20071201 Operation Christmas Tree

Westminster to receive worldwide recognition for bringing Christmas to the troops in Iraq

By Kevin Dayhoff

Army Specialist Luisa Gonzalez and her father Jim Ward join Congressman Roscoe Bartlett as they stop for a moment to answer questions during “Operation Christmas” at the Ag Center December 1. Over 300 volunteers gathered to pack 5,000 live decorated Christmas trees for the troops in Iraq. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

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Westminster, December 1 -- “If the troops in Iraq can’t be home for Christmas, then we’re going to make sure that a little bit of home goes to Iraq,” said one volunteer at the Carroll County Agriculture Center on Saturday, December 1.

Just then the words “we need more decorations over here,” drowned out the conversation as she was asked for her name. “We’re all here to support the troops… Call me an elf for the troops. Hand me that box of decorations. That one right there…”

Lindsey Brothers, from Finksburg, who works with the Armed Forces Foundation, surveyed the scene as she looked for a pack of papers and called the frenzied activity “organized pandemonium,” as over 300 volunteers braved the wind and cold and turned out to package 5,000 live Christmas trees for the troops in Iraq.

The main operation was centered in a 40 by 60 foot tent, supplied by Kay-Lyns Party Rental. However the packing activity quickly escaped the confines of the tent as assembled boxes burst through the back of the tent, were tossed to a staging area at the end of the tent, stacked, and then filled with Christmas trees.

As quickly as the boxed trees entered one end of the tent, they sped down an assembly line staffed by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, “Young Marines,” and other volunteers who just wanted to help. The boxed live Christmas tree then erupted out the other end after being stuffed with decorations, lights, batteries, a Christmas card, and a phone card – and lots of heartfelt smiles and holiday wishes.

Brothers said the Carroll County community support has been “simply overwhelming. I had no idea there would be this much support.”

That theme was echoed by Jim Ward, a 1992 Francis Scott Key High School graduate, as he talked on his Bluetooth earpiece, dug in his pocket for some keys and handed a piece of paper to a volunteer. Just as a forklift, driven by Alan Trump, an Ag Center employee, whizzed behind us, Ward explained that this all began last year when his family decided to send his daughter, Specialist Luisa Gonzalez, an Army medic deployed in Iraq, a decorated live five foot Christmas tree.

“The Post Office couldn’t figure that out,” he explained. Meanwhile, his daughter’s reaction was “how about the rest of my troops?”

So last year Ward, his wife Betty and daughters Elizabeth and Marie sent 75 live Christmas trees to her unit, her uncle’s unit in another part of Iraq and two Marine units out of Fort Detrick. “Let’s say they were smaller than five foot – but we got them there,” added Ward.

This year even 2-1/2 year-old Marie got into the act stacking labels off the printer for “Weezy,” as she calls her older sister – and “Weezy’s trees.”

Just then Ward looked up to answer a question from the national office of Fox News Channel. Fox will be airing the story nationwide on Christmas. As soon as he finished with Fox News, Mark Simkin with the Australian Broadcast Network popped into the tent with a videographer.

Simkin said that Australia has troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and this is a “wonderful Christmas story, mate.” He described how the Australian news will broadcast the story “all across Australia and eastern Asia.”

Ward then detailed that he will “ship a tree to Australian troops, British (troops) whatever... As long as they are fighting on our side...” A point of which Simkin nodded in agreement - “That’s why we’re here.”

6^th Dist. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett was on the assembly line and looked up long enough to say what a great thing this was for the troops – and morale... “It’s our way of saying thanks and Merry Christmas.

Army Specialist Gonzalez, a 2003 Francis Key High School graduate, said that she was given a three-day pass to volunteer with this year’s Operation Christmas Tree. As she shivered in the cold, she acknowledged that it was an abrupt change to be here. Two days before, Gonzales, trained in combat medicine and a certified emergency medical technician, was working in a “level 2” medical facility that “operates between (the combat) line and the combat support hospital.”

