Showing posts with label Journalists Jones-Katie Jones. Show all posts

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Timeless art of fun and games at Historical Society of Carroll County's 'Past Times for Children' - baltimoresun.com By Katie V. Jones

Timeless art of fun and games at Historical Society of Carroll County's 'Past Times for Children' - baltimoresun.com:

By Katie V. Jones
February 25, 2012 | 11:04 p.m.

A simple game of rolling marbles into the correct "stall" — also known as a slot in a cardboard box — had participants giggling on the morning of Feb. 18. The youth, ranging in age from 3 to 6 years, were enjoying learning about games of yesteryear as part of the ongoing series, "Past Times for Children," at the Historical Society of Carroll County.

This is the first year for the program, which was created by volunteer Wendy Raith as a way to attract more people — particularly youngsters and parents — to the museum." ... http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/community/ph-ce-past-times-0226-20120225,0,6552249.story

'via Blog this'

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Getty family turns a new page in General Assembly

By Katie V. Jones February 12, 2012

Madison Getty is just like any other page in Annapolis. She makes coffee, delivers papers to be signed, runs errands for legislators and helps get things ready in the morning for members of Maryland's House of Delegates.

She does have one tiny advantage, however.

Her dad is state Sen. Joe Getty, who serves Carroll and Baltimore counties in the District 5, and so Madison knows her way around the State House buildings, from the tunnels up.

"It's been helpful that I've been here," Madison, 17, said. "I know how to get places." ... http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/ph-ce-page-getty-0212-20120212,0,2445417.story

Getty family turns a new page in General Assembly

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I’m a newspaper reporter. I’m pushy, inconsiderate and I do not respect boundaries.

Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Patuxent Publishing Co., The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO
The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41

Westminster Patch: http://westminster.patch.com/search?keywords=Dayhoff

Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Monday, January 02, 2012

Maryland Hay Bank nets a little 'feed' to help struggling horse owners

By Katie V. Jones

December 30, 2011 | 5:18 p.m.

The Maryland Hay Bank, an operation of the Mount Airy-based Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, was among 15 organizations awarded a piece of $21,000 in grants this week from the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

The Maryland Hay Bank assists private horse owners who are experiencing a financial hardship or a personal crisis with free hay for their horses for 30 days, up to a maximum of 100 total bales.

The Maryland Hay Bank is donation driven, and hay is provided at no cost to recipients... http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/neighborhoods/mount-airy/ph-ce-hay-bank-0101-20111230,0,7956950.story

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Friday, October 14, 2011

Home court is place to fight cancer at Manchester Valley

"Game on, cancer!"

Serve Up a Cure at Manchester Valley High

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/ph-ce-serve-cure-1016-20111013,0,133265.story

Home court is place to fight cancer at Manchester Valley

School rallies around player's mom for annual Serve Up a Cure event

By Katie V. Jones

"Game on, cancer!”

With those words, Katie White and her fellow Manchester Valley High School teammates took to the volleyball court Oct. 12 to fight not only their opponents from Brunswick, but cancer — in all its many forms.

Fighting cancer has become a personal mission for the team. During the squad's first season three years ago — Manchester Valley had just opened — White's mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The team banded together and with the help of coach Mindy Unger, organized the first Serve Up a Cure fundraiser. ...

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/ph-ce-serve-cure-1016-20111013,0,133265.story

... And photo gallery

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/ph-ce-serve-cure-pg,0,2498717.photogallery

LABELS: JOURNALISTS JONES-KATIE JONES, MEDICINE HEALTH CANCER, NEWSPAPERS EXPLORE CARROLL

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Residents say new rates give them a sinking feeling by K Jones

Westminster residents say new water, sewer rates give them a sinking feeling

Council, mayor urged to reconsider timing of implementing both rate structures

By Katie V. Jones Posted http://explorecarroll.com/ 3/24/09

Too much, too soon.

Westminster residents told the city’s mayor and Common Council at a public hearing Monday that they will be flooded with high bills if the proposed new water and sewer rates are in place all at once.

