20070611 2007 Preservation Month Westminster Architectural Scavenger Hunt

2007 Preservation Month Westminster Architectural Scavenger Hunt

June 13^th, 2007

The winners for the 2007 Preservation Month Westminster Architectural Scavenger Hunt were announced at the Westminster Common Council meeting last Monday, June 11^th, 2007.

For additional posts about this year’s contest click on: History Westminster or Westminster Eagle.

Dean Camlin was kind enough to e-mail me some additional information and the winners:

The poster contest was initially proposed by HDC (Westminster Historic District Commission) member Laurie Walters.

Stan Ruchlewicz shot many of the pictures used on the poster, and Dean Camlin did an initial graphic layout.

Jerry Trescott wrote the contest clues, and Tim Rogers donated many hours of support.

The entry form ran in a full color center-spread in the Eagle May 2 & was also available at many downtown locations, including the Flower & Jazz Festival.

The Eagle provided graphic design layout and ran additional clues in subsequent weeks. All of this was free of charge, through the generous support of editor Jim Joiner.

Additional funding was provided through a Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area matching mini-grant.

The contest received uniform positive comments from the community. 57 entries were received by the May 31 deadline. Entrants received a commemorative poster (with the correct answers) and a CD of The Building of Westminster. The winners, selected from the correct entries at random, are listed below along with their prizes:

Bob Nangel - HSCC print framed by Gizmo's

Residents of Westminster Ridge - O'Lordans gift certificate

Katie & Wendy (mom) Raith - Thai Classic 3 gift certificate

Lauren Douzat - Rafael's gift certificate

David Taylor - Johansson's gift certificate

Mary Mullinix - Pour House gift certificate

Celene Steckel - Giulianova's Italian Deli gift certificate

The commemorative enlarged posters, with the correct addresses of the dozen buildings, were designed and printed by Kohn Creative. These are available at City Hall to the public.

20070608 Corbit’s Charge Commemorative Weekend June 23rd and 24th, 2007

Battle of Westminster, Maryland

“Corbit’s Charge”

Commemorative Weekend June 23rd-24th, 2007

(posted June 8^th, 2007)

Come Join Us and Learn

BEFORE THERE WAS GETTYSBURG, there was CORBIT’S CHARGE AND THE BATTLE OF WESTMINSTER!!!

Join us to commemorate the 144th Anniversary of the cavalry battle in the streets of Westminster that helped to alter the outcome of the decisive battle of the Civil War at Gettysburg.

The encampment will be open to the public on Saturday, June 23rd, from 10 a.m. until Dark; and Sunday, June 24th, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. EDUCATIONAL AND FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE BOTH DAYS. A Civil War Tent-Style Church Service is scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. The public is invited.

The City of Westminster is proud to sponsor this premier annual event to commemorate this important engagement in the Gettysburg Campaign. The Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table is the host for the weekend’s activities.

Civil War Living History Encampment

Period Music Concerts -

2nd SC String Band - 6/23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Gilmore’s Light Ensemble - 6/24 @ Noon

Cannon Firing Exhibitions

Speakers & Book Signings

Artisans & Sutlers

Children’s Activities

Camp Life Demonstrations

Civil War Tent-Style Church Service

(Sunday - 10 a.m.)

Guided Battle Site Walking Tours (Sun.)

AND MUCH MORE!!!

In Historic Westminster, MD at 224 N. Center Street, just off MD 140, across from the County Office Building

To learn more about the daily schedule of activities, or for directions to the site, please call Mr. Stan Ruchlewicz with the City of Westminster at (410) 848-5294; email Mr. Ron Kuehne at ronaldk AT carr.org; or visit the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table Website at www.pccwrt.addr.com.

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area

Schedule For Corbit’s Charge Event – 2007

Updated April 5, 2007

This will be a 2 day event located on the grounds of the encampment site on Center Street.

Friday, June 22, 2007

3:00 p.m.

Encampment opens for re-enactor camp setup.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

9:00 a.m.

Unit Commanders meeting.

10:00 a.m.

Encampment opens to the public with unit drill and camp life demonstrations and displays. Sutlers and food will be available

12:30 p.m.

Re-enactors assemble for parade to Court House for wreath laying at battle monument and Lt. Murray’s grave.

2:00 p.m.

Re-enactors return to encampment to continue unit drill and camp life demonstrations and displays.

5:00 p.m.

Re-enactors dinner is served.

6:30 p.m.

Concert of civil war period music. Music provided by the 2nd South Carolina String Band. Snack Food service is available to the public.

9:00 p.m.

Encampment closes to the public.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Encampment is open to the public with camp life demonstrations, unit drill and displays. Sutlers and food will be available.

