20060721 KDDC S Ruchlewicz's great picture of the Clydesdales in Westminster

Great Stan Ruchlewicz photograph of the Clydesdales in Westminster on July 17th, 2006

July 21, 2006

Stan Ruchlewicz is one of the better artists/photographers around. Since he first came to Westminster on Monday, June 11, 2001, he has amassed a wonderful set of downtown Westminster photographs. The photo posted above is no exception.

Mr. Ruchlewicz was the primary lead on getting the Budweiser Clydesdales to come to Westminster. He swung into action and put together the visit in literally a day, just a couple days before the Clydesdales arrived on Monday, July 17^th, 2006.

For additional information on the Clydesdale’s visit please see: “20060716 KDDC Budweiser Clydesdales in will be in Westminster Monday.”

Although Mr. Ruchlewicz came to Westminster five years ago as an economic development expert, he also has an extensive background in urban planning

For many years before he came to Westminster, Mr. Ruchlewicz handled economic development and planning issues for several municipalities such as Havre de Grace, MD and Reading, PA. In Havre de Grace, where he worked for twelve years, Mr. Ruchlewicz was the Director of Planning

Additionally, Mr. Ruchlewicz has served as President of the Maryland Downtown Development Association since 1997. He has also served on the Main Street Maryland Main Street Review Committee since 1997.

What many in Carroll County are not aware is that Mr. Ruchlewicz, a musician, is also the Chapter 5 Coordinator for the “Tournament of Bands” (TOB.)

According to information on the TOB web site, the TOB “is one of the largest competitive band organizations in the country…” It “sanctions approximately 140 field band events, about 100 indoor events and several comprehensive music festivals each year.”

“Tournament of Bands is a non-profit educational organization that is available to any middle, junior high, senior high, college or university. Founded in 1972 by the National Judges Association, Tournament has grown to over 400 active schools. Tournament provides performance opportunities in field band, indoor guard, majorette, percussion and dance team as well as comprehensive festivals with instrumental and choral events.”

When he is not promoting economic development for the City of Westminster or taking pictures, most any Saturday evening in the fall, you can find Mr. Ruchlewicz on a band competition field working with young adult musicians in a band event.

Until I can find an extra minute to post the number of pictures I took last Monday when the Clydesdales in town, please enjoy the picture posted above graciously provided to KDDC courtesy of Stan Ruchlewicz.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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20060719 KDDC April 1979 YMCA

April 1979 YMCA

The bottom picture posted above is of the Carroll County YMCA when it was located in the former “Keefer’s Fine Foods” store opposite from the old Westminster Post Office on Main Street in Westminster.

While I am posting old photos, the top photo is of this area around 1910 or so? The middle photo is this area around 1920?

On June 21st, 2006, my column in the Westminster Eagle was on the very early beginnings of the YMCA: "45 years ago, when residents said 'Y,' our community leaders said, 'why not?'

45 years ago, when residents said 'Y,' our community leaders said, 'why not?'

06/21/06
By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Forty-five years ago on June 29, 1961, a group of 16 community leaders met at the old Davis Library to begin the formation of one of Carroll County's premier institutions - the Carroll County Family Branch of the YMCA.

The YMCA has been a basic building block in the social fabric of our community for so many years that many have come to take it for granted.

It all started with a grand total of $22. A "group of teenagers" donated $12.00 and Charles Mooshian, editor of the then-Westminster Times, chipped in another $10.

As with the formation of most groups that have become critical components of our county (others coming to mind include the Carroll County Farm Museum, Carroll Hospital Center, the Carroll County Agriculture Center, the Historical Society of Carroll County, Carroll Community College), it was not easy.

Westminster has its dreamers, its dream keepers and its dream slayers.

The dreamers and the dream-keepers are the stuff that make the community a home; a great place to live, do business and raise a family.

The dream-keepers are citizens, not spectators. They say, "let's do it," and then roll up their sleeves and get it done.

Read the rest of my column here.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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20060719 KDDC New North Carroll Senior and Community Center opening

Pictures from the grand opening of the New North Carroll Senior and Community Center.

Last Friday, July 14^th, 2006 at 10 AM, was the grand opening of the New North Carroll Senior and Community Center at 2328 Hanover Pike, in Greenmount (former Ames Building.)

I was not able to attend; however, Carroll County government public information officer Vivian Laxton was kind enough to send KDDC some pictures. Please enjoy.

If you have any questions about the New North Carroll Senior and Community Center, or any other aspect of Carroll County government, please contact Ms. Laxton at 410-386-2973.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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