Water and sewer users — both in and out of city limits — said that the rates should be phased in gradually over time, even if that meant there would be a deficit down the road causing higher rates as the council warned.

[…]

Many people in attendance also argued that the average use of 18,000 gallons of water per household, per quarter was beyond reality, and that the rate structure should be based on a higher average such as 22,500 gallons.

Landlords requested that apartment dwellers be given the benefit of residential rates, too, though the main pipes to their buildings are deemed commercial, placing it in a higher rate category.

Others argued for equal rates between city and non-city residents on the water and sewer system.

[…]

Public comment will be accepted on the proposed rates until March 31.

If approved by the council, the structure would be phased in over two years starting July 1 and then again on July 1, 2010.

[…]

In addition to the hearing, written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Call the city office at 410-848-9000 for details on how to submit comments via mail and e-mail. Upon the council's approval, the rate structure will be phased in starting July 1.

[…]

Read Ms. Jones’ entire article here: Westminster residents say new water, sewer rates give them a sinking feeling

20090324 Residents say new rates give them a sinking feeling by K Jones

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

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Recent Explore Carroll work by Katie V. Jones

Recent Explore Carroll work by Katie V. Jones

February 24, 2009 results for "Katie V. Jones"

news

1-5 of 75 articles

Olympians receive a special gift of warmth
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
When Sandi Schneider was 8, she awoke on Christmas morning to find her home's front hallway filled with toys and presents for her and her...

Council will review Westminster budget ordinance
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
While the City of Westminster's budget changes every year, the ordinance itself apparently, has not. At last week's meeting of the mayor and common council, Marge...

Band asks: 'Who'll stop the rain?'
Published February 4, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
The Westminster Municipal Band has been performing for more than 100 years at parades, special events and festivals throughout Maryland, but members may soon adopt...

Boyz in the Wood
Published February 1, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Lessons of team work, adventure at Scouts' Klondike Derby It looked a little, well ... dangerous. On the edge of woods, standing on one side...

In their lifetimes
Published January 21, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
Until this week, Jean Lewis had considered Martin Luther King Jr. to be the one great leader of her lifetime. While she had never seen him...
more

Sports

1-2 of 2 articles

Ramped up over Westminster Skate Park project
Published October 22, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Cathy Spencer, textile and fashion instructor at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, always tells her students, "knowledge is knowledge" and you "apply it where...

Rogue Runners take the field for annual 5K run, walk
Published September 3, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Despite the holiday, the parking lot of Liberty High School was teeming with activity on Monday morning. People of all ages were stretching, jumping, talking...

Events

1-5 of 7 articles

For ballet students, 'Nutcracker' is experience that never fades
Published December 10, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
As the character Clara in "The Nutcracker," Rebecca Eastman has numerous costume changes with only minutes to spare. But the 17-year-old enjoys every minute of...

Back on Track
Published November 21, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
It was just after their vacation in July that the Gerhold family's thoughts turned to Christmas. At the Manchester Volunteer Fire Dept., they cleared a room...

Fun, charity at annual Fallfest
Published September 24, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Westminster's largest charity fundraiser -- known to residents of all ages simply as Fallfest -- marks its 30th anniversary this year with its traditional mix...

Vintage tips and critiques
Published September 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
The amateur wine making contest at the Maryland Wine Festival features a variety of fruit wines made from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and peaches. There have also...

'Crazy' idea is now plum opportunity
Published July 20, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Perhaps it was a crazy move, but Gary Lane and his business partner John Rice decided several years ago to knock down the old Twin...

http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Katie+V.+Jones&action=GO
20090224 Recent Explore Carroll work by Katie V Jones
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Olympians receive a special gift of warmth By Katie V. Jones

Olympians receive a special gift of warmth

Westminster-based Hugs and Stiches knits its way into community's hearts By Katie V. Jones Posted www.explorecarroll.com 2/18/09

When Sandi Schneider was 8, she awoke on Christmas morning to find her home's front hallway filled with toys and presents for her and her two brothers.

The gifts had not come from her family, but from complete strangers.

"My mother died when I was very young just before Christmas," Schneider explains of her childhood in Pittsburgh.