Gonzalez agreed with Congressman Bartlett that the Christmas Trees will be a big boost for morale. “I’m just happy to be here. It will make a big difference in Iraq, where every day is Monday. The mission goes on no matter what the day is… Iraq knows no holidays.”

Over in another part of the tent, Westminster resident Maggie Langdon was busy putting labels on the boxes as she explained that earlier, she “was repackaging ornaments. I’m here to do my little part to help the troops.”

Lois Giles, who can usually be found at Shepherd’s Staff during the week, was moved by the thought that “some soldier in Iraq is going to put this on their tree,” as she packaged some decorations. “It’s a way of touching a soldier for the holidays.”

The next day – late in the evening, Ward said that they got all of them packed, although he was still at it, handwriting some last minute labels. “We were there until 6:30 last night and we got it done.”

“We could not have done it without the great support of the city (of Westminster), Alan Trump, Larry Collins and the Ag Center,” said a tired Ward.

“I’m very happy with the turn out. Can’t thank people enough…” He went to mention folks like Westminster Mayor Tom Ferguson, assistant planning and public works director Jeff Glass and Chief Jeff Alexander and the Westminster Fire Department… “And I can’t forget ‘Steel Horse Pit Beef.’ They were heaven-sent for serving everyone food all day.”

The fire department watered the trees with recycled water since the drought management-watering ban is still in effect. “I called my good friend the mayor up,” said Ward, “and he and the (assistant) public works director (Glass) and the chief (Alexander) figured it out.”

Ward also wanted to be sure to credit Congressman Bartlett and his Westminster office assistant Deborah Burrell for also going out of their way to help. “The entire town went out of their way to help. I haven’t seen this community come out like this in years. It was heartwarming and the troops will appreciate it.”

If you would like to make a donation the address is: Operation Christmas Tree, P.O. Box 391, Westminster, MD 21158. For more information go to http://www.operationchristmastree.com/ on the web.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

20071203 The 10th Anniversary of their Festival of Wreaths raised $27,684

2007 Festival of Wreaths Raises $27,684

MEDIA RELEASE

December 3, 2007

The Carroll County Arts Council is pleased to report that the 10^th Anniversary of their Festival of Wreaths raised $27,684 and attracted thousands of visitors throughout the week. “It was a spectacular display of a record-breaking 229 entries and we are delighted with the generosity and creativity exhibited by our decorators,” reports Sandy Oxx, Executive Director. “In our minds, every entry is a winner, but the public does select their favorites and we want to make sure those special entries are acknowledged.” The awards for 2007 are as follows:

Perfect “10” Award – “Tin for the Tenth “ by Susan Williamson

Favorite Traditional – “Reason for the Season” by Amanda Funkhouser of Betty’s Boutique of Blossoms

Most Unique – “An Inconvenient Wreath” Heather Hodge & Clark Shaffer, Esq.

Fruitcake Award – “Junk Food Junkie” – The Leister Family

Au Naturelle – “Wooden Wonderland” by Michael Perlin

Gentleman’s Choice – “Go Fish” by Cub Scout Pack 381

Not a Wreath But Wonderful! - “Counting “till Christmas” Advent Wreath Tree by Steve & Renee Rada

Christmas Past – “Christmas Through the Window” by Westminster Rescue Mission

Year Round Favorite – “Fall Into the Season” by Cigarette Restitution & Health Ed Program

Spirit of Peace – “World Peace of Mind” by Martha Bubert for Mercer Carpet One

Fit for a Queen Award – “Frost & Finery” by Jutz Moreland Faux Finish

Tiny Tim Award – “A Very Hungry Wreath” by Mrs. Krebs Kindergarten Class

Ladies Love It – “So Many Polishes” by Tangles Hair Salon

Mayor’s Choice – “Tribute to Dove House” by Jill Rosner

Sponsor’s Choice (PNC Bank) – “12 Days of Christmas” by Margaret Langdon

Sponsor’s Choice (CC Times) – “Phoenix Rising” by Mt. Airy Main Street Association

