20070813 Wall Street Journal: Karl Rove to Resign at the End of August

Wall Street Journal: Karl Rove to Resign at the End of August

Karl Rove to Resign at the End of August

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter

August 13, 2007 4:00 a.m.

Karl Rove, President Bush's longtime political adviser, is resigning as White House deputy chief of staff effective Aug. 31, and returning to Texas, he said in an interview with Paul Gigot, editor of The Wall Street Journal's editorial page.

(See related editorial.) 'THE MARK OF ROVE'

Read the editorial by The Wall Street Journal's editorial page editor, Paul Gigot, on his interview with Karl Rove.

Mr. Rove, who has held a senior post in the White House since President Bush took office in January 2001, told Mr. Gigot …

Read the rest of the article here: Karl Rove to Resign at the End of August

The Wall Street Journal published the interview Monday.

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'The Mark of Rove'

Bush Invokes Executive Privilege

White House Won't Rule Out Eventual Pardon for Libby

House Democrats Issue New Subpoena

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118698747711695773.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news

20070810 Vangelis - Blade Runner (end credits) Soundtrack and Video

Vangelis - Blade Runner (end credits) Soundtrack and Video

August 10, 2007

I just came across this neat video by herefordmsv posted on YouTube several months ago.

Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair: July 28- August 3, 2007

Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair: July 28- August 3, 2007

For more information call: 410-848-FAIR

or go to: http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/

For more articles and information on “Soundtrack” about the Fair click here: Carroll Co. 4-H Fair

Click here for Fair Schedule – or here.

*****

Carroll Co. 4-H Fair:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/4H%20Carroll%20Co%204H%20FFA%20Fair

Click here for Fair Schedule:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/07/20070718-sdosm-july-28-through-august-3.html

here:

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/2007/PDFS/FairSchedule%20Final.pdf

20070728 Carroll County 4H FFA Fair July 28 August 3 2007
08 2007 Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair: July 28- August 3, 2007
09 2007 Carroll Co 4H FFA Fair

Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair: July 28- August 3, 2007

Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair: July 28- August 3, 2007

For more information call: 410-848-FAIR

or go to: http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/

For more articles and information on “Soundtrack” about the Fair click here: Carroll Co. 4-H Fair

Click here for Fair Schedule – or here.

*****

Carroll Co. 4-H Fair:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/4H%20Carroll%20Co%204H%20FFA%20Fair

Click here for Fair Schedule:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/07/20070718-sdosm-july-28-through-august-3.html

here:

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/2007/PDFS/FairSchedule%20Final.pdf

20070728 Carroll County 4H FFA Fair July 28 August 3 2007
08 2007 Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair: July 28- August 3, 2007
09 2007 Carroll Co 4H FFA Fair

20070725 Child advocates State must do better for kids Examiner

Child advocates: State must do better for kids

Jaime Malarkey, The Examiner 2007-07-25

BALTIMORE –

In the same year a Baltimore teenager died in a state-run residential detention center and a Prince George’s county youth died after a tooth infection spread to his brain, child advocates today pressured Maryland lawmakers to improve problems affecting kids that, according to a new report, appear to be worsening.

Maryland’s rank nationally fell from 23rd to 24th in an annual child wellness report released today from the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation, which analyzed factors including infant mortality, teen pregnancy and high school dropout rates.

Using the foundation’s indicators and some of their own, local advocates said the ranking should be much better considering Maryland is the second wealthiest state in the nation.

They said the gap is the third largest in the country.

(Click here to read the Annie E. Casey Foundations' KIDS COUNT 2007 Data Book.)

Read the rest here: Child advocates: State must do better for kids

20070721 Frederick News-Post Letter to the Editor: “Trash talk no longer funny” by Gregor Becker

Frederick News-Post Letter to the Editor: “Trash talk no longer funny” by Gregor Becker

'Trash talk' no longer funny

Originally published July 21, 2007

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_lte.htm?storyid=62768

The July 11 editorial oversimplifies the trash issue.

[See: 20070711 “Trash talk” - Frederick News-Post editorial]

And also see: 20070714 Solid Waste Management Forum at Frederick Community College

The county has only pursued a $100 million waste-to-energy facility without even trying to reduce its waste stream. Comprehensive recycling programs are lacking countywide, while the landfill has been filled with recyclable materials for the last 15 years.