"My family grew up so poor," she said. "We had nothing."

While at the time she didn't think anything of it, today she is overwhelmed with the generosity that a local organization showered upon her family.

Today, Schneider is "warm and well fed" and wants nothing but to help others — just as she was helped those many years ago.

"I have just always wanted to do something to give back to the community," said Schneider, explaining the main purpose behind, Hugs and Stitches, an organization she helped create.

The local group provides knitted and crocheted items for Shepherd's Staff and other organizations. This month marks the weekly group's fourth anniversary.

"We typically knit between 800 to 1,000 scarves, 300 to 400 hats and about 100 pairs of mittens for Shepherd's Staff," Schneider said, adding with a chuckle, "We have only one little old lady who does mittens."

While Shepherd's Staff is the group's biggest project, Hugs and Stitches creates various items for other organizations and groups.

Recently, members made more than two dozen maroon and white scarves for Carroll County's Special Olympics team in preparation for the Olympians' ski trip.

"I thought it was fantastic, I thought it was wonderful they did this," said Karen Koenigsberg, whose daughter, Stephanie Carpegna, is a member of the ski team and a recipient of a scarf.

"This is the first year they've done it (for the team)," Koenigsberg added.

Every Tuesday evening about a dozen of the group's 20-plus members gather to knit or crochet items for the group's charities.

"Any yarn you take has to be made into one of our programs," Schneider said of the group's simple rules. "Anything made at our group (meeting) has to go to the group's programs."

Schneider provides all the yarn, though the group does accept donations. Members bring their own hooks and needles.

The charity recipients aren't the only ones who benefit from the sessions, however.

"We get benefits, too," said Rosalie Duncan, who has been a member almost from the start. "I like the camaraderie and the opportunity to learn different stitches and patterns."

Schneider noted that the group is not "a teaching group," but she acknowledges that members do "show and tell" what they've done over the week.

"One girl makes so much it is beyond words," Schneider said. "They're just a great bunch of girls in their mid-20s to late-80s, every age group you could possibly want -- but you would never know there was any age difference."

Even members who can't come every week often send in their completed items with someone.

"I have met some nice people," Duncan said. "We enjoy the giving part of it and helping some body else, and also enjoy the learning part and having a good time. It's a win-win situation."

"I'm just thrilled," Schneider said of her group. "They are all just so dedicated. They're there every week and turn in as much as they can."

For more information on Hugs and Stitches, contact Sandi Schneider at 410-848-8860 or e-mail crafter359@aol.com.

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/2352/olympians-receive-special-gift-warmth/

20090218 Olympians receive a special gift of warmth by KJones
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Friday, July 18, 2008

Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

20080718 Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

Westminster will impose job cuts

Layoffs, revision of benefits announced

By Katie V. Jones

Originally Posted on the Westminster Eagle 7/16/08

Westminster Mayor Thomas Ferguson announced Monday the elimination of several jobs within city government as a means to cut the city’s budget in the face of what he called a “challenging year.”

A press release issued Monday said the cuts are needed “to facilitate a balanced budget.”

The city will not fill two vacant positions in the Office of Finance and the Mayor’s Office, and will eliminate the position of Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator and Manager of Planning.

Additionally, the city’s Code Enforcement Officer and Section 8 Housing Inspector positions will be merged into one job, and the City Clerk position will be trimmed from a full-time position to part-time.

Two administrative assistant positions will be cut, but two “staff assistant” positions will be created.

The release said a severance package, including pay and benefits, will be set up for employees whose positions have been eliminated.

In addition, the release announced changes to current city employees’ benefit packages.

Employees will be asked to double their contribution to health care policies from 7 percent to 14 percent.

Also, retirees’ health care benefits will be modified, and employees hired after July 1 of this year will not be eligible for this benefit, the press release stated.

“This has been a challenging year for the city as revenues have declined and expenditures have continued to increase,” said Ferguson in the release.

“Our three-year operating projections do not indicate this situation will improve significantly in the immediate future,” he addded. “Accordingly, I am reluctantly outlining the steps we have taken to adapt to this financial situation.”

