Mayor: Westminster cutting 9 positions Posted by the Carroll County Times at 4:27 p.m.

Mayor: Westminster cutting 9 positions Posted by the Carroll County Times at 4:27 p.m.

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/07/14/news/breaking_news/88westminster.txt

By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer

Monday, July 14, 2008

Mayor Thomas Ferguson confirmed that Westminster will be eliminating nine city government positions and creating three new jobs.

The following positions are being eliminated:

two administrative assistant positions;

the manager of planning position;

the housing rehabilitation coordinator position;

the Section Eight housing inspector position;

and the code enforcement Officer position.

Two vacant positions, one in the finance department and one in the mayor’s office, won’t be funded.

He also confirmed that the city clerk position will be reduced to a part-time position, one administrative assistant will be reassigned and, unrelated to the personnel moves, another administrative assistant position will be retiring and that position will not be filled.

Two staff assistant positions and a Code Inspector position will be created, Ferguson said.

The mayor and Common Council will discuss the personnel actions more during tonight’s council meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane.

See Tuesday’s Times (Carroll County Times) for more.

20080614 Westminster cutting 9 jobs

20080714 Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

Home City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of July 14, 2008

Westminster City Hall- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER — 7:00 P.M.

Mayoral Proclamation — Recreation and Parks Month — July 2008

Reappointment of Barbara Schmidt, Lisa Aughenbaugh, and Chris Ambrose to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

Reappointment of Dean Camlin and Laurie Walters to the Historic District Commission

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Community Media Center Update on Strategic Plan— Marion Ware

Solid Waste Disposal Discussion — J. Michael Evans

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF June 9, 2008 (Open and Closed Sessions) AND JULY 9, 2008

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Change Order for C.J. Miller Contract — Jeffery Glass

Extension of Vehicle Maintenance and Service Agreement with the County — Chief Spaulding

Dell Inc. — Reconfiguration of Contract for Financial Accounting System - Gary Ehlers

Revisions to Personnel Plan

Revision to Employee Handbook Retirees Healthcare Benefit Policy

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Adoption of Ordinance No. 783 — Uninhabitable Buildings — Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 784 — Disorderly House Nuisances - Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 785 — Underground Facilities — Thomas Beyard

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None as of July 10, 2008

9. NEW BUSINESS:

None as of July 10, 2008

10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

12. ADJOURN

PLEASE NOTE: THE JULY 28, 2008 MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL WILL BE HELD AT THE JOHN STREET QUARTERS OF THE WESTMINSTER FIRE COMPANY. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE. THE WATER AND SEWER RATE STRUCTURE STUDY WILL BE DISCUSSED.

20080714 Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

President and Mrs Bush saddened by Death of Tony Snow

20080712 President and Mrs Bush saddened by Death of Tony Snow

President and Mrs. Bush Saddened by Death of Tony Snow

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 12, 2008

White House News

Photos

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation's finest writers and commentators. He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts. He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father's Administration. And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer. One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith - and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080712-1.html

# # #

Photo: “Tony Snow becomes animated” by Colby Ware July 11 2006

Photo: “Tony Snow becomes animated” by Colby Ware July 11 2006
July 12, 2008
Tony Snow becomes animated during an interview about his job as White House press secretary. (Sun photo by Colby Ware) Jul 11, 2006

Although the unfortunately canned – somewhat snarky, if not disrespectful - Associated Press editorial – err, article that the Baltimore Sun ran on Saturday, July 12, 2008 about the death of Tony Snow was regrettable; the Baltimore Sun did run one of my all-time favorite photos of Tony Snow just two years ago on July 11, 2006.

The photo above seems to capture the animated, vibrant, expansive energy the late Tony Snow had for life.

It was infectious to watch.

When I learned of his death, on Saturday, it was if a friend had passed away.

Whether I agreed with him or disagreed with him, whatever his point of view, he never seemed to alienate or annoy. As the White House press secretary, he brought life to a job that had become listless, plastic, and lifeless.

God Bless him and his family. Let’s keep them in our prayers in the days ahead.

20080712 20060711 Photo: “Tony Snow becomes animated” by Colby Ware July 11 2006

Explore Carroll: Westminster approves borrowing up to $3.5 million by Jim Joyner

Explore Carroll: Westminster approves borrowing up to $3.5 million by Jim Joyner

City approves borrowing up to $3.5 million

Jim Joyner, 7/10/08

Westminster’s Common Council this week approved an ordinance authorizing the city to take out a general obligation bond of up to $3.5 million for road overlay projects.

The city called a special meeting on Wednesday, July 9, and voted to introduce and approve the ordinance. The votes were unanimous.

Mayor Tom Ferguson said the money will pay for road repairs that are needed, but he cautioned the council that the city may decide not to employ the full bond amount — if asphalt prices keep rising. Prices, he said, are “going due north,” and will already affect the number of projects the city thinks it can accomplish.

“$3.5 million isn’t going to buy us as much road repair as we thought when we first started talking about this,” he said. If that impact becomes too great, he said, the city could put the projects on hold and simply not borrow as much.

The mayor and council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, July 14, and discuss potential projects to tackle. For details, call the mayor’s office at 410-848-2522.The general obligation bond will be with BB&T Bank and is structured for nine years, with a two-year interest-only component.

If the city chooses not to use the full amount, there is no penalty for early repayment, officials said.

20080710 Explore Carroll: City approves borrowing up to $3.5 million by Jim Joyner

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/209/city-approves-borrowing-up-35-million/
_____

Westminster Dept Public Works Street Dept road overlay program, Westminster Dept Finance Budget 2008 – 2009 FY,

What is happening at the Westminster Shopping Center?

What is happening at the Westminster Shopping Center?

July 11, 2008

Update: photo – October 28, 2008

Many folks have asked what is happening with the portion of the Westminster Shopping Center at the corner of Englar Road and Rte 140.

Sometime ago, the two back-to-back gas stations, that were located there, were torn down.

Then the area was fenced off and nothing has happened since.

Now anyone who knows anything about shopping centers knows that things often happen at break-neck glacier speed; so many of us thought nothing of it for a while.

I asked around and no one seemed to know anything. I thought of calling the owners, the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) – and well - I lost track of it. There are only so many hours in the day.