Disposal -- landfill, incineration, etc. -- is going to be expensive. Why not get the county to commit to maximizing recycling over the next three years and then look at the disposal needs after that. Why not generate income from some waste before we burn or bury it?

Officials have taken industry-funded WTE tours in Europe, but have not investigated recycling programs or composting and materials recovery facilities in Delaware, New Jersey and elsewhere. These options aren't being researched because they aren't a part of the county's chosen "integrated approach."

Residents might ask how viable is a technology that even a Fortune 500 company won't put up the capital for? According to budget reports, the Montgomery County facility processed 640,101 tons of waste in 2004, generating 387,141 megawatt hours of electricity valued at $15M, or $23.43 per ton. But, per ton, the net operating cost was $21.78 and the net debt service cost was $42.36.

That year, Montgomery County spent $41M to operate and upgrade the facility. Not included in this figure: non-financed capital of $2.09M; non-contract operating costs of $772,000 for risk management; county work worth $275,134; residue disposal of $10.80 per ton; and charge backs to the Department of Environmental Protection worth $43,603.

Do Frederick residents want this annual bill and to pay increased tipping fees or higher taxes? Or would they prefer working together to reduce their waste stream before deciding if a capital-intensive disposal method is necessary?

GREGOR BECKER

conservation chair

Sierra Club Catoctin Group

20070720 Quote of the day Ernest Hemingway on the price of time

Quote of the day – Ernest Hemingway on the price of time.

Friday, July 20^th, 2007

“There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring.”

Ernest Hemingway Death In The Afternoon

Photo above: Ernest Hemingway’s desk and typewriter in his studio office in Key West, Florida. February 14th, 2007 www.kevindayhoff.net

20070718 Westminster Eagle week in review

Westminster Eagle week in review

July 18, 2007

Kevin E. Dayhoff Thursday, July 19 Barnes keeps adapting to meet changing needs of law enforcement

Westminster Police Department Captain Randy D. Barnes, 50, graduated on June 8 from the 229th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

The Westminster mayor and Common Council recognized Captain Barnes at the last council meeting.

Westminster Common Council president Roy ... [Read full story]

Local News

Rides and fries keep Reese carnival spinning

More than 160 50-pound bags of potatoes will be peeled, washed, hand sliced and fried this week to make one of the signature dishes of the Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Department's Carnival -- french fries.

"They're the best fries around," boasts Dave Reese, a volunteer who handles the fries... [Read full story]

News Briefs

Environs plan set for public hearing July 30

The county's update of the Westminster Environs Plan will face a dual public information session and public hearing on Monday, July 30, at the County Office Building.

The Westminster Environs Community Plan is designed to direct growth and development... [Read full story]

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Local Scout followed a faithful path to Eagle

When Richard Lyons began planning a service project to earn his Eagle Scout designation, he wanted to do something for his church community, St. John's Catholic Church in Westminster.

The 17-year-old rising senior at Westminster High School had in mind building a bell tower, but officials at St. J... [Read full story]

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Tasty menu for fun at 'Surf and Turf' festival

Offering summertime fun -- and food -- the Carroll County Farm Museum and the Maryland Cattleman's Association are sponsoring this weekend's "Surf and Turf" festival on the museum grounds.

The festival runs this Saturday, July 21, noon to 7 p.m.

Featuring crabs from Salerno's of Eldersburg and b... [Read full story]

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Pond set for fall facelift

The popular Westminster Community Pond off Route 140 is scheduled for an upgrade with new playground equipment, new pavilions and improvements to the pond's shoreline in the works.

And along with that facelift, county officials hope the State Highway Administration will also approve a new ... [Read full story]

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Harry Potter casting one final spell on readers

Magicians and muggles throughout Carroll County will be gathering in the wee hours of Friday morning -- including at the Carroll Arts Center -- for a bittersweet celebration, as the final Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," becomes available at local retailers and librar... [Read full story]

Focus on People

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Community Calendar

ARTS

The Tony Scuito Band will perform in a free concert Saturday, July 21, 1 p.m. at Locust Lane, downtown Westminster off Main Street. The Tony Scuito Band has toured with groups including the Little River band. The concert is sponsored by Coffey Music and Towles Marketing. For details, call ... [Read full story]

Doug... A Little Deeper

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Anybody else out there who's 'not yet a candidate'?

