Monday, October 11, 2010

Ehrlich greets 150 at fundraising event in Westminster Sunday

“Ehrlich greets 150 at fundraising event in Westminster Sunday” October 10, 2010 photo by George Welty

The event was organized by retiring five-term Maryland Dist. 5 Republican Sen. Larry Haines … “Ehrlich greets 150 at fundraising event in Westminster Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010” “This (Carroll County) is the promised land (for Ehrlich,)” said Haines, who introduced Ehrlich and his family to the crowd. Haines focused on the economy in his opening remarks. Current Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley “can’t fix it. But Bob Ehrlich can,” said Haines, who went on to say that in three weeks, the voters can give Ehrlich that opportunity… October 10, 2010 photo by George Welty

Former House of Delegates member and candidate for Haines’ former Maryland Dist. 5 seat, Joe Getty… “Ehrlich greets 150 at fundraising event in Westminster Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010” Getty then took the podium to introduce the many elected officials and candidates for office in the room, as well as a number of business and civic leaders; who time off from a beautiful fall Maryland Sunday to rub elbows with Ehrlich and his family… October 10, 2010 photo by George Welty

Former Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich. October 10, 2010 photo by George Welty

Retiring five-term Maryland Dist. 5 Republican Sen. Larry Haines Photo by George Welty October 10, 2010

Former Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich. October 10, 2010 photo by George Welty

(Left to Right) Former House of Delegates member and candidate for Haines’ former Maryland Dist. 5 seat, Joe Getty, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, and retiring five-term Maryland Dist. 5 Republican Sen. Larry Haines Photo by George Welty October 10, 2010

Ehrlich greets 150 at fundraising event in Westminster Sunday

Crowd urged to help him win over 80 percent of the vote in Carroll County in the general election on November 2.

Monday, 10/11/10 “Ehrlich greets 150 at fundraising event in Westminster Sunday” October 10, 2010 - - Updated October 27, 2010 with pictures by George Welty: http://georgewelty.blogspot.com/

For more pictures by George Welty: http://georgewelty.blogspot.com/ from this event, go to: http://georgewelty.blogspot.com/2010/10/bob-ehrlich.html

By Kevin Dayhoff http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/ehrlich-greets-150-at-fundraising-event.html

With just three critical weeks left before the general election, Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich made yet another in a series of campaign stops in Carroll County early Sunday evening. The event was billed as a “10-10-10 Rally for Bob Ehrlich.”

Ehrlich spoke for about 30 minutes at the fundraising event with 150 enthusiastic supporters at the Best Western Hotel in Westminster, where he urged the crowd to help him win over 80 percent of the vote in Carroll County in the general election on November 2.

The event was organized by retiring five-term Maryland Dist. 5 Republican Sen. Larry Haines, with some help by former House of Delegates member and candidate for Haines’ former seat, Joe Getty.

Getty and former Maryland Governor Ehrlich worked together before when he served as policy director in the Governor’s Office when Ehrlich served as governor from 2003 to 2007.

Ehrlich, accompanied by his family, made their way to Westminster immediately after the Baltimore Ravens 31-17 victory over the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium earlier in the day.

“This (Carroll County) is the promised land (for Ehrlich,)” said Haines, who introduced Ehrlich and his family to the crowd. Haines focused on the economy in his opening remarks. Current Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley “can’t fix it. But Bob Ehrlich can,” said Haines, who went on to say that in three weeks, the voters can give Ehrlich that opportunity…

Getty then took the podium to introduce the many elected officials and candidates for office in the room, as well as a number of business and civic leaders; who time off from a beautiful fall Maryland Sunday to rub elbows with Ehrlich and his family.

Carroll County commissioner candidates, Dave Roush, Dist. 3, Robin Frazier, Dist. 1, and Hampstead Mayor Haven Shoemaker, Dist. 2, were in attendance. Also attending were outgoing County Commissioner Mike Zimmer and retiring Maryland Dist. 5A Del. Tanya Shewell, along with a candidate for her former seat, Justin Ready; as well as Mount Airy town council members David Blais and Wendy Peters.