My experience with the WRIT is that they are usually very accessible – I just never got around to calling them.

And then the other night I was rummaging around the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) website researching another matter and there it was: “Facts about Westminster Citgo and Shopping Center Voluntary Cleanup Program.”

Apparently they are cleaning-up the site before they move forward… Which is a good thing.

I’ll paste the information from the MDE website below, but first some very brief reference material on the shopping center: “StoreTrax” deck sheet on the Westminster Shopping Center (retrieved July 10th, 2008):

Westminster Shopping Center, Route 140 & Englar Road, Westminster, MD
Details: County: Carroll, Type: Community, Built: 1958, Renovated: 2000: Westminster Shopping Center went through a complete redevelopment in 2000. Medium Boxes and Small Sites available for National Tenants. Total Square Feet: 176,692

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 6110 Executive Blvd. Suite 800 Rockville, MD 20852

Leasing Agent(s) Steve Krupinski, 301-255-0846 phone, 301-984-9612 faxskrupinski@writ.com

http://www.storetrax.com/stx/showNAProperty.do?centerId=811&type=1&st_inc=no

MDE Facts about Westminster Citgo and Shopping Center Voluntary Cleanup Program

October 30, 2007

Page 1
Maryland Department of the Enviroment
1800 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21230-1718 www.mde.state.md.us
410-537-3000 800-633-6101 TTY Users: 800-735-2258

Facts About…

Department of the Environment
WESTMINSTER CITGO AND SHOPPING CENTER
(VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM)

Site Location

The Westminster Citgo and Shopping Center property consists of two parcels totaling 10.84-acres located at the southeast corner of Route 140 and Englar Road in Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland. The property is a strip mall shopping center with several stand-alone buildings and paved parking areas. Overland flow from the property discharges to the southeast. The Town of Westminster supplies water and sanitary sewer services to the property and the vicinity. The Town of Westminster derives the majority of their potable water from groundwater and the Westminster Citgo property is located in the wellhead protection area. The property is zoned business. Other commercial properties surround the property.

Site History

Prior to 1958, the property was used for agricultural purposes, and in 1958, the property was developed into a shopping center. A dual operator service station was located on the property as early as 1959 and the associated building was demolished in 2006.

The current owner, Washington Real Estate Investment Trust, purchased the property from Westminster Shopping Center, Inc. in 1972.

In 1957, Westminster Shopping Center, Inc. purchased the property from Scott and Anita Bair who purchased it in 1955. Prior to 1955, the Albaugh and Babylon Grocery Company owned the property.

Environmental Investigations and Actions

Two service stations operated at the property from 1959 until 2006. Numerous underground storage tanks have historically been associated with the service stations. These tanks have all been removed from the property with the exception of one 8,000-gallon tank that was abandoned in place in 1989. During tank removal in 2006, petroleum contamination was noted in the soil and groundwater. Contaminated soils, totaling 322 tons, were also removed during the tank excavations. A Phase II investigation was conducted subsequently and revealed additional petroleum soil impacts and contamination of groundwater at the property.

An Oil Control Program (OCP) case was opened for the property (#2005-0945-CL). In November 2006, the OCP approved a work plan for the property that required additional sampling. In April 2007, the OCP requested an interim corrective action plan be developed to address the petroleum contamination at the property. The request also includes quarterly sampling of the groundwater from the existing monitoring wells.
Page 2

1800 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21230-1718 www.mde.state.md.us
410-537-3000 800-633-6101 TTY Users: 800-735-2258

Current Status

On August 20, 2007, Washington Real Estate Investment Trust submitted two Voluntary Cleanup Program applications for the property seeking a restricted no further requirements determination for the shopping center and certificate of completion for the service station for commercial future uses of the property.
Planned or Potential Future Action

The proposed future use of the property will be commercial.

Contact

Jim Carroll
Maryland Department of the Environment
(410) 537-3437
Land Restoration Program
Last Update: October 30, 2007

http://www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/Westminster%20Citgo%20and%20Shopping%20Cntr.pdf.

20080711 What is happening at the Westminster Shopping Center?

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Democratic Advocate: July 11, 1947 - FLOOD LIGHTS FOR PLAY GROUND

Democratic Advocate: July 11, 1947 - FLOOD LIGHTS FOR PLAY GROUND

FLOOD LIGHTS FOR PLAY GROUND

Democratic Advocate, July 11, 1947.

Lions Club To Present Latest Improvement To Mayor And Council Tonight - The Westminster Lions Club announced plans for the formal presentation of the play ground night lighting system for this evening.

The club members sponsored the recent carnival for the purpose of devoting the proceeds towards a lighting system on the Municipal Playground.

The club will formally present the system, which has been completed and will illuminate the entire playground.

It will be presented to the mayor and common council.

The electricity light will be furnished by the City and not by the Lions Club as was mentioned last week. The presentation ceremony will take place on the playgrounds at 9 p.m., just prior to the commencement of the first night game to be played under them.

From 8:30 to 9 p.m., there will be a short band concert. The music will be furnished by William F. Myers Son's band.

Democratic Advocate, July 11, 1947.

Labels: Westminster Dept Recreation and Parks Westminster Playground, History Westminster 1940s, History This Day in History Westminster Dept Recreation and Parks, History Westminster,

19470711 Flood Lights For Westminster Play Ground

Westminster Eagle editorial: Corbit's Charge has a growing role in Westminster's civic, commercial calendar

Westminster Eagle editorial: Corbit's Charge has a growing role in Westminster's civic, commercial calendar

Posted on www.kevindayhoff.net and www.westgov.net on July 11. 2008

I had an opportunity to talk with Civil War historian Tom LeGore (pictured here to the left) this evening (Thursday evening) and he said that the Corbit’s Charge commemorative events in Westminster the last weekend in June were quite successful.

Hat’s off to everyone involved… /Kevin Dayhoff, July 11, 2008

http://www.explorecarroll.com/

History Carroll Co. 18630629 Corbit's Charge June 29 1863

History Westminster 18630629 Corbit's Charge June 29 1863

Corbit rides again for city's weekend events

6/25/08 Editorial

Westminster's place in history gets revisited this week as the city and local history enthusiasts commemorate Corbit's Charge with events in and around the downtown area.

