20070617 Lori G’s 1919 Carroll County motorcycle

Lori G’s 1919 Carroll County motorcycle

June 17^th, 2007

20070612 Colonel Sheridan Promotes New Chief Of Field Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2007

COLONEL SHERIDAN PROMOTES NEW CHIEF OF FIELD OPERATIONS

(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan today announced the appointment and promotion of a new Chief of the Field Operations Bureau.

Major Matthew G. Lawrence, 48, was promoted today to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Chief of the Field Operations Bureau. Lt. Colonel Lawrence is a 27-year veteran of the State Police and most recently served as the Assistant Chief of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.

“Lt. Colonel Lawrence is an outstanding commander who has expertise in a broad spectrum of assignments within the Maryland State Police,” Colonel Sheridan said.

“He is well-respected by the citizens he has served over the years, by law enforcement officials at the local, state, and federal level, and by his fellow troopers. He is an individual with the highest degree of integrity and commitment, who will continue to serve with great dedication.”

Lt. Colonel Lawrence assumed command today of the largest of the three Maryland State Police bureaus. The Field Operations Bureau encompasses all uniformed patrol troopers, the Transportation Safety Command, the Aviation Command, and the Special Operations Division.

Lt. Colonel Lawrence entered the Maryland State Police Academy in October 1980, and began his career as a patrol trooper at the Waldorf Barracks upon graduation. During his career, he also served at the Westminster and North East Barracks as a patrol trooper, patrol supervisor, and criminal investigator.

He was an assistant commander and section commander in the Internal Affairs Unit, Special Operations Unit, Drug Enforcement Division, Technical Surveillance Unit, and Special Investigation Support Unit.

He also served as the chief of staff to the bureau chief of the former Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement.

Promoted to Captain in 1999, he assumed command of the Internal Affairs Unit.

He was promoted to Major in 2003 and took command of the Criminal Investigation Division. In 2004, he became Assistant Chief of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.

Lt. Colonel Lawrence has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salisbury University and a Master of Science degree from John Hopkins University.

He is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute. He resides in Carroll County with his wife and four children.

###

CONTACT: Program Manager Gregory Shipley

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20070606 Dwight Dingle and The Mamas and the Papas

Dwight Dingle and The Mamas and the Papas

June 6^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

I had been in contact with Dwight several times recently as he is included in my Wednesday, June 6^th, 2007 Westminster Eagle column… (As I post this it is not online yet.)

In my column Dwight is credited with remarking:

“I reached Dwight Dingle, a radio personality with WTTR since 1974, on the phone last weekend, while he was in Ocean City with other station staff members, where WTTR was receiving five Associated Press awards.

He said that he was a “The Mamas & the Papas” fan. He was a student at Towson State College when the “Sgt. Pepper” album came out. However, he remembers well that his roommate, “Buck” Jones, the former principle of East Middle School and now the principle of Carroll Lutheran School, was a big Beatles Fan…

Mr. Dingle thought the album cover for “Sgt. Pepper” was fascinating but “it doesn’t compare with “The Mamas & the Papas” album cover with the all the members of the band in a bathtub…”

Hmmm. Perhaps someone may want to call Dwight up at WTTR and ask him “on-air” to explain his affection for that “The Mamas & the Papas” album cover…?

The album, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears” debuted in March 1966 and it has one of my all-time favorite songs on it – “California Dreamin’.” The first of ultimately three covers for the album, (now a valuable collector’s item) was banned in the United States “as indecent,” (for the silliest reasons – by today’s standards; and not because it contained errors in grammar.) Have Dwight tell you the story…

So just what is the explanation as to why Mr. Dwight Dingle is on The Mamas and the Papas” cover for the album, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears?

Perhaps you may wanna give him a call to find out…

####

20070411 Giles has mighty pen for Lions' essay competition

Giles has mighty pen for Lions' essay competition

Westminster Eagle Focus on People 04/11/07

Jeffrey Giles, a 10th-grader at Westminster High School, recently won the annual American Heritage Essay Contest hosted by the Westminster Lions Club.

Contest entrants were asked to write on the topic, "Independent Judges: A Necessity in the Preservation of Our Constitutional Form of Government." Giles' essay was judged the best by a panel of Lions Club representatives.

As the local winner, Giles was invited to read his essay with other district-level winners at a Lions' cabinet meeting on March 31.

The winners were also presented with an American flag and a $100 savings bond.

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1262597&om=1

20070411 Giles has mighty pen for Lions' essay competition

#####

20070410 CC Delegate Stocksdale’s MGA session wrap-up

Carroll County Delegate Nancy Stocksdale’s end of session wrap-up

April 10th, 2007

Dear Friends:

We have just concluded the 2007 Legislative Session, and I want to tell you about some of the legislation we voted on this year.

As with every Session, the most important thing we must accomplish is to approve a budget for the State. This year, Governor O’Malley’s budget used almost a billion dollars from the Rainy Day Fund to give as much money as possible to every State-funded group who asked for it. Our House Appropriations Committee spent from January to March analyzing the budgets of each agency. We tried to limit the increases over last year’s budget. We even reduced the general fund budget by $186.8 million. Subsequent to our reduction efforts, Governor O’Malley sent four supplemental budgets which then spent the money we had reduced from his original budget!

