Annual Oyster Stroll and Fire Department Open House Events on Saturday, October 11, 2025

Annual Oyster Stroll and Fire Department Open House Events on Saturday, October 11, 2025

For Immediate Release: City of Westminster Announces Annual Oyster Stroll and Fire Department Open House Events on Saturday, October 11, 2025

October 7, 2025

The City of Westminster is excited to host two family-friendly events on Saturday, October 11, 2025: the annual Oyster Stroll and the Westminster Fire Department's Volunteer Recruitment Open House.

The Oyster Stroll will take place throughout Downtown Westminster from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is expected to draw approximately 5,000 participants. Concurrently, the annual Open House at the Westminster Fire Company will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The Oyster Stroll is a "Shop, Slurp, and Stroll" event designed to raise awareness about the importance of oyster aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. Attendees can delight in fresh oysters, live music, and samples of wine, spirits, and beer while strolling through Downtown Westminster.

Just after visiting the Stroll, the public is invited to the Westminster Fire Department Open House at the station located at 28 John Street. This event is part of the Maryland State Fireman's Association's statewide recruitment activities. The day will feature free activities for children, museum tours with antique fire equipment, fire and life safety information offered by partnering agencies, and much more. Station and apparatus tours will be offered, and personnel will be available to answer any questions about becoming a volunteer member of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company.

Please be advised that the Oyster Stroll will necessitate partial to full road closures in Downtown Westminster from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The impacted community area includes John Street/Bond Street to Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 and Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 to North/South Center Street. Specifically, West Main Street from John Street/Bond Street to Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 will be closed, and East Main Street from Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 to North/South Center Street will also be closed. Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 will remain open with supervised crossing.

For more information on the Oyster Stroll, please contact the City of Westminster Recreation and Parks Department at 410-751-5501 or WestminsterRec@westminstermd.gov. For details on the Fire Department Open House and volunteer recruitment, please call (410) 848-1800.

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

What is the Adobe Photoshop error message: "Unable to load required component 'Unicows.dll?"

Thursday, September 18, 2025: What is the Adobe Photoshop error message: "Unable to load required component 'Unicows.dll?"

I have used Adobe Photoshop for many years with no problems. I was an early adopter, and I purchased one of the earlier (expensive) programs. However recently it has been unusable because of an error message: "Unable to load required component 'Unicows.dll." How do I fix this?

I guess this yet another one of the many challenges of moving up to Windows 11. I had to try several different versions of my question before I got this answer – that made since. Essentially the very old Adobe Photoshop I purchased years ago – has now been made obsolete.

LOL – I just talked with an IT director who is really knowledgeable about such matters – and his answer was: Abandon Adobe and Go to GIMP. https://www.gimp.org/ From the GIMP website: “The Free & Open Source Image Editor: This is the official website of the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP).

“GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows and more operating systems. It is free software, you can change its source code and distribute your changes.

“Whether you are a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, or scientist, GIMP provides you with sophisticated tools to get your job done. You can further enhance your productivity with GIMP thanks to many customization options and 3rd party plugins.”

++++++++++++++++++

This was the answer that I got.

The "Unable to load required component Unicows.dll" error most commonly occurs when trying to run an older, unsupported version of Adobe Photoshop on a modern version of Windows. The Unicows.dll file was a component of the Microsoft Layer for Unicode (MSLU), which was used to enable Unicode support on older operating systems like Windows 98, ME, and XP. 

Because modern Windows versions have native Unicode support, this outdated file is not included. The simplest and most effective solution is to update your software, which you can do by following the instructions below. 

Fix the Unicows.dll error

1. Update your version of Photoshop

The most reliable solution is to update Photoshop to the latest compatible version for your operating system. Newer versions of the application do not require the obsolete unicows.dll file.

• For Creative Cloud users: Open the Creative Cloud desktop application and install the latest updates for Photoshop.

• For users of older versions: If you are using a perpetual license for an older version (e.g., Photoshop CS3) on a modern OS, your software is likely out of support. You may need to purchase or subscribe to a newer version of Photoshop that is compatible with your current Windows OS. 

2. Reinstall Photoshop

If you already use a modern, supported version of Photoshop and this error appears, a corrupted installation may be the cause. A clean reinstallation can resolve the issue by replacing any damaged files. 

1. Uninstall Photoshop through your Windows settings (Settings > Apps > Apps & features).

2. Run the Adobe CC Cleaner Tool. This utility from Adobe removes leftover files from previous installations that could cause problems.

3. Reinstall Photoshop from your Creative Cloud desktop app. 

3. Update your Windows OS

Ensuring your operating system is fully updated is a general-purpose fix that can solve many DLL and compatibility issues.

1. Open Windows Settings, then go to Windows Update.

2. Click Check for updates.

3. Install any available updates. 

If you are using old, unsupported software

If you are intentionally using an old version of Photoshop (like CS3 on Windows XP), and the issue suddenly appeared, it suggests a system file may have become corrupted.

