“Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack:” Kevin Dayhoff – “Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies” - https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ combined with “Dayhoff Westminster” – Writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. For art, writing and travel see https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
On Facebook, Father Mark Bialek wrote about this picture: "Very grateful for the support and fraternity of Sheriff Jim DeWees, Chief Tom Ledwell, Lieutenant Tim Rife and Sergeant Tom Kowalczyk as they helped with Priest on the Roof Day at our St. John Catholic School. It’s a privilege to work with you in building up our local community here in Carroll County."
+++ Dayhoff Westminster +++
Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.
Today Mike is chatting with Caroline Babylon, Director of Carroll Food Sunday about how they are helping the Carroll County community during the holidays.
Today Mike is chatting with Caroline Babylon, Director of Carroll Food Sunday about how they are helping the Carroll County community during the holidays.
Today Mike is chatting with Caroline Babylon, Director of Carroll Food Sunday about how they are helping the Carroll County community during the holidays.
John Lewis and the Civil Rights Movement in Carroll County
By Lynn Wheeler
Attached please enjoy a pdf of a wonderful article on
Carroll County Community Leader John Lewis by Lynn Wheeler, the board chair of
the Historical Society of Carroll County.
Former U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, was, of course, a
highly renowned leader in the Civil Rights movement in the U.S.
We are very fortunate to have our own John Lewis as a leader
in the Civil Rights movement in Carroll County. Born in 1935, John Howard Lewis
Jr., his parents and nine siblings lived in a four-room house in Johnsville, in
a close-knit neighborhood of Black families. At that time, everything was
officially segregated in Carroll County – schools, restaurants, movie theaters,
community centers, swimming pools, bars and housing complexes. At night, John’s
parents lived in fear of a visit from the nearby Ku Klux Klan.
John attended elementary school in the two-room all-Black
school in Johnsville. His textbooks were damaged discards from the public
school – covered with scribbles, missing pages and often containing out-of-date
information.
As a young child, John worked hard on a neighboring farm and
for a neighbor on construction projects.
John joined a local troop of the Boy Scouts of America when
he was 11 years old. Shortly after joining, he was selected troop leader. In an
interview with Pam Zappardino for the African American Trailblazers oral
history series on the Community Media Center’s website, John reflected: “For
the first time in my life, I became a leader of a group of people. The Boy
Scouts gave me the first opportunity I had to travel and meet other people at
camping jamborees. In the woods, there was no discrimination. It was almost, to
me, as if we were in a different world. They taught us that you were your
brother’s keeper.” From that point on, John accepted leadership roles.
John went to Robert Moton, an all-Black high school in
Westminster, before dropping out at age 16 to work full time. He later received
his GED. He got his certification as a licensed practical nurse, and worked at
Rosewood State Hospital for several years. He then received certification as a
soil conservationist and worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 10
years.
John also started a career as a truck driver. In 1999, John
received the Truck Renting and Leasing Association’s national “Driver of the
Year” award. Only one driver is chosen each year for the prestigious national
award. To be considered, the driver must have at least 1 million miles or
25,000 hours of driving without an accident in which the driver is cited.
John participated in The March on Washington in 1963. As he
headed into D.C., stories of hatred and police brutality throughout the south
filled him with fear. “But as we pushed our way through the crowd, I fell back
on my faith and took comfort in it. The massive crowd was so inspiring, it made
you feel like, as African-Americans, the rest of the world has our back.” John
further recalls, “When Dr. King took the podium, trust me, we felt like we were
in a dream. When he finished, I felt like the gas tank of a car that had been
running on empty, all of a sudden was filled with high octane. I was ready to
run the race.”
So began years and years of John Lewis’s involvement in
civil rights activities and leadership of Carroll’s Black community. It is
difficult to arrange all of them in chronological order, but some with the
greatest impact are recounted below.
In 1963, John went to the Maryland State Legislature with
civil rights activist Phyllis Scott and other concerned citizens from Carroll
County to testify in support of public accommodations legislation. On the spot,
he was selected to give the group’s testimony. John recalls, “My heart started
pounding, and I asked for the Lord to give me strength. Phyllis advised me to,
‘Look like you’re examining the crowd and take a deep breath, then talk from
your heart and let them know what you think.’ I told the story with feeling and
compassion. When I finished, they clapped.” The Maryland General Assembly
passed the public accommodations law in 1963, making it unlawful for a
restaurant owner to refuse service to anyone because of race.