When the budget was introduced on the House floor, the Republican Minority Leader offered an amendment that would have kept the budget at the 2007 level with just a limited number of exceptions. That amendment was rejected, and the $30 billion dollar budget passed the House of Delegates. Minor changes were made during the conference committee between the Senate and the House budgets, but we have neglected to control spending or to try to decrease the size of the upcoming $1.5 BILLION structural deficit. Thirty-seven tax bills were introduced this year to take $4 billion dollars from our citizens. Although most of these bills did not pass, look out for next year! There are rumors that (Senate) President Miller will be asking the Governor to call for a special session to pass tax increases and slots.

Listed below are some of the other bills which we debated :

Jessica’s Law (HB 930) - The voices of thousands of Marylanders were heard this Session by the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee who voted on the Jessica’s Law legislation. The “Bill O’Reilly Show” focused on House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Joe Vallario, who was not supportive of this bill last year. Delegate Vallario is a trial lawyer who does not believe in mandatory sentences. The bill, which was named for the nine-year-old girl from Florida who was r---d and buried alive in a plastic bag, mandates a 25-year prison term with no parole for first-degree r--- or sex offenses against a child under the age of 13. The bill is waiting for Governor O'Malley's signature. PASSED.

Chesapeake Bay Green Fund (HB 1220) – This bill would impose a tax based on the square foot of impervious surfaces on residences and commercial buildings. Impervious surfaces include the roof, driveway, and parking spaces. The cost per square foot began at $2.00 but was amended before it was voted on in the House of Delegates. It is now $.50 per square foot for residential and $1.00 per square foot for commercial. The vote was 96 – 41 in the House, and it was then sent to the Senate where it did not move out of committee. FAILED.

Higher Education – Tuition Charges – Maryland High School Students (HB 6) Even with the budget deficit of $1.5 billion dollars looming for next year, the House of Delegates approved HB 6 (81 to 57 vote) giving undocumented immigrants in-State tuition rates at our universities. Tuition for Maryland residents at the University of Maryland College Park is $7,969 a year, and tuition for non-residents is $22,208 a year. The legislature has frozen tuition rates for the past two years which means that the taxpayers are paying a larger share of the cost for tuition with money from the General Fund. The bill only requires a student to attend a Maryland high school for two years before that student can apply for in-State tuition up to five years after graduation, regardless of residence. As long as the parents have paid Maryland State tax, the undocumented or illegal immigrant is eligible to attend either a community college or a four-year institution. The bill does not require an applicant to live in the State of Maryland. For example, a parent may be employed in Maryland but live in Delaware, West Virginia, or another neighboring State and have Maryland taxes withheld. This Maryland tax is refunded to the non-resident, but the student can attend our schools at in-State tuition rates. The bill does not require a length of time for employment in Maryland. Someone could work for only one day and qualify for in-State tuition! This legislation is so unfair to the Maryland residents who are here legally and who have paid Maryland taxes for long periods of time and, many, for a lifetime. There are only a limited number of slots for students in our universities and our own students may be denied acceptance. This was a terrible bill, and all of the Carroll County Delegation voted against it. It was debated in the Senate committee but was not brought out for a vote. FAILED.

Vehicle Laws – Drivers’ Licensing of Illegal Aliens – Restrictions (HB 537) - This bill stops illegal immigrants from getting a driver’s license. FAILED.

Voter Registration Protection Act (SB 488/HB 544) - This allows an individual convicted of any crime, with the exception of buying or selling votes, to register to vote if not actually serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation. Although this bill did not make it out of the House, the Senate bill did succeed in passing in both chambers and is waiting for the Governor’s signature. Your Carroll County Delegation voted against this bill. PASSED.

Clean Indoor Act of 2007 (HB 359/SB 91) - Smoking ban for restaurants and bars passed in both houses but in different forms. An amendment was offered to prohibit smoking altogether in Maryland to really protect our health. The amendment was defeated. The Senate bill excluded private clubs such as the VFW and the American Legion. After the conference committee, the bill banned smoking in all restaurants and bars with no exclusions. However, companies which can prove they will suffer financial hardships as a result of the ban may request a waiver effective until January 31, 2011. After that date, there will be no smoking in any public business. PASSED.

Election Law – Presidential Primary Election Date (HB 1434/SB 1025) This moves the Presidential Primary Election from March 4 to February 12. Another election related bill, Election Law - Voting Systems - Voter-Verified Paper Records (HB 18) requiring a paper trail was passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. PASSED.

State Procurement Contracts - Living Wage (HB 430) This bill will require a contractor who does work for the State to pay a certain wage. In Baltimore City, Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Baltimore Counties, the wage will be $11.30 while in the other counties the living wage will be $8.50. This bill was heavily debated in the House of Delegates. Carroll County Delegates feel this a discriminatory bill because of the wage differential in our county. The Senate debated the bill on the last day of the Session and passed it with a 31- 16 vote in favor. PASSED.

Carroll County Bond Bills –

The Capital Budget Sub-committee approved a $100,000 bond bill for the Danele Shipley Arena at the Agriculture Center, and a $100,000 bond bill for the Martin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn.

The Department of Juvenile Services appropriated $3,329,000 for the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau’s new building.

