Annual 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County Horse Fair scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026

Annual 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County Horse Fair scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026

Sunday, March 29, 2026: Today is the annual 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County Horse Fair at the Carroll County Ag Center from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County is having their Horse Fair and Tack Sale today, on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Carroll County Agriculture Center. This fundraiser helps support all aspects of our program.

The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to benefit from a continuous program of therapeutic horseback riding in a safe environment, under the instruction of professionally trained staff, at a local facility.  

The Horse Fair is the primary fund-raising event for the program. The Horse Fair includes vendor tables with new and used horse related items and services, along with presentations by professionals in equine related fields.

What is Therapeutic Riding?

Therapeutic riding is an individualized program of learning to ride a horse which considers a person's physical, mental, and emotional strengths and limitations. The horses, staff, and volunteers involved in therapeutic riding have all been carefully selected and trained to accommodate the physical, mental, or social disabilities of the rider.

Improved physical strength, balance, mobility and coordination are accomplished through the physical act of riding a horse. Increased attention, concentration, learning, and verbal skills are inherent in learning the skills necessary to ride successfully. Bonding with the horse, making new friends, and respecting authority are some of the social improvements we see. Improvements in self-esteem, self-control, and confidence also arise from the experience of success in learning to ride. Therapeutic riding is fun and effective!

Mission Statement

The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County will provide persons with disabilities the opportunity to benefit from a continuous program of therapeutic horseback riding, in a safe environment, under the instruction of professionally trained staff, at a locally available facility.

It is the policy of the MD Cooperative Extension that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or disability.

One fine day the team from Bikers without Borders, Maryland Chapter 7

Came and improved the footing in the Therapeutic Riding Arena

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++ 

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster" 

 Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer. 

 Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website: 

 June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025: 

https://www.baltimoresun.com/?s=dayhoff&orderby=date&order=desc 

 Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff 

 Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/ 

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff 

 Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

 Dayhoff Art: https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ 

Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/ 

 Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: 

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Westminster Celtic Canter Irish Festival kicks off the city’s annual series of community festivals.

Westminster Celtic Canter Irish Festival kicks off the city’s annual series of community festivals.

Westminster MD March 14, 2026 – The luck of the Irish was on full display in Westminster today as the city kicked off its 2026 community festival series with the annual Celtic Canter. The weather little windy and chilly, however the weather for the event was certainly a change from the cold temperatures of earlier in the week and certainly better that a year or two when it snowed. 

The Irish Celebration and Celtic Run Fest transformed Main Street into a sea of green from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring a packed schedule of races, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. 

Co-founded by Dr. Patrick Gallagher and the Gallagher and Kuhn Dental Group—who continue to serve as lead sponsors—the event was officially hosted by the City of Westminster’s Recreation and Parks, Street, and Police Departments.

The morning's athletic events began at 9:00 AM with the signature Celtic Canter 5K, followed by the 1-Mile Leprechaun Chase at 10:15 AM. 

For those seeking a more lighthearted challenge, the 0.5K "Don’t Miss the Point!" race took place at 11:00 AM; which featured the Westminster Mayor and Common Council: Westminster Mayor Dr. Mayor Mona Becker, Westminster, Westminster Common Council President Tony Chiavacci, and Councilmembers Daniel Hoff and Kevin Dayhoff Westminster

These "canters" served a greater purpose beyond fitness, with proceeds benefiting both Crossroads Church and Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.

Attendees also enjoyed a variety of specialized attractions, including a "Kids Kingdom" featuring a Shamrock Spray Salon and face painting, as well as a unique Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing that required pre-registration.

Main Street remained vibrant throughout the day with a Vendor Village showcasing Irish-inspired arts, crafts, and fare. Live music fueled the festive atmosphere, with DJ Thumper spinning from early morning and the band Risky Shenanigans taking the stage at 9:30 AM. 

Unique demonstrations by Maryland Training in Historical Swordsmanship also added to the day's entertainment. 

As the morning festivities concluded, the celebration transitioned into a pub crawl from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, supported by free trolley rides available until 5:00 PM to ensure a safe and spirited end to the holiday tradition.

With Steve Strawsburg Jr, Westminster Police Department, City of Westminster Recreation & Parks Department Greg Pecoraro Gallagher & Kuhn Dental Group

-30-

All About the Community Foundation of Carroll County Overview

All About the Community Foundation of Carroll County Overview

Oct 9, 2025  WESTMINSTER: People often ask, "What is the Community Foundation of Carroll County? What do you do?" Please watch and find out about our reach in the community -- what we do and who we work with, what our impact is. You can learn a lot in less than 3 minutes!

How to really get rid of Quick Access in Win 11 file explorer?

How to really get rid of Quick Access in Win 11 file explorer?