Ehrlich introduced his family, thanked Haines and Getty for their prior service and made a special mention of Amanda Boyd Miller, who has served as the chair of Ehrlich Carroll County campaign efforts.

In his remarks, Ehrlich took the opportunity to talk about why he entered the gubernatorial contest, noting that only seven Republican governors have served in the Maryland Statehouse. “I’m the only living Republican governor” who has served…, said Ehrlich.

Ehrlich noted that many folks have asked him “What got me into this… What changed your mind,” to run again for office after his defeat to O’Malley in the 2006 gubernatorial contest.

From 2005 to 2008 the electorate said, it wanted more taxes, more government spending, more bureaucracy, and more government regulation, said Ehrlich. That was what the message was… That’s what elected officials thought was (the message) the American public was sending, said Ehrlich.

Then around 2009, Ehrlich noted that he was attending meetings in places like Montgomery County, “expecting maybe 60” people; only there would hundreds of people there. “Small business people; people who had never been in politics before…”

However, “Something sent them over… something on the federal or state level…” And they were saying “enough.” Then came the governor’s race in Virginia, which was won by a Republican… And then New Jersey, a traditional Democrat stronghold, chose a Republican governor, “And I began to really take notice,” of a change in the mood of the voters, said Ehrlich.

“Then (former U.S. Senator) Ted Kennedy’s seat in Massachusetts went to a Republican” and that coupled with the New Jersey governor’s race results; and “we started to think this was news-worthy.”

Ehrlich mentioned his opponent very little during his remarks, except to note that in the “bluest state in the country,” his opponent started in March with a campaign, not on his record for the previous four years, but began by running on “Bob Ehrlich is a bad guy… I was to blame for the Louisiana (Gulf of Mexico) oil spill. It has gotten goofier ever since,” laughed Ehrlich.

“O’Malley is not running on his record. He has no record to run on except raising taxes,” quipped Ehrlich. “We want our lives back. We are not anti-government. The Marine Corps is the government. Maryland State Police is government. We’re for appropriate government.

“Our secret plan for the next 23 days (until the general election) is to really work hard… Then on November 3^rd, (the day after the election) is my time and I’ll get back to work,” said Ehrlich.

After his remarks, Ehrlich spent over 30 minutes mingling with those who attended the event; having his picture taken and going over campaign talking points.

After the event, Getty noted that the fundraiser was scheduled to help Ehrlich fund the last three weeks of running television ads in the Baltimore – Washington market, “one of the most expensive in the country,” noted Getty.

Over the last week, Ehrlich’s opponent has continued to wage an all-out media blitz campaign…, said Getty.

It is important that we help raise funds to respond to these attacks. “It’ll cost $1 million a week from now until the election,” said Getty who acknowledged a large campaign-funding disadvantage to O’Malley, which “allowed him (the current governor) to go on TV early.

“Governor O’Malley has a 3 to 1 advantage,” said Getty as he asked rhetorically about media reports that O’Malley still has $9 million left to spend in his war chest on additional television ads.

Meanwhile, later today, O’Malley and Ehrlich are scheduled to participate in their first gubernatorial debate of the election contest. “I’m looking forward to it,” said Ehrlich as he gathered his family for the trip home.

####

Ehrlich Events in Carroll County

By Getty for Senate on Saturday, October 9, 2010

http://www.facebook.com/notes/getty-for-senate/ehrlich-events-in-carroll-county/156168757751275

The next few days offer great local opportunities to be engaged in the Bob Ehrlich for Governor campaign.

On Sunday (the day before the first Gubernatorial debate), Senator Larry Haines is hosting a major fundraiser and Rally for Bob Ehrlich at the Best Western Westminster. We will hear from Governor Ehrlich about his views on the status of the campaign as he prepares for Monday's debate. Call me if you need information about this event (Joe Getty mobile phone 443 744 9338).