For school construction, Carroll County received a total of $8,219,443. The money will be used for Ebb Valley Elementary which will receive $5,600,000 and Freedom Elementary which will receive $1,479,000. The remainder of the money will be divided between Ebb Valley Elementary and Mt. Airy Middle for a new roof.

All of the legislation requested of the Delegation by the Carroll County Commissioners was passed:

1. Abatement of Nuisances – Ongoing Violations

This provides that if both a property owner and occupant have been notified more than twice during a 12-month period of a specified nuisance violation (overgrowing weeds, accumulation of refuse, presence of stagnant water or combustible materials), the nuisance is considered to be an ongoing violation and additional notification is not required before the county takes action to abate the nuisance.

2. Pretrial and Work Release Programs

This authorizes the Sheriff of Carroll County to establish a pretrial release program that offers alternatives to pretrial detention and to adopt regulations to administer the program.

3. Bingo and Gaming Events – Qualified Organizations

This will permit outside organizations to come to Carroll County and conduct bingo or a gaming events.

4. Public Facilities Bonds

This authorizes the commissioners to issue up to $80 million in bonds for acquisition, construction, improvement, or renovation of public buildings, facilities, and public works projects, and for installment purchase agreements for the acquisition of easements on agricultural and forestry lands.

I feel it is an honor and a privilege to serve you in Annapolis. Although we may not agree on everything, your opinions are important in my decision making. I appreciate hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Nancy R. Stocksdale

20070202 Ken Ecker, 90, of Westminster Obituary

Westminster Eagle Obituaries 02/07/07 Kenneth M. Ecker, 90, of Westminster

Kenneth Monroe Ecker, 90, of Westminster, died Feb. 2, 2007, at St. Catherine's Nursing Center in Emmitsburg.

He was born June 26, 1916, in Manchester, son of the late Clyde R. and Ovie C. (Miller) Ecker.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Helen LaRue (Hale) Ecker in 1997.

His career of more than 44 years began as a general mechanic and service technician from 1933-38 at Beacon Steele Production Company.

From 1939 to 1972, he worked at Glenn L. Martin Co., which in 1960 became Martin Marietta. During the last 25 years there, he served as plant engineering and maintenance superintendent.

From 1972 to 1977 he worked for Carroll County Government as director of the county permits and inspection department.

He was a true "jack-of-all-trades" -- a certified master plumber, master limited electrician and refrigeration service engineer.

He was a member of the Westminster Church of the Brethren, member and past-president of the former Westminster Civitan Club, and served for many years on the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission.

He was very creative, and was an accomplished woodworker and designer of woodcrafts. He loved and collected antique cars and had a marvelous sense of humor.

Surviving are daughters and sons-in-law Shirley L. and John Lippy of Westminster, Patricia S. and Jayson Bowen of Union Bridge and Deborah L. and Lawrence Reid of Westminster; son Kenneth H. Ecker of New York City; and sisters Erma Frock and Virginia Hierstetter, both of Westminster, and Dorothy Hansen of Baltimore.

Also surviving are grandchildren John Jr., James and Timothy Lippy, Aaron Bowen, Melissa Manseau and Adam Reid; four great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers Vernon and Chester Ecker.

A funeral service was held Feb. 6, 2007, at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, Westminster, with his pastor, the Rev. Scott L. Duffey, officiating. Interment followed in Meadow Branch Cemetery in Westminster.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine's Nursing Center, 331 South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1247799&om=1

20070112 Randy Rager - Businessman remembered for character

Randy Rager - Businessman remembered for character

January 12, 2007 – posted February 12, 2007

The hyperlink is dead and someone asked me the other day about Randy Rager… I have another post about Mr. Rager here: “20070106 Local accountant Randy Rager died last Saturday.”

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/01/12/news/local_news/newsstory4.txt

For other current news and information in Carroll County, the Carroll County Times web site is here: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/

Meanwhile, I’ll post this article in which Carroll County Times writer, Ryan Marshall captured quite well who and what Randy Rager was and the impact of his death on the community… The words below belong to the Carroll County Times.

By Ryan Marshall, Times Staff Writer

Friday, January 12, 2007

City officials and members of the Westminster business community remembered Randy Rager Thursday as a man of integrity and character, whose death left a personal and professional void.

“If you looked up ‘gentleman’ in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of Randy,” Westminster mayor Thomas Ferguson said.

Rager, who died Saturday at the age of 53, was the president of the Rager, Lehman & Houck accounting firm.

Rager’s firm provided outside audits for the city, Ferguson said.

His loss leaves a hole in the community, the mayor said.

County Commissioner Dean Minnich was a neighbor of Rager and got to know him at neighborhood functions.

Although they were only acquaintances, Minnich said he’ll remember Rager as a solid citizen and a good neighbor, husband and father.

“I appreciate the relationship he had with his family,” Minnich said.

Along with his wife, Peggy, Rager is survived by children Maggie, Sam and Ally.

“People like the Ragers are the bedrock of our community,” Minnich said. “Everything we like about Carroll County is represented by people like [them].”

Ferguson cited Rager’s character, integrity and genuineness as the qualities he’d most remember.

A person like Randy Rager enriches the community, Ferguson said.

Rager served on the board of Carroll County Hospital Center for 10 years starting in the late 1980s.