Staff Favorite – “Wool Penny Wreath” by Nollie Gelsinger & Sandi Horst

Director’s Choice Award – “Oceans Apart” by The Hickory Stick

Spirit of Generosity Award – The Hanyok-Henderson Family for their wreaths and their bidding

Artistic Excellence – Masterpiece St. Nicholas by Shelley Steinle & Ain’t That a Frame; Woodland Masterpiece by Sally Wooldridge for Bank of Hanover; Grapes of Uniontown by Nick Vincent of Nathan’s Forge, “Snowflake Stained Glass” by John Rohrer.

The wreath that raised the most money was Nick Vincent’s “Grapes of Uniontown,” which sold for $1,250.

Decorators interested in participating next year should contact the Arts Center in October.

20071128 Westminster Eagle: Kids and cops share a little holiday magic by Kevin Dayhoff

20071128 Westminster Eagle: Kids and cops share a little holiday magic by Kevin Dayhoff

An article I wrote about the Westminster Police Department and Westminster Wal Mart annual “Shop With A Cop” Christmas program is in the November 28, 2007 Westminster Eagle: Kids and cops share a little holiday magic, 11/28/07 by Kevin Dayhoff… Email that story to a friend

In addition to the Angel Tree, folks may make a donation to the “Westminster Police Department Shop With A Cop” program year round…

The address is:

Shop With A Cop

Westminster Police Department

36 Locust Street

P. O. Box 300

Westminster, MD 21158

For more information please call (410) 848-4646 and ask for a soft a cuddly police office who may be able to tell you more about the Shop With A Cop program.

A YouTube video of the event can be found with My YouTube videos

Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding joined Wal Mart store manager Harry Anuszewski and Wal Mart employee, Debbie Sabock on Friday, November 16, 2007 to kick off the 4th annual "Shop With A Cop" Christmas program:

Westminster Maryland Shop With A Cop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h8-UCXul1I

Below, please find the long version of the article as it was submitted to the newspaper.

Westminster Police Department and Wal Mart kick off 4^th annual Shop With A Cop program

Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding joined Wal Mart store manager Harry Anuszewski and Wal Mart employee, Debbie Sabock last Friday to kick off the 4^th annual “Shop With A Cop” Christmas program.

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Of Christmas Angels and soft and cuddly police officers.

November 16^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff (634 words)

Last Friday, November 16^th, 2007, Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding and Westminster Wal Mart store manager Harry Anuszewski kicked off the 4^th annual “Shop With A Cop” Christmas program at the Westminster Wal Mart.

They were joined by Bill Gereny - the owner of The Water Depot, Lori Graham representing the Night Train Foundation, members of the Westminster Police Department and curious shoppers.

In his remarks, Spaulding explained that the “Shop With A Cop is a program that allows our community to reach out to and help less fortunate children and families in our community and ensure that they have a great holiday season.”

The program which has helped 34 families and 72 children have a special Christmas in the past 3 years has designated 11 families and 24 children to be helped by this year’s efforts.

Spaulding said, “We are kicking off our celebration with the placement of this Angel Tree here at Wal-Mart. Each ornament on this tree represents a need for a needy child or family in our community. We are here today to invite the members of our community to be an ‘Angel’ and take one or more ornaments of the tree – purchase the gift – and leave the gift in this box here at the store. We will ensure that the gift is wrapped and delivered to the family in time for the holidays.”

The program was initiated by Wal Mart 4 years ago, said Spaulding. “Wal-Mart approached us in the fall of 2004 and asked if we would be interested in partnering with them on this effort. We jumped at the opportunity and we haven’t looked back. They also provided the initial seed money to make it a reality. Without their corporate citizenship – and the efforts of their hardworking and dedicated staff – we wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Anuszewski said he was “looking forward to seeing all the smiles on the excited childrens’ faces” at this year’s Christmas at Wal Mart event. “We here at Wal Mart believe in giving back to the community as part of our ‘Good Works and Good Neighbors’ initiative.” He went to say that he has “been impressed with how the (Westminster) police officers are really in tune with the families.”