On Monday, volunteers and friends of the Getty for Senate campaign are gathering for a Debate Watch Party to watch the televised debate together at Greenmount Station Restaurant (1631 North Main Street, Hampstead). Come at 6 pm if you want to join us for dinner (dutch treat - separate checks). At 7 pm, we will watch the WJZ-TV debate on the Greenmount Station widescreen television and I will offer commentary from my perspective of having attended the 2002 debates.

On Tuesday morning, you can hear post-debate analysis directly from Governor Ehrlich at the Senator David Brinkley Breakfast Fundraiser (October 12 - 7:30 a.m.; Dutch's Daughter, 581 Himes Avenue, Frederick; $125 per person; Contact: David Brinkley 301-698-9206).

Kevin Dayhoff Photo by George Welty October 10, 2010

Don't miss out in participating in one of these great opportunities.

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Also: Early voting for the November 2, 2010 Maryland General Election begins Friday October 22, 2010 through Thursday, October 28, 2010, except for Sunday, October 24th when early voting centers are closed.

Labels: Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays politics, Elections 2010, Elections 2010 Maryland, Elections 2010 MD Governor, Gov Ehrlich-Robert

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

The Dugout Canoe Project A film by Ken Koons

The Dugout Canoe Project

A film by

Ken Koons

http://www.worldcommunityproductions.org/dugout.html

The Dugout Canoe Project was created at McDaniel College, in Westminster, Maryland, as part ofthe Common Ground on the Hill summer traditional arts program.

Starting with a 3 foot diameter by 12 foot long Sycamore tree and using only hand tools and fire, the community constructed this dugout to see what could be learned from traditional ways of working wood.

These videos explain how the boat was made and what the community discovered from working on the project.

Narrators:

Joe Baker, Archeologist
Charlie Billie, Seminole Tradition Bearer
Shelton Browder, Journeyman Blacksmith, Colonial Williamsburg
Guy Davis, Bluesman and Performer
Ken Koons, Journalist
Walt Michael, Director, Common Ground on the Hill
Göran Olsson, Swedish Tradition Bearer

Common Ground on the Hill

Carroll County Times

http://www.worldcommunityproductions.org/dugout.html

*****

Mary Leona Gage, Miss Maryland from 1957, who had Miss USA title stripped, dies

Miss Maryland from 1957, who had Miss

USA

title stripped, dies

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-former-miss-md-gage-dies-20101010,0,7018130.story

Pictures: Former Miss USA Leona Gage

The long, unhappy pageant of Mary Leona Gage

By Liz F. Kay, The Baltimore Sun

5:27 p.m. EDT, October 10, 2010

Mary Leona Gage, the 1957 Miss Maryland pageant winner who was Miss USA for only a day before officials stripped her of her title because she was a married mother of two, has died in Los Angeles at 71.

A son, Robert Kaminer, told the Associated Press Saturday that Gage died of heart failure at a Sherman Oaks hospital Tuesday.

Gage was the only Marylander ever selected as Miss

USA

. And, like Vanessa Williams and Carrie Prejean decades later, she was not the last to become famous after a pageant scandal.

Immediately after she lost the Miss USA title, she was featured on the Ed Sullivan Show and appeared in other television shows… http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-former-miss-md-gage-dies-20101010,0,7018130.story

20101010 Leona Gage Ennis Miss MD 1957 dies

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The long unhappy pageant of Mary Leona Gage By John Woestendiek

www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-missusa041005,0,6686993.story

baltimoresun.com

The long, unhappy pageant of Mary Leona Gage

One glorious day in 1957, Miss Maryland, Leona Gage, was crowned Miss

USA

. Then her past caught up with her, and a troubled future began unfolding.

By John Woestendiek

Sun Reporter

April 10, 2005

Read this well-written account here: www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-missusa041005,0,6686993.story

20050410 The long unhappy pageant of Mary Leona Gage

*****

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Fearing the Chávez Model

http://www.american.com/archive/2010/october/fearing-the-chavez-model?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+American+(AMERICAN.COM+--+A+Magazine+of+Ideas,+Online)&utm_content=Google+FeedfetcherBy Michael Auslin

Friday, October 8, 2010

Filed under: World Watch, Public Square

For many in Latin America, the Chávez model is the greatest threat to economic and political liberalism since the armed insurrections of the 1980s.