The hospital’s president and CEO John Sernulka remembered Rager as a born leader with quiet authority.

He served four years as the board’s chairman, chaired the finance committee and served on several other boards and committees at the hospital.

“When he spoke, he had something to say, and people listened,” Sernulka said.

Rager served 10 years on the board, the maximum amount anyone is allowed to serve consecutively before taking at least a two-year break. Rager was asked to come back to the board after his break and was in the second year of his second 10-year term.

Sernulka called Rager for guidance on tough decisions about hospital issues, he said.

They last spoke at the board’s Jan. 2 meeting, where Rager was appointed to work on issues of transparency in the hospital’s procedures.

“Everything he spoke was truth,” Sernulka said.

Rager also served on the development committee at St. John Catholic Church in Westminster. Officials there remembered him as a strong leader and dedicated father.

Rager was a good person to have at the table when a decision was being made, the Rev. Patrick Carrion said.

He had a steady, calm presence at meetings and listened to what people had to say before he made his feelings known, Carrion said.

Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano knew Rager for 14 years and admired his integrity and dedication to his family.

Rager was always at his children’s sporting and other events and was an active father, Valenzano said.

For church administrators who are often required to deal with numbers even if they don’t have a natural ability for them, Rager was an invaluable resource, Valenzano said.

“If Randy said the numbers were right, you kind of felt the numbers were right.”

On Monday night, the Westminster Common Council passed a memorial resolution honoring Rager’s contributions to the community and the accounting profession.

Rager’s sudden death was a loss for the City of Westminster as well as his family, Mayor Ferguson said Thursday.

“To have it end in a snap of a finger is hard to take.”

Reach staff writer Ryan Marshall at 410-857-7865 or rmarshall@lcniofmd.com.

20070106 Local accountant Randy Rager died last Saturday

Local accountant Randy Rager died last Saturday

January 8^th, 2007

Many of us were shocked to awaken this morning to the news that local accountant and community leader, Randy Rager, had passed away last Saturday, January 6^th, 2007.

He was only 53 year-old. It seems just like yesterday, that many of us saw him over the holidays.

I will always remember Mr. Rager for a number of reasons, but the first reason that comes to mind was how helpful he and his CPA firm was, when the City of Westminster, like local governments throughout the nation went through the process of changing our bookkeeping and accounting functions to comply with GASB 34. (Or for more information, go here.)

“Rager, Lehman and Houck” has now had Westminster’s, and the Westminster Fire Company’s audit contract for a number of years and his service to the community and to the many non-profits and businesses in town will be remembered fondly.

Not to overlooked, was his great work in the community with the Bonds Meadow Rotary Club of Westminster, Board of Trustees of Carroll Hospital Center, the Board of Governors of the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, the development committee of St. John Catholic Church, the board of Carroll Community College and the Community Media Center.

He was a consummate professional and very well liked in the community and he will be missed.

Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.

Mr. Rager’s obituary can be found on the Carroll County Times here.

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20061213 CC 1995 Miss 4-H takes on another leadership position

Carroll County 1995 Miss 4-H takes on another leadership position

Pictured above is Miss 4-H, Amanda Boyd Miller in 1995 when she was the 4-H ambassador and spokesperson in 1995.

Meanwhile, Heidi Schroeder writing for the Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle has an excellent article in the Eldersburg Eagle about Carroll County’s 1995 Miss 4-H taking on yet another leadership position, “Trip from Annapolis to Carroll is a homecoming.”

The Eldersburg Eagle and Westminster Eagle’s hyperlink changes when it is archived. So if you are reading this post at a later date and the link is dead, e-mail me or put a note in “comment” and I will paste the entire article into this post.

Also keep in mind that the Westminster Eagle will run the piece next Wednesday, December 20th, 2006.

For right now, go here for Ms. Schroeder’s article, “Trip from Annapolis to Carroll is a homecoming.”

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=977&NewsID=769115&CategoryID=17330&on=1

“Trip from Annapolis to Carroll is a homecoming” By Heidi Schroeder, Westminster and Eldersburg Eagle, 12/13/06

After nearly seven years working in Annapolis, Amanda Miller's new job is more of a homecoming than an experiment.

Miller, 27, a sixth-generation Carroll Countian and resident of Sykesville, was named this month as special assistant to newly-elected County Commissioner Michael Zimmer.

Miller previously served the state as a special assistant on policy to Joe Getty, who served on Gov. Robert Ehrlich's staff.

But when the election brought a changing of the guard in both Annapolis and Carroll County, a new opportunity emerged for Miller, who said she's excited to bring experience in state politics to Westminster.

[…]

… Miller bought her grandmother's home, which her grandfather had built in Sykesville in 1958.

[…]

Read the rest here.

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20061206 Zen and the art of being Jack Price

Zen and the art of being Jack Price

December 6th, 2006

My November 29th, 2006 Westminster Eagle column was about a gentleman in my life who, among many, was extraordinarily important to me growing up in Carroll County - - Jack Price.

Mr. Price passed away on November 15th, 2006.

I have a previous post about Mr. Price on Soundtrack here: “20061125 Jack Price Feb. 2, 1920 to Nov. 15, 2006 is going home.”

This is the long version of my column of Mr. Price which appeared in the Westminster Eagle on November 29, 2006.