• Run a System File Checker scan: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow. This will check and repair any corrupted Windows system files.
•  
• Exercise caution with downloaded DLLs: Some websites offer unicows.dll for download. However, doing so is not recommended, as these files can be out of date, contain malware, or be the wrong version for your system. 

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

Lunch about Nothing: Monday, September 22, 2025

Lunch about Nothing: Monday, September 22, 2025: Serra on Main! 32 W. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157 - Matti, Caroline and I got together with great friends and community leaders for some food and fellowship at the monthly Lunch About Nothing: September 22nd, 2025 | 12PM to 1PM

For Lunch About Nothing we get together for about an hour and meet up with friends and make new ones. It is the best way to get business and support for your nonprofit is to be out there. Everyone is always welcome! Feel free to call in your lunch order if you choose but not necessary.

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/pfbid0pRsfbmFuG9Yvw9Ev8kYQ885WdcvWQh1h9wffcv1fBhBLVZn5844jGTUkBpUmGagWl

https://www.instagram.com/p/DO6lZdHku9r/

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

Please tell me how to change the default font and paragraph settings in Microsoft 365 for documents

Please tell me how to change the default font and paragraph settings in Microsoft 365 for documents to Bookman Old Style, 12 point font, single spacing?

Friday, September 19, 2025

You can easily change the default font and paragraph settings in Microsoft 365 Word documents so that all new documents automatically use your preferred style. This saves you from having to manually change the formatting every time you start a new file.

Here's how to set the default font to Bookman Old Style, 12 point font, with single spacing:

Step 1: Access the Font Settings

1. Open a new or existing Microsoft Word document.
2. On the Home tab of the ribbon, look for the Font group.
3. Click the small arrow (the dialog box launcher) in the bottom-right corner of the Font group. This will open the Font dialog box. You can also press Ctrl + D as a shortcut.
   
   

Step 2: Set the Default Font

1. In the Font dialog box, select the following options:
• Font: Bookman Old Style
• Font style: Regular
• Size: 12
2. After making your selections, click the Set As Default button in the bottom-left corner of the dialog box.
3. A pop-up will appear asking, "Do you want to set the default font to Bookman Old Style, 12 pt for:"
4. Select "All documents based on the Normal template?"
5. Click OK.
   
   

Step 3: Access the Paragraph Settings

1. With the Home tab still selected, look for the Paragraph group.
2. Click the small arrow (the dialog box launcher) in the bottom-right corner of the Paragraph group. This will open the Paragraph dialog box.
   
   

Step 4: Set the Default Paragraph Spacing

1. In the Paragraph dialog box, under the Indents and Spacing tab, look at the Spacing section.
2. Set the following options:
• Line spacing: Single
• Before: 0 pt
• After: 0 pt
3. Click the Set As Default button in the bottom-left corner.
4. A pop-up will appear. Select "All documents based on the Normal template?"
5. Click OK.
   
   

By following these steps, all new documents you create in Microsoft Word will automatically open with Bookman Old Style, 12-point font, and single spacing. This is a change to the "Normal" template, which is the basis for all new blank documents.

Sources

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

How to apply for a special events permit from the City of Westminster Maryland

Friday, September 19, 2025: How to apply for a special events, demonstration or parade permit from the City of Westminster Maryland.

Here's how to apply for a special events, demonstration, or parade permit from the City of Westminster, Maryland:

Application Process

Online Application: Westminster requires a Special Event / Parade Permit for activities on public streets, as described in Chapter 109 Forms & Applications | MD-Westminster, MD - Official Website. The city has an online application form available through their Form Center on the official website.

Where to Apply: Visit the City of Westminster's official website at westminstermd.gov and navigate to their Form Center to find the "Application for Special Event / Parade Permit."

Key Requirements

Legal Authority: These permits are required for activities on public streets, as outlined in Chapter 109 Forms & Applications | MD-Westminster, MD - Official Website of Westminster's city code.

Digital Submission: The city has specific digital submission requirements that you should read before submitting any form.

Getting Started

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to westminstermd.gov
2. Access the Form Center: Look for the Forms & Applications section
3. Find the Permit Application: Locate "Application for Special Event / Parade Permit"
4. Create an Account (optional but recommended): This allows you to manage notifications, save form progress, and auto-populate information for future applications

Additional Information

For the most current requirements, fees, processing times, and specific documentation needed, I recommend contacting the City Clerk's Office directly, as permit requirements can vary based on the type, size, and location of your event.

Contact Information: You can reach out to Westminster's City Clerk's Office for detailed guidance on your specific event needs and to ensure you have all required documentation before submitting your application.

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

THREE OFFICERS KILLED, TWO OTHERS INJURED IN YORK COUNTY SHOOTING

THREE OFFICERS KILLED, TWO OTHERS INJURED IN YORK COUNTY SHOOTING

YORK COUNTY, PA – September 17, 2025

Three police officers were killed, and two others were injured during a domestic-related investigation in Northern York County, Pennsylvania on Thursday, September 17, 2025.

