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 AT carr.org

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