Zen and the art of being Jack Price
November 29, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff (long version)

On November 15, Carroll County and the agriculture community lost a great friend and community leader, Jack Price.

After God made Jack Price, the mold was broken and there will never be anyone like Mr. Price.

Mr. Price was a nationally recognized breeder of Hampshire sheep, a gifted horticulturalist and a dedicated church member.

Last Saturday, several hundred friends, loved ones, and colleagues got together at the Westminster United Methodist Church for services officiated by Rev. Dave Highfield and Rev. Ira Zepp.

Folks from all over the east coast converged on Westminster to pay homage to a man whom Rev. Zepp described as “lovable, cantankerous, curmudgeonly, independent, free-thinking, soft-hearted and very bright in mind and soul.”

Local farmer Andy Cashman observed that for a gentleman who passed away at 86 with no family; it was a fitting tribute that hundreds turned out for his memorial service. “Jack was a great supporter of 4-H and helped a lot of kids get started in 4-H.”

Carroll County sheep breeder Becky Lynch agreed, remarking “he was a friend to many generations.” As with Mr. Cashman and his sons; Mr. Price helped Ms. Lynch get started raising sheep. “Jack was always a world of wisdom and (constructively criticized) in such a manner that it showed that he genuinely cared,” said Ms. Lynch.

(I understand that all too well, for you see, I was one of those “kids” in the mid 1960s. Mr. Price went out of his way to help me with my public-speaking, photography and rabbit projects. Later in 1974, when I began my landscaping business, Mr. Price was a great cheerleader, wise counsel and an unabashed supporter.)

For those in our community who did not have the fortune to know Mr. Price, he was born in North Carolina on February 2, 1920. He was the son of the late Rev. Fred H. and Amy Helms Price. He graduated from Shelby High School in Shelby, North Carolina in 1936.

According to his obituary, Mr. Price “graduated from North Carolina State University in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics and a minor in animal husbandry.

Several folks remarked that he remained a die-hard North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball, football and baseball fan for the rest of his life. Although, according to Rev. Zepp, Mr. Price never understood soccer. Rev. Zepp relates that Jack once said, “I can’t stand soccer. Whoever heard of not using the hands God gave you to play a game…”

After college, he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps and served as a transport pilot during World War II.” “Following the war, he and his wife, (Ollie, relocated to Maryland) where he worked on livestock farms. In 1963, they settled (on a farm on Lemmon Road) in Westminster, where he developed a large flock of registered Hampshire sheep.”

Four decades of retired Carroll County Extension Service Directors attended the service: Bob Jones, Walt Bay and David Greene. Mr. Greene remarked that “Jack had a singleness of purpose,” and whatever he did, he did with “zeal and effort, a depth of understanding” and he excelled.

For the last seven years, Rev. Zepp and Mr. Price had breakfast together regularly.

Rev. Zepp said, “We were one of Westminster’s oddest couples, if not the oddest…once we got past the weather and (sports,) about which we usually agreed, we talked about the two taboo subjects everyone is supposed to avoid – religion and politics, about which we hardly ever agreed. And that was the thrill of it – disagreeing very agreeably…”

Rev. Zepp was intrigued that he “was a farmer’s son who became a preacher and Jack was a preacher’s son who became a farmer.”

Rev. Zepp was impressed with the way Mr. Price let God work through him in the “ordinariness” of life and thus, became an extraordinary man. “As you hear Jack’s voice, remember a statement by Jesus in Matthew 5:37, ‘Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No;’ anything more than this comes from evil.”

Rev. Zepp kept notes from attending Mr. Price’s breakfast Sunday School lessons. On the arbitrariness of life: “It’s not what you’re dealt, but how you deal with that. If the ball does not take a Jack Price bounce, it’s not God’s fault, but with God’s help, I’ll get over it.”

“Jack on the Second Coming of Jesus: Well, as I recall… Jesus didn’t talk much about it… so I’m not going to worry about it very much…”

Jack on the last book of the Bible: “What the hound is the Book of Revelation about? I make little sense of it and don’t know anyone who does.”

Jack on the tension between love and justice: “He knew instinctively that love is possible with persons and justice necessary for society.”

Rev. Zepp marveled that “in the last six months of his life, Jack confessed, ‘I have more questions now then when I was teaching a Bible class … almost 50 years ago.’

Rev. Zepp once asked Mr. Price, “How has your mind changed over the years? Jack replied, ‘Very slowly.”

Rev. Zepp relates that “Jack used to talk about ‘Pricer-izing, that is, there is the right way, the wrong way, and the ‘Price Way.’ I asked him, ‘How do you fit those three together?” He said, ‘I work at that, but not very successfully. I’m just an unconventional guy…”

Jack once commented on why he went to church. “My father had a deaf person in his congregation and asked the man once, ‘Why do you come to church, when you can’t hear a thing I say?’ The man replied, ‘… I want the world to know what side I’m on.’”

Rev. Zepp called to our attention peter Fonda’s remark to a farmer in the movie, “Easy Rider.” It must be great to do your own thing in your own time.”

Mr. Price, who is reported to have rode his motorcycle to church upon occasion, certainly did his own thing and in so doing touched a great many lives, left the planet a better place.