Following passage of the law, John and a group of residents
– including Blacks, whites and college students – tested it. John recalls, “We
visited every restaurant in the county. We were well dressed, well-spoken and
well-mannered. Three restaurants refused service, one in New Windsor, one in
Union Bridge, and one in Mt. Airy. In all three cases, the customers in the
restaurant jumped on the manager, ‘why didn’t you serve the man a cup of
coffee?’” John filed lawsuits against all three restaurants and was successful.
When he worked for the USDA, “we went to a restaurant in
Keymar and were told they would not serve a [negro].” The USDA filed a lawsuit
and won.
In a May 2006 Carroll County Times article written by Jordan
Bartel, he reports, “The only march was a small one in the early 60s in front
of the Carroll Theater that refused to sell tickets to Blacks.” John recalls in
his interview with Zappardino that, “we were supported by the Baltimore Colts.
They threatened to boycott Carroll County if it didn’t open things up.”
In 1969, John was a charter member and served as the first
president of the nonprofit Home Ownership Purchase Effort (HOPE), formed in
partnership with the Brethren Church, to provide home ownership opportunities
for low income Black families. John notes, “We purchased houses on Union Street
from [then] Western Maryland College, rehabbed or rebuilt them and sold them at
cost.”
In 1999, the Carroll County NAACP Branch (originally
established in the 1950s) got its charter back. John took on the role as
membership chair. “The membership had dwindled to 75 or 80. We didn’t have any
money in the treasury. My first responsibility was to get funds in order to pay
the national and state dues. I called the board members. We reached into our
pockets and paid the dues.” John raised the membership to more than 250.
John served as NAACP president in 2003-2004. With the help
of then-Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff, he was able to arrange for an office
in the Nonprofit Center, which opened in 2004. While he was president, he
worked to establish a Continuing Education Award to benefit African American
college-bound high school students graduating from Carroll County Public
Schools.
John helped his community in many ways. He has a beautiful
baritone voice. In 1974, he was one of a trio of “Brotherhood Night” singers in
a benefit to raise funds to connect Westminster’s Charles Street residents to
the city sewer system. In 1976, he played the role of Joe and sang “Ol’ Man
River” in September Song’s production of “Showboat,” to benefit The ARC of
Carroll County.
John has worked tirelessly to make Carroll County a
welcoming place for all. In 2004, his efforts were recognized at the Carroll
County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, where he received a Governor’s Citation and
a proclamation from Dayhoff honoring John for being “tirelessly compassionate,
persistent and always willing to volunteer his wise counsel and hard work,” and
proclaiming Nov. 20, 2004, as John Lewis Day in Westminster.
hoff: Fifteenth annual Philanthropists of the Year scheduled for this coming Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Time flies Column for Sunday, September 27, 2023 by Kevin Dayhoff, kevindayhoff@gmail.com
Class Of 2023 Philanthropists of the Year - What Helps You Grow? The 2023 Philanthropists of the Year Celebration and Awards Program Wednesday, September 27 5-9 PM (Networking 5-6:45 PM; Program 6:45-8 PM; VIP Reception 8-9 PM)
For more information about the Philanthropists of the Year event or the Community Foundation of Carroll County, go to: wearecarroll.org or https://bit.ly/42T8wEg. Buy your tickets in advance – or, they will available the night of the event. https://www.facebook.com/events/619628523435663
Carroll Arts Center 91 E Main St, Westminster, MD 21157
The Community Foundation of Carroll County is celebrating the Class of 2023 Philanthropists of the Year, its 15th class. Join us to celebrate the passion for community, dedication to service, and vision for the future this year's POY honorees possess.
The Class of 2023 POY Award Winners! Rita's Closet Action for Kindness Diane Jones, Children's Chorus of Carroll County Joe Dominick for Ellsworth Cemetery
Tickets are $40 and include networking, light fare, and a special awards presentation. Join us for the VIP Reception as a sponsor of this year's event.
Sponsorships and Ticket Sales NOW OPEN.
