The Downtown Westminster Main Street News – July/August 2007
July 1st, 2007
By Stan Ruchlewicz
Mr. Ruchlewicz can be reached at sruchlewicz AT westgov DOT com
Westminster Administrator of Economic Development
The 13th Annual “A Month of Sundays” Concert Series Kick Off July 1st
The Human Services Program (HSP) of Carroll County, Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks and the City of Westminster Recreation Department are pleased to present the 13th Annual “A Month of Sundays” Summer Concert Series in Westminster City Park every Sunday in July, beginning at 6:45 p.m.
This year’s schedule includes: 229th Army Band of the Maryland Army National Guard (Ceremonial/Concert/Rock & Jazz) on July 1st;
The Van-Dells (Oldies/Rock & Roll Show Group) on July 8th;
Yesterday’s News (Rock & Roll) on July 15th;
The Brandy Stills Band (Pure Country/Southern Rock/Top 40 Country) on July 22nd; and
Rich Clare & Pentagon (Rock & Roll/Rhythm & Blues) on July 29th.
Even though the concerts are free and open to the public, you are encouraged to help the homeless and low-income individuals serviced by HSP by donating one of the following items: personal care items for all ages; baby food, diapers and/or formula; or paper goods or cleaning supplies. The items will be collected at each performance.
As always, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the great sounds of summer!
Olney Theatre Center’s National Players present William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
Back by popular demand at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, are the Olney Theatre Center’s National Players for a couple performances of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” on Monday, July 2nd and Tuesday, July 3rd, both beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The National Players are America’s longest running touring company. They bring professional classical productions to stages across the country each summer while striving to present “The Bard” with a spirit of summer fun for the whole family. This production is a collaboration between seasoned veterans of the year-long National Players and alumni and students of the Boston University Theatre Conservatory. This exciting partnership has been reinvigorating Shakespeare’s texts for new audiences for decades. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for Arts Council members, seniors 60 & over and kids 18 & under. For more information, call the Carroll Arts Center at (410) 848-7272.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre presents Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at the Carroll Arts Center on Thursday, July 5th
The Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s acclaimed “Fun Company” will present a live performance of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at the Carroll Arts Center on Thursday, July 5th, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The formula for this magical family show takes the classic tale and adds a few modern twists and tops it off with some zany jokes to re-invent the beloved tale. Can the goofy troupe of dwarfs save Snow White from the Queen Evilene? Will the handsome Prince be able to wake Snow White in time? Audiences will thoroughly enjoy this new adaptation even if they already know the outcome!
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for Arts Council members, children 12 years & under and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
Woodland Warrior is the Focus of the July 10th Box Lunch Talk
Come to a very special Box Lunch Talk program and experience the life of an 18th century Native American. Join Brian Johnson, dressed in traditional clothing, as he discusses food, family structure and the way of life of the Iroquois in the late 18th century and the relationship between the Iroquois and local Native Americans.
Presented by the Historical Society of Carroll County (HSCC), The Box Lunch Talks are a monthly lecture series on topics relating to local history. The talks are held the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Carroll Post of the American Legion at the corner of East Green and Sycamore Streets.
Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. Beverages and dessert are provided for all. Or, buy a lunch from the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30 a.m. by calling the American Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order. Admission is free to Historical Society members and a $3.00 donation is requested from non-members.
Common Ground on the Hill Presents a Summer Concert Week at the Carroll Art Center from July 10th to July 13th
Common Ground on the Hill will be presenting a Summer Concert Week at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, during its Traditions Week #2 from Tuesday, July 10th through Friday, July 13th.
Performing on stage will be many of the presenters and instructors from this year’s Common Ground on the Hill sessions.
On Tuesday, July 10th, the concert week will kick-off with Sakim, Robin Tillery & Jeremy Wright telling Native American Stories and playing the Woodland Flute; Singer/Songwriter Skye Zentz; Bob Zentz and Jeanne McDougall playing Songs of Tradition; Port Righ and Sharon Knowles performing on the Celtic Harp and Pipes; and a performance by the staff of Drumming on the Hill.
Wednesday, July 11th, will feature the Dean of American Songwriting – Bob Franke; Singer/Songwriter Caroline Doctorow; Hawaiian chant and song master Antion; and Acoustic Guitar Master Michael Chapdelaine.
Thursday, July 12th, will be Blues Night with Andy Cohen, Walter Liniger, Harry Orlove, Mike Atherton and Jesse Palidofsky performing.
Friday, July 13th, will have performances by the Maryland Playback Theater Workshop; Native American Songwriter Jack Gladstone; Autoharp Master Bryan Bowers; and the DC Bluegrass Union All-stars, with Tony Trischka, Banjo Master.