Borrowing $3.5 million

The job cuts were not discussed at Monday’s meeting of the mayor and council.At the meeting, though, city officials did discuss how they would spend the $3.5 million loan that the council authorized in a special session July 9.

The bond money is targeted at road overlay projects, and Jeff Glass, director of public works, briefed the council on which streets would be slated for repairs and the possible order of completion.

Glass said that while his office has organized 11 groupings of streets for “some orderly fashion,” the future contractor of the project may have their own suggestions on how the work should proceed.

Glass noted that while plans are to complete all 11 groups, the rising cost of asphalt could prevent all from completion.

At the special session on July 9, Ferguson had noted that if asphalt prices continue to rise, the city may opt to stall the road repair program and return some of the $3.5 million without using it.

Prices, he said at last week’s meeting, are “going due north,” and will already affect the number of projects the city thinks it can accomplish.

The general obligation bond will be with BB&T Bank and is structured for nine years, with a two-year interest-only component. If the city chooses not to use the full amount, there is no penalty for early repayment, officials said.

At Monday’s session, the council agreed to put the overlay project out to bid instead of extending an existing order with C.J. Miller. While this will delay the project, it is necessary, Ferguson said, to get “the best price we can.”

That process will take 30 days, which Glass described as “the fast track.”

“It has to be advertised and the companies have to put their bids together,” he said. “Thirty days is cutting it.”

While Glass was fairly confident that the first two groups of streets would proceed as planned, Ferguson reminded everyone that the proposal was a “plan.”

“This is a plan and it is subject to modifications and change,” he said.

Jim Joyner contributed to this story.

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/221/westminster-will-impose-job-cuts/

Thursday, January 11, 2007

20070111 Best shoes at the Chamber State of the County luncheon

Best shoes at the Chamber State of the County luncheon

January 11^th, 2007

The competition was tough, but the shoes pictured above won out.

(Best dressed was former Commissioner Perry Jones – but that is almost a forgone conclusion at these types of public events. He looked rested and it was good to see him. One friend, who shall go un-named called him “Man Candy.”

Okay, after that outburst… moving on.

(Giving Commissioner Jones a run for his money was Kelsey Volkmann.)

Oh the State of the County presentations?

Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge talked about water issues and growth – the Comprehensive Plan update initiative… Commissioner Dean L. Minnich talked about business and economic development and Commissioner Michael Zimmer talked about traffic safety issues.

Now to the important stuff - - shoes.

Well, maybe not, I’ll take a nap first and then I’ll get back to shoes.

Oh, all the journalists who attended the event appeared to subscribe to the parameters of the Washington Examiner dress code (q.v.: “20060330 Always Dress better than expected”) – darn it.

I enjoyed chatting with Kelsey Volkmann, Katie Jones, Marjorie Censer and Josh Mackley. I did not get a chance to talk with Laura McCandlish – she was very serious…

Mr. Mackley said that the State of the County presentations will be aired on Ch. 19 (on Comcast cable in Carroll County only) throughout January and February on Saturdays in at noon and Sundays at 8 PM and Tuesdays at 1:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

More about the shoes and the State of the County later.

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Thursday, November 16, 2006

20061115 Fallfest Checks awarded to local Charities

Fallfest Checks awarded to local Charities

November 15th, 2006

According to a portion of an article by Katie V. Jones in the Westminster Eagle, “Spreading Fallfest proceeds:”

This year's Westminster Fallfest proved to be a success. On Monday evening checks of $9,717.86 each were awarded to the four charities: Carroll Hospice, Mission of Mercy, the Kiwanis Clubs of Westminster and Habitat for Humanity.

Checks of $500 each were awarded to Project Linus, ARC of Carroll County and the Community Foundation of Carroll County.

Meanwhile, officials also reported that the Westminster city print, which was available at the Fallfest, has raised $6,000 for the Westminster and Union Bridge fire departments and the Historical Society of Carroll County.

Plans are already lined up for next year's Fallfest which will be held Sept. 26-30, with the parade on Sept. 25 in the evening.