One of the best strategies for quickly moving up in the presidential polls is to be a candidate who's not yet a candidate.

I'm not sure if it this is the result of wanting what we can't have, the grass being greener on the other side of the fence or the hope that someone not yet in the race ... [Read full story]

Opinion

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Westminster Environs plan is sneak peek at coming attractions

Editorial

It's a long way from blueprints to reality, but as most people know (or at least anyone who's assembled a bicycle), you have to take one step at a time if you want to see a mission accomplished.

That's why, even in the dead of summer, it's important to focus on a community meeting and ... [Read full story]

Wolf at the Door

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Sky's the limit when arguing pros and cons of airports

When I receive a letter that's right on the money, I have an obligation to respond. We received just such a letter from Captain Allan Greene of Westminster, who faulted us for writing that we put our aircraft throttles forward against the stops upon takeoff.

He then detailed in his letter that he ... [Read full story]

The Passing Parade

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Sadly, reports of its demise are a bit premature

The mock funeral held by the NAACP at its national convention in Detroit on July 9 -- for the purpose of putting to rest once and for all the "N-word" -- may have been a noble gesture. But while that despicable term may be in its death throes, it's still a long way from being interred forevermore. [Read full story]

For Better or Worse

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Guilt: It's what's for dinner

"Dinner's ready!"

Doug sat down at the table. I put his plate in front of him and said, "Enjoy."

He looked down, then looked up at me, then looked down at the plate again.

"What is this?" he asked.

"A grilled cheese sandwich."

"This," said Doug, jabbing at his plate with his index finger, ... [Read full story]

[Local news archives]

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Continuing saga of Westminster's Library

Throughout Carroll County history there's always been an emphasis on education, church, civic and fraternal organizations, theatrical and singing clubs, community bands and seasonal celebrations.

Historically, folks in Carroll are known for coming together to overcome adversity and make things hap... [Read full story]

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Library has been at the center of the bookshelf in Westminster history

As noted in Katie Jones' story in The Eagle on June 13, plans were recently announced for the renovation of the 27-year-old Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

This news prompted some discussions of the history and origins of the library in Westminster. Of course, the histor... [Read full story]

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Carroll working to save and share 'Our Barn'

I recently had the opportunity to visit Carroll County's historic Marlin K. Hoff log barn, which was built between 1785 and 1795.

Those accompanying me included Community Media Center videographers Joe Cimino and Rod Boudreaux, who are planning an educational video of the barn and its relocation t... [Read full story]

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Commissioners should start 'coffin' up cash on 144-year-old debt

On June 23 and 24, Westminster and the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table will host a commemoration of the 144th anniversary of Corbit's Charge.

For those unaware of this piece of history:

On June 29, 1863, Capt. Charles Corbit led approximately 100 Union cavalrymen from the 1st Delaware Cavalry, ... [Read full story]

Winchester Report:

Thursday, July 19

Captain Randy Barnes graduates from the FBI National Academy

June is the season when many friends and family come together to celebrate graduations. It was perhaps no different for friends, colleagues, and members of the Barnes family who celebrated Randy Barnes’ recent graduation.

All right, maybe it was a little different; for you see Westminster Police Department Captain Randy D. Barnes, 50, graduated on June 8 from the 229th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. FBI Director Robert S., Mueller, III, presented him with his diploma. The academy, which began in 1935, has to date, had more than 37... [Read full story]

20070718 Frederick News-Post coverage of recent Waste to Energy discussions

Frederick News-Post coverage of recent Waste to Energy discussions

July 18, 2007

For more information on Waste Management and Waste to Energy issues please click on: Environmentalism Solid Waste Management; Environmentalism Solid Waste Management Waste to Energy; or… Energy Independence or the label, Environmentalism.

Recent articles and editorials in the Frederick News-Post on the Waste-to-Energy solid waste management option:

Exploring options

| Editorial | By: | 07/18/07 | 509 words

The forum included a number of "experts" promoting several important options for handling the county's solid waste problem. Among them were area waste management officials touting the success of their counties' aggressive recycling programs, and the executive director of a regional waste disposal authority which is advising that a waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator is the answer to the county's trash problems in the future.