Events are scheduled from Friday to Sunday, June 27-29, on Main Street and also along North Center Street, where an encampment will take place (see schedule, page 2).

For those new to the scene, Corbit's Charge notes the skirmish that occurred in June 1863 when J.E.B. Stuart and the Confederate cavalry division of the Army of Northern Virginia came into Westminster on their way to Gettysburg.

They were met by Capt. Charles Corbit and his vastly outnumbered men of the Delaware cavalry. A brief fight ensued at the corner of Main Street and the Washington Road. The Union forces were defeated, but the Confederates lost two men. The legend of Corbit's Charge was born.

Whether or not the event had any great military significance is a matter of some debate, but the commemoration of Westminster's moment in the Civil War is one that swells pride in historians and calls residents to learn more about the past -- and those are most certainly good things.

It's also a good thing that, during the early part of the summer, Westminster has occasion to host the events that draw local residents and visitors to Main Street for a weekend of education, festivity, music and family gatherings.

City officials and the Pipe Creek Civil War Roundtable, who collaborate to plan and host the Corbit's Charge commemoration, always offer a great variety of events, from music on the 1860s to a tent church service on Sunday morning.

It's also no small matter that every year the festivities seem to draw more people to Main Street, and that helps local merchants.

By many accounts, Corbit's Charge, lasted but a few minutes on the streets of Westminster, but it has become a celebration of local lore, community spirit and, in a way, Main Street commerce.

We wonder what Capt. Corbit would think of it all.

####

20080625 Westminster Eagle editorial: Corbit's Charge has a growing role in Westminster's civic, commercial calendar


Celebrating Corbit and Carroll
Published July 2, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
As military actions go, Corbit's Charge was a minor footnote in the epochal three-day Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and the larger backdrop of the...

10 Days
Published June 29, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Sunday, 6/29 Corbit's Last Stand The final day of the annual commemoration of Corbit's Charge, also known as "The Battle of Westminster," will...

Sunday, 6/29

http://www.explorecarroll.com/community/58/10-days/

Corbit's Last Stand The final day of the annual commemoration of Corbit's Charge, also known as "The Battle of Westminster," will be held Sunday with activities in downtown Westminster. A Living History Encampment will be held on the grounds of the Multi-Service Center on North Center Street, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a tent-style Civil War church service at 10 a.m. The encampment will feature demonstrations, exhibits, camp scenes and drills. All events are open to the public.

20080625 Westminster Eagle editorial: Corbit's Charge has a growing role in Westminster's civic, commercial calendar

Columna magnífica del águila de David Westminster: ¿Cuánto sabemos realmente sobre nuestro país?

Viernes 11 de julio de 2008

Columna magnífica del águila de David Westminster: ¿Cuánto sabemos realmente sobre nuestro país?

fijado por Kevin Dayhoff en el viernes 11 de julio de 2008

Columna magnífica del águila de David Westminster: ¿Cuánto sabemos realmente sobre nuestro país?

Leyendo a través de la sección de la opinión del nuevo Web site para la Westminster, el Eldersburg y los periódicos del águila de domingo Carroll, parecí otra más gema magnífica de David. Debo admitir vergonzosamente que me conseguí todos correcto sin embargo soy un historia-friki. Vea cómo usted lo hace:

¿Cuánto sabemos realmente sobre nuestro país?

2 de julio de 2008 publicado de Eldersburg Eagle, águila de Westminster

EL DESFILE DE PASO en lugar de una columna, pensé que pasaría a lo largo de un pequeño enigma, cortesía del servicio de inmigración y de naturalización de los E.E.U.U.….

¿Cuánto sabemos realmente sobre nuestro país?

Por David Grand

7/02/08

EL DESFILE DE PASO

En lugar de una columna, pensé que pasaría a lo largo de un pequeño enigma, cortesía del servicio de inmigración y de naturalización de los E.E.U.U. Llamémoslo un concurso del Día de la Independencia, viendo como cómo el cumpleaños de la nación es esta semana.

El concurso consiste en las preguntas que son elegibles para la nueva prueba de la ciudadanía que, comenzando en octubre, será dada a la gente que intenta ganar ciudadanía. La vieja prueba se está revisando, supuesto para agregar en un poco una historia más contemporánea.

Déjenos tan ven cómo usted lo hace.

Las respuestas están en la parte inferior -- pero no haga furtivamente una ojeada en ellas.

***

1. ¿Por qué la bandera tiene 13 rayas?
a) Representan el número de firmantes de la Declaración de Independencia.
b) Representan a las colonias originales.
c) Uno para cada batalla de combate para la independencia.

2. ¿Cuántas enmiendas la constitución tiene?
a) 23
b) 19
c) 27

3. ¿Cuándo nuestra constitución fue escrita?
a) 1776
b) 1773
c) 1787

4. ¿Elegimos a representantes de los E.E.U.U. a un término de cuántos años?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 4
d) 6

5. ¿Cuáles de las derechas o de las libertades siguientes son establecidas por la Primera Enmienda?
a) Libertad de expresión.
b) Libertad de prensa.
c) Libertad.
d) Todo el arriba.

6. ¿Cuántas justicias están en el Tribunal Supremo de los E.E.U.U.?
a) 7
b) 9
c) 6
d) 11

7. ¿Cuántos senadores de los E.E.U.U. hay?
a) 50
b) 435
c) 100
d) Dependen de poblaciones del estado.

8. ¿Si el presidente y el vice presidente mueren o pueden servir no más, que hace presidente?
a) Secretario de Estado.
b) Procurador General de la República.
c) Altavoz de la cámara de representantes.

9. ¿Qué Susan B. Anthony hizo?
a) Ella cosió la primera bandera.
b) Ella abogó para las derechas de las mujeres y las derechas civiles.
c) Ella era el primer tesorero de los E.E.U.U. de la mujer.

10. ¿Cuáles son los dos cuerpos del congreso de los E.E.U.U.?
a) Ejecutivo y legislativo.
b) Judicial y federal.
c) Cámaras y Senado.
d) Federal y estado.

***

No se sienta mal si usted “falló.” El ser un patriota es obras en fase de creación. Le todavía dan derecho a expresar su orgullo en América el viernes… y le dan derecho a tener un cuarto feliz de julio.

