Of the many reckonings that black people of honest political consciousness must endure, the appointment with black slavery is the most agonizing. I don't mean the appointment with the notion of white people as the enslavers of our ancestors, but the appointment with our African ancestors as brokers.
I think, when you're in your intellectual infancy, myth keeps your sane. When I was young I believed, like a lot of us at that time, that my people had been kidnapped out of Africa by malicious racist whites. Said whites then turned and subjugated and colonized the cradle of all men. It was a comforting thought which placed me and mine at the center of a grand heroic odyssey. We were deposed kings and queens robbed of our rightful throne by acquisitive merchants of human flesh. By that measures we were not victims, but deposed nobles--in fact and in spirit.
Valery Gergiev conducts Shostakovich's 7th Symphony which salutes the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War as survivors of the Siege of Leningrad describe the first performance of this great symphony
Videos from the 1950s show architect Frank Lloyd Wright at the site of the Guggenheim Museum
The Historic Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires Take in the sights and sounds of the European influences of Argentina’s capital city Cooking with Crickets Chef Darin Nesbit demonstrates how to cook cricket-crusted redfish Home Movies of the Patton Family The grandson of Gen. George S. Patton shares his family's home movies Movie Magic at the Museums The entertainment curator at the American History Museum shows cinematic highlights from the museum's collections, including Dorothy's red slippers and Superman's cape
June 14: General Interest 1777 : Congress adopts the Stars and Stripes
During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopts a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white" and that "the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." The national flag, which became known as the "Stars and Stripes," was based on the "Grand Union" flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. According to legend, Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross designed the new canton for the Stars and Stripes, which consisted of a circle of 13 stars and a blue background, at the request of General George Washington. Historians have been unable to conclusively prove or disprove this legend.
With the entrance of new states into the United States after independence, new stripes and stars were added to represent new additions to the Union. In 1818, however, Congress enacted a law stipulating that the 13 original stripes be restored and that only stars be added to represent new states.
On June 14, 1877, the first Flag Day observance was held on the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. As instructed by Congress, the U.S. flag was flown from all public buildings across the country. In the years after the first Flag Day, several states continued to observe the anniversary, and in 1949 Congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day, a national day of observance.
Come by Off Track Art for a mini opening this Thursday, June 11, 2009 after work. Stop by and meet the artists, browse new work and pick up something special for that upcoming summer wedding/anniversary/birthday!
(I have not had a chance to visit the National Marine Corps Museum. As a matter of fact I have not been back to Quantico Virginia since 1972. I look forward to the opportunity to re-visit… ~ Kevin Dayhoff)
Dayhoff: New councilmember tackles alleged hit and run driver Published June 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle ... Westminster city police arrived and took control of the situation The accident is under investigation. All in a day’s work.
Celebration of memory and change Published May 26, 2009 by Westminster Eagle This year’s Westminster Memorial Day ceremonies witnessed many changes over the past — although the solemn tradition of 142 years continued. On Memorial Day the normal hustle and bustle of downtown Westminster paused to remember fallen veterans, and ... ...
Mulkey is one of many, yet a special son of Carroll County Published May 22, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... thanks to Mount Airy councilwoman Wendi Peters and American Legion Post 191 commander Roy True for their help with this column.
Utz elected as new mayor of Westminster Published May 18, 2009 by Carroll Eagle ... with 130 votes; Eleanor DeMario, 105; William Gill, 130; and William Hughes, 58. — compiled by Kevin Dayhoff Incumbent, two newcomers elected council Hampstead … Hampstead Town Councilman Wayne Thomas won election along with newcomers Jamey Ayers and ... ...
The newly elected mayor of Westminster, Kevin Utz, hits the ground running.
By Kevin Dayhoff June 4, 2009
Westminster, MD - Yesterday afternoon, I had “Off Track Art” studio duty in downtown Westminster.
While I kept shop I had the opportunity to talk with a number of the downtown Westminster merchants.
The shopping district was all-abuzz over newly-elected Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz taking the time to stop and talk with the merchants this morning.
Hats off to the newly elected mayor of Westminster; apparently he took the time to ask questions, answer questions, and look into some opportunities to fix some things.
In a phone conversation later in the afternoon with Mayor Utz, he said that he had some time available during the annual Torch Run and really enjoyed getting out and talking with folks.
Mayor Utz, a local businessman in the real estate business, knows the value of doing business with local business and it is expected that we will see much more of Mayor Utz in downtown and at local community events.
In a later phone conversation – and a broad-sweeping conversation with Mayor Utz, the former Westminster Fire Department chief, - after the monthly fire department company meeting yesterday evening, he reiterated that after he gets settled into office, reinvigorating the downtown shopping district will be one of his first priorities, along with pursuing increasing the supply of water for Westminster, for the purpose of facilitating economic and employment development.
At the moment, in addition to getting feedback from citizens and the downtown merchants, he is meeting with Westminster city government department heads and supervisors to take stock of Westminster’s current strengths, challenges, and opportunities, from the Westminster staff point of view.