The charities selected to be the recipients for next year's Fallfest are Carroll Hospice, Mission of Mercy, the Kiwanis Clubs of Westminster and the Historical Society of Carroll County.

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Thursday, August 03, 2006

Westminster Eagle - Katie V. Jones: Kathryn Frock touts merits of 4-H life

Fair 'queen' touts merits of 4-H life 07/26/06 By Katie V. Jones

~~http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=978&NewsID=735396&CategoryID=17320&on=1~~

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2006/08/westminster-eagle-katie-v-jones-kathryn.html

Labels: 4H, 4H Carroll Co 4H FFA Fair, Ag Carroll Co MD Ag Center, People Frock Kathryn, People obituaries

When Kathryn Frock joined 4-H in 1934, there were girl 4-H clubs and boy 4-H clubs. If you lived on a farm and worked with animals, however, you were allowed to belong to a "co-ed club."

In those days the fair was held in Taneytown, before moving to its current location behind the Agricultural Center in Westminster.

To build the buildings at the new site, the 4-H clubs raised money through various methods such as making moccasins and selling household "guidebooks."

At 89, Frock has more than 60 years of memories of being in 4-H, first as a member, then as a leader and currently as a judge.

She no longer judges at the Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery county fairs, but the Westminster resident remains active with her beloved Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair, which opens this week.

"I had to cut some of those out because it is pretty far for me to drive," Frock chuckles, talking about the other fairs. "I can't do as much as I used to do. I can't stand on my feet so long."

As a 4-H leader, Frock helped start the Westminster 4-H Club and the 4-H Horticulture Club. She took an active role in the running of the 4-H snowball stand.

"I would line up all the people to work the three, four-hour shifts," Frock said. "Leaders, 4-H'ers, parents, friends, anybody I could get. I used to be in that snowball stand a lot."

Every year, the fair has grown, according to Frock, with more exhibits, more youth and more animals.

"It takes an awful lot of people to run that fair," Frock said. "It takes 80 to 100 people just to run the snowball stand. There's an ice cream stand, a soft drink, sandwich, iced tea stand, a restaurant that serves three meals a day.

"Volunteers volunteer more than one time."

Andy Cashman, livestock superintendent for the fair, says Frock's commitment to 4-H is admirable.

"This day and age it is tougher and tougher to get people to volunteer," Cashman said. "The kids think it is pretty neat that she's been involved. It is pretty important to her."

Both of Frock's children were in 4-H, and now her grandchildren are, too.

"It is a very educational program," Frock said of 4-H. "There are all kinds of things you can do in 4-H."

While Frock participated in projects such as sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlework, canning and jelly making, she has judged crafts, horticulture and food projects.

It isn't always easy being a judge, especially when choosing the grand champion of a class.

"At the fair, you're displaying all of what you've done over the year and being judged on it," Frock said. "The judge tells them the good ... and the things they could improve on."

"Sometimes picking out the (champion) is hard because a couple can be very close," Frock said. "A 4-H leader knows what to look for. What they (4-H'ers) are supposed to be doing is learning by doing, and making the best better."

Frock plans to continue being active with 4-H and can't wait until this year's fair gets fully under way tomorrow.

"She gets her own parking spot at the top," Cashman said. "Anybody who does all she does deserves it. She's a wonderful lady who puts a lot of effort into the program."

Parking spot or not, Frock will be attending this year's fair, adding to her collection of memories.

"I don't know whether there is a favorite part," Frock said, of her years in 4-H. "I like it all."

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Related – Update:

Kathryn A. Myers Frock, 94, of #Westminster, died April 26, 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Kathryn A. Myers Frock, 94, of Westminster, died April 26, 2012 at Emeritus at Westminster. http://www.prittsfuneralhome.com/vcalendar/event_view.php?event_id=245

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2012/04/kathryn-myers-frock-94-of-westminster.html

Labels: 4H, 4H Carroll Co 4H FFA Fair, Ag Carroll Co MD Ag Center, People Frock Kathryn, People obituaries

*****

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Tall in the Saddle By Katie V. Jones: 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County

Tall in the Saddle By Katie V. Jones

Westminster Eagle 01/03/2006 By Katie V. Jones

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=978&NewsID=687216&CategoryID=17320&on=1

Horses can be intimidating.