10:00 a.m.

A Civil War Tent Style Church Service. Chaplin Allan Farley officiating.

Public is welcome.

12 noon

Tours of the battle site begin. Period music is provided by Gilmore’s Light Ensemble from noon to 4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Encampment closes.

Re-enactor Units

3rd Maryland Infantry, USA

150th New York Volunteer Infantry, USA

1st Maryland Artillery, CSA

4th Virginia Cavalry, CSA

21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, USA

Historical Impressions, USA (Engineers)

Field Hospital, Robert Urban

Officer Interpreters:

General Robert E. Lee General U.S. Grant

General James Longstreet General J.E.B. Stuart

Sutlers – Displays

(Free except for sutler and food purchases)

Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table

Historical Society of Carroll County

Western Maryland RR Historical Society

President Street Station Museum

####

20070430 Wagoner, Stick Capture Westminster Main Street Mil

Wagoner, Stick Capture Westminster Main Street Mile

By Dave Herlocker

April 30^th, 2007

For other past posts about the Westminster Annual Main Street Mile on “Soundtrack.”

Photo credit: Westminster Annual Main Street Mile April 18, 2007 Photo by Stan Ruchlewicz

Matthew Wagoner from neighboring Frederick County and Westminster Road Runner member Sherry Stick captured the men's and women's division of the 26th annual Main Street Mile, held on April 18 and sponsored by the Westminster Road Runners.

Because of the large crowds which have participated in recent years in the downhill run from the east ridge of Westminster to the library at the center of town, registration was halted at 700 this year, with approximately 275 being in the first, competitive heat and the remainder in the second heat, treated as an untimed fun run.

Wagoner, a teacher at Linganore High School just over the Frederick-Carroll county line, led the first wave of runners down the initial hill, and by the time he reached the half-mile point in 2:02, the only question was how large his winning margin would be.

Wagoner's winning time of 4:09 is the fastest time of the century, even though it is almost fifteen seconds slower than the course record, set by Todd Ashley in 1988. Trailing Wagoner by thirteen seconds was newly minted masters runner Doug Mock, who in younger days won this race in under four minutes. Considering that he recently suffered numerous injuries in a fall from a fast moving bicycle, his effort is to be commended.

Danny Fink nipped Remus Medley for third, and Nicholas Wilbur, a member of the McDaniel College track team, finished fifth. Finishing tenth was Shawn Pinamonti, winner of the race in 2001 and 2002.

Repeating her 2006 winning effort was Sherry Stick, who spent her college years at Salisbury University on Maryland's Eastern Shore running 800 and 1500 meter runs. Finishing fourteenth overall, Stick's time of 4:50 was one second faster than last year's winning time and also one second faster than her second place time in 2001.

Brittney Rooks, whose 4:57 time is only the second sub-five minute time recorded by a thirteen or under female, finished second, ahead of Becky Alwarez-Rhodes, who finished second last year. Another thirteen year old, Anna Rachel Demaree, finished fourth, one place better than last year, and Ashley Baker, a McDaniel College senior whose tennis season was sidelined by student teaching duties, finished fifth.

While race officials were sorting through finishing times, and finishers from the first heat were attacking ice cream, word was received from the course that a fun runner had collapsed just past the half-way point and was being treated by medics administering CPR.

To the distress of everyone, the runner--six year old Connor Smith, running with his mother and participating in his fourth Main Street Mile--could not be revived.

Doctors at nearby Carroll General Hospital later stated that he suffered from a rare and previously undiagnosed heart condition known as anomalous left coronary.

Ten days later, on a beautiful Saturday morning, a memorial service was held in Odenton, Maryland, at Connor's home church. In a church filled with family and friends and adorned with flowers, toys, and pictures, Connor was lauded as an intelligent and active child, who treasured the medals he received in the Main Street Mile and who had trained prior to the race. His parents have allowed the Westminster Road Runners to post a picture on Connor, wearing his 2006 Main Street Mile shirt, on the club's web site (www.carr.org/~wrrc).

Contributions may be made to the Connor Smith Memorial Fund at the Dayton Oaks Elementary School, 4691 Ten Oaks Road, Dayton, MD, 21036. Monies received will be used to purchase books for the library on subjects that Connor loved.

20070214 Westminster tattoo parlor ban draws heat

Westminster tattoo parlor ban draws heat

Writing for the Baltimore Examiner, Kelsey Volkmann has an article in the February 14th, 2007 edition of the paper on the recent Westminster Common Council vote to ban tattoo parlors in Westminster.

