20060831 KDDC Farrah Fawcett Angel for the ages

Farrah Fawcett - Angel for the ages

On August 29, 2006, Sun Reporter Rob Hiaasen, wrote a piece in the Baltimore Sun that captured my eye.

I must admit that the cultural phenomena of Farrah Fawcett came after I had attended Elon College (1971-1972 no degree,) so I never had her pin-up in my dorm room. I had Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Alvin Lee, The Almond Brothers Band and the like in my dorm room.

Hollywood types have never really been my heroes, not that the likes of Hendrix, Bowie et al were – I was and still am today – into music more than Hollywood…

Never-the-less, I am fascinated by Mr. Hiaasen’s presentation of Ms. Fawcett as a cultural icon of the 1970s:

A young publicity photographer shows up on Mulholland Drive with his '37 Chevy truck and Nikon-F reflex camera to shoot pictures of an angel in a rusty red swimsuit. She chose a one-piece. When she smiles, 32 teeth radiate at an inviting angle. When she tilts her head, flips of hair gather on her tan shoulders - a look that would launch a hairstyle fad for a generation.

In the time after Betty Grable's World War II pinups and Marilyn Monroe, before the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue mania and Pamela Anderson, the original swimsuit poster of Farrah Fawcett ruled gym lockers, offices and bedrooms.

Could you pass a guy's college dorm room in the 1970s and not see it?

Whatever.

You can read Mr. Hiaasen’s article here.

Hollywood

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20060831 KDDC So just what is Frederick Commissioner Lennie Thompson for?

So just what is Frederick Commissioner Lennie Thompson for?

Writing in The Tentacle, columnist Roy Meachum asks the question: What is Frederick County Commissioner John "Lennie" Thompson for? We certainly “get it” by now that he is opposed to growth and development in Frederick County. But what is he for?

Which brings to mind a combination of words that really resonated with me; John P. Snyder, also writing in The Tentacle wrote a piece on August 24^th, 2006 entitled, “Election Year Over/Unders;” in which he said: “385. The number of times Kai Hagen, this year's Ron Sundergill, will blame "the developers" as some sinister enemy of all Frederick county residents. Developers are merely the conduit between the demand and the people, fueled by government policy that regards home ownership as a good thing and families that want a nice place to live. Ditto Lennie Thompson.” (my emphasis)

Anyone familiar with my writing is aware that I have also had enough of the houses - the congestion and the erosion of our quality of life, but any conversation that personally demonizes real estate professionals and developers is a non-starter with me.

Developers only follow the laws as set forth by government and if folks don’t want the empty, non-productive farm to be developed, then don’t zone it in a manner in which it can be developed.

Or – better yet, work hard to promote the vibrant sustainability of agriculture in the county so the farm will continue to be more valuable than a development.

You cannot take someone’s property rights by plebiscite.

If you want to maintain the beautiful view from your house, then purchase the property and maintain the view yourself - for the greater benefit of the community.

We certainly have this dynamic in Carroll County and it just leaves me cold. Folks that have moved into the community and they are now against everything.

Although I have met Commissioner Thompson on several occasions, I do not know him. The several times I had a chance to speak with him, he was certainly pleasant. However, Mr. Meachum asks questions for Frederick County voters…

Mr. Meachum begins his column by saying:

“No politician in the past 20 years has more clearly established what he is against. John "Lennie" Thompson opposes growth. He considers all developers devils incarnate.

Not without exception.

Together with fellow Commissioner Jan Gardner he urges voters to elect again David Gray, although Mr. Gray is himself a developer. The former board president does not deny he subdivided and sold property to build new houses. He quibbles only over details that cannot be proved, either way, by him or his critics.”

Please find the rest of the column here: “What’s Lennie for?”

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20060830 KDDC "Li'l Abner" is coming to Carroll County

"Li'l Abner" is coming to Carroll County

A September Song production of "Li'l Abner" is coming to Carroll County September 15, 16, 17, 22, and 23, 2006.

This is a great show for a great cause! Tickets are still available at (410) 386-4400. Please spread the word!

This is being held at Century High School this year due to the construction at Westminster High School.

The proceeds benefit programs in Carroll County that benefit people with disabilities.

Y'all Come!

According the September Song website:

September Song Community Theatre in Westminster, Maryland has organized and performed a Broadway musical at Westminster High School in each of the past 30 years.

The brainchild of school teachers Arnie Hayes and Robert "Doc" Kersey, profits earned by these productions have been given to local charities to the tune of more than $250,000 over that span. Current beneficiaries of this annual effort are CHANGE, Inc. and the Carroll County Therapeutic Recreation Council: organizations that provide services to citizens with developmental disabilities.