Spaulding noted that Shop With A Cop “allows these children to bond with our police officers in a positive and non-threatening environment – and it provides our officers and staff with the opportunity to give back to the community we serve while building what can be long-term relationships with some of our youngest citizens.”

Westminster Police Sergeant Keith Benfer said that last year more than 80 different businesses made donations to Shop With A Cop. This year, in addition to Wal Mart, the Night Train Foundation, and The Water Depot, other contributors include the Carroll County Technology Council, that is donating computers and the Westminster Fire Department and Fire Police, who are donating bicycles. Some of the other contributors in the community are the Greater Westminster Development Corporation and Tom Riggin.

Westminster Police dispatcher Linda Knott and Westminster Police Administrative Assistant Karen Bullock were all smiles as they traded notes and made plans with Lori Graham for shopping with the families and police officers on December 15 and the holiday party which follows.

It was remembered that at last year’s event, (as mentioned in a Westminster Eagle article by Kym Byrnes,) one of the children who was partnered with Westminster Officer Steve Launchi, declared him “soft and cuddly.”

As folks chatted together after the event, many nodded their heads in agreement as Graham remarked that “is truly remarkable the sense of community and holiday spirit in Westminster.”

And how everyone is looking forward to December 15 to witness the “soft and cuddly” police officers help bring the spirit of Christmas to some Westminster families.

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Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org or kevindayhoff@gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

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20061224 Christmas Eve Service at Grace Lutheran Church

20061224 Christmas Eve Service at Grace Lutheran Church

20061206 CSM Beyard with Westminster Flag in Kuwait

CSM Beyard with Westminster Flag in Kuwait

December 6th, 2006

Command Sergeant Major Thomas B. Beyard, aka Westminster Planning and Public Works Director says “Merry Christmas” from Task Force AVCRAD, Patton Army Airfield, Kuwait. December 2006.

For more posts on CSM Beyard, click here.

For more information on ESGR, go here: 20061206 What is ESGR? Or: The ESGR web site says; or: ABOUT ESGR; or: What is Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve?

You may leave a message for CSM Beyard in comments.

Kevin

20061128 Picking Out the perfect tree by Laura McCandlish

Picking out the perfect tree by Laura McCandlish

November 5th, 2006 – November 28th, 2006

Later on this evening at 5:30 PM, Tuesday, November 28th, 2006, is the third annual County Tree-Lighting Ceremony in front of the Carroll County Office Building at 225 North Center Street.

Laura McCandlish, writing for the Baltimore Sun had a nice piece published on November 5th, 2006 on Mr. Jim Slater and me picking out the tree on Thursday, November 2nd, 2006.

Unfortunately, the link has gone dead, so I’ll paste her entire article in the blog.

Please find more stories by Ms. McCandlish in the Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun, click here.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/carroll/bal-ca.trees05nov05,0,6007720.story?coll=bal-local-carroll

From the Baltimore Sun

Picking out the perfect tree

Officials search high and low in county for holiday spruce that's a cut above the rest

By Laura McCandlish, Sun Reporter, November 5, 2006

Picking out the perfect tree

The first tree, in Sykesville, is too green from lack of sunlight and on the large side. And the third tree, in Westminster, is too squat and might be diseased. But the second tree, in Hampstead, is just right.

With lush, balanced branches tinted a true blue-green, the blue spruce lives up to its name.

"That is pretty darn close to being a perfect tree," says Jim Slater, Carroll County's environmental compliance officer.

The winning tree will be chopped down within two weeks, trucked to the County Office Building in Westminster and propped up outside on a stand in the water fountain to prepare for the holiday tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 28.
It's fast becoming an annual tradition.

The commissioners revived the tradition in 2004 after more than a 30-year hiatus. For unknown reasons, the tree lighting at the county office building had been discontinued in the early 1970s.

About 930 possible trees from 24 county properties were offered as candidates for the county tree this year, according to Vivian Laxton, the county's spokeswoman.