I totally agree with Lori Graham and Stan Ruchlewicz, especially when one considers all the empty store fronts in Westminster of the last year or so…

Kelsey Volkmann, The Examiner, Feb 14, 2007 3:00 AM

http://www.examiner.com/a-564423~Westminster_tattoo_parlor_ban_draws_heat.html

Westminster - Critics lambasted Westminster’s new ban on downtown tattoo shops as anti-business.

“Restricting the types of businesses that can move downtown makes no sense to me,” said Lori Graham, the sole member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to vote against the ban. Graham is president of the Greater Westminster Development Corp., a nonprofit that works to stimulate economic development.

[…]

… Stan Ruchlewicz, Westminster’s economic development administrator, said he wants to attract “cool shops that are youth-oriented because that’s where the market is.”

“What we need is to get some shops that people will come shop through the generations,” he said. “It’s our comic book and skateboard shops that are keeping downtown alive. By allowing tattoo parlors out on the highway, you have youth shopping out on the highway.”

Read the entire article here.

20070207 Eye for Art Ruchlewicz an avid photographer by Lyndi McNulty in The Advocate

Eye for Art: Ruchlewicz an avid photographer

by Lyndi McNulty in The Advocate

February 7, 2007

http://westminsteradvocate.com/

http://westminsteradvocate.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=75&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=1783&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1322&hn=westminsteradvocate&he=.com

07.FEB.07 Eye for Art: Ruchlewicz an avid photographer

Stan Ruchlewicz is the administrator of Economic Development for the City of Westminster, and he has an artistic side, too. Ruchlewicz is an avid photographer.

He said his first love is teaching and judging high school marching bands and drum and bugle corps.

Through traveling as a judge, he said he visited many interesting places.

“So, I took pictures,” Ruchlewicz said. “Back in the dark ages, I was using a small Instamatic. Eventually, I grew out of the Instamatic into a 35mm camera.”

In 1989, Ruchlewicz was hired in Havre de Grace as director of Planning. He was also appointed to the governor’s Save the Lighthouse Commission.

“Then, I really needed to get a good camera to take pictures since we toured the various Chesapeake Bay lighthouses on our annual visits,” he said,

Also at that time, Ruchlewicz began to take photographs of downtown buildings, streetscapes and events for promotional and reference materials for his job, he said.

Later, his financee, Pat Miller, converted him to go digital.

“Now, I can take hundreds of photographs at a time and not worry about printing costs since I can view the shots on the computer and choose to print only the best,” he said.

Ruchlewicz and his fiancee both take photos.

“I do the large scale photos, such as buildings, landscapes and event crowds, while she enjoys doing architectural details, like gargoyles and grotesques and individual people,” he said. “Grotesques are the funny little guys that are on old buildings but don’t put out rainwater like gargoyles do.”

Today, Ruchlewicz is still shooting buildings and street scenes along Main Streets, events in downtown Westminster, lighthouses and his world travels.

“A lot of the photos I take are of streetscape features such as signage, trash cans, benches, streetlights, window displays, storefronts and building facades,” Ruchlewicz said. “I use them as examples of how to improve local buildings and to give local store owners new ideas on how to improve their businesses.”

Casey Willson, retail industry manager for the Maryland Small Business Development Center, uses some of Ruchlewicz’s pictures for his presentations to small business owners around the state.

Ruchlewicz’s work is everywhere in town.

The postcards of downtown Westminster, such as the view of Main Street from the roof of the old fire house, the downtown mural, the McDaniel College entrance, City Hall and the train passing in front of Johannson’s are all his work.

The postcards are all copyrighted by the City of Westminster under the Downtown Westminster Main Street Program.

Ruchlewicz’s photographs also appear in the new Westminster brochure, and recent Hickory Stick and ArtWorks billboards used his photographs, too.

Additionally, his photos from the Corbit’s Charge event can be viewed on the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table Web site at http://www.pccwrt.addr.com.

“The most utilized image of mine is of the old clock tower in Westminster that is currently the symbol of our town. It is being used as a brand for people to remember us when they visit,” Ruchlewicz said.

Ruchlewicz’s newest project is converting his photographs into digital art.

“For example, I take photos of England and convert them into images that resemble old etchings and engravings from the 19th century,” he said. “Besides creating art, it also helps me learn how to use some of my new computer features.”

In the future, Ruchlewicz said he would like to put his photographs in an art show and perhaps sell some commercially.

And his travels continue.

“I plan to go to Budapest in the spring to continue my photographic adventures and to bring some new ideas back to Westminster’s downtown,” he said.

— Lyndi McNulty owns Gizmos Art in Westminster.

Art – Eye for Art by Lyndi McNulty in The Advocate

20060816 Vota for Mona

20060816 Vota for Mona

Thursday, August 17, 2006

20060816 Vota for Mona

“Vota for Moana”

© Kevin Dayhoff

August 16^th, 2006

This is the season for signs.