(Respuestas: 1 b, 2 c, 3 c, 4 b, 5 d, 6 b, 7 c, 8 c, 9 b, 10 c)

Columna magnífica del águila de 20080702 David Westminster: ¿Cuánto sabemos realmente sobre nuestro país?

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/74/how-much-do-we-really-know-about-our-country/

Suscriba a: Fije los comentarios (el átomo)

David Grand Westminster Eagle column: How much do we really know about our country?

David Grand Westminster Eagle column: How much do we really know about our country?

Reading through the opinion section of the new website for the Westminster, Eldersburg and Sunday Carroll Eagle newspapers, I came across yet another David Grand gem. I must admit sheepishly that I got all of them correct but then again I am a history-geek. See how you do:

How much do we really know about our country?

Published July 2, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle

THE PASSING PARADE In lieu of a column, I thought I'd pass along a little brain teaser, courtesy of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service....

How much do we really know about our country?

By David Grand

7/02/08

THE PASSING PARADE

In lieu of a column, I thought I'd pass along a little brain teaser, courtesy of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Let's call it an Independence Day Quiz, seeing as how the nation's birthday is this week.

The quiz consists of questions that are eligible for the new citizenship test which, beginning in October, will be given to people seeking to gain citizenship. The old test is being revised, supposedly to add in a bit more contemporary history.

So let's see how you do.

The answers are at the bottom -- but don't sneak a peek at 'em.

***

1. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
a) They represent the number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.
b) They represent the original colonies.
c) One for each battle fought for Independence.

2. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
a) 23
b) 19
c) 27

3. When was our Constitution written?
a) 1776
b) 1773
c) 1787

4. We elect U.S. Representatives to a term of how many years?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 4
d) 6

5. Which of the following rights or freedoms is established by the first amendment?
a) Freedom of speech.
b) Freedom of the press.
c) Freedom of religion.
d) All of the above.

6. How many justices are on the U.S. Supreme Court?
a) 7
b) 9
c) 6
d) 11

7. How many U.S. Senators are there?
a) 50
b) 435
c) 100
d) It depends on state populations.

8. If both the president and vice president die or can no longer serve, who becomes president?
a) Secretary of State.
b) Attorney General.
c) Speaker of the House of Representatives.

9. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
a) She sewed the first flag.
b) She advocated for women's rights and civil rights.
c) She was the first woman U.S. Treasurer.

10. What are the two bodies of the U.S. Congress?
a) Executive and Legislative.
b) Judicial and Federal.
c) House and Senate.
d) Federal and State.

***

Don't feel bad if you "failed." Being a patriot is a work in progress. You're still entitled to express your pride in America on Friday ... and you're entitled to have a happy Fourth of July.

(Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-c, 4-b, 5-d, 6-b, 7-c, 8-c, 9-b, 10-c)

20080702 David Grand Westminster Eagle column: How much do we really know about our country?

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/74/how-much-do-we-really-know-about-our-country/

20080709 22 ways to be a good Democrat

20080709 22 ways to be a good Democrat

22 WAYS TO BE A GOOD DEMOCRAT

July 9th, 2008

1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.

2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.

3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than nuclear weapons technology in the hands of the Iranians, Chinese and North Korea.

4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.

5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUV's.

6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.

7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.

8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach fourth graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.

9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.

10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.

11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make "The Passion of the Christ" for financial gain only.

12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.

13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.

14.. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, and A.G. Bell.

15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.

16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.

17. You have to believe that the only reason Socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.

18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.

19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.

20. You have to believe that illegal Democrat Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest to the United States.

21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right wing conspiracy.

22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day ..........but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."

Ready to vote???

Humor Political, Politics Democrats and Liberals, Politics Liberal double standards

20080709 Excavation for historic Hoff Memorial Log Barn will begin next week

Excavation for the relocated historic Marlin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn will begin next week

Related: Agriculture History Hoff Memorial Log Barn Carroll Co. MD

Below is a press release on behalf of the Hoff Memorial Barn Steering Committee:

News Release
For Immediate Release

July 9, 2008 – Excavation for the relocated historic Marlin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn will begin next week, weather permitting, at the Carroll County Farm Museum.

Excavation and site preparation by C. J. Miller will be followed by construction of the stone foundation approximately a week later.

An observation area has been set up for interested people who want to view the work between the hours of 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. daily, weather permitted. Observers are asked to stay in the designated area, which is posted with signs. Parking will be in the regular museum parking lot.

There may be a delay between the completion of the site preparation and the beginning of the stone foundation, due to contractor schedules.

The circa 1794 barn is made of hand-hewn log beams joined without nails or attachments. It is being dismantled at its original location outside of New Windsor, Maryland, and rebuilt as part of a permanent historic exhibit at the Carroll County Farm Museum. The Farm Museum is located at 500 South Center Street in Westminster, Maryland.

For more information, contact Bob Jones at 410-848-7687.
# # #

20080709 Excavation for historic Hoff Memorial Log Barn will begin next week

American Sentinel: Manchester 4th of July, 1897

American Sentinel: Manchester 4th of July, 1897

American Sentinel, July 10, 1897.

Manchester — The glorious 4th was pretty generally observed in our town. The stores were closed and work of all kinds generally suspended, while young America, with toy pistol and fire cracker, made all the noise possible.

A pleasant feature of the morning was a parade of juveniles, with horn and drum, marshalled by Mr. C. Miller. The paper cap and tin sword, with plenty of bunting, made a good display.

Master Ross Shower represented Uncle Sam and Hirst Handley the Goddess of Liberty, both with good effect.

A family picnic, in the afternoon, in Miller's woods, north of town, was indulged in by 59 persons and a general good time enjoyed by all.

At night the street was ablaze for quite a time with rockets, wheels and numerous other explosives, which were enjoyed by the crowds, while the Junior Band discoursed some good music in their open air concert.

American Sentinel, July 10, 1897.

18970710 American Sentinel Manchester 4th of July 1897

Carroll County Election Dist. municipality Manchester

Annual events holidays July 4th

History This Day in History

Recent Westminster and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Westminster and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

July 6th, 2008 – posted July 9, 2008

What a concept: sharing the wealth and pain of tax increases
Published July 6, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
"Gov. (William Preston) Lane does not like taxes ... but as long as you have colleges to take your money, ... you are to have...