We could use a few more genuine folks like Mr. Price. We certainly could use more folks who can disagree with integrity, without being disagreeable, in Carroll County.

He was the Zen Master of “Let your ‘no’ be a ‘no’ and your ‘yes’ be your ‘yes.’” Mr. Price was never one to “lay down a smoke screen of pious talk.” We always knew which side he was on. He was the real deal. And that is why we loved him so. Mr. Price is going home. God bless him.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
####

20061204 Carroll County Judges of the Orphans Court

Carroll County Judges of the Orphans Court

December 7, 2006

When I attended the swearing-in ceremony of the 58th Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Monday, December 4th, 2006, I stopped by the office of the Carroll County Judges of the Orphans Court to say hi to the judges.

They took a moment out of their day to pose for a snapshot.

Pictured from left to right: Judge John D. Carbaugh, Judge Dorothy V. Utz, and Judge Herbert J. Reisig.

Kevin

20061125 Jack Price Feb. 2, 1920 to Nov. 15, 2006 is going home

Jack Price Feb. 2, 1920 to Nov. 15, 2006 is going home

November 25th, 2006

Jack Price, a local sheep farmer, community leader and horticulturist, passed away on November 15th, 2006. He’s going home.

I attended his memorial service this morning, along with hundreds of Carroll County community leaders, farmers and fellow church members.

Unfortunately, I do not know who took the photo above, but it is so moving and so – Mr. Price.

Please see Carrie Knauer’s May 14th, 2004 article on Mr. Price: “20040514 Jack Price Gardening A late-found love by Carrie Knauer.”

In my forward to her article that I have posted on “Soundtrack,” I wrote:

Another in a great series of articles by Carrie Knauer, who writes for the Carroll County Times. I grew up in Westminster United Methodist Church at the intersection of Main and Center Street; Jack Price’s adopted church, when he first came to Westminster in 1963 and started sheep farming. He was very helpful with my 4-H photography projects and even my rabbit projects in the 1960s. Some of my earliest photographs are of Mr. Price’s farm around 1967. Later in life when I started my landscape business, Mr. Price was one of my biggest supporters and fans.

I will probably have Mr. Price be the focus of next Westminster Eagle opinion column. For now, the obituary in the Carroll County Times read:

Fred H. 'Jack' Price Jr., 86, of Westminster

Carroll County Times Obituaries for Thursday, November 16, 2006

Fred H. "Jack" Price Jr., 86, of Westminster died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, at his home after a brief illness.

Born on Feb. 2, 1920, in rural western North Carolina, he was the son of the late Rev. Fred H. and Amy Helms Price. He was the husband of the late Ollie Price, his wife of 54 years.

He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics and a minor in animal husbandry. He was active in the YMCA, the debating team, the livestock judging team, and a member of Alpha Zeta.

After a short time as Assistant county agent in Iredell County, N.C., he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps and served as a transport pilot during World War II.

Following the war, he and his wife relocated in Maryland where he worked on livestock farms. In 1963, they settled in Westminster, where he developed a large flock of registered Hampshire sheep. He enjoyed showing his sheep at fairs and sales and using his Border Collie dogs to help handle the sheep on the farm.

He retired from farming in 1992 and built his current home in Westminster on his farm property. He enjoyed perennial flower gardening and landscaped the gardens around his home.

Surviving is devoted friend Joyce L. Brown, his partner for eight years.

He was predeceased by his sister Ann.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Westminster United Methodist Church, 162 E. Main St., Westminster, with the Rev. David Highfield and longtime friend Dr. Ira Zepp officiating. Interment will be private.

There will be no public visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carroll Hospice, 95 Carroll St., Westminster, MD 21157.

Arrangements are by Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster.

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20061010 John J. Rush Sr. Obituary October 10, 2006

John J. Rush Sr. 81, of Westminster

Mr. Rush’s obituary appeared in Oct. 18, 2006 Westminster Eagle… (The first obit is for Peggy Martin; Mr. Rush is the third obit.)

John Jay Rush Sr., 81, of Westminster died Oct. 10, 2006, at the Continuum Care Nursing Home in Sykesville.

Born Jan. 27, 1925, in Trenton, N.J., he was the son of the late Milton and Clara Bainbridge Rush. He was the husband of Bebe Rush, his wife of 53 years, whom he married Dec. 28, 1952.

He was a graduate of Hamilton High School and a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in business administration. He was transferred to Westminster in 1957 while working with Southern States Cooperative, and later took a position with General Cooper and Brass Co. of Philadelphia as a salesman until his retirement in 1992 after 30 years of service. He also was a Realtor with Century 21 Charles J. Plunkert Inc. for several years.

He became active in the Boy Scouts of America when he joined a troop in Trenton, N.J., in 1937 at the age of 12. His time in that troop, led by "Pops" Skeleton, developed an interest in scouting that lasted 66 years. While a scout in this troop, he went to Philmont Scout Ranch for the first time, and traveled there several times during his long career in scouting. After service in the Army Air Corps during World War II and starting his family, he returned to Scouting as Cub Master of Cub Pack 381 in Westminster in 1963. He then stepped in as "temporary" Scoutmaster of Scout Troop 381 in 1961, retiring 34 years later as Scoutmaster Emeritus in 2003, after seeing more than 100 boys attain the coveted award of Eagle Scout under his leadership. He received numerous scouting awards, including the Silver Beaver, the God and Country Award, the Distinguished Scoutmaster Award, the Frontier District Award of Merit, Scout of the Year, and was named a James E. West Fellow.