It certainly appears that he has hit the ground running.
In addition, I have had the opportunity since the election on May 11, 2009, to talk with newly-elected councilmembers Damian Halstad and Tony Chiavacci; and both appeared to have many good new ideas and have a great deal of fresh new energy for Westminster and Westminster government.
Many folks that I have talked to since the election are excited about the new administration. There is certainly a lot of work to do.
20090603 Hats off to the newly elected mayor of Westminster
Westminster File Main St, Westminster Econ Dev, Westminster Mayor 2009 Utz Kevin, People Chiavacci Tony, Westminster Council Pres Halstad Damian, Westminster Elections 20090511, Restaurants Giulianova Groceria,
Come by the Off Track Art booth at Art in the Park
Saturday, June 6, 10 am - 4 pm Free - Rain or Shine!
You'll enjoy art created by dozens of the region's most talented fine artists and craftsmen. Continuous musical entertainment, delicious food and free kids crafts. This annual outdoor event is held rain or shine on the grounds of Westminster City Hall at the intersection of Locust, Longwell and Key Streets in downtown Westminster.
Sponsored by Target Stores, The Carroll County Times, and The City of Westminster.
20090603 Come by the Off Track Art booth at Art in the Park
Saturday, June 6, 10 am - 4 pm
Free - Rain or Shine!
You'll enjoy art created by dozens of the region's most talented fine artists and craftsmen. Continuous musical entertainment, delicious food and free kids crafts. This annual outdoor event is held rain or shine on the grounds of WestminsterCity Hall at the intersection of Locust, Longwell and Key Streets in downtown Westminster.
Sponsored by Target Stores, The CarrollCounty Times, and The City of Westminster.
Performances by the vocal students of Ronald Douglass, the piano students of Myfanwy Jacob-Smith, CCSPA 5-6-7-8! Dance Troupe, and the Voices Community Ensemble. For more information call 410/382-7157.
This is a rental event not sponsored by Carroll County Arts Council.
FLICC presents
"Man on Wire"
Thursday, June 18 - 8 pm
2008; Rated PG-13; 90 minutes
The true stroy of Philippe Petit who, in 1974, walked on a high wire suspended between the two unfinished WorldTradeCenter towers. Learn about the fateful day that he pulled off this notorious event. This film is being shown to complement the art exhibit "Balancing Act: Airborne Art" that will open the same evening. $5-$6. Buy tickets on-line
Sponsored by Crawford Insurance.
MORE ARTS CENTER NEWS
New Art Exhibit
"Balancing Act: Airborne Art"
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 18, 6:30 - 8 pm
On view June 18 - August 7
Mobiles, kinetic sculpture and art that seems to precariously float in space. Watch them bob, turn and flutter in response to the air currents. This fascinating show will feature works that follow in the footsteps of Alexander Calder, and are created by Bob Sapora of Westminster, Rick Eisenmann of Baltimore and Andrew Cronan of Silver Spring.
REGISTER NOW FOR
Summer Yoga
The Arts Council is offering two 9-week sessions of yoga this summer. Tim Hurley's class will be on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm beginning July 6, and A.J. Blye's sessions will be held on Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:30 am beginning on June 30.
Advance reservations required. Visit our website for detailed information and registration materials.
ARTS IN CARROLLCOUNTY
Choral Auditions - Children's Chorus of CarrollCounty
This award winning group provides music education, diverse performance venues and travel opportunities for young singers. Auditions will be scheduled throughout the coming weeks until August 15. To arrange an audition, call 410/751-5361 or go to www.ccccnotes.com
Westminster Ringers
"Hats off to Music"
Friday, June 5 at 8 pm
ScottTheatre, CarrollCommunity College
$8-$12
Information: 410/848-5482
September Song Auditions
For "The Sound of Music"
Saturday, June 6 at 1 pm
Tuesday, June 9 at 7 pm
Call backs: Thursday June 11
CenturyHigh School
Information: 410/654-0494
These activities are presented by our Arts Alliance affiliate members and are not sponsored by the CarrollCounty Arts Council. Please contact these organizations directly for information.
Purchase Tickets On-Line
Pre-payment is required to reserve tickets for CCAC shows and films.
You can now purchase tickets on line 24/7at www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org
A small convenience fee will be applied to all phone and internet credit card orders. No fees apply for tickets purchased in person at the box office. At this time, this service is not available for rental events that are not sponsored by CCAC.
BALTIMORE — A string of random attacks in downtown Baltimore has prompted police to beef up patrols around the Inner Harbor and other tourist-friendly areas.
In several incidents, tourists and city residents have been beaten by roving groups of young people who say little and take nothing from their victims.
The victims include an off-duty police officer from New Jersey and his girlfriend, who said they were beaten by a group of young men and women. The officer, George Williams, wrote a letter to Mayor Sheila Dixon saying that they now feel unsafe in Baltimore.