The Philanthropists of the Year Program showcases the wonderful giving spirit of Carroll County, past, present, and future
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023 the Community Foundation of Carroll County will present the fifteenth annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year Awards program. The event annually recognizes the winning adults, youth, families, businesses and nonprofits that exemplify the spirit of giving through consistent, generous levels of financial support along with volunteer leadership for community programs and projects.
The Community Foundation is an umbrella organization that facilitates philanthropic activities across Carroll County, The foundation, established in 1994, manages approximately $8 million dollars in endowments, operating funds, scholarships, and programs, for non-profit organizations. The foundation provides the legal and financial underpinnings to more than 320 projects, which are referred to as “Funds.”. The foundation manages the various administrative matters so the “Funds” themselves can concentrate on making a difference in the community.
According to information provided by the Community Foundation spokesperson, Sharon Tillman, the Class of 2023 “What Keeps You Growing” recognizes achievements in four categories: Living Legacy; Rooted in the Community; Rising Star; and the Fund-nominated as BFF.
This year the event will be held at the Carroll Arts Center, located at 91 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 - on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 beginning at 5:00 pm. All proceeds benefit the Community Foundation’s “Audrey Cimino Legacy Fund.”
According to Tom Beyard, vice president and a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation, the Community Foundation will honor four great citizens and organizations from the Carroll County community including: Diane Jones, who will be honored with the “Living Legacy” award for positively impacting the lives of thousands of Carroll County children through music.
“Action for Kindness” will be awarded the “Rising Star” award for promoting the message of kindness through words and art in the community with their “Be Kind” theme.
Rita’s Closet and the Rita Medeiros Scholarship will be given the “Rooted in the Community” award for their work in supporting young women in need who embody Rita’s spirit; and former Westminster Mayor Joe Dominick will be given the “Best Friend Forever” award for his support of the Ellsworth Cemetery project and the committee’s restoration efforts.
Jones is the artistic director emeritus of the Children’s Chorus of Carroll County. According to Tillman, Jones “has positively impacted the lives of thousands of Carroll County children through music, performance and travel. Her legacy lives on through the many alumni, volunteers, and current members of Children’s Chorus…” Jones is an “adjunct faculty at McDaniel College. As artistic director of Children’s Chorus of Carroll County, she established the chorus’ structure…”
The winner of the “Rooted in the Community” award, Rita’s Closet and the Rita Medeiros Scholarship, was established in 2012. Tillman reports that “more than $190,000 has been raised by Rita’s Closet. In 2023 eight - $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Carroll County young women who embody the spirit of Rita Medeiros; one at each Carroll County public high school.
“Even though Rita Medeiros passed away at the young age of 16, her light shines on through Rita’s Closet. Rita had just purchased her prom dress from DeMario Bridal and Formal when she died in a vehicle crash with her dress still in the back of the car. Tamara Medeiros, Rita’s Mother, was so proud of the many lives Rita touched and hoped to continue that with the scholarship fund and Rita’s Closet… Rita’s Closet gives away free dresses to those that can’t afford them and sells gently used gowns at a discounted price to fund the scholarships…”
“Action for Kindness” has earned the “Rising Star” award. Tina Smetana Thomas, and Eric Hyde Mille spearhead the “Infinite Love Project,” which serves as an umbrella organization for “Action for Kindness.” This initiative, based in Westminster, has helped define who we are as a community.
According to Tillman, “Action for Kindness supports individuals, groups, and organizations with funding for activities that share and promote the message of kindness through words and art in the community…” The project’s ubiquitous and omnipresent ‘Be Kind’ signs have become a nameplate for Westminster and Carroll County.
Dominick was nominated by the Ellsworth Cemetery Fund advisory group to be the recipient of the Best Friend Forever. According to the advisory group, “For over two years, Joe has been supportive of the committee’s restoration efforts. Specifically, his company, Gauge Media, donated a logo design and complete website for the cemetery. Because of their work, there is a location to share all the information and research, as well as stories, videos and photos of the restoration…”
Dominck “helped to secure a $1000 ‘Hey Westminster’ grant that was instrumental in securing another grant. The Hey Westminster grant funded and produced a high-quality video about the cemetery and restoration efforts.”