This late September event, ergo the name, engages a wide segment of the Carroll County community, and now regularly includes volunteers from Baltimore, Howard and Frederick Counties, as well as nearby Pennsylvania.

Thrivent for Lutherans, formerly known as the Lutheran Brotherhood, matches ticket sales for two of the five performances, and for many years, the 50-60 page program was printed without charge by the Carroll County Times Newspaper.

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20060825 KDDC Newspaper articles on Mr. Babylon

Newspaper articles on Mr. Babylon

August 25, 2006

Two very nice articles have been written about my father-in-law, former Westminster Common Council President David S. Babylon, Jr. passing away.

Although our family would have certainly rather attention had been given to Mr. Babylon’s accomplishments under different circumstances, it has been heartwarming to see friends and neighbors turn out for visitation and to read about a celebration of his life in the newspaper.

And a special thank you goes out to the Westminster Fire Department for the outpouring of help and comfort last Tuesday night when he passed away.

Since June 1^st, 1949, on countless occasions, my father-in-law has left the comfort of home, office and family to go out into the night with the fire department, to provide a public service of public safety to citizens in need.

It was nice to see the outpouring of the membership to our home when Mr. Babylon was in a time of need. Ultimately, it was Mr. Babylon’s time to be called home and he is at peace now - in spite of the incredible efforts of the EMS personnel from the Westminster Fire Department.

Mr. Babylon’s obituary can be found here. Marjorie Censer, with the Carroll County Times has an article here. And Fred Rasmussen wrote an article in the Baltimore Sun here.

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20060825 KDDC The art of the question

The art of the question

August 25, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

I would like to call to your attention two intelligent and thoughtful “question and answer” blog posts that I have noticed in the last several days.

The first one was the work of monoblogue, when Michael Swartz interviewed District 37 Senator Richard Colburn.

The second is the work of Crablaw, when Bruce Godfrey interviewed Saqib Ali, a Democratic candidate for the 39th District.

Perhaps you are saying to yourself - - well, I’m not really that interested in the elections in District 37 or 39…

Actually, it is important to all of us that an aggregate collection of the very best community leaders that we can find be elected to the Maryland General Assembly.

It is going to take electing good folks from throughout the state to ensure a prosperous future, a quality of life and sustainable approach to the many challenges we face in Maryland.

The two questionnaires reflect the thoughts of two very sharp minds – and give us an important insight to some of the conversations that are going-on across the state.

Both posts, here and here are worth the time to read.

I’m not sure that I am a fan of the “great person” theory of history. All great accomplishments and examples of moving the ball forward takes a large group of individuals working together for the greater good.

Providing depth and thoughtful insight into the byzantine machinations of government and business is one of the more important tasks for bloggers. This great democratization – leveling of the playing field, if you will, is an important right, which those of us on the Internet hold dearly. However, unfortunately, there is not enough conversation or focus on the fact that with these “rights,” come important responsibilities.

Certainly the more colorful blogs, with the reckless conversations, sensational approaches and locker room language get attention, but in the long view it is not necessarily good for the medium or the citizens we serve.

We need a few more bloggers like Mr. Swartz and Mr. Godfrey (and the Association of Howard County Bloggers.)

That’s my view, what’s yours?

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

www.thetentacle.com

Westminster Eagle Opinion and

Winchester Report

www.thewestminstereagle.com

www.kevindayhoff.com

20060825 KDDC Carroll Co. Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge

Carroll Co. Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge

August 25, 2006

Pasted below, please review Carroll County Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge. For more information please click here.

Primary: September 12, 2006
General: November 7, 2006

My Fellow Citizens:

For years, the abbreviation CCG has meant Carroll County Government. I am pleased that during this term of office, we have been able to change it to mean Citizen Centered government (with a small g). That means seeking consensus between citizens and the commissioners. It also means collaborating with other counties and agencies to find out what really works.

I came into office with a desire to create an atmosphere where all citizens are served in a fair, friendly and civil manner. When I was a little girl, government was there to serve the people. For a period of time that attitude changed. I am proud to say we have turned the tide again and County government has moved from closed to open.

In order to recognize the critical importance of the towns, we established the Council of Governments. Each town is represented by its elected officials and participates in a meaningful sharing of ideas, experiences and concerns. The Council promotes representation at the county level from all segments of the County.

In my current term, I have been able to make plans and strategies for the future. Many of the things we planned have been built. There is much more to do.

The next Board of Commissioners will vote on the next Master Plan, which will set the direction for economic development, residential growth and public facilities for years to come.