Recently your intrepid blogger found this group of signs at Main Street and the railroad tracks in Westminster MD.

Mystery surrounds just what Ms. Mona Lisa is running for.

In a related matter, we asked Westminster’s administrator of economic development, Stanta Ruchlewicz, about the economic impact of the Carroll County election season. “Well, ya know, it brings dollars into downtown Westminster,” remarked Mr. Ruchlewicz. “Recently it is about the only thing that’s happening in these parts.”

Asked if he knew just what office Ms. Lisa was running for, Mr. Ruchlewicz responded, “Don’t know. Don’t really care as long as the mysterious sign brings money into Westminster. It’s kinda neat, if I may say so myself.”

Jeff Glass, Westminster’s assistant director for parks, buildings, streets, water, wastewater, kitchen sinks, development review, planning, fly swatters, public works, utilities maintenance and the soundtrack division of old silent movies said, “It’s like a Norman Rockwell moment. America at its best.”

Asked how long the sign for Ms. Lisa has been at the intersection, “Don’t know. Been kinda busy recently,” remarked the assistant director for parks, buildings, streets, water, wastewater, kitchen sinks, development review, planning, fly swatters, public works, fleet management, kite flying, road sign, grass clippings removal, utilities maintenance and the soundtrack division of old silent movies.

Marianne Sheehan, the administrative assistant for the assistant director for parks, buildings, streets, water, wastewater, kitchen sinks, development review, planning, fly swatters, public works, fleet management, kite flying, road sign, grass clippings removal, utilities maintenance, letters and art, heavy metal music and the soundtrack division of old silent movies, remarked that the sign “looked good in that location and that it went well with the overall ambiance of downtown Westminster.”

Wayne Reifsnider, the assistant superintendent for streets, buildings, and parks said, “Well, ya know… Well, it’s a free country and people have a right to put up signs on private property, ya know. But I don’t know, ya know. Then on the other hand, well, ya know, it’s a neat sign and I just do my job. Mind my own business, ya know. Well, I best be moving along. See ya.”

More on this developing story as it unravels.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA. E-mail him at: kevindayhoff AT gmail.com www.thetentacle.com Westminster Eagle Opinion and Winchester Report www.thewestminstereagle.com www.kevindayhoff.com has moved to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at 8/17/2006 01:12:00 AM

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at Thursday, August 17, 2006

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoffart.com Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: www.westgov.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835

20060721 KDDC S Ruchlewicz's great picture of the Clydesdales in Westminster

Great Stan Ruchlewicz photograph of the Clydesdales in Westminster on July 17th, 2006

July 21, 2006

Stan Ruchlewicz is one of the better artists/photographers around. Since he first came to Westminster on Monday, June 11, 2001, he has amassed a wonderful set of downtown Westminster photographs. The photo posted above is no exception.

Mr. Ruchlewicz was the primary lead on getting the Budweiser Clydesdales to come to Westminster. He swung into action and put together the visit in literally a day, just a couple days before the Clydesdales arrived on Monday, July 17^th, 2006.

For additional information on the Clydesdale’s visit please see: “20060716 KDDC Budweiser Clydesdales in will be in Westminster Monday.”

Although Mr. Ruchlewicz came to Westminster five years ago as an economic development expert, he also has an extensive background in urban planning

For many years before he came to Westminster, Mr. Ruchlewicz handled economic development and planning issues for several municipalities such as Havre de Grace, MD and Reading, PA. In Havre de Grace, where he worked for twelve years, Mr. Ruchlewicz was the Director of Planning

Additionally, Mr. Ruchlewicz has served as President of the Maryland Downtown Development Association since 1997. He has also served on the Main Street Maryland Main Street Review Committee since 1997.

What many in Carroll County are not aware is that Mr. Ruchlewicz, a musician, is also the Chapter 5 Coordinator for the “Tournament of Bands” (TOB.)

According to information on the TOB web site, the TOB “is one of the largest competitive band organizations in the country…” It “sanctions approximately 140 field band events, about 100 indoor events and several comprehensive music festivals each year.”

“Tournament of Bands is a non-profit educational organization that is available to any middle, junior high, senior high, college or university. Founded in 1972 by the National Judges Association, Tournament has grown to over 400 active schools. Tournament provides performance opportunities in field band, indoor guard, majorette, percussion and dance team as well as comprehensive festivals with instrumental and choral events.”

When he is not promoting economic development for the City of Westminster or taking pictures, most any Saturday evening in the fall, you can find Mr. Ruchlewicz on a band competition field working with young adult musicians in a band event.