The merry marry month of June
Published July 2, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
As we say goodbye to the month of June, bachelors can breathe a sigh of relief that they've survived what has historically been the traditional...

Years ago, trip to the beach required help from a little ferry
Published June 29, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE For many Carroll County residents, summertime means an opportunity to make an annual family trek to Ocean City, Md. Some of my fondest childhood memories...

Westminster's past included days of swine and meters
Published June 25, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
There have been many critter problems in the history of Westminster, but none seems to have caused as much a stir as what to do...

My columns are found on the website here: http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/

I write for three of the newspapers in the Patuxent Publishing Group, the Sunday Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle. The Patuxent Publishing Group is owned by “Tribune.” Tribune also owns the Baltimore Sun – and as a matter of fact, the Sunday Carroll Eagle is distributed in the Sunday edition of the Baltimore Sun – see: 20071021 Baltimore Sun: “To our readers”)

My columns and articles appear in Westminster Eagle Opinion: http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ - The Westminster Eagle: http://www.explorecarroll.com

and The Sunday Carroll Eagle Opinion: http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ - The Sunday Carroll Eagle: http://www.explorecarroll.com/ – distributed in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun.

20080706 recent Westminster and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

“explorecarroll” website unveiled for the Westminster, Eldersburg and Sunday Carroll Eagle

“explorecarroll” website unveiled for the Westminster, Eldersburg and Sunday Carroll Eagle

June 26th, 2008 – posted July 9, 2008

On June 26, 2008 our new Westminster, Eldersburg and Sunday Carroll Eagle website were all combined into a new website: http://www.explorecarroll.com/.

Check it out and bookmark it.

My columns are found on the website here: http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/

I write for three of the newspapers in the Patuxent Publishing Group, the Sunday Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle. The Patuxent Publishing Group is owned by “Tribune.” Tribune also owns the Baltimore Sun – and as a matter of fact, the Sunday Carroll Eagle is distributed in the Sunday edition of the Baltimore Sun – see: 20071021 Baltimore Sun: “To our readers”)

My columns and articles appear in Westminster Eagle Opinion: http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ - The Westminster Eagle: http://www.explorecarroll.com/

and The Sunday Carroll Eagle Opinion: http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ - The Sunday Carroll Eagle: http://www.explorecarroll.com/ – distributed in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun.

20080626 “explorecarroll” website unveiled for the Westminster, Eldersburg and Sunday Carroll Eagle

18980709 Uniontown District Items by the Democratic Advocate

Democratic Advocate: Uniontown District Items July 9, 1898

Democratic Advocate, July 9, 1898.

Prof. Samuel Bowers caught a carrier pigeon on Saturday last. The band on its leg was 77-P.F.S.-96. The pigeon has been around Mrs. Bowers' barn for several weeks and has mated with a common pigeon. When first caught the bird seemed very much frightened, but afterwards became tame and could be picked up by any one. The barley crop is not as big as last year.

Democratic Advocate, July 9, 1898.

18980709 Uniontown District Items by the Democratic Advocate

Carroll County Election Dist. municipality Uniontown, History This Day in History, Animals pigeons,

The Union Bridge 4th of July Celebration in 1920

The 4th of July Celebration in Union Bridge

Union Bridge Pilot, July 9, 1920.

With clear skies and cool weather, no factor except possibly the busy season, could figure against a large attendance at the 4th of July celebration last Monday.

Early in the morning persons from a distance began to arrive and by 9 o'clock when the first game of ball was called, a large audience was present to witness the battle between the "Foremen" and "Operators" teams, about which so much was heard the past few weeks.

The boys, whose ages ranged from 25 to 50 years, put up quite a creditable game and furnished continuous amusement for the vast throng which witnessed it.

At the close the score stood 20 to 7 in favor of the Operators. The Baltimore team which was scheduled to play the local team failed to arrive until noon and the first game was called at 1:30 p.m., ending with a score of 18 to 8 in favor of the locals.

A second game was called at 4:30, but only 5 innings were played when the score stood 4 to 0 in favor of the visiting team.

Easily the most outstanding feature was the army airplane in charge of Lieut. Philips, one of the most daring in the Aviation service. He was expected here at 10 o'clock and great crowds lined the landing field.

It was later learned that he left the Dundalk Fields for Union Bridge at 11:30. But as he lost his bearings he did not arrive here until after 2 o'clock, having been forced to land three times.

He first flew over the field and after performing a number of daring feats, attempted to land but as he considered the field too small, he landed in a field about a mile from town.

After being entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. LaForge, the gasoline supply was replenished, after which he came to town and engaged in the most spectacular loop-the-loops, tailspins, etc., sometimes several thousand feet in the air, and again among the housetops. Another plane which was slated to be here figured in an accident just the day before.

Union Bridge Pilot, July 9, 1920.

19200704 4th of July Union Bridge Pilot

History Carroll Co. Airplanes and Carroll Co. Regional Airport, History Carroll Co. Sports Baseball, Carroll County Election Dist. municipality Union Bridge, History This Day in History, Annual events holidays July 4th,

History Union Bridge, Sports Baseball in Carroll Co.

20080709 Westminster common council to hold special meeting this evening

Westminster common council to hold special meeting this evening

City Council: City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/agenda.asp

On July 9, 2008 at 7:00 PM there will be a Special Meeting of the City of Westminster Mayor and Common Council to approve the issuance of a $3.5 million dollar obligation bond. The meeting will be held at City Hall.

Hat Tip: Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times

Lots of folks have asked me questions about the $3.5 million loan initiative and I only know what Mr. Schutt has reported.

There was essentially no public discussion.

Questions persist as to why a special meeting –that they are simply going to rubber stamp approval. Why not wait until Monday evening’s regular meeting?

I do not know the answer.

They legally have to have the meeting to authorize the mayor to execute the documents. Why they did not do that before is a fair question, but the last meeting was cancelled as city officials were at the MML Summer Convention…

Many folks are curious as to what source of revenue has been identified for the repayment of the loan. I’m not sure I definitively know that answer.

The lack of dissent in the current administration had lent credence to critics who wonder where's the debate, the transparency and the thorough vetting of issues? Why does every vote appear a rubber-stamping?

However, Westminster voters endorsed the current administration’s leadership style and method, and anyone who didn't think that meant increased spending, increasing the size of government and increasing taxes as a way to provide for additional government services and regulation is so out-of-touch that they don't deserve a vote.

Meanwhile Mr. Schutt has reported: (See also: 20080708 Articles by Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times on the Westminster FY 2008 2009 budget)

The $3.5 million will be used to finance several city street projects. The Common Council originally approved the decision to borrow the money during the city’s June 9 meeting.

Mayor Thomas Ferguson said the council will vote during Wednesday’s meeting to adopt an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign all of the documents involved in the loan.

As previously reported, Roland Unger, Westminster’s director of finance, said the $3.5 million loan is for a nine-year term, borrowed at a 3.66 percent fixed interest rate.

He said the debt service on the loan is $571,000 per year.

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20080708 Articles by Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times on the Westminster FY 2008 2009 budget

Articles by Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times on the Westminster FY 2008 2009 budget:

July 8, 2008

Related: Westminster Dept Finance Budget 2008 – 2009 FY, Westminster Mayor 200505 to 2009 Thomas K. Ferguson

Westminster set to hold special meeting Jul. 8, 2008: Westminster’s Mayor and Common Council will hold a special meeting Wednesday to approve a $3.5 million bond. The $3.5 million will be used to finance several city street projects. The Common Council originally approved the decision to...


Westminster to borrow for street repairs By Bryan Schutt, Time Staff Writer Tuesday, June 17, 2008: Westminster council members and city officials said they needed to borrow $3.5 million to keep up with the city’s deteriorating streets. Following through with several months long of discussion, Westminster’s Common Council approved the decision last week to borrow $3.5 million to catch up with street repairs. The council stressed that the work they plan to complete is catch-up work only. “The council spoke loudly and clearly their strong desire and intent to try to get caught up and keep roads from getting much worse,” Mayor Thomas Ferguson said. “I’m not happy about taking on more debt but it’s the only realistic way to get this done.” Roland Unger, Westminster’s director of finance, said the $3.5 million loan is for a 9-year term, borrowed at a 3.66 percent fixed interest rate. He said the approved proposal came from BB&T and was about a full percentage lower than the other offer the city received from PNC Bank. The city will pay about $128,000 of interest-only payments this fiscal year and next, and then will pay about $571,000 in interest and principal for the remaining seven years of the loan, Unger said. The city only extended the loan for 9 years because they didn’t want to pay for something longer than it was useful. “Because the life of road repairs are about 10 years, we didn’t want to take out a loan that exceeds the life of what we’re repairing,” Unger said. Including the $3.5 million loan for the streets project, Unger said he estimates the city’s debt to asset ratio at about 27 percent. He said the city has about $26 million debt and about $94 million in assets. He said he doesn’t believe the amount of debt the city has will affect future borrowing and the debt service on the loan matched up with what the city would budget for street spending. “I don’t think we’ve exceeded what’s reasonable,” Unger said. “We should spend on streets is about $400,000 to $500,000 per year. The debt service on this loan is $571,000 per year.” …


Carroll County Times editorial: No agenda is sign of poor government Editorial for Wednesday, June 11, 2008: People often complain that governments have hidden agendas. Unfortunately, some Carroll County governments are very literally living up to that, if they have an agenda at all. Take for example the City of Westminster's Common Council meeting Monday night, where the council approved the fiscal year 2008 budget. The problem? Despite numerous attempts, we were unable to get an agenda for the meeting until about 3:45 p.m. Monday - just slightly more than 3 hours before the meeting. It was only then that it came to light that the city planned to approve the fiscal year 2008 budget. Needless to say, there probably were few average citizens who were aware of what the council was going to do at Monday night's meeting. Passing the budget is, more often than not, the most important decision any governing body will make during the entire year. And for some reason, the Westminster Common Council didn't view this as important enough to let taxpayers know about it sooner than three hours before the meeting. On the town's Web site, there was still no agenda posted Tuesday morning, just a notice that the May 26 meeting was canceled because of Memorial Day, and the next meeting was scheduled for June 9. There was no agenda for the meeting, and certainly no mention of the approval of the budget. The state's Open Meetings Law doesn't require governments to post agendas of their meetings. But common sense would suggest you aren't going to get too many people to your meetings if you don't tell them what the meeting will cover. Posting agendas is just a basic part of good government, whether it is required or not. The fact that the budget was approved without a public hearing is another matter altogether. This is just the most recent and egregious example of governments not posting agendas for meetings within a reasonable time frame. Municipalities around the county routinely do not post agendas until the day of the meeting, if at all...


Westminster OKs fiscal year 2009 budget By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, June 10, 2008: The City of Westminster approved its fiscal year 2009 budget Monday night at the Common Council meeting without holding a public hearing on the complete budget. During the May 5 public hearing on the constant yield tax rate, the city decided the tax rate will remain at $0.44 per $100 and a narrative budget was passed out and made available to the public, but a public hearing on the proposed budget never took place. There weren’t any comments from the public about the budget during the May 12 Common Council meeting. An amendment to the city code says the mayor and Common Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed capital budget on or before May 1. In what City Administrator Marge Wolf described as a difficult process of balancing the budget, the city’s budget calls for $37,633,002 in total appropriations for fiscal year 2009, down from last years $40.8 million in expenditures. The $37.6 million consists of about $16 million in general fund requirements, about $6 million in sewer fund requirements, about $13 million in water fund requirements and nearly $2 million for housing fund requirements. Also approved was a $3.5 million bond for street expenses. The first two years of the bond will have interest-only payments of about $128,000, according to Mayor Thomas Ferguson, and then the city will have a debt service of about $500,000 in principal and interest per year for seven years, he said. Ferguson said the city also laid out a prediction of revenues and expenditures for future years. “The revenue picture is not all that bright,” Ferguson said. “[In the future] the city will need to make tough decisions regarding revenues and expenditures.” Wolf said Westminster has its work cut out for making future budgets that will continue to encompass everything the city currently offers. The city is organizing several task forces to reduce spending, Wolf said. In August, it will look at all of its fees and assessments and try to create a clearer picture of future allocation of city funds. City officials are hoping for input from residents in the survey they are set to send out this month, but that information wouldn’t apply to the 2009 fiscal year budget. Councilman Robert Wack said although the budget process may have painted a harsh picture, the city has set a high standard of fiscal prudence, and in the long run he believes the city will benefit from the change in the budget format. “This was a huge step forward in quality of information on how we make decisions of how we spend taxpayers’ money,” Wack said. “It looks bad because of good things.”