The next Board of Commissioners will have to address water needs. I support the creation of reservoirs and working with the towns to maintain their water supplies. We also need to protect the quality of the water we drink, and ensure that we do not grow beyond the water supplies we have.

The next Board of Commissioners has to finish dealing with the school crisis. The county must provide the majority of the funding for all-day kindergarten. I have formed relationships with the school system that make it easy for us to work together with a common purpose.

The next Board of Commissioners will have to address the needs of seniors. I have been at the forefront of plans for senior centers, and I just cut the ribbon at the new North Carroll Senior Center. A new center is planned in South Carroll as well.

Through my involvement with the National Association of Counties, I was able to bring home a free prescription discount plan that is available to all citizens. In less than a year, citizens have saved over one hundred thousand dollars on prescriptions, at no cost to the County.

I believe that County government must always be as efficient as possible, and we must do all we can to minimize the cost to all citizens while providing necessary services. We have established the Senior tax credit in order to make it possible for senior citizens to stay in their homes. We improved the homestead tax credit by lowering the cap from 10% to 7% as a way of reducing the effect of escalating home values.

I am a seventh generation Carroll Countian. I want to protect our rural heritage by preserving farmland. Many years ago we set a goal of 100,000 acres in preservation. We now have preserved 50,000 acres with 50,000 to go. This is beautiful farmland that will not become residential development that requires schools and other spending for infrastructure.

I need your support to continue on with the important business of keeping Carroll County all that it can be. After all, it is your government.

Sincerely,

Julia W. Gouge

---

My husband, Jesse, and I have been married for 47 years. We are the proud parents of four children and nine grandchildren

We have also been the parents of four foster children and sponsors for three foreign exchange students. We are active members of Shiloh United Methodist Church.

As a family we have been active in our church, volunteer organizations, civic organizations, 4-H, and Boy Scouts. I personally have been a 4-H Leader and an active member of the Federated Woman’s Club, Soroptimists, extension Homemakers and Lioness Club. The love and cooperation of my family have made my life in public service possible.

If you would like to help my campaign, either financially or by working with the campaign team, please call me at 410-239-3119 or send your check to:

Friends of Julia Gouge
444 Lees Mill Road
Hampstead, MD 21074

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20060824 KDDC Carroll Jt Neighborhood Assoc CC Regional Airport Exp Fact Sheet

Carroll Jt. Neighborhood Assoc. CC Regional Airport Exp Fact Sheet

August 24, 2006

I wanted to call to your attention a Fact Sheet e-mailed to me from the Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association concerning the issues of a possible expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport.

For more information, contact Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association at cjna01@adelphia.net or (410) 857-1970

CARROLL COUNTY REGIONAL

AIRPORT EXPANSION FACT SHEET

Last Updated: August 13, 2006

Our Carroll County Government is promoting an expansion of the airport that would more than double the airport’s size, adding many more hangars and extending the runway by 1,300 feet, to a total of approximately 6,400 feet.

Airport Expansion Would Drain County Funds

The airport was expanded 12 years ago and it continues to lose money. Last year, there was a net operating loss of over $100,000.00. In the last six years, losses were more frequent than gains, and the losses were substantially greater than the gains. If the airport's size doubles, the potential exists for even greater losses. Since the airport is owned by the County and subsidized by County funds each year, who would make up for the increased losses?

If the airport is expanded, numerous security measures would need to be put into place. The County is attempting to acquire funds from Homeland Security. However, Homeland Security funds are very tight. If they cannot fund the added security, the County has said they would fund it. How much would that cost? Would the county, in fact, pay for added security, or would they leave us with an airport over twice the size, with inadequate security. (We were told on April 11, 2006 that current security at the airport consists of “somebody at the gas pump.”)

A County administrator informed us in the spring that County funds would pay $2 million toward the runway expansion. Now, they are waffling on this information. What are the real facts?

Taxpayer dollars are finite and are better spent on commercial revitalization projects and needed services.

Airport Expansion is Unnecessary

There is no evidence to suggest a need or demand to accommodate larger corporate jets. A County administrator told us for months that there was a long waiting list for corporate hangars. When asked for a copy of the waiting list, he replied, "I stopped keeping a waiting list."

At a June 7, 2006 meeting a County Commissioner remarked that “these numbers don’t add up,” referring to projections regarding future use of the airport. The community has never received updated or corrected data from the county.

Airports in nearby counties have ready access to major interstate highways. This makes them suitable for airport expansion projects. We have no such interstate highway access.

What Can I Do?

Go to ccramasterplan.com and learn more.

Write letters to the editor of Carroll County Times, the Eagle, the Advocate, Baltimore Examiner, Baltimore Sun, or the Gazette.