Dominick “suggested applying for annexation to the City of Westminster, highlighting that the annexation would allow Ellsworth Cemetery to join the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Joe introduced the committee to attorney Kelly Shafer and surveyor Marshall Green for the project who both offered their services pro bono. Joe has been consistently helpful, including as an advisor, and has truly served as this Fund’s Best Friend Forever!”
For more information about the Philanthropists of the Year event or the Community Foundation of Carroll County, go to: wearecarroll.org or https://bit.ly/42T8wEg. Buy your tickets in advance – or, they will available the night of the event.
Wishing all our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors
who observe and celebrate Rosh Hashanah a happy, healthy, and sweet Jewish New
Year! Three cheers for Challah, Gefilte fish and Lekach – and grits. Shana
Tovah U’metukah!
+++ Dayhoff Westminster +++
Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.
1971 Westminster High School graduate John Huber, 70, died
August 23, 2023
Obituary for John W. Huber Jr. April 22, 1953 - August 23,
2023
John W. Huber, Jr., age 70 of Milton, DE, passed away
peacefully after a short battle with cancer, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at
Delaware Hospice Center. He was born on April 22, 1953, in Olney, MD, son of
Eleanor Huber of Westminster, MD and the late John W. Huber, Sr.
John graduated from Westminster High School, Class of 1971.
He was a brick and stone mason by trade and dedicated many years to his career.
An avid outdoorsman, John loved to hunt and fish. His green thumb was evidenced
by his beautiful gardens and meticulously kept yard. John had a true passion
for studying Civil War history and spent many years participating in several
reenactments. He was a talented artist who was always sketching, and one could
always find his drawings laying around, left like surprise gifts. He was a
lover of all animals and truly enjoyed the many creatures in his care. John had
an incomparable sense of humor; he relished playing jokes and pranks and had a
way of teasing that was always good natured. He was a loving and devoted husband,
father, Daddy John, and friend who will live on forever in our hearts and
memories.
John was preceded in death by his father, John W. Huber,
Sr.; and his brother, Walter Huber. In addition to his mother, he is survived
by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Marsh Huber of Milton, DE; his
children: Zachary Ward (Lisa) of Manchester, MD, and Lauren Shahan (Lee) of
Hartly, DE; his stepchildren: Billy Hocker (Annie) of Rehoboth Beach, DE and
Beth Wright (Jevon) of Gainesville, VA; his grandchildren: Kylie, Jaxson, Will,
Jaylen, and Jace; his sister, Pamela Huber Schaeffer (Noah) of Westminster, MD;
his brother, Bruce Huber (Teresa) of Westminster, MD; his niece, Heather; and
many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, from
4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge
Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial
contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
1971 Westminster High School graduate John Huber, 70, died August 23, 2023
Obituary for John W. Huber Jr. April 22, 1953 - August 23, 2023
John W. Huber, Jr., age 70 of Milton, DE, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Delaware Hospice Center. He was born on April 22, 1953, in Olney, MD, son of Eleanor Huber of Westminster, MD and the late John W. Huber, Sr.
John graduated from Westminster High School, Class of 1971. He was a brick and stone mason by trade and dedicated many years to his career. An avid outdoorsman, John loved to hunt and fish. His green thumb was evidenced by his beautiful gardens and meticulously kept yard. John had a true passion for studying Civil War history and spent many years participating in several reenactments. He was a talented artist who was always sketching, and one could always find his drawings laying around, left like surprise gifts. He was a lover of all animals and truly enjoyed the many creatures in his care. John had an incomparable sense of humor; he relished playing jokes and pranks and had a way of teasing that was always good natured. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, Daddy John, and friend who will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
John was preceded in death by his father, John W. Huber, Sr.; and his brother, Walter Huber. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Marsh Huber of Milton, DE; his children: Zachary Ward (Lisa) of Manchester, MD, and Lauren Shahan (Lee) of Hartly, DE; his stepchildren: Billy Hocker (Annie) of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Beth Wright (Jevon) of Gainesville, VA; his grandchildren: Kylie, Jaxson, Will, Jaylen, and Jace; his sister, Pamela Huber Schaeffer (Noah) of Westminster, MD; his brother, Bruce Huber (Teresa) of Westminster, MD; his niece, Heather; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