[…]
20090601 Baltimore police try to quell violence downtown
Newly elected councilmember tackles hit and run driver and sits on him until police arrive.
By Kevin Dayhoff Sunday, May 31, 2009
Westminster councilmember Tony Chiavacci (submitted photo)
[Note: This is an update of an earlier story from Sunday, May 31, 2009 4:00 pm: Law and order councilmember Tony Chiavacci Westminster Maryland - Newly elected councilmember tackles alleged hit and run driver and detains him until police arrive, by Kevin Dayhoff. A shorter – edited version of this story appears in the Westminster Eagle, “Dayhoff: New councilmember tackles alleged hit and run drive” Published June 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle]
Westminster Maryland - If you aspire to be an alleged hit-and-run driver in Westminster, you may not want to do it in front of newly elected Westminster Councilmember Tony Chiavacci’s house on Willis Street, just a couple houses down from Westminster City Hall and the Westminster police station.
Reports of the councilmen’s heroic law-and-order behavior travelled quickly through town last Sunday morning.
Usually the most activity on Willis Street on any given Sunday are the squirrels frenetically frittering about doing, well, whatever it is the bushy tailed critters frantically do, birds singing and a few bunny rabbits nibbling on some grass.
However, last Sunday the bucolic story-book calm of the historic tree-lined street noted for its large stately homes and well manicured lawns was shattered abruptly by the sounds of a roaring engine, squealing wheels and a car crash.
When it was all over, even the squirrels, birds, and bunnies stopped in their tracks and the only frantic critter on the street was a reckless hit-and-run driver flailing about with the grass flying and a councilmember sitting his back.
Witnesses revealed that a hapless eastbound driver on Willis Street, had apparently rounded the corner and traveled at a high rate of speed from the direction of Westminster City Hall towards Center Street when he hit several parked automobiles.
Soon after the parked cars were hit, the offending auto stopped in the street like a wounded beast and the driver attempted to flee. That’s when councilman Chiavacci sprang into action by eventually running-down and tackling the individual.
As a crowd of older citizens, assorted family dogs, birds, bunnies, squirrels, and children gathered around, the alleged offender was reported to have been heard screaming, “Get off of me.” A request that Chiavacci, the son of a career retired Maryland State Police officer did not seem to be in the mood to oblige.
Later that evening in a telephone interview, Councilman Chiavacci, a former Army military police officer who is known for his good-natured smile and easygoing personality - but who is also about the size of a small Sherman Tank – calmly recalled the morning’s events.
“Today is my birthday and my kids made me a birthday breakfast,” said the father of five children proudly in a soft, measured voice. “I was sitting in the living room reading the Sunday paper, when all the sudden I heard a car engine roaring, tires squealing – and then a loud crash.”
Now, no longer worried that an idiot was on the loose on Willis Street, Chiavacci’s annoyance turned into concern. “I was worried that someone may have gotten hurt, so I hustled out of the house and down the driveway to see a damaged mini-van sitting in the middle of the street.”
“Then this guy gets out and starts beating the feet on down the street towards Center Street…” Chiavacci’s police training immediately kicked in as he noticed the vehicle did not have tags on it, “and I wondered why this guy was taking off?”
Chiavacci went on to say that “I asked the guy to stop and get back to his car.”
At which time the driver of the wounded mini-van said, “I’ve gotta get to work man.”
Quickly getting a grip on the situation and transitioning from big-breakfast-eating, newspaper-reading slumbering-Sunday Dad to concerned citizen; Chiavacci said he realized that “something wasn’t adding-up, so I asked him again to ‘stop right there,’ more colorfully,” shared Chiavacci in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, as if he were talking about the weather.
Meanwhile the offender is picking up the pace, not running, but moving even more quickly. “I caught up to him and asked him again to stop.” At that the gentleman pushed back against Chiavacci.
Other accounts suggest that the offender struck Chiavacci, however according to Chiavacci, “ah, he just pushed me and said something like ‘leave me alone.’”
Three strikes and a shove and you’re out. Besides, the bad guy interrupted Chiavacci’s Sunday morning with his kids.
Chiavacci reports that he “was nice enough to ask him to stop one more time,” as the offender continued to try and take off. “So, I just leveled him in the yard,” at the northeast corner of North and Willow Streets.
“My MP training just took over. I was worried for all the kids that were out … and my elderly neighbors… and fortunately I knew how to stop him without hurting him.”
“He kept fighting me, but I had the better of him and I just waited for the police to come…”
Fortunately for the alleged hit-and-run driver, Westminster city police arrived quickly and took control of the situation.
Afterwards, the children in the neighborhood resumed playing; the squirrels went back to – whatever it is that they do and Chiavacci, well, “after the police took the guy away, I went back to being a birthday Dad and reading the paper.”
All in a day’s work.
-30-
Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com.
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20090601 SDOSM Law and order Councilmember Chiavacci
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