GUATEMALA CITY— One word is repeated to me by all the Guatemalan businessmen I'm meeting while here: Chávez. The Venezuelan strongman is the bete noire of Guatemala's economic leaders. What Hugo Chávez represents to them is nothing less than the rollback of liberal democracy in Latin America. They fear the "Chávez model," as they put it, of using democratic tactics to undermine liberal governing systems.

Venezuelans recently voted for a new National Assembly, and though Chávez supporters retained their majority, they lost their two-thirds supermajority that allowed them to push through constitutional changes on their own. This puts Chávez in a strong position for his 2012 reelection bid. Democrats throughout Latin America wait to see when Washington will finally take Chávez seriously as the most dangerous man in the Western Hemisphere... http://www.american.com/archive/2010/october/fearing-the-chavez-model?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+American+(AMERICAN.COM+--+A+Magazine+of+Ideas,+Online)&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

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Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Road sign

Cellphone

[Words Quotes20020222_RoadSigncellphone]

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/1247677597/road-sign-words

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1539268&id=1040426835&ref=fbx_album

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Bridge Out

[Dayhoffapedia\Signs\20020113-Bridge-Out]

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/1247557083/bridge

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1539258&fbid=1543905031140&id=1040426835

*****

Police investigating murders in Westminster and Frederick

Monday, October 4 2010

Area police were kept busy investigating two murders over the weekend.

By Kevin Dayhoff

In Frederick, the city police department responded to a report of shots fired in the area of the 200 block of Madison St. Sunday morning at 3:23 a.m.

Once they arrived on the scene, officers found a William Joseph Goines Jr., 31, of Frederick, suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the abdomen, according to a police report.

The victim was transported Frederick Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

No suspects have been charged in the killing as of Monday morning. The Frederick Police Department's Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division are continuing its investigation.

In Westminster, city police responded to a 911 call from an apartment building at the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue in the center of town.

According to Maryland State Police spokesperson Greg Shipley, Westminster Police Department Chief Jeff Spaulding requested the investigation be conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit. Westminster Police officers and detectives are assisting with the investigation, as are investigators from the State Police Westminster Barrack Criminal Investigation Section.

When officers arrived, city police found the victim’s shirt and pants had what appeared to be blood on them. Emergency response medics pronounced the victim dead at the scene, Shipley said in a police report.

The victim was identified as Steven R. Hobson, 40, of Main Street, Westminster, Md. Hobson’s body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

The preliminary investigation indicates the victim had been stabbed, say police.

Police investigators spent the weekend interviewing residents in the 13 other apartments in the building and following up on leads. They are also reviewing evidence obtained during processing of the scene by Maryland State Police crime scene technicians.

Police believe Hobson was unemployed and lived alone in the apartment. A motive for the murder remains unclear.

As of Monday morning, no one has been charged at this time.

Anyone with information about this crime are urged to contact Maryland State Police at 410-386-3000 or Westminster Police at 410-848-4646.

*****

Monday, October 04, 2010

City to move forward with more water

Gesell well project engineering approved at council meeting

9/29/2010

By Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster MD city officials decided at last Monday’s mayor and common council meeting to move forward with developing additional water resources for the municipality’s public water system.

Upon the recommendation of staff and public works director Jeff Glass, the common council voted to approve an $89,398.00 proposal from ARRO Engineering to perform “permitting, engineering design, and bidding/construction services” to develop the “Gesell” property well, located just south of Westminster on land owned by Carroll County government.

The project has been in the works for several years and is a cooperative effort between the county and the city. According to Glass, “the city conducted successful exploratory drilling in 2008-2009,” of the area, in search for more water.

The Gesell well was identified in the city’s 2009 comprehensive plan, which was adopted a year ago, on September 29, 2009, and is in the current Westminster capital improvements plan.

