: Newly released book on the City of Westminster now available at The Shop at Cockey's http://tinyurl.com/yboua6u Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/kc3p5 http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-history-book-on-westminster.html http://tinyurl.com/yboua6u

Historical Society of Carroll Co, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster Mayor 2009 Utz Kevin

20090928 COWMCCMtg (5)d 20090928 COWMCCMtg 5d 20090928 HSCC presents history book to Westminster

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2009/10/historical-society-presents-history.html http://tinyurl.com/yaj4c2w

http://twitpic.com/kco5x Historical Society presents history book to Westminster http://tinyurl.com/yaj4c2w

http://twitpic.com/kco5x Historical Society of Carroll Co MD presents history book to Westminster http://tinyurl.com/yaj4c2w

*****


Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/

My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/