The newly elected mayor of Westminster, Kevin Utz, hits the ground running

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,

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Spring is for sunshine, flowers, and baseball.

Spring is for sunshine, flowers, and baseball.

(c) By Kevin Dayhoff Sunday, April 12, 2009 (Art: "Baltimore Baseball" April 12, 1988 by Kevin Dayhoff)

Well, spring weather is about to make its debut in Maryland. I can’t wait for warmer weather. My first clue was last week. It was the beginning of baseball season.

I could tell for two reasons. One, the sports fan in my family, my wife, Miss Caroline, told me. She is already rearranging her schedule to listen to, or watch baseball.

Another sign occurred late last week at a stop light in Westminster. As I sat there with my New Jersey tollbooth collector thousand-mile stare pondering my schedule and wondering how I was going to manage to be in two places later on in the day; my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a steady stream of profanities.

I just assumed it was the usual Westminster Main Street regulars. As I slunk down in my seat ever so slightly, a well-dressed woman in the car next to me caught my eye.

Actually, she caught my ear. Lo and behold, next to me, in a newer model luxury automobile was a rather sophisticated-looking lady with the baseball game on the radio turned up loudly.

And she was swearing-up a storm about the current abilities of the Baltimore Oriole pitchers. Unfortunately the light changed before I could grab my camera and catch an instant YouTube hit…

Now that I think about it. If spring is for sunshine, flowers, and baseball; then this young lady was right in synch. She was after-all yelling at the top of her lungs, and using flowery language about how the pitcher could put the baseball where the sun does not shine.

Only she yelled it in a more colorful manner.

I’m a pathetic sports fan. Miss Caroline keeps me informed on the latest developments in the sports world so I don’t sound like a total dork when the conversation at a social event turns to sports.

Of course, Miss Caroline would prefer that I not sound like the “rather sophisticated-looking lady with the baseball game on the radio” at the stoplight in Westminster.

Next time you find yourself traveling through Westminster and you come upon an intersection and spot a light brown late model Mercedes – roll up your window. That is, unless you wish to hear some interesting and colorful ad-lib sportscasting… about how spring is for sunshine, flowers, and baseball.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kevindayhoff AT gmail DOT com.
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I wrote this as I filed my Westminster Eagle column for Wednesday, April 15, 2009. In that column I write more about baseball and my three favorite all-time baseball moments. Look for it here, http://www.explorecarroll.com/publications/we/ on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

Neon Art Sign at the Carroll Arts Center

Neon Art Sign at the Carroll Arts Center

April 1, 2009

Dayhoff Daily Photoblog

20090401 DDP SDOSM Neon Art CAC

Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

Recent Missie Wilcox columns in Explore Carroll

Recent Missie Wilcox columns in Explore Carroll

Gallery taps Carroll's eclectic mix
Published February 20, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Carroll County's art scene recently revealed a bright spot in a bleak winter landscape with the opening of Off Track Art Gallery in downtown Westminster....

Off Track gets on track with local artists
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
Between winter's gray skies and dark news headlines, the world can seem pretty bleak these days. However, a trip to Westminster reveals a veritable rainbow emerging...

Westminster says Bon Jour, Guten Tag and Hola
Published January 28, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
Westminster Watch Local residents looking for something to do on a cold Friday evening can find some warmth -- and perhaps impress their friends...

Starlight is a bright spot for shoppers
Published December 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Main Street Minute Thanksgiving was late this year, leaving fewer than usual shopping days until Christmas. But fear not. On Saturday, Dec. 6, downtown Westminster...

Holidays step off in parade
Published November 24, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Tree lighting festivities scheduled for Nov. 29 In the week before Thanksgiving, nearly every inch of downtown Westminster was being transformed into a holiday wonderland,...

I'll be home for a Main St. Thanksgiving
Published November 19, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Main Street Minute Holiday recipes from our downtown chefs Thanksgiving is next week. And guess what? It seems really late this year, so we have even less...

Following the cookie crumbs in Westminster
Published October 29, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
November: The advent of decorations, shopping and holiday spirit throughout the land. In downtown Westminster, November means Holiday Open Houses and the fourth annual Cookie...

'Little Bit' adds lotta Tuscany to Main Street
Published October 15, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Main Street Minute After a long week of work, chores, carpools and practices, it's time to kick back and have some fun. When looking for a...

Don't get mad, get Midnight Madness
Published September 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Are you ready for some shopping? Grab a baby-sitter, don your walking shoes and gather your pals. On Friday Sept. 26, downtown Westminster welcomes...

Take a hike and enjoy downtown Westminster
Published September 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
On a recent vacation, we visited a bed and breakfast that provided a series of walk/run routes of the area. It was a great way...

20090223 SDOSM Recent Missie Wilcox columns in Explore Carroll
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Harry’s Main Street Grille

Harry’s Main Street Grille

Saturday, January 24, 2009

West Main Street in Westminster.

Miss Caroline and I had a romantic dinner this evening. We ordered carryout hot dogs with everything, an order of fries, and a coke for dinner. Brought home and watched the news on TV. Life’s good.