According to the 2009 comprehensive plan, “the City is working with the County on this estimated $1.2 million (Gesell Well) project that will yield approximately 350,000 gpd (gallons per day) in new water supply to the City in 2012.”

The engineering phase for the Gesell well “is the next step for the design of (water) treatments facilities … which will provide additional water, crucial to extinguish the (current) MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) consent order,” said Glass.

Since April 2007 the Westminster water system has been operating under a consent order with MDE to develop more water resources for the city and the outlying areas in the county it serves.

In a MDE press release on April 3, 2007, then-MDE deputy secretary Robert M. Summers, Ph.D. said, “The droughts of 1999 and 2002 highlighted the need to fully evaluate water system capacities, as many sources in Central Maryland, including Westminster’s, were unable to meet public water demand without seriously impacting the natural resources that also depend upon that water.”

At that time, the MDE consent order provided “the necessary framework to resolve the drought year deficit (and) require(d) a schedule for meeting both short and long term water supply needs…”

It also “establishe(d) a timeline for completing plans (water loss reduction and conservation plans) to better manage the existing system’s capacity; ensures that an interim contingency plan is in place to address drought conditions; modifies operating conditions of the City’s surface water withdrawal permit under drought conditions; and, grants a limited water quantity for planned development.”

According to the drought management section of the Westminster 2009 comprehensive plan, “During the summer of 2002, the State of Maryland experienced a severe drought that required the City to take extensive emergency measures to ensure adequate water was in the system to serve the entire service area.

“In response to the drought, The Mayor and Common Council adopted a ‘Drought Management Plan’ (in which) … the Mayor and Common Council made it a priority to find alternative sources of water. In addition, the City has developed an emergency water supply, utilizing water from Medford Quarry to supplement the Cranberry system during drought emergency conditions.”

“It is likely that the City will receive authorization from MDE to allocate the remaining 39,000 gpd from the Consent Agreement by late 2009/early 2010. The City has (water) allocation requests totaling 228,000 beyond the 139,000 gpd total from the Consent Agreement,” according to further information gathered from the 2009 Comprehensive Plan…

The Gesell well project is part of a multi-faceted approach to bring more water on line for the city’s water users. The 2009 comprehensive plan indicates, “While the Gesell Well will allow the City fulfill some of the backlogged requests in 2012, the completion of Big Pipe Creek Well Development project in 2015 will satisfy the drought of record deficit and move the City to a positive position.”

As far as the “Big Pipe Creek Well Development,” the comprehensive plan indicates, “the City is working with the County on this estimated $6.5 million project that will provide 500,000 in new groundwater to the City in 2015 from the Union Mills area…”

The city water system serves approximately 35,000 citizens, of which approximately 38 percent live outside of the city limits. To service the 9,200 water connections in the system, the city utilizes two separate water systems, the Cranberry system, and the Wakefield Valley system. The two systems are connected and can be operated together, but they are normally operated as separate systems.

Westminster’s water system is currently supplied by a blended source of groundwater and surface water. The major source of water is tributaries of the West Branch of the Patapsco River. That surface source is augmented by eleven wells throughout the community, which contribute 20 to 30 percent of the water supply. The 115 million gallon Raw Reservoir, built in 1957, holds the bulk of the reserve water.

Meanwhile, Glass said, “The City strategically monitors its water resources…” At the moment, under the city’s drought management plan and strategic monitoring, the water system is under a code “yellow” restriction.

“Effective September 13, 2010,” said Glass in a September 15 report, “due to the lack of precipitation during the last few months, the City has moved from Green in its Drought Management Plan to Yellow. This system, which was put into place in 2002 and amended in 2006 to monitor water resources, based on established water level triggers.

“As of today, the system has moved from stage one (Green) – conservation status – to stage two (Yellow) – voluntary restriction status. Yellow voluntary restriction status applies to reduction of outdoor water use. City recommendations are included in the Drought Management Plan.”