Until I can find an extra minute to post the number of pictures I took last Monday when the Clydesdales in town, please enjoy the picture posted above graciously provided to KDDC courtesy of Stan Ruchlewicz.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org

####

20060716 Budweiser Clydesdales in will be in Westminster Monday

The Budweiser Clydesdales in will be in Westminster Monday, July 17

July 16, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

_________________

If you have ever had the interest in seeing the gentle giants of the horse family, the Budweiser Clydesdales, Westminster is the place to be on Monday July 17^th, 2006 during the lunch hour.

The Clydesdales visit to Westminster is sponsored by Wantz Distributors, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, the local Budweiser distributor.

According to Westminster’s administrator of economic development Stan Ruchlewicz, the Clydesdales will be visiting Westminster on their way from Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in Pittsburgh to the NASCAR race festivities in Long Pond, PA.

Mr. Ruchlewicz advises that: “Beginning about 12:30 p.m., the magnificent Clydesdales will travel down Longwell Avenue from the Westminster Skate Park to Willis Street where they will travel Willis Street to Court Street. After making a left onto Court Street, they will make a right onto Greenwood Ave. following it to Manchester Road.

“They will make a right onto Manchester Road crossing Main Street onto Washington Road. At Green Street, they will make a right and stop at Maggie’s for a photograph. They will continue down Green Street to Center Street where they will make a right and stop for a photograph at Maria’s and the Westminster Inn. They will then make a left on Main Street.

“They will then travel down Main Street to John Street also stopping at Johansson’s Dining House and Rafael’s for photographs before heading to City Hall for pictures and then returning to the Skate Park.”

For a cute video (Budweiser commercial) featuring a baby Clydesdale, click here.

There are six “hitches” - eight-horse teams of Clydesdales - which pull a red, white and gold 1903 Studebaker-built beer wagon. Five of the hitches are traveling hitches. The hitch that will be visiting Westminster is the St. Louis team. The other hitches are based in Menifee, California; San Diego, California; Merrimack, New Hampshire and San Antonio, Texas

The tradition of the Clydesdales began as a celebration of the repeal of Prohibition on April 7, 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. had the team of horses ceremonially deliver the first case of post-Prohibition beer from the St. Louis brewery to his father.

Published reports reflect: “Realizing the advertising and promotional potential of a horse-drawn beer wagon, Mr. Busch had the team sent by rail to New York City, where it picked up two cases of Budweiser beer at New Jersey's Newark Airport. The beer was later presented to Al Smith, former governor of New York and an instrumental force in the repeal of Prohibition.

From there, the Clydesdales continued on a tour of New England and the Middle Atlantic States. The hitch even delivered a case of beer to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the White House.”

Over 70 years later, the tradition continues as the “Clydesdale hitches travel some 100,000 miles a year…”

The especially large breed of horses traces its beginnings in the early 1800s in Lanarkshire, Scotland, along the River Clyde.

Today, Clydesdales have evolved to a horse that is six foot tall (18 hands) at the shoulder and weigh approximately one ton each – between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.

To qualify to be a Budweiser Clydesdale, they must be “geldings, bay in color, have four white stockings and a blaze of white on the face, as well as a black mane and tail. A gentle temperament also is important, as hitch horses meet millions of people each year,” according to promotional accounts.

And oh, a Clydesdale’s horseshoe measures more than 20 inches from end to end and weighs about five pounds.

They eat two meals a day, which includes 20 to 25 quarts of feed, 50 to 60 pounds of hay and up to 30 gallons of water.

When they arrive in Westminster Monday morning, they will arrive in “three 50-foot tractor trailers, custom-built for the horses with rubber flooring, air suspension and vent fans…”

The Clydesdales will probably be accompanied by one or more Dalmatians, which have traveled with the horses since the 1950s.

In the early days, the Dalmatians “were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The black-and-white spotted dogs were swift enough to keep up with the wagons, and their light-colored bodies and markings made them easier to see during the twilight hours.”

I’ll see ya in Westminster Monday during the lunch hour. Should be plenty of good pictures available.

_________________

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060707 Latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News is now available

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News, by Westminster Economic Development Administrator Stan Ruchlewicz.

Always informative and well written - click here: "Downtown Westminster Main Street News!"
to download the latest edition.

20060707 KDDC Latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News is now available

20060516 Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival

Flower & Jazz Festival Kicks Off the Spring Event Season in Westminster

May 16, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff

Last Saturday, almost 6,000 visitors joined the Westminster community to welcome spring. And what better way to do it, than by giving away 2000 flowers for Mother’s Day.

For this year’s nineteenth annual Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival Westminster opened up its historic downtown-shopping district with open arms.