Normally, a van full of tree hunters treks out to choose the tree. But this year, it's Slater and former Westminster Mayor Kevin E. Dayhoff alone in the front seats of the cavernous county van. What they lack in numbers, they make up with enthusiasm.

Though on opposite ends of the political spectrum, Slater and Dayhoff are friends who share a passion for all things arboreal.

"We are the two grandparents of environmentalism in Carroll County," Dayhoff says as the van sets out for South Carroll.

Though it's early November, it's an unlikely day to search for a Christmas tree. The balmy weather, hovering around 70 degrees, and a vivid blue sky scream spring.

Westminster also took advantage of the mild conditions by starting to hang the city's holiday decorations last week.

Slater drives the van by dried cornstalks and rolling green pastures bathed in sunlight, framed by trees painted in fall colors - green turning to gold, crimson, rust and burnt amber.

The county's Environmental Advisory Council is in charge of selecting the tree. Member Brian Rhoten, who is an arborist, couldn't make it. He was busy judging a tree climbing contest.

During the drive, Dayhoff gleefully identifies passing trees.

"That's a beech over there," he says.

And later: "Oh, the holly trees are just outrageous!"

He and Slater extol the merits of various species of Christmas trees.

"The concolor [white] fir is the best Christmas tree ever," Dayhoff says.
Slater agrees.

"I believe it was originally bred in North Carolina, at the Biltmore Estate," Slater says. "I had one last year."

Why the concolor fir? They're aromatic, soft and supple to the touch, yet strong enough to withstand the weight of lights and ornaments.

"When you're decorating a blue spruce, you come back bloody," Slater says of the trees' sharp needles.

That's not a big issue for the county's outdoor tree. In fact, all three of this year's finalists are blue spruces.

"Another one that's gotten real popular is the Frazier fir," Slater says.

The first tree being considered, which partially obstructs the view of Joan Candy's home on Country Fair Lane, stands about 35 feet tall.

"It still has lights on it," Slater says, inspecting and snapping photographs of the spruce.

"Yeah, I used to decorate it when it was little, but I gave up," Candy says.
She planted the tree. How long ago?

"Long enough that it's grown that big," Candy says. Her husband, Albert Selby, a former Carroll Orphans' Court judge, died last year.

"It just seems appropriate to have the tree end up at the County Office Building," Candy says. "Maybe I could hang a little ornament on it with his name."

No one is home at the North Woods Trail home in Hampstead. But Slater and Dayhoff are instantly sold on the tree.

Heading to the third and last stop in Westminster, the sun melts toward the tree line. It's 4:30 but the sun is already starting to set.

There are two spruces in the yard at the home on The Strand. Neither will do. Nor will the more rampantly growing Norway spruce in the backyard.

The Hampstead tree ended up beating out the others. But Dayhoff said he appreciates all the offers.

"We like the idea of folks donating a tree grown too large or otherwise scheduled to be cut down," he says.

For the holiday tree-lighting on Nov. 28, the Winters Mill High School chorus, a flute quartet from Sykesville Middle School and an adult ensemble will all perform.

In addition to Christmas music, Hanukkah songs were sung in past years. Theresa Bethune of Westminster has volunteered to bake cookies for the event. The Westminster Ridge retirement community plans to donate hot cocoa.

More cookie bakers are also needed, Laxton said.

laura.mccandlish@baltsun.com

To volunteer, contact the Office of Public Information, 410-386-2804.

Copyright © 2006, The Baltimore Sun

20061125 Westminster Municipal Band in Wster Xmas Parade

Westminster Municipal Band in the Westminster Xmas Parade




November 25th, 2006

The Westminster Municipal Band, a Carroll County tradition since 1893, plays in the annual Westminster Christmas Parade last Saturday, November 25th, 2006.

For other posts on the Westminster Municipal Band click here.

For more information on the Westminster Municipal Band, click here for their web site.