No word as to whether the recent rains will change the city’s drought status.

If you have questions regarding the Drought Management Plan, the Gesell well project or the city water system, please contact Jeff Glass, Director of Public Works at 410-848-9000.

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Photo: Westminster public works director Jeff Glass explains the engineering phase of the future construction of the Gesell well at the September 27, 2010 meeting of the Westminster MD mayor and common council. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

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No peeing on the trees please

May 20, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Sign found near the Westminster playground in Westminster, MD

[20100520 Dontpeeontrees]

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/1241193753/no-peeing-on-the-trees-please-may-20-2010-by

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12552&id=1040426835&saved#!/photo.php?pid=1419179&fbid=1493175922944&id=1040426835

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Reboot Universe

October 1, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

At the intersection of Main and Liberty Streets in downtown Westminster, city officials have provided folks with an extra option. Pedestrians may push the button to activate the crosswalk signal or they may opt to simply “Reboot Universe,” with the push of a button.

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/1241136274/reboot-universe-october-1-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

[20101001 RebootUniverse]

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Saturday, October 02, 2010

The real story about combat troops in Iraq from someone who is deployed

The real story about combat troops in Iraq from someone who is deployed

Date: Friday, August 20, 2010, 5:41 PM

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/real-story-about-combat-troops-in-iraq.html

Hey everybody I just wanted to send a quick update and give Yall the REAL story on what's going on over here with the troop withdrawal.

The picture is of my crew and I on a break during a mission. The guy to the far left is my gunner (Burks) and the guy in the middle is my driver (Mizell). They go with me on every mission and are great guys.

The reason I'm sending this out is because I have had a few people ask if I left Iraq early because all of the combat troops are out of Iraq and I wanted to let everyone know the real deal.

It's kind of ridiculous how the news is saying that the last of the "combat" troops are out of Iraq because of Pres Osama ( I mean Obama ). He says that it was his campaign promise.

Take our Brigade for example. We were originally called a HBCT ( Heavy Brigade Combat Team). Well since Obama said he would pull all of the "combat" troops out by Aug all they did before we left was change our name from a HBCT to a AAB ( Advise and Assist Brigade ).

We have the same personnel/equipment layout as before and are doing the same missions. The ONLY difference is that they changed our name from a HBCT to an AAB and that's how he is getting away with saying that he has pulled all of the "combat" troops out.

It is really ridiculous what he's doing and he has ticked alot of people off. And it's funny how the media is buying all of it to. So no the last combat troops are not out of Iraq we are still here. There are other Brigades just like ours that are doing the same missions that are still over here.

Sorry for going on about it but we are just sitting over here watching it and are like "You've got to be kidding me!" So anyway now you know the REAL story so that's why I'm not coming back early. Anyways I hope everyone is doing well and I'll see you soon!

Travis

--

cid:898BA4A7036442A798EA84F410E26D45@homee1att2lw8b

from an e-mail source

*****

Friday, October 01, 2010

Cops on Rooftops fundraiser for Special Olympics a great success

Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding raised a bucket full of donations at the Cops on Rooftops Special Olympics fundraiser September 25, 2010. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Cops on Rooftops fundraiser for Special Olympics a great success

$8,332.00 raised in 30 hours in an event full of good humor for a worthy cause

By Kevin Dayhoff http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/cops-on-rooftops-fundraiser-for-special.html

Labels: Food doughnuts, MD Special Olympics, MD State Police MSP, MD State Police Winner Andy, Non-profits, Westminster Police, Westminster Police Chief Spaulding-Jeff - See more at: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/cops-on-rooftops-fundraiser-for-special.html#sthash.6mPEA8It.dpuf

Posted 9/29/2010

A rested Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding gave a report on the recent “Cops on Rooftops” fundraising event at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting last Monday.

He looked none the worse for wear after spending over 30 hours perched on the roof of the Dunkin' Donuts, on Route 140 in Westminster last Saturday and Sunday.