Let many folks, after going to Windows 11 I have been plagued by bloat ware and unneeded features. I recently came across this helpful guide in a Microsoft chat room dated April 3, 2024: 

“I've read the prior posts on getting rid of Quick Access in File Explorer, which say to click the three dots … click Options, select the General tab, then uncheck the boxes under Privacy. THIS DOES NOT WORK - - Quick Access still shows for me.

“The best method I've found is to go into the General tab in Options then change "Open File Explorer to:" from "Home" to "This PC". It's the closest I've gotten to getting rid of another unneeded "feature" of Widows 11 (one down, many more to go). I encourage others to try it.”

This fix worked for me. Thank heavens.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4032015/how-to-really-get-rid-of-quick-access-in-win-11-fi 

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++ 

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster" 

 Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer. 

 Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website: 

 June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025: 

https://www.baltimoresun.com/?s=dayhoff&orderby=date&order=desc 

 Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff 

 Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/ 

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff 

 Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

 Dayhoff Art: https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ 

Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/ 

 Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: 

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Carroll County Maryland: Airport expansion back on track

Carroll County Maryland: Airport expansion back on track

 

Land Acquisition Case Concludes Clearing Path for Airport Safety Enhancements

 Carroll County MD Government sent this bulletin on 10/17/2025:

Westminster, MD, Friday, October 17, 2025 – “For nearly two decades, the Board of Commissioners (Board) has been evaluating and planning runway safety enhancements to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements at the Carroll County Regional Airport. The improvements will include expanding the existing runway from 5,100 feet to the FAA standard of 5,500 feet.

“The county has been in negotiations with the landowner, and while both parties understood the need for the land, they were unable to agree on reimbursement. The project requires three-tenths of an acre for the county to own and an avigation easement over much of the rest of the property. The negotiations led to the jury trial and its decision to award $3.5 million to the property owner.

“FAA representatives are aware of the decision and support the county’s acquisition of the land and avigation easement. As a result, the Board expects the FAA to reimburse the county for 90% of the $3.5 million, and the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) to cover 5%. The county will be responsible for the remaining 5%, or approximately $175,000.

“‘While the Board fully supports and upholds the rights of property owners, the acquisition of this property was necessary to ensure the airport meets required safety standards,’ said Board President Kenny Kiler. ‘Although we did not anticipate the jury awarding compensation for the full value of the property when only a portion was required, we understand the reasoning that the remaining land would have limited potential once the improvements are completed. The Board is pleased this matter has been resolved and looks forward to the successful completion of the enhancement project.’”

Source: Carroll Connect: Engaging Carroll County Citizens. https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/residents/county-news-releases/land-acquisition-case-concludes-clearing-path-for-airport-safety-enhancements/

Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2025/11/carroll-county-maryland-airport.html

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++ 

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster" 

 Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer. 

 Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website: 

 June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025: 

https://www.baltimoresun.com/?s=dayhoff&orderby=date&order=desc 

 Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff 

 Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/ 

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff 

 Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

 Dayhoff Art: https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ 

Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/ 

 Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: 

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Karen Mock Brown, of Westminster

Karen Mock Brown, of Westminster

 

Local artist, devoted supporter of the Carroll County Maryland Arts Council, and faithful Westminster Grace Lutheran Church member, Karen Mock Brown, of Westminster, passed away on October 16, 2025.

 

Friends and family gathered at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster, MD, on Saturday, November 1, 2025 for a celebration of her life.

 

A life well lived. According to a tribute to Ms. Brown, found in the November 1, 2025 celebration of life bulletin:

 

On Thursday, October 16, 2025,Karen Amelia (Mock) Brown passed peacefully from this life into eternal  life with God. Karen was born and raised  in the Baltimore area and graduated  from Overlea Senior High in 1963. She later completed a BS degree from College of Notre Dame of Maryland, graduating in 1982.

 

After working in the corporate world for about 20 years, Karen "retired" to pursue a career in art. Never  one  to  stay  stagnant,  she  first  created  works  of calligraphy, which then led to painting with both acrylics and watercolors- often times combining words and images to create art with deeper meaning. 

Her goal was not just to elicit a response, but to touch souls. Painting led to collage, which then led back to her very first creative endeavor: sewing. At this time, Karen began to create art quilts. These beautiful quilts depicted natural images, told stories, and sometimes started conversations urging us to think deeply. In addition to creating art, she also taught various classes in technique and creativity. She would tell you that the following Mary Oliver quote summed up her life: "Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

 More important than her artwork, however, was her faith and her family.

 

Karen was an amazing mom who always had time for her children's pursuits and endeavors. She was their greatest cheerleader, but not afraid to give them a push when they were not living up to their full potential.