According to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris, officers from the Northern York Regional Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Haar Road and Senft Road to serve a warrant as part of a domestic-related investigation that began on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, allegedly opened fire on the officers with an AR-style rifle equipped with a suppressor.

The investigation into the suspect’s prior actions revealed a history of alleged stalking, trespassing, and arson. Authorities also confirmed that the ex-girlfriend's dog was found shot to death in the basement of the residence.

The Northern York Regional Police Department provides law enforcement coverage for several municipalities in the area, including North Codorus, Conewago, Dover, Franklin, Heidelberg, Jackson, Manchester, and Paradise townships, as well as Dover, New Salem, and North York boroughs.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of the fallen officers and our brothers and sisters in blue at the Northern York Regional Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and all law enforcement agencies of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We stand with you as you grieve this immeasurable loss.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Chaplain Kevin Earl Dayhoff

###

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

President Dwight D. Eisenhower served as our 34th president from 1953-1961.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower served as our 34th president from 1953-1961. He purchased a farm adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, in Adams County in 1950. Of all the presidents of the United States, the one which Carroll County may literally have the closest connection to is Eisenhower. He traveled through Westminster frequently on his way to Gettysburg from Washington D.C. Courtesy photo.

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

York County PA - Three officers killed, two others injured in York County

Wednesday 17Sep2025 York County PA - Three officers killed, two others injured in York County.: This is such a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in blue serving in the Northern York Regional Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania We stand with you tonight as you grieve the unimaginable loss of your fellow officers. Amen

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris reported that the officers had responded to the area to follow up on a domestic-related investigation that began on Tuesday in the area of Haar Road and Senft Road.

Northern York Regional covers several municipalities in northern York County, including North Codorus Township, Conewago Township, Dover Township, Franklin Township, Heidelberg Township, Jackson Township, Manchester Township, Paradise Township, Dover Borough, New Salem Borough, and North York Borough. 

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

2025 Carroll County Maryland 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

Thursday, September 11, 2025: Carroll County's Emergency Services, Sheriff's Department, Commissioners, Government Personnel and Citizens gathered at the Carroll County Public Training Center to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2025. 

Houston mom runs Boston Marathon after double hip replacement

After two hip replacements, this Houston mom didn’t think she’d run again—let alone complete a marathon. With no role model to look to, she became her own inspiration. Now, she’s taking on the Boston Marathon.

Historical Society of Carroll County Box Lunch Talk: The Impact of the HOPE

Historical Society of Carroll County Box Lunch Talk: The Impact of the HOPE

 

By Kevin Dayhoff July 15, 2025

 

July 15, 2025 Box Lunch Talk. In 1969, Bernie Jones became a charter member and served on the board of the nonprofit Home Ownership Purchase Effort to provide home ownership opportunities for low-income Black families. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Historical Society of Carroll County historians, friends and family filled the Grace Lutheran Church – Grace social hall this afternoon for an informative Box Lunch Talk on The Impact of the HOPE Partnership in Westminster presented by Bernie Jones and Lynn Wheeler.

 

Lynne Wheeler began the presentation with an introduction to the background of the history of HOPE and African American housing in Carroll County. In 1969, HSCC board member, Bernie Jones became a charter member and served on the board of the nonprofit Home Ownership Purchase Effort (HOPE), to provide home ownership opportunities for low-income Black families.  HOPE purchased houses on Union Street, rehabbed them, and sold them at cost. Their groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Civil Rights success in Carroll County.

 

Thank you to the sponsors of this Diane Bowers, Diane Boettcher, Corynne Courpas, Dolores Snyder, and Acts Fairhaven. Thank you also to our volunteers and Program Committee (Doris Hull, Wendy Raith, Sherry Reigel, Steve Bowersox) for baking all kinds of goodies and helping at the event.

 

HSCC hosts robust programming every month including our popular Box Lunch Talk speaker series. Our BLTs are held every third Tuesday at 12 noon at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster. This event is $3.00 for members and $7.00 for non-members. Cost of admission helps offset expenses for the lecture hall, refreshments, and the production costs for the You-Tube recordings from the Community Media Center. Sponsoring a speaker for $75 is another great way to support the event.

 

As always, there is no registration for Box Lunch Talks. You bring your lunch, and we provide the drinks and desserts (thanks to our volunteers and staff). The cost is $3 for HSCC members and $5 for nonmembers.

 

Questions? Please contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200.

 

This article is cross-posted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/pfbid0C7cJEiEHKr1zjU76x4ks4vGvs1yyMqXuxA7e3Dv17FbrhdEhPufXHEqbSC5RiHUzl

 

This article is cross-posted on Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/historical-society-carroll-county-box-lunch-talk-impact-hope

 

This article is cross-posted on WordPress: Dayhoff Time Flies - https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2025/07/16/historical-society-of-carroll-county-box-lunch-talk-the-impact-of-the-hope/

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

Dayhoff for Westminster: www.kevindayhoff.city

Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net

Dayhoff Carroll: www.kevindayhoff.org

Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: www.kevindayhoff.info | https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/