After the obligatory humor about cops and doughnuts, Spaulding confessed that he was proud that he only ate two doughnuts in the 30 hours he spend with his colleague, Lt. Andrew Winner, commander of the Maryland State Police Westminster barrack, raising money for Special Olympics Athletes.

“Well, we endured the heat, the cold, the wind, and the rain, but the fundraiser was a great success. We raised well in excess of our $5,000 goal for Special Olympics last weekend…”

The total came to $8,332.00, said Spaulding with some pride and a bit of subdued amazement that they surpassed their goal by so much.

At 9:30 last Saturday night the two intrepid police officers had already raised over $3,500.00 when Explore Carroll visited to check their progress (and their welfare.)

“It’s going well,” said Spaulding over the sounds of the radio playing and the steady stream of well-wishers from below. Up on the rooftop, Winner and Spaulding had nested quite well, with lawn chairs, food, and an awning overhead set-up to provide all the comforts of home – on a highway store rooftop, that is.

How Spaulding only ate two doughnuts is amazing since their rooftop digs were constantly bombarded with the aromas of doughnuts being made in the store below.

“Oh, geeze, what’s that? It’s apple. I think they are now making something with apples” (in the store below,) lamented Spaulding at one point. “Oh man, this is torture,” he laughed as he traded words of encouragement with Winner not to eat too many doughnuts throughout the evening.

Of course, both Winner and Spaulding are athletes themselves and do not look like they eat too many doughnuts. “Look at this guy,” Spaulding said of Winner last Saturday night.

“Does he look like he eats a lot of doughnuts?”

"Don't answer that," Winner said.

“The citizens of Carroll County have been quite generous,” said Spaulding. “Frankly, that does not surprise me,” he elaborated as he added how he has always been amazed as to how well Carroll countians support social causes with generosity.

Winner quickly added in agreement, “I have been truly amazed at the generosity of Carroll County. A lot of people made a special effort to come and make a donation.”

Maryland State Police spokesperson Greg Shipley was also there last Saturday evening to cheer Winner and Spaulding on.

“It’s commendable…,” said Shipley. When asked for further comment, Shipley explained that all the attention needed to be on the two police officers and the special needs athletes they support.

“Hey, I’m just here to congratulate them on what looks to be a successful event. It’s nice that two officers give-up their weekend for such a good cause,” said a smiling Shipley as he traded humor with Winner and Spaulding from the parking lot below.

"It's a great cause," Spaulding said of Special Olympics. “Law enforcement has a long history of supporting Special Olympics.”

So does Spaulding. He is a central regional coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and has participated in that event since 1986.

His interest started 23 years ago when he was an officer in the Howard County Police Department and was asked to participate in Maryland's first Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Since then, he has volunteered to raise money for and awareness about Special Olympics. He attends Special Olympics competitions as far away as Japan to serve as a security guard, awards presenter or volunteer.

As for the doughnut shop rooftop stunt, the idea came from law enforcement officers in Illinois who took to the rooftops of 94 Dunkin' Donuts locations in 2009, and raised more than $182,000.

In Maryland last year, one location in Laurel participated in the promotion and raised $7,000. This year, Westminster joined three other participating locations in College Park, Ocean City, and Glen Burnie.

Last Monday night at the Westminster council meeting, Spaulding explained that a retired state trooper made a special trip to donate $1,000.00 on Sunday and the owner of the Dunkin’ Donuts also donated $1,000.00 to the cause.

“And folks are still asking if they can still donate,” said Spaulding. “And the answer is yes, just be in touch with me at the (Westminster Police) station.”

For information about donating to the fund for Special Olympics of Maryland, go to the organization's website at www.somd.org or call 410-789-6677, or call Spaulding at the police station at 410-848-4646. Contributing doughnuts is optional.

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[20100929 sodosm SCEKED pubver Cops Rooftops SpecOlym gr8 succ]

Labels: Food doughnuts, MD Special Olympics, MD State Police, MD State Police Winner Andy, Non-profits, Westminster Police Chief Spaulding-Jeff, Westminster Police Dept
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