County officials still talking trash

| Front Page | By: Pamela Rigaux | 07/15/07 | 498 words

In fact, Harford was pro-recycling even before a 1988 Maryland Law required residents there to recycle 20 percent of their trash, said Robert Ernst, Harford County's recycling manager.

Trash talk

| Editorial | By: | 07/11/07 | 400 words

That doesn't mean that any solution(s) they ultimately decide on are going to sit well with all residents. So far, every attempt to address Frederick County's mounting (pun intended) trash problems have been met with resistance from other-minded people, including environmentalists, recycling enthusiasts and, in particular, those whose lives and property would be most impacted.

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Report dead links

20070716 Monday evening sunset

Monday evening sunset

Daily Photoblog

Posted July 18^th, 2007

Monday evening I was doing some landscaping work at the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County Arena at the Carroll County Agriculture Center and as I was leaving I was amazed with the sunset.

We’re trying to get things ready for this year’s Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair.

This year’s Fair is scheduled for: July 28- August 3, 2007. For more information call: 410-848-FAIR or go to: http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/

For more articles and information on “Soundtrack” about the Fair click here: Carroll Co. 4-H Fair

Of course the sunset reminded me of the 1966 song by

The Cyrkle - Red Rubber Ball

20070715 Why Bush Will Be A Winner by William Kristol

Why Bush Will Be A Winner by William Kristol

July 17^th, 2007

William Kristol, the editor of the Weekly Standard has written a great synopsis of the George W. Bush presidency. It is a piece that I wish that I had written.

Writing such a piece has been on my mind since I wrote Gauging A Presidential Legacy last February 14, 2007 in The Tentacle:

Recently political pundits have spent a great deal of effort pondering the legacy of President George W. Bush. Of course, those of us who consider ourselves to be students of history understand that history needs much more time and distance in order to accurately gauge the legacy and historical impact of any particular president.

Yet, uncannily, there are many parallels shared in the legacy of our 33rd president, Harry S Truman and President Bush, our 43rd president; and it is only understandable that the comparisons persist.

I took the opportunity Monday to tour President Truman's Key West White House, known as the "Little White House," in order to re-acquaint myself with the great legacy of the now-legendary president.

After the tour I interviewed the executive director of the Little White House Museum, Robert J. Wolz, at great length. The tour guide, David Lynch and Mr. Wolz are both walking encyclopedias on the life and times of President Truman.

Mr. Wolz says, with a certain "I told you so" confidence, that it is "remarkable that President Truman has gone from the least popular president of all time to the fifth most successful."

President Truman first arrived in Key West in November 1946, just days after the majority party in Congress had changed in the mid-term elections.

More: 20070214 Gauging A Presidential Legacy

Meanwhile Mr. Kristol wrote:

Why Bush Will Be A Winner

By William Kristol, Sunday, July 15, 2007; B01in the Washington Post

I suppose I'll merely expose myself to harmless ridicule if I make the following assertion: George W. Bush's presidency will probably be a successful one.

Let's step back from the unnecessary mistakes and the self-inflicted wounds that have characterized the Bush administration. Let's look at the broad forest rather than the often unlovely trees. What do we see? First, no second terrorist attack on U.S. soil -- not something we could have taken for granted. Second, a strong economy -- also something that wasn't inevitable.

And third, and most important, a war in Iraq that has been very difficult, but where -- despite some confusion engendered by an almost meaningless "benchmark" report last week -- we now seem to be on course to a successful outcome.

Read the rest here: Why Bush Will Be A Winner

And please report dead links…

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20070714 Solid Waste Management Forum at Frederick Community College

The panelists from left to right: David Dunn, Chair, Frederick County Solid Waste Advisory Committee - Moderator; Robert Ernst, Recycling Manager, Harford County, Maryland – “Recycling in Harford County, Maryland”; Lori Scozzafava, Deputy Executive Director, Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) – National Waste Management Perspective”; Pamela Gratton, Recycling Director, Fairfax County, Virginia – “Integrated Waste Management”; Richard Brandes, Chief, Waste Minimization Branch US EPA Office of Solid Waste – “USEPA Waste Management Perspective”

Solid Waste Management Forum at Frederick Community College

July 14^th, 2007

Solid Waste Management Forum at Frederick Community College: A quick overview of those in attendance Saturday, July 14, 2007, when Frederick and Carroll County Government in Maryland sponsored a forum on solid waste issues such as recycling, resource recovery, and integrated waste management.