All concerts start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Adults or $30 for all 4 nights and $5 for children, ages 12 and under. For more information or tickets, call (410) 857-2771.
The “Mystic Isles” are presented in the Community Gallery of the Carroll Arts Center from July 10th to August 11th
Visit the British Isles through the works of Shawn Lockhart, Jo Morrison and Gordon Wickes in the Community Gallery of the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, from Tuesday, July 10th through Saturday, August 11th. The Community Gallery is open the same hours as the Carroll Arts Center. For more information or hours, call (410) 848-7272.
Kids’ Summer Movie Series Presents “Fly Away Home” on July 12th at the Carroll Arts Center
The Carroll County Arts Council’s Kid’s Summer Movie Series presents “Fly Away Home” on Thursday, July 12, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. in the theater of the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street.
The movie is about a father and daughter who help teach wild geese to migrate and learn much more in the process.
Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for Arts Council members, children 12 years & under and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
Annual Downtown Library Book Sale is Slated for July 13th & 14th
The annual book sale of the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library is scheduled for Friday, July 13th, and Saturday, July 14th, from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the library, 50 East Main Street, in Downtown Westminster. Choose from their large selection of used books, CDs and VHS/DVDs that are all at bargain prices.
The Carroll Arts Center is the Site for Maryland’s Junior Miss Pageant on July 14th
While celebrating 50 years of America’s and Maryland’s Junior Miss Pageants at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, on Saturday, July 14th, one high school senior girl will be selected to receive a college scholarship and sent on an all expenses paid trip to Mobile Alabama to represent Maryland in the national Junior Miss finals. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the pageant will include talent presentations as well as productions by the participating girls. Tickets are $15. For more information, call (443) 277-7694.
“The Big Chill” Arrives at the Carroll Arts Center on July 19th
The Carroll County Arts Council will present the movie “The Big Chill” on Thursday, July 19th, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street. “The Big Chill” is about seven old friends who are reunited for the first time since their college days at the funeral of a friend. Together again, they discuss how they have fallen away from old ideals, and dealt with relationships, careers, and Vietnam. The movie stars Glenn Close, William Hurt, and Kevin Kline. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for Arts Council
members and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
Carroll County Public Library Sponsors a Free Showing “Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire” at the Carroll Arts Center
The Carroll County Public Library will be sponsoring a free screening of “Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire” at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, on Friday, July 20th, on the eve of the release of the latest Harry Potter book. With the movie beginning at 9:00 p.m., this special screening will end with the official release of the new Harry Potter book at midnight. Call (410) 386-4490, ext. 739 for more details.
Live in Concert - Cory Jenkins on July 21st
A live acoustic performance by talented vocalist and songwriter Corey Jenkins will take place on the stage of the Carroll Arts Center on Saturday, July 21st, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thomas Rove will also make a special appearance. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre presents Two Performances of “Bluebird” at the Carroll Arts Center on July 26th
The Maryland Ensemble will present a performance of “Bluebird” at the Carroll Arts Center on Thursday, July 26th, at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Puppetry and masks combine for a magical story about the quest to find the Bluebird of Happiness. Meet Mytyl, her brother Tyltyl and the Fairy Berylune, as oversized colorful puppets dance through story and song. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for Arts Council members, children 12 years & under and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
The “Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” will be Screened at the Carroll Arts Center on July 27th
The Carroll County Arts Council will present the movie “Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, on Friday, July 27th, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The movie is based on a true story about Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red and green parrots. This former San Francisco street musician falls in with the flock as he searches for meaning in his life, unaware that the birds will bring him everything he needs. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for Arts Council members, children 12 years & under and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
The Baltimore Ravens Return to McDaniel College on July 29th for Summer Training Camp; Practices Start the 30th
Hang up your Purple and Black with pride because the Baltimore Ravens will be back in action at McDaniel College, beginning July 30th! The guys in purple and black from Baltimore are back for their 12th summer training camp at McDaniel College. The Ravens Summer Camp will run from July 30th to August 18th. Practices occur daily except for August 4th & 5th; August 9th; and August 13th & 14th. The Baltimore Ravens want to remind you that all dates and practices are subject to change and advise you to call (410) 261-RAVE (7283) and press “5” for the latest practice information. It is expected that more than 60,000 persons will visit the camp once again this year to check out old favorites and prospective new members of the team.
Elvis: An American Trilogy
The Carroll Arts Center presents Elvis: An American Trilogy, starring International Elvis Tribute Artist Will Debley, on Saturday, July 28th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. It has been 30 years since the passing of the King. If you can’t make it to Memphis, celebrate Elvis’s life with the Carroll County Arts Council here in Downtown Westminster. All tickets are $12. For more information, call (301) 461-0503.