This year 72 craft and commercial vendors, four nurseries, 4 non-profits, ten to fifteen Carroll County Health Department Child Safety booths – and most importantly, five food vendors, made Westminster the place to be for a beautiful spring day.

The nurseries included: Cowlick Gardens, M&W Nursery, Sue’s Flowers and Wakefield Valley Nursery.

Stan Ruchlewicz, Westminster’s administrator of economic development reports that this year’s jazz events included:

“The Herb Sell Ensemble and singer Audrey Cimino (provided) dance music for George Matysek, Tina DeMell and the Psycho Jammers… The Eric Byrd Trio” entertained on the front lawn of the Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

The sixth annual 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit Carroll County Youth Services Bureau, was a pre-festival event. Safe Kids Day 2006 was also part of this year’s event. It featured water safety information, along with interactive injury prevention booths, said Mr. Ruchlewicz.

Ron Schroers Director of Recreation and Parks and former mayor Dayhoff’s personal assistant emeritus said, “It was a beautiful day. It was great to see all the Mom’s and Dad’s.You’ll come back now ya hear.”

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org

####

20060514 KDDC May June 2006 Downtown Wster MSN

May/June 2006 issue of the Downtown Westminster Main Street News

Stan Ruchlewicz, the administrator of economic development for the City of Westminster has just posted the May/June 2006 issue of the Downtown Westminster Main Street News. You can retrieve it here: http://www.westgov.com/assets/MainStNews051206.pdf

20060512 The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News, by Westminster Economic Development Administrator Stan Ruchlewicz.

Always informative and well written - click here: "Downtown Westminster Main Street News!"
to download the latest edition.

http://www.westgov.com/assets/MainStNews051206.pdf

20060512 The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News

20050316 Bring Back the Westminster Christmas Parade

Westminster Advocate

Bring Back the Westminster Christmas Parade

The Westminster Christmas Parade

March 16th, 2005 by Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff (528 words)

As I am certain you are aware, it is only 284 days until Christmas. But even more importantly, there are only 262 days until the Westminster Christmas Parade on December 3rd, 2005. Please mark this date on your calendar now, so you do not miss all the fun with your friends and neighbors.

In keeping with the theme; “Westminster An Excellent Experience”, The Greater Westminster Development Corporation (GWDC), along with the City of Westminster and the Main Street Program are reviving an old Westminster Christmas tradition; the Christmas Parade.

Community leaders such as former Councilmember Sam Greenholtz, now Chair of the GWDC Board of Directors; Kathy O’Dell, Chair of the GWDC Downtown Main Street Promotions Committee; Lori Graham, President of the GWDC; Missie Wilcox; Sandy Scott; Lynn Aaron and Ron Schroers have rolled up their sleeves to plan this excellent experience.

Over fifty years ago, Christmas tradition in Westminster included a parade and shopping downtown with the family. In those days, the downtown-shopping district included East Green Street, West and East Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Some of the many shops and businesses on Pennsylvania Avenue included, Earhart Motors, O’Farrell Brothers Pontiac, The Avenue Barber Shop, Westminster TV and Radio Shop, Carroll Electric Service, Dutty’s Beauty Salon, Everhart’s Barber Shop, Wine’s Sports Shop, and Wilson’s Garage to name just a few. Moreover, who can forget the huge toy department in Hollander’s Auto Store, Bobby’s Hobby Lobby, Rosenstock’s Ladies’ Shop, Gehr’s Hardware Store, The Treat Shop, and the Bixler and Guild Drug Store on Main Street.

The early parades marched west along Main Street to the “Forks” at Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue where Santa Claus had his “temporary residence”. The jolly old fellow recently moved to Locust Lane, along with the Westminster Community Christmas Tree. The Democratic Advocate on December 26, 1947 describes the parade with the “city’s two bands”, the American Legion, and the 29th Division Association. Christmas carols, led by Kale Mathias, were sung by the community.

This year’s parade will be reminiscent of those former parades. Participants will include bands, antique cars, fire trucks and floats. Businesses are encouraged to provide a float depicting their business and the holiday spirit. The merchants from the TownMall, Westminster Crossing and other areas are invited to participate and call attention to the many fine products that they too offer. Store windows will be decorated and musical groups will be strolling the streets to entertain both young and old.

While much of the program revolves around the downtown merchants, you should know that the GWDC represents all of the greater Westminster environs and this event is one of many excellent experiences promoting shopping in all of the Westminster area.

The GWDC was created in 1994 as a private public partnership of business and city leaders to work together cooperatively to maintain and further a positive business environment in Westminster. Planning for the parade has already begun in earnest and sponsors, at various levels are welcome to help finance the project. More information can be obtained from Sam Greenholtz or calling the Westminster Main Street Program Manger, Stan Ruchlewicz at (410) 848-5294. And keep your hot chocolate at the ready.