The event took place in the Jack B. Kussmaul Theater at Frederick Community College from 9 AM to 12 PM

The event was not as well attended as many would have liked but nevertheless, hopefully there were enough folks there to continue a discussion of alternative ways of managing municipal solid waste instead of collecting it and burying it in the ground.

For more information on Waste Management and Waste to Energy issues please click on: Environmentalism Solid Waste Management; Environmentalism Solid Waste Management Waste to Energy; or… Energy Independence or the label, Environmentalism.

For more information on Recycling in Carroll County June 14, 2007 00:03.52 see this Video

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20070711 “Trash talk” - Frederick News-Post editorial

“Trash talk” - Frederick News-Post editorial

Trash talk

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_editorial.htm?StoryID=62346

Originally published July 11, 2007

When it comes to trash, no one could claim that local government is ignoring the subject. Elected officials and county managers are acutely aware that solutions are required, and they are diligently at work exploring a range of them.

That doesn't mean that any solution(s) they ultimately decide on are going to sit well with all residents. So far, every attempt to address Frederick County's mounting (pun intended) trash problems have been met with resistance from other-minded people, including environmentalists, recycling enthusiasts and, in particular, those whose lives and property would be most impacted.

Solutions that have been proposed include a permanent new transfer station from which to send the country's trash elsewhere, raising the height of the Reichs Ford Road landfill, and constructing a waste-to-energy incinerator that would generate electricity from the heat produced by burning trash.

Opposition to any and all of these proposals is understandable. No one wants increased truck traffic, a higher, more visible landfill with potential safety issues, or a huge, expensive incinerating/generating facility in his or her backyard.

Still, all these potential solutions have been extensively researched and decisions to consider them were not arrived at frivolously or without considering their negative as well as their positive qualities.

The bottom line, however, is that this county generates a huge quantity of trash -- one that will only increase in coming years -- and effective method(s) of addressing its disposal or destruction are imperative. And while recycling is a positive, worthwhile and attractive endeavor that should be encouraged and can be part of the solutions mix, it alone is not the be-all and end-all to Frederick County's trash problem.

There is no solution to Frederick County's trash question that does not involve some negatives, whether they be financial, environmental or aesthetic. It's trash, folks.

It appears as though local officials are pursuing a multi-pronged approach to this issue, with some of the options -- such as the landfill height extension and transfer station -- being stop-gap measures. In the end, a more comprehensive, permanent solution, perhaps in the form of a waste-to-energy incinerator, will likely have to be embraced.

Local officials are acutely tuned in to this issue, as well they should be, and are thoroughly investigating a number of options. But again, when it comes to trash, there is no such thing as a perfect, negative-free solution.

If there were, trash wouldn't be such a dirty word.

20070714 Frederick and Carroll County Solid Waste Forum

Frederick and Carroll County Solid Waste Forum

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Frederick Community College

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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Sponsored by Frederick County Government and Carroll County Government

Commissioners from both counties invite citizens to attend a forum on solid waste issues such as recycling, resource recovery and integrated waste management.

The forum provides citizens an opportunity to hear from solid waste professionals regarding sustainable waste management options.

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20070711 Westminster Eagle Week in Review

Westminster Eagle Week in Review

July 11^th, 2007

Kevin E. Dayhoff

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Continuing saga of Westminster's Library

Throughout Carroll County history there's always been an emphasis on education, church, civic and fraternal organizations, theatrical and singing clubs, community bands and seasonal celebrations.

Historically, folks in Carroll are known for coming together to overcome adversity and make things hap... [Read full story]

Local News

News Briefs

Barnes is new graduate of FBI Academy

Captain Randy D. Barnes of the Westminster Police Department recently graduated from the 229th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. Westminster Chief Jeffrey Spaulding last week announced Barnes' graduation.

Barnes, a 28 year veteran of the W... [Read full story]

More Headlines Business Briefs

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City praises purchase of quarry

The Board of County Commissioners' decision last week to purchase Hyde's Quarry as a potential water source for Westminster was applauded Monday evening by the Westminster City Council.