Mr. Brian and the Boppets on Stage at the Carroll Arts Center on August 1st
The Carroll County Arts Council presents Mr. Brian and the Boppets on stage at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, on Wednesday, August 1st, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Brian and his Boppets ask the question “Why wiggle when you can rock?” Catch this high energy, interactive rock concert for kids that uses humor, puppets and an electric guitar to deliver Mr. Brian’s positive message! Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for Arts Council members, children 12 years & under and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
Westminster Parks and Recreation Announces Line-Up for Friday Outdoor Movie Nights in August Free outdoor movies are again scheduled for Friday evenings; weather permitting, in August at Westminster City Park, beginning at
9:00 p.m. This year’s line-up includes Charlotte’s Web on August 3rd; Flushed Away on August 10th; How to Eat Fried Worms on August 17th; and Open Season on August 24th. Outdoor Movie Nights are co-sponsored by the City of Westminster Recreation, Police and Street Departments. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy an evening under the stars watching family-oriented movies. Concessions will be available at all movies. For more information, call (410) 848-9000 or (410) 751-5501.
Kids’ Summer Movie Series Closes with “The Amazing Panda Adventure” on August 9th
The Carroll County Arts Council’s Kid’s Summer Movie Series closes with two screenings of “The Amazing Panda Adventure” on Thursday, August 9th, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the theater of the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street.
The movie is about a boy named Ryan who went off to China during his spring break to visit his dad Michael, who's working on a project to rescue the dwindling panda population. But there's poacher trouble and Ryan and young translator Ling decide to rescue the preserve's panda cub, which has been animal-napped.
The movie is family fare, with a mixture of totally adorable real and animatronic pandas. The movie was filmed in the Sichuan province of China; home to the Wolong Nature Reserve, which is famous for its
successful breeding of the endangered giant pandas. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for Arts Council members, children 12 years & under and seniors 60 years & over. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, call (410) 848-7272.
Reconsidering the Evidence: The Finding of Special Order 191 is the Topic for August 14th’s Box Lunch Talk
One of the intriguing aspects of the Antietam campaign of 1862 is the discovery of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s campaign plan (Special Order 191) near Frederick. Join Gloria Baker Swift of the National Park Service as she examines the circumstances surrounding the finding of the “Lost Order.” Presented by the Historical Society of Carroll County (HSCC), The Box Lunch Talks are a monthly lecture series on topics relating to local history. The talks are held the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Carroll Post of the American Legion at the corner of East Green and Sycamore Streets. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch.
Beverages and dessert are provided for all. Or, buy a lunch from the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30 a.m. by calling the American Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order. Admission is free to Historical Society members and a $3.00 donation is requested from non-members.
Arts Council to Present the 4th Annual Members Exhibit at the Carroll Arts Center Beginning August 17th
The Carroll County Arts Council will present its 4th Annual Members Exhibit in the Tevis Gallery of the Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, from Thursday, August 17th through Saturday, September 30th. The Members Exhibit celebrates and showcases the work of Arts Council members and introduces artists to the Carroll County Artist Guild. This exhibit also gives the Arts Center staff an opportunity to identify talent for future Tevis Gallery exhibits. An Artist Reception will be held on Thursday, August 17th from 5:30
p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information on this exhibit, call the Arts Center at (410) 848-7272.
Westminster’s Award-Winning Municipal Band Performs in Concert at Belle Grove Park on August 26th
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of great traditional band music performed by Westminster’s own award-winning municipal band on Sunday, August 26th at 6:00 p.m. in Belle Grove Park. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, which is across the street from the park. Belle Grove Park is located at the corner of Bond and West Green Streets.
If you think the Westminster Band sounds great in parades, just wait until you hear them in a concert setting!
Pride in Downtown Westminster Continues ……. with Flowers!
For a long time, The Main Street News has shown the great improvements made to Downtown Westminster’s building facades. This month the Main Street News wants to acknowledge the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Westminster in beautifying Downtown Westminster with flowers and plants. Under the leadership of Lyndi McNulty, the volunteers have planted many locations throughout Downtown, including the concrete planters along Locust Lane, the planting bed below the City Mural, the planting area around the Downtown Westminster sign, the Col. Rosser Parking Lot on West Main Street, and some of the beds around the street trees. In addition to McNulty, volunteers on these projects included Angelina Morales and Harold Hubbard.
All of these projects are positive steps in enhancing downtown’s physical image and we thank the Kiwanis Club for their efforts.
The Planters along Locust Lane Harold Hubbard and Lyndi McNulty are Hard at Work on the Street Tree Beds are being were Done by the Kiwanis Club Planting Beds at the Col. Rosser Parking Lot on W. Main Street Planted with Hosta & Day Lilies
Downtown Happenings
Notes from Businesses
The month of July brings only 1 night of cooking classes to Giulianova Groceria & Italian Deli, 11 East Main Street. The date for the July cooking class is Thursday, July 19th, with class beginning at 7:30 p.m. Chef Bill Schroeder will show the class how to prepare Drunken Chicken (Chicken on a beer can); Flank Steak Giulianova; and Grilled Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil.