Common Council moves up street projects, will take on debt By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, May 13, 2008: Deciding that improvements to Westminster streets couldn’t wait, the Common Council revised the fiscal years 2009-2014 Capital Improvement Plan at Monday’s meeting to front load the city’s budget for street overlay projects, and go in debt in the process. The $7.4 million in the six-year CIP for street overlay projects has not changed. But the allocation of the funds has been reworked. Instead of backloading the city street projects, $2 million will be included in this year’s budget and $1.5 million will be included for the fiscal year 2010 budget. The city will have to borrow the money for this upcoming fiscal year’s projects, and the general fund budget will be adjusted to reflect the projects, according to City Administrator Marge Wolf. The Common Council’s justification to rework the budget was the importance of getting the projects done before the streets become much worse. “The cost of not doing this now is far greater than the cost of doing it now,” Councilman Greg Pecoraro said. He said the interest rates to borrow money are very favorable right now, asphalt costs will probably continue to rise, making the project even pricier, and the current slow down in construction in the area means the city will probably get the best contract price for the project as the council could hope for…


Westminster council delays budget hearing By Brian Schutt, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, May 06, 2008: Westminster city officials decided to hold off on the fiscal year 2009 budget public hearing because they believe the city government needs to re-evaluate the lack of funds put forth for city streets in the Capital Improvement Program. Instead, the Common Council conducted the public hearing for the constant yield tax rate Monday night. Mayor Thomas Ferguson said property assessments increased during the year and the city will generate an additional $510,315 because of the increase. The council won’t reduce the tax rate to offset the increased assessments, but it will not increase the tax rate either. The tax rate will remain at $0.44 per $100, according to Ferguson. The public record for the constant yield tax rate will remain open until 4:30 p.m. Friday. The public hearing for the budget was tentatively rescheduled until the May 12 meeting of the Common Council…


City officials tout budget document's new look By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Monday, May 05, 2008: Westminster’s new budget document represents a bright spot in an otherwise tough fiscal year to plan, according to city officials, and now, they say it’s time for residents’ input. While the old budget was about 25 pages of numbers, the new 100-page narrative budget outlays how each department spends its money. Copies of the budget will be available at the public hearing tonight. “People have been asking for more clarity,” Councilman Gregory Pecoraro said. “This form [of the budget] lets us show people what we’re actually spending money on. I think people could pick it up and say, ‘Now I understand where my tax dollars are going.’” City Administrator Marge Wolf said the narrative-style budget was something the council had been working toward for the past couple of years, and their specific budget layout was inspired from the City of Greenbelt’s budget design. She said Westminster’s new budget format is also recommended by the Public Finance Officer’s Association because it helps people understand the city’s spending. Mayor Thomas Ferguson said he believed the new budget is greatly improved over previous years’…


Proposed Westminster plan focuses on water, sewer issues By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, April 30, 2008: Although city officials say Westminster needs additional funding for street work, water and sewer funds make up the majority of the six-year Capital Improvement Plan that was proposed during this week’s Common Council meeting. The water and sewer funds make up more than $58 million of the $74.6 million CIP. Maryland Department of the Environment projects make up the bulk of the expenses, Westminster Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Thomas Beyard said. “Water is a big item for the city and will continue to be one for the next few years,” Beyard said. He said the Westminster wastewater treatment plant upgrade and expansion will cost about $36 million, and $27 million of that money will probably be funded by MDE…


Westminster overhauls Capital Improvement Plan By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, April 29, 2008: Budget concerns became a reality in Westminster Monday, when the proposed Capital Improvement Plan featured a scaled-back fiscal year 2009 budget. The Westminster Common Council was presented with a CIP drastically different from the one originally approved by the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission on March 13. The revised document had 2009 expenditures totaling about $6 million; the March 13 document had about $8 million in expenses. Though the water and sewer funds make up $5.4 million of both the old and new CIP, the revised CIP eliminated $229,000 in funds for police vehicles and bumped the Americans with Disability Act park renovations until the 2010 fiscal year, which saved the city $125,000. But the most noticeable change came in the street department fund. The revised CIP cut more that $1 million from the Street Department. Streets, which are always a concern, were originally slated to have a $400,000 budget to start renovating city streets, but now all the work to be done on streets has been delayed until the 2010 fiscal year…


Westminster officials say they don't plan to boost taxes By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Sunday, April 27, 2008: An increase in taxes won’t be recommended in the city’s upcoming budget, according to Westminster city officials, despite worries about revenues for the fiscal year. City administrator Marge Wolf said the budget will be tight this year, especially because the city has seen so many increased operating costs. “Workers’ [compensation] increased by 30 percent, health insurance rates increased 10 percent and electric rates went up 40 percent,” Wolf said. The Common Council will meet on Monday to discuss the Capital Improvement Program, and it will hold a public hearing on the budget May 5…

20080708 Articles by Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times on the Westminster FY 2008 2009 budget

Westminster Common Council Meeting agenda for July 9, 2008

Westminster Common Council Meeting agenda for July 9, 2008

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

Water and Sewer Westminster Rates and Fees, Westminster Dept Finance Budget 2008 – 2009 FY, Westminster Council Meeting Agenda,

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Special Meeting

July 9, 2008 Westminster City Hall

Agenda

Ordinances and Resolutions

Suspend the rules of order and procedure in order to introduce and adopt Ordinannce[sic] No. 786- Authorizing Issuance and Sale of a General Obligation Installment Bond in the maximum principal amount not to exceed $3.5 million pursuant tot he authority of sections 31 to 37, inclusive, of article 23A of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Please note: The July 28, 2008 meeting of the Mayor and Common Council will be held at the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company. The water and sewer rate structure study will be discussed.