Last week the commissioners approved the purchase of the quarry, located off Jasontown Road, as a means of provi... [Read full story]

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Project will reconstruct Hap Baker

After a fire that forced its closure this past February, the rifle range at the Hap Baker Firearms Facility in Westminster is one step closer to being reopened with a $300,000 proposal to rebuild its roof.

A review of the reconstruction project is slated to go before the Carroll County Planning an... [Read full story]

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Paide visitor explores ideas for recreation

Last week, Margit Udam, 31, had her first-ever snow cone -- much to the delight of the students she was with at Common Ground.

The Estonia native has enjoyed many new things during her first trip to the United States, including visiting Washington, D.C. and New York City and eating Vidalia onions ... [Read full story]

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The Eagle & The Owl

The latest Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," by J. K. Rowling, will hit book stores and libraries July 21, and everyone from young muggles to teen wizards are reserving copies.

Many parents and other adults STILL don't get what the fuss is about, so once again The Eagle is... [Read full story]

Focus on People

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Anniversary Notice

65 years together for Delbert, Margaret Ebeling

Delbert and Margaret Ebeling, formerly of Carroll County, celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this past spring.

The couple, who currently reside in Sandgates, Md., were married on April 11, 1942.

They have four children -- JoAnne, Joyce, Je... [Read full story]

Opinion

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Quarry is investment to help address county vision of growth

Editorial

Last week's approval by the Board of County Commissioners to purchase the 60-acre Hyde's Quarry property is an important step in the evolving strategy to tackle water needs in Carroll County.

The quarry property is seen primarily as a water resource for the City of Westminster, but cou... [Read full story]

Wolf at the Door

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Milking a story does a disservice to farm industry

It's easy to make news.

One way, apparently, is to be Paris Hilton.

Another way, though, is to write an article that's based on a fact, but then expand that article on pure supposition.

Agriculture, because most city dwellers know so little about it, is always a good target.

Case in point is... [Read full story]

For Better or Worse

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Trouble with summer TV is the networks aren't creative enough

It's summertime, and with the sultry weather and backyard barbecues comes another sign of the season:

Summer replacement shows on TV.

In recent years the networks have actually tried to bring us something other than the usual endless hot-weather reruns -- mostly because research showed that nobo... [Read full story]

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[Local news archives]

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Thursday, July 12

How fortunate we are to celebrate the 4th of July As we prepare to celebrate another Fourth of July, let us cherish the fact that we live in a country where we can criticize our government and our leaders – in complete safety with our mouths full, the television remote control in one hand and an iPhone in the other.

Perhaps, as we... [Read full story]

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Continuing saga of Westminster's Library Throughout Carroll County history there's always been an emphasis on education, church, civic and fraternal organizations, theatrical and singing clubs, community bands and seasonal celebrations.

Historically, folks in Carroll are known for coming together to overcome adversity and make things hap... [Read full story]

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Library has been at the center of the bookshelf in Westminster history As noted in Katie Jones' story in The Eagle on June 13, plans were recently announced for the renovation of the 27-year-old Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

This news prompted some discussions of the history and origins of the library in Westminster.

Of course, the histor... [Read full story]

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Carroll working to save and share 'Our Barn' I recently had the opportunity to visit Carroll County's historic Marlin K. Hoff log barn, which was built between 1785 and 1795.

Those accompanying me included Community Media Center videographers Joe Cimino and Rod Boudreaux, who are planning an educational video of the barn and its relocation t... [Read full story]

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Commissioners should start 'coffin' up cash on 144-year-old debt On June 23 and 24, Westminster and the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table will host a commemoration of the 144th anniversary of Corbit's Charge.

For those unaware of this piece of history:

On June 29, 1863, Capt. Charles Corbit led approximately 100 Union cavalrymen from the 1st Delaware Cavalry, ... [Read full story]

Community Calendar Thursday, July 12 Worship Notes

Faith in Action greets new coordinator

The Partnership for Healthier Carroll County recently welcomed the Rev. Linda Fernandez as the new program coordinator of Faith in Action Carroll County Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

The program is a volunteer caregiving program to support a network of indiv... [Read full story]

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Senior Scene Westminster Senior Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster, will host the following events. A well-balanced meal is served daily at 11:30 a.m. The cost for the meal is a donation up to $3.48 for seniors 60 years and older; for those under 60 years the cost is $3.48. Reservations for lunch must be mad... [Read full story]

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Community Calendar

ARTS

Common Ground on the Hill will present Summer Concert Week at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Center St., this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 11, 12 and 13, with the following performances. Cost is $10 for adults; $5 children 12 and under.