####

GWDC Greater Westminster Dev. Corp., Christmas Westminster, Pennsylvania Avenue in Westminster, History Westminster

20030128 Business in Westminster - The Welcome Sign is Out

Business in Westminster - The Welcome Sign is Out

A Westminster Team Report by Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff

January 28th, 2003

Part of the Carroll County Chamber on Location

2003 Breakfast Series

First of all, I must begin by repeating what Mayor Yowan said when he addressed the Chamber about Westminster’s economic development outlook on February 29th, 2000: ‘Timing is everything’, … that’s how I look at this opportunity to speak with you this morning.

Many good things are happening in Westminster right now, much more than I will be able to talk about with you, in the next 15 minutes of your time - - but before I get into specifics, I think a few background words are in order.

First of all, I think it would be fair to say that the Staff and the Mayor and City Council of Westminster are very bullish on business, and have been for several decades, and will continue to be so. And that is not just in words, but in actions. That is because we realize the extreme importance of a vigorous healthy business community at the core of a vibrant and exciting Westminster.

Opportunities multiply when they are seized. Not only do we seize every opportunity to promote business in Westminster – but we make opportunities happen.

The City of Westminster is blessed with perhaps the best City Council and Staff in the State and I’m here to applaud them for all their great leadership and hard work.

Team Approach

But it is not just the City Council that has been hard at work for the business of business in Westminster. The City uses, just as any successful business uses – a team work approach to success and accomplishment. Anytime one particular member of the Westminster Team is the subject of a headline for spearheading this or that effort – any number of the members of the rest of the Team, are hard at work on the mundane and day-to-day workings of excellent government. No one person makes things happen in Westminster. Everything happens as a result of Teamwork. And that sense of team is not confined to the Staff and City Council of Westminster - - for nowhere in the State of Maryland is the concept of private-public partnership more alive than in Westminster.

Under the leadership and hard work of our excellent Administrator of Economic Development, Stan Ruchlewicz; Planning and Public Works Director, Tom Beyard; Town Planner, Shawn Siders; and the Westminster City Council, many new bold initiatives have been carried forward in the last several years.

We have continued to work with businesses to secure low interest loans to construct and renovate new facilities.

A facade loan program has begun to aid businesses in fixing up their store fronts.

Police foot patrols have continued to be emphasized and increased. Crime in Westminster has continued a downward trend that began over 9 years ago.

Pennsylvania Avenue Committee

One example of cutting edge government, that quickly comes to mind, is the inclusive and comprehensive Pennsylvania Avenue Committee that was initiated and spearheaded by the Council President, Damian Halstad and Councilman Greg Pecoraro, with the capable support of the rest of the Westminster City Council and Staff and leaders from throughout the State. When I was growing up in Westminster - - Pa. Avenue was one of the more exclusive neighborhoods in town; with its stately houses, shops and businesses. Make no mistake, that under the City’s leadership and initiative we will restore the Avenue to vibrancy.

Carroll Arts Center

Which quickly brings to mind – the crown jewel City project on the West end of town – the Carroll Arts Center. One goal of Westminster’s leadership is to expand the economic base and vibrancy of Westminster’s Main Street - east and west. Westminster’s traditional Main Street is currently book-ended by the Historical Society’s bold campus approach on the east side of town and the Carroll Arts Center on the west side of town.

What can I say – is this a great example of private - public partnership or what? It is also an example of great intergovernmental cooperation to get the project funded. The Arts Council Executive Director, Sandy Oxx has stepped up to the plate, along with the excellent support of her Board members and are making this arts and cultural Mecca a reality.

The more than $1 million project is in its final stages. The Arts Council staff started moving in just last week. When it opens in April, we should see more foot traffic along West Main Street providing a sense of vitality and hopefully, contagion for additional arts-focused businesses and restaurants in that area.

Westminster Square

Which brings us to the Westminster Square development. The $2.6 million, 4-story, 26,000sf, mixed-use Westminster Square building at the corner of Liberty and Green is proceeding on schedule. Incidentally, the Tyler-Donegan proposal being carried out in that project, was the one recommended by a private-public partnership - the GWDC.

Stone Building

On that same parcel, plans for the renovation of the old Stone Building are moving forward. Recently, The Westminster Town Center Corporation, under the leadership of Jake Yingling, has voted to bring a new restaurant to that location in town – building upon Westminster’s reputation as a dining destination in the central region of Maryland.

Keep in mind, that the Westminster trade area, now has the demographic strength of over 110,000 consumers.