He was member of the American Legion Post 31, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 467, and a charter member of the First United Presbyterian Church. He was the recipient of the Rotary Club Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1990. He was an avid train collector.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons and daughters-in-law Randy L. and Sherry Rush of Cumberland, John J. Jr. and Cindy Rush of Herndon, Va.; grandchildren Peter, Alan, Jessica, Beth, Courtney and Tracey; brother Robert Rush of Knoxville, Tenn.; nephew and spouse Barry and Sally Rush of Seaside Park, N.J.; and mother-in-law Evelyn Gobble of Abingdon, Va.

He was predeceased by brother and sister-in-law Horace and Gloria Rush.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the First Presbyterian Church, 65 Washington Road, Westminster, with the Rev. Frederick Eckhardt officiating.

There will be no public viewing.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John J. Rush Sr. Scout Memorial Fund for Deserving Scouts, P.O. Box 381, Westminster, MD 21158.

Arrangements are by Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster.

20060926 Russell Mills - A Dream Keeper gets recognized

Russell Mills - A Dream Keeper gets recognized

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff on September 26^th, 2006

Speaking of great community oriented newspaper work, it was no surprise for me that when someone called to my attention that there was an article written about the great work of fellow Carrollinian, Russell Mills, Jr., I found the excellent article to be written by Ellie Baublitz: “'Mr. Lion' gets a roar of support,”

Ms. Baublitz must have started writing for the Baltimore Sun when she was in elementary school as I have clippings of her work going back forever…

It would be great if more Baltimore Sun writers took her approach. She has been one of my favorite journalists for quite some time.

On September 24^th, 2006, she penned a great piece about the wonderful community work of Russell Mills, Jr.

It is only fitting and proper that the article came out at the beginning of Fallfest, because when thinks of folks who are the dream keepers in our community, Mr. Mills makes the “A” team quickly and easily.

It is always good to recognize the folks who make this community a wonderful place to live and congratulations are in order for Mr. Russell Mills and a big thank you for Ellie Baublitz for calling to our attention his award.

Among several excerpts that are worthy of your attention are: “Mills was chosen out of 26 nominees for the annual honor at an awards ceremony at the new North Carroll Senior and Community Center.”

“Next month will mark 31 years as a Westminster Lion for Mills. He has been president twice, vice president, fundraiser committee chair, district chair, board member, youth chair, and this year, zone chair, responsible for circulating news to six regional clubs.”

“Ron Brewer, a fellow Lion who nominated Mills, said, ‘He does everything and anything for the Westminster club and any other club he can help out.’”

Read the rest of Ms. Baublitz’s article: “'Mr. Lion' gets a roar of support,” here.

When ya run across Mr. Mills, thank him for everything that he does for our community and be sure to thank Ms. Baublitz for all her good work also.

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20060823 KDDC David S Babylon Obit

David S. Babylon, Jr.

September 4, 1923 – August 22, 2006

Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home

91 Willis Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-848-3933 Fax 410-876-3284

David Snider Babylon, Jr., 82, died at his home on Tuesday, August 22, 2006, after an extended illness.

Born on September 4, 1923 in Westminster, MD, he was the son of the late D. Snider Babylon and Marion Cover Babylon. He and G. Evelyn Fluck Babylon were married October 16, 1948 by her father, the Reverend Dr. William A. Fluck, in Hatfield, PA.

Mr. Babylon was a 1941 graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. He was one of the youngest Captains commissioned in the U. S. Army during World War II. He graduated from Gettysburg College in January 1948 with a BA degree in Economics.

After graduation, he continued in a business, Cunocar Bookkeeping Service, begun in his college years. Many in Westminster have fond memories of Mr. Babylon’s green “office-on-wheels,” in which he would travel from business to business. He sold his business in 1986, to retire, travel, and enjoy his family and friends. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home on Willis Street.

Much of life was dedicated to public service. He joined the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company #1 on June 1^st, 1949. Serving in the fire department was one of the passions in his life. He served for many years as secretary/treasurer. Some members still recall how he stopped by the station every morning to “match for coffee” – flipping a 1923 silver dollar.

Mr. Babylon served as a Westminster Common Councilman for 25 years, from 1964 to 1989; at which time, he retired. For 16 of those years, he served as the Common Council President as did his grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon, in 1898 and 1899.

Mr. Babylon was a member of Carroll Post 31 American Legion for over 60 years, as well as a member of the Westminster Elks Lodge 2277, and a member and past president of the Westminster Lions Club for over 50 years, for which he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1994. He was a member and past president of the Westminster Riding Club; of which his sister, Eleanor Cover Babylon was a founding member.

He was also an active member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Carroll Street in Westminster as was his family for two previous generations.

As a business professional, Mr. Babylon served as President and board member of the Westminster Hardware Company for many years. He served as a Director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Carroll County Bank and Trust Company from 1961 until 1999 as well as Mason-Dixon Bancshares from 1991 to 1999. His grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon and father, D. Snider Babylon, also served as President of the Westminster Hardware Company and as a Director and President of the Westminster Savings Bank, the predecessor of Carroll County Bank & Trust.