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20080709 Westminster Common Council Meeting agenda

20080709 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle
Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Path of History
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Hidden away in plain sight, in a storybook setting in northern Frederick County’s Catoctin Mountains, sits Eyler’s Valley Chapel, like a silent stone tribute to a Ralph Waldo Emerson essay.

Writing a Book
Tom McLaughlin
Everybody wants to write a book, including me. A recent survey revealed that 87% of all Americans want to take pen in hand or fingers to keyboard. There are three reasons experts have cited; and they include a person having a message to share, ego and money.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Ike Was the Man!
Roy Meachum
No one gets bored faster with the nitty-gritty of politics. My frequently criticized "impatience" comes into play. Once a candidate captures my approval, the game is over. There was one exception I recall.

Christmas in the Summertime
Nick Diaz
I just rode home from Lewiston, Maine, on my new Yamaha Venture. Rode Amtrak to Portland and met the seller at the station. A half hour later we were at the seller’s place, where the Venture was waiting for me.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Political Street Gossip – The Final Chapter
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
In an effort to run the table, and to affirm that I really have no idea what I'm talking about, I thought I'd weigh in on the 2010 gubernatorial race.

Firearms Clutching in Maryland
Steven R. Berryman
Having grown up with guns, little did I know that the politics surrounding them packed more energy than a .44 Magnum “wheel-gun.” Of course, that was when television came in over an antenna, was black and white, and afforded four stations of programming.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Enjoy the Fireworks!
Roy Meachum
Frederick's Fourth of July festival ends with cascading fireworks over Baker Park. People's awe and sighs complete the package. No more sparklers and individual acts of setting off banging are out.

Modifying Lady Liberty’s Invitation
Steven R. Berryman
In search of straight talk about immigration law reform, happenstance found me at yet another “Maryland Thursday Meeting” in Annapolis. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center For Immigration Studies (CIS) was the headline speaker.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Behind The Celebrations
Chris Cavey
This week is prime vacation time for many citizens, me included. Doubtfully many people will take the time to read a political junkie website this week, especially the day before summer’s biggest holiday; however, for you few, here are some thoughts.

Hail and Farewell…
Joan McIntyre
What do I say? I’m done; finished, doing a Happy Dance. Nope, not at all, I want to thank this county for the honor of serving on our Planning Commission for the past 10 years.

Recycling’s Flip Side – Part 3
Farrell Keough
Recycling is not the simple toss-it-in- the-blue-in-and-save-the-planet activity that we generally believed. While it has value, we have seen that it is not the panacea generally ascribed. Today we will consider a few of the existing situations which strip away the benefits attributed to recycling.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Lords of Annapolis
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Happy 4th of July. One of the main reasons we sought our independence from England was taxes. The only thing is – that this long after we won our independence – we are still fighting over taxes.

Speculation on Tar and Feathers
Tom McLaughlin
The main focus of the oil crisis has now shifted to people called speculators and fund managers. As a liberal Democrat, who reads the Wall Street Journal (now there’s an oxymoron), I have endeavored to learn how they fit into the equation.

Recyclying’s Flip Side – Part 2
Farrell Keough
In yesterday’s column we reviewed some basic information on recycling. We determined that while tossing our plastics in the blue recycling bin may make us feel as if we are saving the planet, it may be we are using substantial resources to produce products we buy back which are no longer recyclable.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Blaine Young Rumors
Roy Meachum
Saturday mornings around my house normally are rest times. The three newspapers stuck through my door receive careful perusal. There are mornings when Pushkin receives pushing onto the patio and we both pile back in the sack. I listened to Blaine Young's Frederick’s Forum only now and then.

Recycling’s Flip Side – Part 1
Farrell Keough
Is recycling a misnomer? In other words, do we actually recycle our waste and containers; or do we just transport them to someone else and feel good about our actions?

Monday, June 30, 2008

From The Desk of the Publisher!
John W. Ashbury
Rick Weldon, whose column normally appears in this space every Monday, is suffering from a major malady of the modern era. His computer crashed; and, like most of us, he was unable to fix it himself. Unfortunately for all who enjoy his work, particularly his political commentary, his column on the governor’s race in 2010 is still locked inside his computer. It will appear next week if the stars align correctly.

A NAC for Social Progress
Steven R. Berryman
Last Thursday The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) Area 5 meeting for the residents surrounding the West End of Frederick, known as the “Golden Mile, headlined an appearance by the sheriff of Frederick County, “Chuck” Jenkins.

20080707 Happy Birthday Aunt Kay Church

Happy Birthday Aunt Kay Church

July 7th, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

Yesterday was the Carroll County information desk receptionist, Kay Church’s birthday. She’s the same age as President George W. Bush.

On July 13th, 2006, I wrote in a piece titled, “

20060713 Happy Birthday Kay Church”:

So just what does an “information desk receptionist” do?

After all, I have always been focused on the fact that she has a friendly greeting, warm smile, and almost always has cookies.

She sits almost exactly where the old Crowl ice cream factory used to be, long before the office building was there, so she is continuing a great tradition of hospitality through food.

When I wander into the building, Aunt Kay is quick to tell me where to go.

In my years of working for the public I’ve been told where to go on a number of occasions, but no one does it as nicely as Aunt Kay.

According to our sources, Aunt Kay is part guidance counselor, honorary bailiff (armed with a salad shooter and hard carrots at the ready,) tour guide and mother confessor.

She is also the mother of two grown children. Well, three, if you count her husband, Ron, who also works for county government in the Bureau of Development Review.

Aunt Kay has worked for the county since August 1988, when, after working for Black and Decker in Hampstead, the Manchester Pharmacy and the Hampstead sewing factory, she took a job in personnel services (now called production distribution,) on the bottom floor of the building.

In November 1989 she got a promotion and a raise – to the first floor, where she has been found ever since in her “command station” at the main entrance of the building.

As for her job, Aunt Kay says, she’s “taken an avocation and turned it into a career. I like people and I like talking.”

Read the rest here: 20060713 Happy Birthday Kay Church.

Happy Birthday Aunt Kay.

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Annual events holidays Birthdays, Carroll County Government News, People Carroll County

20080707 Happy Birthday Aunt Kay Church