Ranging in all different sizes and colors, a horse - with its four legs, swinging head and flaring nostrils - might not be the choice animal for many to approach easily.

But at the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County it is the horses, combined with the work of volunteers, that reach out to children and adults who face challenges every day - whether physically or mentally.

The program gives lessons and riding opportunities for people with varied disabilities, from developmental restrictions to physical conditions such as cerebral palsy.

For those with such limitations, the program offers a chance for mobility and a sense of freedom they can otherwise not achieve, and studies indicate that therapeutic riding can help people with disabilities improve muscle usage and flexibility, and can also benefit social and communications skills.

Therapeutic riding generally began as a therapy for disabled persons in the 1950s, after Lis Hartel of Denmark won a silver medal in the 1952 Olympics despite severe polio. She had to be helped on and off her horse at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland.

Today, many riders in the Carroll County program participate in horse shows and train for the Special Olympics.

"It is a great thing," says Chris Bradford, a volunteer for the riding club. "Even if you had a rough night and didn't get much response, you still feel it was worth it."

While the club rides under the 4-H flag, it provides riding lessons to anyone between the ages of 3 and up with a therapeutic disability, according to Peggy Roland, a volunteer and secretary of the program's Board of Directors.

"We seated 51 riders this past session," Roland, 57, says, noting that members come from all across the county, and even beyond.

The club has been in existence since 1978. It first began meeting outdoors at private farms, but eventually relocated to the Carroll County Agricultural Center.

In 1997, the club purchased a building in town and actually had it moved to its current location near the Ag Center and Carroll County Farm Museum.

"We can ride in the rain, (whereas) we couldn't before," Roland says, standing in the center of the large show ring.

"We can ride after dark ... though it is very yellow in here," she says, laughing at the lights.

With its high tin ceiling, the barn can also get very loud during heavy rain or wind.

For that reason, and others, it is always essential for volunteers to be present with the therapeutic riders. While some may need only a little assistance, others may need up to three volunteers.

Most classes at the center have between four or six riders. Add the volunteers and instructor, and the ring can be quite crowded - and loud.

"Volunteers are absolutely wonderful," Roland says. "We don't hold classes without them. They are here for the safety of the riders."
Volunteers are constantly being trained.

"I know a lot more now than I did," notes Bradford, who had only a little experience with horses before becoming a volunteer two years ago.
"I go early to play with the horses more, and do grooming," Bradford says. "I learn a lot, too. I'm still a rookie."

The four-legged volunteers, aka the horses, obviously are also a critical piece of the program. Many of the riders form a strong bond with their horse, and that connection can lead to both physical and emotional progress.

The horses in the 4-H program are evaluated throughout the year to make sure they can stand up to the rigors of the program - and that have the temperament needed.

Not all horses are accepted to become part of the therapeutic riding program.
"The horses have to be suitable for our riders," Roland explains. "Occasionally, horses won't catch on to it. There are different sounds. They have to walk to a block and be mounted.

"It is very, very different," she says. "If they can't adapt to that environment, we find a different home for them."

And some, she notes, simply get too old to remain in the program.

"Two times a season," she says, "we look critically at our herd."

These days, seven horses make up the club's mounts. Some are donated; others are on permanent loan or have a lease agreement.

This past year, the club had an agreement with the River Valley Ranch, in Millers, that allowed them to house their horses for nine months.

"It was a lot of fun to have their horses up. They were younger," Roland said. "We were really pleased how it worked out."

Riders in the 4-H program pay a minimum fee for either a five- or 10-week session of one-hour classes.

The club currently has a waiting list of potential riders.

"They do such a good job," Bradford said. "I recommend it to other people I know to volunteer. It is such a great thing."

The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County is always looking for new volunteers, and hosts periodic training sessions. To volunteer or register for training classes, call Peggy Roland at 410-876-1760.