20041201 Westminster Town Hall Ticker

December 1st, 2004 Westminster Town Hall Ticker

By Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff

The Downtown Westminster Main Street Program and the City of Westminster cordially invites you to celebrate the 2004 Holiday Season in historic downtown Westminster by attending any the following community holiday events. Ample parking is available throughout downtown and parking is FREE after 5 PM and on Weekends.

Santa’s House

Santa will be in his Workshop at East Main Street and Locust Lane every Saturday in December until the Big Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will also greet children and shoppers in the downtown shopping area for Starlight Shopping 5 PM to 10 PM on Saturday, December 4th, 2004.

Westminster Holiday House Tour

The Westminster Historic District Commission will hold a Holiday House Tour from 3 PM to 8 PM this Saturday, December 4th, 2004. This year the proceeds will benefit Carroll Hospice. Many of the eight houses featured along Willis and Court Streets were built between the 1890s and 1920s. Also open will be Ascension Episcopal Church, the historic Carroll County Court House and City Hall, all adorned for the holidays.

Refreshments will be served in Ascension Episcopal's Holy Cross Hall. Antique cars and holiday music performed by local groups, will be featured along Willis Street. Tickets are $12 and include offers at several downtown restaurants. Tickets are available through Friday at Westminster area florists, Locust Books, the Hickory Stick, Inspirations and Westminster Antique Mall. Tickets are available the day of the tour at City Hall and the church. For more information, call (410) 848-7967.

Ladies Night Out & Starlight Shopping

Join your friends and neighbors in Downtown Westminster for Ladies Night Out and Starlight shopping. Ladies Night Out is on Thursday, December 2nd from 5 PM to 9 PM and Starlight Shopping is on December 4th from 5 PM to 10 PM. Enjoy 2 magical evenings of shopping, Santa, holiday music and treats at the many unique shops and eateries that only Downtown Westminster has to offer! Several restaurants, including Johansson's, Harry's, Rafael's, the Pour House, Giulianova and Main Street Deli, will participate. In the spirit of the season, Lady Luck Cards will be available at a number of participating downtown merchants and can be validated December 2nd-4th, along with 3 separate drawings for a 25.00 gift certificate to celebrate the holidays. For more information on these two great nights, call Kathy Gilmore at (410) 848-7116.

The 7th Annual Festival of Wreaths

The seventh annual Festival of Wreaths will hold its silent auction Wednesday December 1st through December 5th, 2004. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM and Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM at the Carroll County Arts Council at 91 West Main Street in Westminster with more than 200 wreath-related works of art. Come view uniquely decorated theme wreaths and participate in an auction to benefit the Carroll County Arts Council. Winning bidders need not be present. Admission is free. Information: 410-848-7272.

Free holiday classic movies at the Carroll Arts Center

During the Carroll County Arts Council’s upcoming Festival of Wreaths, they will be showing several holiday classic movies on the big screen at the Carroll Arts Center. All films are free. Advance reservations are not required and tickets will not be distributed. Call (410) 848-7272 for a movie listing and times.

Friends of Carroll Lutheran Village Auxiliary will hold its holiday bazaar Saturday, December 4th, 2004 from 7 AM to 11:30 AM at Carroll Lutheran Village on St. Luke Circle. Poinsettias and other holiday flowers, baked goods, jewelry and handmade gift items by the Village Crafters will be on sale. A pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage breakfast will be served from 7 AM to 10 AM. The cost is $5 for adults and $2.25 for children. For more information, call (410) 848-0090

The 5th Annual Walt Michael & Co. Holiday Concert will be held at the Carroll Arts center - 91 West Main Street Michael, Mike Chapelaine and Tom Wetmore. Admission Fee. For tickets, call (410) 857-2771. on December 4th starting at 8 p.m. Catch the spirit of the season with an enchanting evening of music from Walt

For more information on Westminster activities and contacts, check our Web site at www.westgov.com. This information was gathered and prepared by Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff. If you would like to see any additional or different information in this column - please contact me at kdayhoff@carr.org.

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