20090124 Harrys
Dayhoff Daily Photoblog

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Main Street Westminster, Maryland Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Main Street Westminster, Maryland Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Dayhoff Daily Photoblog

Traveling east on Westminster’s Main Street at 5 PM. To the right is the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

20091113 DDP Main Street Westminster, Maryland

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Mural at Harry’s Main Street Grille

Mural at Harry’s Main Street Grille

January 9, 2009

Over the years, the mural on the chalkboard just inside the entrance at Harry’s Main Street Grille in Westminster, Maryland has been a staple of the growing art scene in Carroll County.

And Harry Sirinakis and his wife Becca has been stalwarts of Main Street, Westminster and the art, culture and quality of life we know as Carroll County.

Harry's Main Street Grille
65 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-7080
Closed on Sunday

http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/search/label/Restaurants%20Harry%27s%20Main%20Street
20090109 Mural at Harry’s Main Street Grille

Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News, by Westminster Economic Development Administrator Stan Ruchlewicz.

Always informative and well written - click here: "Downtown Westminster Main Street News!"
to download the latest edition.

20060816 KDDC Vota for Moana

“Vota for Moana”

© Kevin Dayhoff

August 16^th, 2006

Westminster, MD - - This is the season for signs.

Recently your intrepid blogger found this group of signs at Main Street and the railroad tracks in Westminster MD.

Mystery surrounds just what Ms. Mona Lisa is running for.

In a related matter, we asked Westminster’s administrator of economic development, Stanta Ruchlewicz, about the economic impact of the Carroll County election season. “Well, ya know, it brings dollars into downtown Westminster,” remarked Mr. Ruchlewicz. “Recently it is about the only thing that’s happening in these parts.”

Asked if he knew just what office Ms. Lisa was running for, Mr. Ruchlewicz responded, “Don’t know. Don’t really care as long as the mysterious sign brings money into Westminster. It’s kinda neat, if I may say so myself.”

Asked how long the sign for Ms. Lisa has been at the intersection, “Don’t know. Been kinda busy recently,” remarked the assistant director for parks, buildings, streets, water, wastewater, kitchen sinks, development review, planning, fly swatters, public works, fleet management, kite flying, road sign, grass clippings removal, utilities maintenance and the soundtrack division of old silent movies.

Marianne Sheehan, the administrative assistant for the assistant director for parks, buildings, streets, water, wastewater, kitchen sinks, development review, planning, fly swatters, public works, fleet management, kite flying, road sign, grass clippings removal, utilities maintenance, letters and art, heavy metal music and the soundtrack division of old silent movies, remarked that the sign “looked good in that location and that it went well with the overall ambiance of downtown Westminster.”

Wayne Reifsnider, the assistant superintendent for streets, buildings, and parks said, “Well, ya know… Well, it’s a free country and people have a right to put up signs on private property, ya know. But I don’t know, ya know. Then on the other hand, well, ya know, it’s a neat sign and I just do my job. Mind my own business, ya know. Well, I best be moving along. See ya.”

More on this developing story as the city continues to unravel.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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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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20060707 KDDC Latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News is now available

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News, by Westminster Economic Development Administrator Stan Ruchlewicz.

Always informative and well written - click here: "Downtown Westminster Main Street News!"
to download the latest edition.

Harry Sirinakis of Harry’s Main Street Grille in Westminster, Maryland.

Harry Sirinakis of Harry’s Main Street Grille in Westminster, Maryland.

May 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

20060500 HSirinakis

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

20060516 KDDC Wster Flower and Jazz Festival Pictures

20060516 WR Wster FJFest

Flower & Jazz Festival Kicks Off the Spring Event Season in Westminster

May 16, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff

Last Saturday, almost 6,000 visitors joined the Westminster community to welcome spring. And what better way to do it, than by giving away 2000 flowers for Mother’s Day.

For this year’s nineteenth annual Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival Westminster opened up its historic downtown-shopping district with open arms.

This year 72 craft and commercial vendors, four nurseries, 4 non-profits, ten to fifteen Carroll County Health Department Child Safety booths – and most importantly, five food vendors, made Westminster the place to be for a beautiful spring day.

The nurseries included: Cowlick Gardens, M&W Nursery, Sue’s Flowers and Wakefield Valley Nursery.

Stan Ruchlewicz, Westminster’s administrator of economic development reports that this year’s jazz events included:

“The Herb Sell Ensemble and singer Audrey Cimino (provided) dance music for George Matysek, Tina DeMell and the Psycho Jammers… The Eric Byrd Trio” entertained on the front lawn of the Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

The sixth annual 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit Carroll County Youth Services Bureau, was a pre-festival event. Safe Kids Day 2006 was also part of this year’s event. It featured water safety information, along with interactive injury prevention booths, said Mr. Ruchlewicz.

Ron Schroers Director of Recreation and Parks and former mayor Dayhoff’s personal assistant emeritus said, “It was a beautiful day. It was great to see all the Mom’s and Dad’s. You’ll come back now ya hear.”

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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20060514 KDDC May June 2006 Downtown Wster MSN

May/June 2006 issue of the Downtown Westminster Main Street News

Stan Ruchlewicz, the administrator of economic development for the City of Westminster has just posted the May/June 2006 issue of the Downtown Westminster Main Street News. You can retrieve it here: http://www.westgov.com/assets/MainStNews051206.pdf