*Wednesday, July 11, 7 p.m., Bob Franke and... [Read full story]

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20070711 The Davis Library part 2

20070711 The Davis Library part 2

“The continuing odyssey of the Library”

The Davis Library part 2 (See also: 20070627 Davis Library part 1)

Westminster Eagle

July 11, 2007 © by Kevin Dayhoff (669 words – as filed)

Throughout the history of Carroll County there has always been an emphasis on education, church, civic and fraternal organizations, theatrical and singing clubs, community bands, and seasonal celebrations.

Historically, folks in Carroll County are known for coming together to overcome adversity and make things happen for the greater public benefit. We are traditionally strong-willed self-reliant individuals who cherish private-public partnerships, with little emphasis on having the government do anything that the community could not do for ourselves.

Much of the public infrastructure that we have come to take for granted as a function of government has its roots in private individual endeavor or is the direct result of philanthropy.

So, it should come as no surprise that (to the best of our knowledge) the first library in Carroll County was a private initiative born at the height of the Civil War – in September 1863. Nancy Warner states in her book, “Carroll County Maryland – A History 1837-1976,” the “Westminster Library” was incorporated under the direction of seven uncompensated managers.

In the beginning “it was open to the public on Friday afternoons at the Odd Fellow’s Hall” – now known as Opera House Printing Company, at 140 East Main Street.

Ms. Warner cites a September 1863 article in the “American Sentinel:” “The first fifty books were presented by a lady of this place… Presently, (there are) nearly 300 volumes…”

The article goes on to say something which identifies the spirit of our county: the “Motto of the Board is ‘nil desperantum’ – they will continue their exertions until the institution is a success.”

A brief word about the Odd Fellow’s Hall. According to Chris Weeks’ book, “The Building of Westminster,” the hall is located on what “was the site of Jacob Mathias’ tanyard, shop, and residence” before he sold it for $375.00 in 1854.

According to Ms. Warner, the building was dedicated in 1858. At the time, it was “the largest building in town except the court house…”

The Odd Fellow’s Hall is a storied place that is involved with much of Carroll County’s history and tradition of moving the ball forward. Ms. Warner notes that over the years, it has “provided rooms for a printing press, schools, libraries, an oyster saloon, plays, club meetings, concerts, and lectures in the nineteenth century, plus movies and a (sewing) factory in the early twentieth century.”

It is also little known that the famed national leader and orator, Frederick Douglass once spoke at the Odd Fellow’s Hall. Ms. Warner notes an October 13, 1870 “American Sentinel” account of his address in which it would appear that he was well received.

It is only appropriate that the hall was a part of yet another civic improvement in our community – a library.

It is believed that the “Westminster Library” remained at the Odd Fellow’s Hall from its beginning during the Civil War until 1911. According to the minutes of the “Davis Library” organizational meeting on January 7, 1949, provided by my Babe Ruth league baseball coach, Neal Hoffman; the library “first occupied part of the Times building (61-65 East Main Street) in 1911, later moving to the Wantz Building, then back to its present location in the Times building in 1936.”

The minutes also reflect, the “existing library cannot be called a ‘free’ library in the true sense, since the books when new are put on a rental shelf for a limited time before they are made available on a free basis.”

The minutes begin by stating that the purpose of the January 1949 meeting was “in the interest of providing more adequate library services in Westminster, at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Davis…”

“… (N)ine residents of the city met at the (Davis) home at , 112 East Main St… Those present were Walter H. Davis, John A. Bankert, Norman B. Boyle, Carroll L. Crawford, Ralph G. Hoffman, K. Ray Hollinger, Samuel M. Jenness, George K. Mather, and Gerald E. Richter.”

And here is where we will bookmark this story until the next chapter.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

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20070627 Davis Library part 1
20070711 The Davis Library part 2