He was on the Board of Directors of Piney Branch Golf & Country Club, the Raymond I. Richardson Foundation for Bowling Brook School and the Albaugh and Babylon Grocery Co.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, their spouses and six grandchildren. Marian Babylon Rognlien and her husband, Ronald L. Rognlien and daughter, Marnie, of Nokesville, VA. Col. William T. Babylon, US Army (Ret.) and his wife, Lt. Col. Patricia Jean Cronen Babylon, US Army (Ret.) and their children, Franklin Thomas and his fiancé, Rosalena Magroski; Elizabeth Anne; and David Snider Babylon III, of Anchorage, AK. Caroline Babylon and her husband, Kevin Dayhoff, of Westminster, MD. Sarah Babylon Dorrance and children Jamie and Melissa, of Mount Airy, MD.

He was predeceased by his stepmother, Caroline Billingslea Babylon, sister, Eleanor Cover Babylon, brother Thomas Cover Babylon, and son-in-law James Dorrance.

The family will receive friends at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home at 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, Friday, August 25. The Westminster Fire Department will hold a memorial service at 8:15 p.m. Friday evening, August 25.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street in Westminster at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 with the Reverend David B. Helfrich officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service at Grace Lutheran Church. Entombment will be private at the family mausoleum at Krider’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evelyn and David S. Babylon Community Fund, c/o The Carroll Community Foundation, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD 21157.

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20060823 David S Babylon Obit

David S. Babylon, Jr.

September 4, 1923 – August 22, 2006

Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home

91 Willis Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-848-3933 Fax 410-876-3284

David Snider Babylon, Jr., 82, died at his home on Tuesday, August 22, 2006, after an extended illness.

Born on September 4, 1923 in Westminster, MD, he was the son of the late D. Snider Babylon and Marion Cover Babylon. He and G. Evelyn Fluck Babylon were married October 16, 1948 by her father, the Reverend Dr. William A. Fluck, in Hatfield, PA.

Mr. Babylon was a 1941 graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. He was one of the youngest Captains commissioned in the U. S. Army during World War II. He graduated from Gettysburg College in January 1948 with a BA degree in Economics.

After graduation, he continued in a business, Cunocar Bookkeeping Service, begun in his college years. Many in Westminster have fond memories of Mr. Babylon’s green “office-on-wheels,” in which he would travel from business to business. He sold his business in 1986, to retire, travel, and enjoy his family and friends. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home on Willis Street.

Much of life was dedicated to public service. He joined the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company #1 on June 1^st, 1949. Serving in the fire department was one of the passions in his life. He served for many years as secretary/treasurer. Some members still recall how he stopped by the station every morning to “match for coffee” – flipping a 1923 silver dollar.

Mr. Babylon served as a Westminster Common Councilman for 25 years, from 1964 to 1989; at which time, he retired. For 16 of those years, he served as the Common Council President as did his grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon, in 1898 and 1899.

Mr. Babylon was a member of Carroll Post 31 American Legion for over 60 years, as well as a member of the Westminster Elks Lodge 2277, and a member and past president of the Westminster Lions Club for over 50 years, for which he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1994. He was a member and past president of the Westminster Riding Club; of which his sister, Eleanor Cover Babylon was a founding member.

He was also an active member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Carroll Street in Westminster as was his family for two previous generations.

As a business professional, Mr. Babylon served as President and board member of the Westminster Hardware Company for many years. He served as a Director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Carroll County Bank and Trust Company from 1961 until 1999 as well as Mason-Dixon Bancshares from 1991 to 1999. His grandfather, F. Thomas Babylon and father, D. Snider Babylon, also served as President of the Westminster Hardware Company and as a Director and President of the Westminster Savings Bank, the predecessor of Carroll County Bank & Trust.

He was on the Board of Directors of Piney Branch Golf & Country Club, the Raymond I. Richardson Foundation for Bowling Brook School and the Albaugh and Babylon Grocery Co.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, their spouses and six grandchildren. Marian Babylon Rognlien and her husband, Ronald L. Rognlien and daughter, Marnie, of Nokesville, VA. Col. William T. Babylon, US Army (Ret.) and his wife, Lt. Col. Patricia Jean Cronen Babylon, US Army (Ret.) and their children, Franklin Thomas and his fiancé, Rosalena Magroski; Elizabeth Anne; and David Snider Babylon III, of Anchorage, AK. Caroline Babylon and her husband, Kevin Dayhoff, of Westminster, MD. Sarah Babylon Dorrance and children Jamie and Melissa, of Mount Airy, MD.

He was predeceased by his stepmother, Caroline Billingslea Babylon, sister, Eleanor Cover Babylon, brother Thomas Cover Babylon, and son-in-law James Dorrance.

The family will receive friends at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home at 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, Friday, August 25. The Westminster Fire Department will hold a memorial service at 8:15 p.m. Friday evening, August 25.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street in Westminster at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 with the Reverend David B. Helfrich officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service at Grace Lutheran Church. Entombment will be private at the family mausoleum at Krider’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evelyn and David S. Babylon Community Fund, c/o The Carroll Community Foundation, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, MD 21157.

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