Ask the County Commissioner Candidates (including incumbents) where they stand on an expanded airport.

Help raise public awareness by sharing this information.

For more information, contact Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association at cjna01@adelphia.net or (410) 857-1970

20060823 KDDC David S Babylon Obit

David S. Babylon, Jr.

September 4, 1923 – August 22, 2006

Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home

91 Willis Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-848-3933 Fax 410-876-3284

David Snider Babylon, Jr., 82, died at his home on Tuesday, August 22, 2006, after an extended illness.

Born on September 4, 1923 in Westminster, MD, he was the son of the late D. Snider Babylon and Marion Cover Babylon. He and G. Evelyn Fluck Babylon were married October 16, 1948 by her father, the Reverend Dr. William A. Fluck, in Hatfield, PA.

Mr. Babylon was a 1941 graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. He was one of the youngest Captains commissioned in the U. S. Army during World War II. He graduated from Gettysburg College in January 1948 with a BA degree in Economics.

After graduation, he continued in a business, Cunocar Bookkeeping Service, begun in his college years. Many in Westminster have fond memories of Mr. Babylon’s green “office-on-wheels,” in which he would travel from business to business. He sold his business in 1986, to retire, travel, and enjoy his family and friends. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home on Willis Street.

Much of life was dedicated to public service. He joined the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company #1 on June 1^st, 1949. Serving in the fire department was one of the passions in his life. He served for many years as secretary/treasurer. Some members still recall how he stopped by the station every morning to “match for coffee” – flipping a 1923 silver dollar.

Mr. Babylon served as a Westminster Common Councilman for 25 years, from 1964 to 1989; at which time, he retired. For 16 of those years, he served as the Common Council President as did his grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon, in 1898 and 1899.

Mr. Babylon was a member of Carroll Post 31 American Legion for over 60 years, as well as a member of the Westminster Elks Lodge 2277, and a member and past president of the Westminster Lions Club for over 50 years, for which he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1994. He was a member and past president of the Westminster Riding Club; of which his sister, Eleanor Cover Babylon was a founding member.

He was also an active member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Carroll Street in Westminster as was his family for two previous generations.

As a business professional, Mr. Babylon served as President and board member of the Westminster Hardware Company for many years. He served as a Director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Carroll County Bank and Trust Company from 1961 until 1999 as well as Mason-Dixon Bancshares from 1991 to 1999. His grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon and father, D. Snider Babylon, also served as President of the Westminster Hardware Company and as a Director and President of the Westminster Savings Bank, the predecessor of Carroll County Bank & Trust.

He was on the Board of Directors of Piney Branch Golf & Country Club, the Raymond I. Richardson Foundation for Bowling Brook School and the Albaugh and Babylon Grocery Co.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, their spouses and six grandchildren. Marian Babylon Rognlien and her husband, Ronald L. Rognlien and daughter, Marnie, of Nokesville, VA. Col. William T. Babylon, US Army (Ret.) and his wife, Lt. Col. Patricia Jean Cronen Babylon, US Army (Ret.) and their children, Franklin Thomas and his fiancé, Rosalena Magroski; Elizabeth Anne; and David Snider Babylon III, of Anchorage, AK. Caroline Babylon and her husband, Kevin Dayhoff, of Westminster, MD. Sarah Babylon Dorrance and children Jamie and Melissa, of Mount Airy, MD.

He was predeceased by his stepmother, Caroline Billingslea Babylon, sister, Eleanor Cover Babylon, brother Thomas Cover Babylon, and son-in-law James Dorrance.

The family will receive friends at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home at 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, Friday, August 25. The Westminster Fire Department will hold a memorial service at 8:15 p.m. Friday evening, August 25.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street in Westminster at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 with the Reverend David B. Helfrich officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service at Grace Lutheran Church. Entombment will be private at the family mausoleum at Krider’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evelyn and David S. Babylon Community Fund, c/o The Carroll Community Foundation, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD 21157.

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20060823 KDDC Sarah Palin for governor of Alaska

Sarah Palin for governor of Alaska

August 23, 2006

We should all have a governor that looks like this.

Then again, we should all have a governor that thinks like this and this. Looks like she needs to run for president.

Click here to view the election results!

And check out this quick commercial: "Time for a Change" It may take a moment to load, but it is a good commercial, I like the part at the end “Frugally paid for by …” and the little kid running about with a sign.

Could someone from Alaska tell us what the lay of the land is in Alaska? What’s the general election look like. I have not been following the election much, in spite of the fact that I have a great brother and sister-in-law - - and a wonderful niece and nephew that live in Anchorage… I’m usually more interested in being a good uncle than following the politics. However, Ms. Palin seems like a great future…

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