Longwell and Westminster Square Parking Decks

The next exciting projects to talk about are the Longwell and Westminster Square Parking Decks. Not only will these decks provide much needed parking directly in the heart of Downtown, but they will provide fuel for future development opportunities.

The $2 million, 163-space Westminster Square Parking Deck is expected to go online this spring.

The $2.5 million, 315-space Longwell Parking Deck is on schedule for a late June/early July completion; you will see its precast concrete components arriving in March; the parking deck’s design allows for an additional level in the future.

With an increase of almost 400 net new parking spaces in the heart of Downtown Westminster, it is now time for the City to evaluate its surface parking lots and determine whether certain lots should be converted into development parcels in the near future.

Locust Lane Improvements

Which brings us to the Locust Lane improvements which will link the Longwell parking deck to Main Street.

Locust Lane improvements include re-grading and reconstructing the Locust Lane walkway to provide each of the businesses on Locust Lane with accessible entrances that they currently lack; a new performance space in front of the mural complete with electric outlets; new lighting and new street furnishings.

You will continue to see construction activity in this area all spring with completion at the same time as the Longwell Deck.

Main Street

On Main Street, since January of 2001, we have seen 35 new businesses start-up and 3 more expand their operations. The Pour House Café; Go Girl Garbs & Gifts; The Checkered Flag; Clayland Marble & Tile; Carousel Stained Glass; Wildflower Floral Design; and The Pottery Loft to name a few

These business start-ups and expansions have resulted in a net increase of 59FT and 7 PT jobs in the Main Street Program Area.

$1.4 Million in private investment and $350,000 in public investment occurred during the same period of time.

These investment figures do not include on-going projects, such as the Carroll Arts Center, the 2 parking decks, Westminster Square, Johansson’s elevator project, or the pending façade projects at the Rexall Pharmacy and Dutterer’s Flower Shop.

Between the on-going projects and some other projects on the drawing boards, like the final development of the Old Stone Building and the Old Mission Property, completed investment in Downtown during 2003 could be over $9 million.

Over the past two years, volunteers donated over 2,000 hours to the Main Street Program to enhance the vitality of downtown Westminster. This represents the hours put in by members of the Westminster Town Center Corporation, the GWDC and the downtown merchants responsible for such activities as Midnight Madness and Starlight Shopping. Not to mention the large number of hours put in with our highly successful Fallfest and all the other City Boards and Commissions

Westminster Town Center Plan

A new Westminster Town Center downtown revitalization plan will be presented to the Mayor and Council in February. This plan generally focuses on a two-block radius from the corner of Main and Liberty Streets and the railroad tracks. It contains ideas and recommendations that were developed during a 4-day design charrette in September; and is a plan for the future enhancement of Downtown Westminster that builds on existing strengths and current and future opportunities.

This plan does not focus solely on transportation issues. The plan provides cutting edge land use, transportation, and urban design strategies. It calls for the re-use of several of the existing surface parking lots and several underutilized building parcels as new development sites for perhaps additional mixed-use, multi-story development. This plan reinforces the Main Street character through further rehabilitation efforts and in-fill development; developing the Railroad Avenue corridor as an extension of the Main Street character. Also included is the establishment of a coordinated directional signage program for Downtown and a pedestrian scale streetscape approach along Railroad Avenue.

Be assured that you will hear more about this plan in the future.

Boscov’s

We are really looking forward to Boscov’s opening this spring.

The City of Westminster facilitated all of the necessary zoning changes, required for the Boscov’s development in less than 2 months (10/3/01-11/26/01).

This two-story, 186,000sf department store and the company’s traditional advertising and marketing strategy will help make Westminster a major Retail Destination, just like Baugher’s and Harry’s did for the restaurant sector.

Boscov’s will draw from far outside Westminster’s primary and secondary trade area. Boscov’s has already produced some economic contagion within the Mall. Because of Boscov’s announcement, several other businesses have become very interested in the TownMall.

I hope this has brought you up to date with the obvious business activity going on right now in Westminster. There are several areas I haven’t been able to address, but I’m sure that you have noticed, such as the Westminster Market Place retail stores on the East end of the city limits: BJ’s, Kohls, and Home Depot, right after Lowes, Target and a number of restaurants. The west end of the city limits has the Carroll County Airpark, with a wide variety of commercial businesses, and another restaurant – Bullocks Airport Inn – as well as one of Jack Tevis’s service centers.

And of course before the Airpark is the Corporate Center - the new home of our Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.

As Westminster continues to grow and change to meet the times, we have the variety to meet the needs of both the consumers and the businesses. Westminster is bullish on business.

I welcome any questions about projects I have mentioned, or anything else in the City of Westminster. Luckily I have Stan from the Westminster Team to help answer those questions.