Of course, the participants get to try each of these delightful treats too. August will have Bill showing you how to prepare Pomodoro al Maryland (Ripe red late summer tomato, broiled and stuffed with Maryland jumbo lump crabmeat and asiago cheese); risotto stuffed zucchini; and stuffed pork tenderloin (stuffed with fresh basil and parmigiano, pan seared then broiled).
The August class will be held on August 16th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The cost of the each class is $35 per person. Reservations and deposits of 25% are now being accepted for all classes. For more information, call (410) 876-7425.
Maggie’s Restaurant at 310 East Green will begin their annual Tour of America Menus beginning on July 5th. Every week Maggie’s will present a menu reflective of the selected community. This year’s tour includes Miami on July 5th; Chicago on July 12th; New Orleans on July 19th; New York City on July 26th; Savannah on August 2nd; Dallas on August 9th; Sonoma Valley on August 16th; and Honolulu on August 23rd. For more information on a city’s specific menu, call (410) 848-1441 a week prior to the city’s turn on the menu.
The Two-Headed Pheasant Pub in Johannson’s Dining House at 4 West Main Street will have Live Jazz every Tuesday night in July from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., featuring such acts as The Eric Byrd Trio on July 3rd; The Standard Delivery Jazz Combo on July 17th; The John Seligman Trio on July 24th; and Steve Flynn’s Sinatra Tribute on July 31st.
The Two-Headed Pheasant Pub’s monthly Blues Nights in July and August will feature Johnny Rawls on Thursday, July 19th and Skyla Burrell on Thursday, August 23rd from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The Down Under Sportsbar & Grill in Johannson’s Dining House at 4 West Main Street will have a Battle of the Bands every Saturday in August featuring some of the finest bands from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. Also, Down Under’s regularly scheduled live band performances will return after a summer hiatus on Friday, August 31st with The Mishaps.
O’Lordans Irish Pub at 14 Liberty Street will have live music on Saturday nights from 9:00 p.m. to Midnight during July and August. The current performance schedule is as follows: July 7th – Pat O’Brennan; July 14th – TBA; July 21st – Gary & The Groove; July 28th – Roach Brothers; August 4th – 3rd Wish; August 11th - Pat O’Brennan; August 18th – Henry & Ellis; and August 25th – Finnegan’s Woo. For more information, go to www.olordansirishpub.com.
Rafael’s at 32 West Main Street is once again having a monthly Summer Deck Party this year. The deck parties are on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the bands playing from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The band schedule is as follows: July 15th – Hot Box; August 12th – Into the Sun and September 9th – Spiral. Also, check out Rafael’s new smoke-free dining room, as Rafael’s has expanded operations into 34 West Main Street.
New Faces or Different Places
The offices of Leon A. Podolak & Associates have moved to 147 East Main Street
Semiramis – A Mediterranean Grill, featuring great Shawarmas and Kabobs, is now open at 57 West Main Street. Their hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00
p.m.
Anniversaries
Clementines Country Boutique, formerly Crafters Alley, at 18 John Street will be celebrating its 12th Anniversary in July.
Speaking of anniversaries, Ain’t That a Frame at 31 West Main Street is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in business this year.
If you have a business happening you want to share with the Westminster Main Street Community, please feel free to email Stan Ruchlewicz at sruchlewicz AT westgov DOT com with the information for inclusion in a future issue.
Looking Ahead Downtown….
Here are a few events happening in Downtown Westminster in the months of September and October. More information will be provided in the next Main Street News issue. $ denotes an Admission Fee.
Every Saturday in September & October – Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market – 8:00 a.m. to Noon – Conaway Lot
September 11th - Box Lunch Tax – The Traditional Art of Papermaking -– Noon – Carroll Post, American Legion - $
September 25th – Westminster FallFest “Dining Out Westminster” – Various Restaurant Locations in Westminster
September 26th – FallFest Mile Run and Parade – 7:00 p.m. – Pennsylvania Avenue, Main Street & Longwell Avenue
September 27th – 30th – The 29th Annual Westminster FallFest – Hours Vary – Westminster City Park
September 28th – Midnight Madness – 6:00 p.m. to Midnight – Downtown Westminster
October 9th - Box Lunch Tax – Schoolbells and Slates -– Noon – Carroll Post, American Legion - $
October 30th – Halloween Parade – 6:00 p.m. - Pennsylvania Avenue, Main Street & Longwell Avenue
####