 

As a single mom, she introduced them to the joys of traveling by way of camping. The three of them could pitch a tent, in the dark, in under 10 minutes.

 

She was a dedicated Mimi to her five grandchildren. She never saw them as just one big collection, but knew all of them as individuals and spent time with each doing the things that he or she most enjoyed. Over the last 31 years, she attended, recitals, concerts, plays, and a variety of athletic activities in which her grandchildren outshone everyone else.

 

She was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church and volunteered in various ministries throughout the years.

 Karen is survived by her two children and their spouses: Susie and Eric Davis; and Sean and Jessica Quintilian; her five grandchildren Matthew  Davis, Abigail (and Brice) Ingram, Joshua (and Ashley) Davis; and Juliana and Bella Quintilian.

 

She survived by two great-grandchildren who lit up her life with their smiles. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who have their own special memories of Aunt Karen.

 

Karen also has many friends who will miss her presence in their lives including some whom she has remained close to since grade school.

 

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Emma and Robert Mock as well as her two older brothers and their spouses Charles and Virginia Mock, and Frank and Judy Mock.

A memorial service will be held at Grace  Lutheran  Church  in  Westminster  on  Saturday, November 1 at 11:00. The family will receive visitors after the service at a luncheon in fellowship hall. Karen would prefer you to forgo the black funeral attire and wear color, especially purple!

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster: https://gracelc.org/.

And the Carroll Arts Council also in Westminster: https://carrollcountyartscouncil.org/

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster" Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website: June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025: https://www.baltimoresun.com/?s=dayhoff&orderby=date&order=desc 

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff

Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ 

Dayhoff Art:  https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

Names and contact information for Westminster and Carroll County elected officials

October 30, 2025: Names, positions, and email addresses for the Westminster and Carroll County elected officials; including the Carroll County Delegate to Annapolis – Maryland General Assembly:

May 2025 Westminster Mayor and Common Council members

Westminster Mayor Dr. Mona Becker: Mbecker@westminstermd.gov

Council President Tony Chiavacci: tchiavacci@westminstermd.gov

Councilmember Ann Gilbert: agilbert@westminstermd.gov

Councilmember Greg Pecoraro: gpecoraro@westminstermd.gov

Councilmember Kevin Dayhoff: KDayhoff@westminstermd.gov

Councilmember Dan Hoff: DHoff@westminstermd.gov

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 MEMBERS BY COUNTY: CARROLL COUNTY

https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/07leg/html/gacocarr.html

Retrieved October 30, 2025

Maryland State Senator Justin Ready:

Maryland Delegate Chris Tomlinson:

Maryland Delegate April Rose

Maryland Delegate Eric Bouchat

DISTRICT 5

Sen. Justin D. Ready, District 5
James Senate Office Building, Room 315
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3683
e-mail: justin.ready@senate.maryland.gov

Del. Christopher Eric Bouchat (R), District 5

House Office Building, Room 321
6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3200
e-mail: christopher.bouchat@house.maryland.gov

Del. April R. Rose (R), District 5

Lowe House Office Building, Room 213
6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3070
e-mail: april.rose@house.maryland.gov

Del. Christopher L. Tomlinson (R), District 5

Lowe House Office Building, Room 321
6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3359
e-mail: chris.tomlinson@house.maryland.gov

DISTRICT 42

Sen. Christopher R. West (R), District 42

James Senate Office Building, Room 322
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3648
e-mail: chris.west@senate.maryland.gov

Del. Joshua J. Stonko (R), District 42C

House Office Building, Room 215
Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3833
e-mail: joshua.stonko@house.maryland.gov

+++++++++++++++++++

 The current, October 30, 2025 Carroll County Maryland Board of Commissioners are:

President Kenneth Kiler (District 2),

Vice-President Joseph Vigliotti (District 1),

and Commissioners Tom Gordon III (District 3),

Michael Guerin (District 4),

and Susan W. Krebs (District 5).

Their email addresses are:

kkiler@carrollcountymd.gov,

jvigliotti@carrollcountymd.gov,

tgordon@carrollcountymd.gov,

mguerin@carrollcountymd.gov,

and skrebs@carrollcountymd.gov  respectively.

Carroll County Commissioner Kenneth Kiler, President, District 2: kkiler@carrollcountymd.gov

Carroll County Commissioner Joseph Vigliotti, Vice-President, District 1: jvigliotti@carrollcountymd.gov

Carroll County Commissioner Tom Gordon III, District 3: tgordon@carrollcountymd.gov

Carroll County Commissioner Michael Guerin, District 4: mguerin@carrollcountymd.gov

Carroll County Commissioner Susan W. Krebs, District 5: skrebs@carrollcountymd.gov

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++ Dayhoff Soundtrack +++

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

Facebook: Kevin Earl Dayhoff: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff