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

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 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

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 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

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+++ 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

October 2025 City of Westminster Newsletter

October 2025 City of Westminster Newsletter

 

The October 2025 newsletter highlights upcoming fall events, City services, and updates on recreation and fitness programs.

 

The month kicks off with the Westminster Leaf Vacuum service starting on October 6 and continuing through December 5, 2025; residents must call (410) 848-9077 to request a pickup.

 

Open burning of leaves is prohibited within the city limits. For other collections, bi-weekly curbside collection of tree limbs, brush, metal, tires, and bulk trash, as well as weekly curbside yard waste collection, also require scheduling by calling 410-848-9077.

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Downtown Events in October include the Oyster Stroll on Saturday, October 11, from 12-4 PM on Main Street, featuring oyster farmers, vendors, and live entertainment like The Reagan Years, with proceeds benefiting Chesapeake Bay conservation.

 

The Downtown Westminster Farmers' Market operates every Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM through November 22, 2025, with themed days such as "Touch a Firetruck + Ambulance Day!" on the 18th and "National Pumpkin Day!" on the 25th.

 

A free family event, Spooky Saturday, is scheduled for October 25 from 3-6 PM on Main Street, featuring trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, games, crafts, and live entertainment; it begins with the one-mile Spooky Sprint at 2:55 PM. Official Trick-or-Treating within city limits is set for October 31st from 6-8 PM, and residents are asked to turn on their front porch light to indicate participation.

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Recreation and Parks events at Wakefield Valley Park include a free Walk with a Naturalist-Sunrise Hike on Monday, October 13, from 7:30-8:30 AM (email appreciated for attendance). A free, required-registration Owl Prowl for all ages is planned for Tuesday, October 29, from 6:00-7:30 PM, starting with a presentation before a guided night hike.

 

The Westminster Family Fitness Center offers various membership options, including access to over 50 group fitness classes per week, open gym time for basketball and pickleball, and childcare services for youth 11 and under. Drop-in Pickleball is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and classes are offered throughout the month.

 

The Adaptive Recreation Program for peers with special needs (ages 18+) offers socialization, service projects, community outings, and a "Fit and Fun with Melanie" dance-exercise class. The City is also seeking volunteers for events like the Celtic Canter, Wine Stroll, and Fallfest, offering incentives such as tickets and merchandise.

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Looking ahead, the Miracle on Main event is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, and will include Santa's Treat, an ice rink, the Holiday Lane Market, the Jingle Bell Run at 4:55 PM, the Holiday Electric Parade, and the ceremonial tree lighting. Parade applications are currently open for local organizations and businesses. The newsletter also mentions a December community event, A Night in Bethlehem, a free outdoor theatrical adventure on December 5th and 6th.

 

Finally, the City of Westminster has been recognized as a Bird City Maryland, and its signature bird is the Eastern Bluebird.

+++ 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

City of Westminster MD hosts 30th Annual Urban and Community Forestry Workshop Tuesday at McDaniel College

Westminster hosts 30^th Forestry Workshop

City of Westminster MD hosts 30th Annual Urban and Community Forestry Workshop Tuesday at McDaniel College. Over 85 attended. Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - The City of Westminster Tree Commission, the City of Westminster Planning and Community Development, and Bartlett Tree Experts hosted the 30th Annual Urban and Community Forestry Workshop Tuesday at McDaniel College.

Over 85 horticulturists and arb
orists from throughout the State of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region attended.

According to information on the City of Westminster web site, “The annual workshop was established with the goal of improving the skills of arborists, foresters, gardeners, and landscapers from government agencies. To this end, the one day event brings in industry experts from around the country to provide professional training and education. State Foresters and private arborists and foresters are welcomed as well.

“All eligible attendees receive Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, Maryland Pesticide Applicator--Full Recertification and Continuing Education Credits from ISA (International Society of Arborists) . Offering these re-certification and continuing education credits is an ongoing service which recognizes the professional achievements of the attendees.”

Topics covered by the workshop included: “Safety in Arboriculture, Chainsaw, Big Tree Program, Regulatory Update, Insect Update, Disease Update, [and] Tree Pruning.”

Folks who attended the workshop learned from “experts in the areas of: Safety Issues and Advancements in the Green Industry, Latest Insects and Treatment Options, How to Identify and Manage Diseases in the Landscape, How to Identify and Address Abiotic/Cultural Issues, Proper Pruning Techniques, [and] Regulatory Compliance - Updates on New Laws, Procedures…”

The workshops and presentations included Insect Update by Dr. Laura Nixon University of Maryland. Extension Specialist – Ornamental IPM and Entomology; Electrical Hazard Awareness by Mr. Chris Sprague, Bartlett Tree Experts; Disease Update presented by Mr. Dave Clement, University of Maryland; Pesticide Update by Stephen Goff, Department of Agriculture; DNR Tree Expert Update and roadside tree permits, Mr. Dan Coy, Maryland DNR; Proper techniques for planting trees by Jeremy Baker Bartlett tree - Outdoor Demo; and the Benefits of root invigoration using an air spade by Dr. Glynn Percival Bartlett Research Lab - Outdoor Demo.

Photos caption: City of Westminster MD hosts 30th Annual Urban and Community Forestry Workshop Tuesday at McDaniel College. Over 85 attended. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ] Kevin E. Dayhoff

Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2025/10/14/westminster-hosts-30th-forestry-workshop/

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

Kevin Earl Dayhoff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/pfbid09HBywiMmxAJEoiE8UjSUcAcVHcRBK73YDt9tqHitANShD35TrUx2L2dPknPczvYcl

+++ 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

Annual Oyster Stroll and Fire Department Open House Events on Saturday, October 11, 2025

Annual Oyster Stroll and Fire Department Open House Events on Saturday, October 11, 2025

For Immediate Release: City of Westminster Announces Annual Oyster Stroll and Fire Department Open House Events on Saturday, October 11, 2025

October 7, 2025

The City of Westminster is excited to host two family-friendly events on Saturday, October 11, 2025: the annual Oyster Stroll and the Westminster Fire Department's Volunteer Recruitment Open House.

The Oyster Stroll will take place throughout Downtown Westminster from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is expected to draw approximately 5,000 participants. Concurrently, the annual Open House at the Westminster Fire Company will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The Oyster Stroll is a "Shop, Slurp, and Stroll" event designed to raise awareness about the importance of oyster aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. Attendees can delight in fresh oysters, live music, and samples of wine, spirits, and beer while strolling through Downtown Westminster.

Just after visiting the Stroll, the public is invited to the Westminster Fire Department Open House at the station located at 28 John Street. This event is part of the Maryland State Fireman's Association's statewide recruitment activities. The day will feature free activities for children, museum tours with antique fire equipment, fire and life safety information offered by partnering agencies, and much more. Station and apparatus tours will be offered, and personnel will be available to answer any questions about becoming a volunteer member of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company.

Please be advised that the Oyster Stroll will necessitate partial to full road closures in Downtown Westminster from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The impacted community area includes John Street/Bond Street to Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 and Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 to North/South Center Street. Specifically, West Main Street from John Street/Bond Street to Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 will be closed, and East Main Street from Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 to North/South Center Street will also be closed. Railroad Avenue/MD Route 27 will remain open with supervised crossing.

For more information on the Oyster Stroll, please contact the City of Westminster Recreation and Parks Department at 410-751-5501 or WestminsterRec@westminstermd.gov. For details on the Fire Department Open House and volunteer recruitment, please call (410) 848-1800.

+++ 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

What is the Adobe Photoshop error message: "Unable to load required component 'Unicows.dll?"

Thursday, September 18, 2025: What is the Adobe Photoshop error message: "Unable to load required component 'Unicows.dll?"

I have used Adobe Photoshop for many years with no problems. I was an early adopter, and I purchased one of the earlier (expensive) programs. However recently it has been unusable because of an error message: "Unable to load required component 'Unicows.dll." How do I fix this?

I guess this yet another one of the many challenges of moving up to Windows 11. I had to try several different versions of my question before I got this answer – that made since. Essentially the very old Adobe Photoshop I purchased years ago – has now been made obsolete.

LOL – I just talked with an IT director who is really knowledgeable about such matters – and his answer was: Abandon Adobe and Go to GIMP. https://www.gimp.org/ From the GIMP website: “The Free & Open Source Image Editor: This is the official website of the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP).

“GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows and more operating systems. It is free software, you can change its source code and distribute your changes.

“Whether you are a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, or scientist, GIMP provides you with sophisticated tools to get your job done. You can further enhance your productivity with GIMP thanks to many customization options and 3rd party plugins.”

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This was the answer that I got.

The "Unable to load required component Unicows.dll" error most commonly occurs when trying to run an older, unsupported version of Adobe Photoshop on a modern version of Windows. The Unicows.dll file was a component of the Microsoft Layer for Unicode (MSLU), which was used to enable Unicode support on older operating systems like Windows 98, ME, and XP. 

Because modern Windows versions have native Unicode support, this outdated file is not included. The simplest and most effective solution is to update your software, which you can do by following the instructions below. 

Fix the Unicows.dll error

1. Update your version of Photoshop

The most reliable solution is to update Photoshop to the latest compatible version for your operating system. Newer versions of the application do not require the obsolete unicows.dll file.

• For Creative Cloud users: Open the Creative Cloud desktop application and install the latest updates for Photoshop.

• For users of older versions: If you are using a perpetual license for an older version (e.g., Photoshop CS3) on a modern OS, your software is likely out of support. You may need to purchase or subscribe to a newer version of Photoshop that is compatible with your current Windows OS. 

2. Reinstall Photoshop

If you already use a modern, supported version of Photoshop and this error appears, a corrupted installation may be the cause. A clean reinstallation can resolve the issue by replacing any damaged files. 

1. Uninstall Photoshop through your Windows settings (Settings > Apps > Apps & features).

2. Run the Adobe CC Cleaner Tool. This utility from Adobe removes leftover files from previous installations that could cause problems.

3. Reinstall Photoshop from your Creative Cloud desktop app. 

3. Update your Windows OS

Ensuring your operating system is fully updated is a general-purpose fix that can solve many DLL and compatibility issues.

1. Open Windows Settings, then go to Windows Update.

2. Click Check for updates.

3. Install any available updates. 

If you are using old, unsupported software

If you are intentionally using an old version of Photoshop (like CS3 on Windows XP), and the issue suddenly appeared, it suggests a system file may have become corrupted.

• Run a System File Checker scan: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow. This will check and repair any corrupted Windows system files.
•  
• Exercise caution with downloaded DLLs: Some websites offer unicows.dll for download. However, doing so is not recommended, as these files can be out of date, contain malware, or be the wrong version for your system. 

+++ 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

Lunch about Nothing: Monday, September 22, 2025

Lunch about Nothing: Monday, September 22, 2025: Serra on Main! 32 W. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157 - Matti, Caroline and I got together with great friends and community leaders for some food and fellowship at the monthly Lunch About Nothing: September 22nd, 2025 | 12PM to 1PM

For Lunch About Nothing we get together for about an hour and meet up with friends and make new ones. It is the best way to get business and support for your nonprofit is to be out there. Everyone is always welcome! Feel free to call in your lunch order if you choose but not necessary.

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/pfbid0pRsfbmFuG9Yvw9Ev8kYQ885WdcvWQh1h9wffcv1fBhBLVZn5844jGTUkBpUmGagWl

https://www.instagram.com/p/DO6lZdHku9r/

+++ 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

Please tell me how to change the default font and paragraph settings in Microsoft 365 for documents

Please tell me how to change the default font and paragraph settings in Microsoft 365 for documents to Bookman Old Style, 12 point font, single spacing?

Friday, September 19, 2025

You can easily change the default font and paragraph settings in Microsoft 365 Word documents so that all new documents automatically use your preferred style. This saves you from having to manually change the formatting every time you start a new file.

Here's how to set the default font to Bookman Old Style, 12 point font, with single spacing:

Step 1: Access the Font Settings

1. Open a new or existing Microsoft Word document.
2. On the Home tab of the ribbon, look for the Font group.
3. Click the small arrow (the dialog box launcher) in the bottom-right corner of the Font group. This will open the Font dialog box. You can also press Ctrl + D as a shortcut.
   
   

Step 2: Set the Default Font

1. In the Font dialog box, select the following options:
• Font: Bookman Old Style
• Font style: Regular
• Size: 12
2. After making your selections, click the Set As Default button in the bottom-left corner of the dialog box.
3. A pop-up will appear asking, "Do you want to set the default font to Bookman Old Style, 12 pt for:"
4. Select "All documents based on the Normal template?"
5. Click OK.
   
   

Step 3: Access the Paragraph Settings

1. With the Home tab still selected, look for the Paragraph group.
2. Click the small arrow (the dialog box launcher) in the bottom-right corner of the Paragraph group. This will open the Paragraph dialog box.
   
   

Step 4: Set the Default Paragraph Spacing

1. In the Paragraph dialog box, under the Indents and Spacing tab, look at the Spacing section.
2. Set the following options:
• Line spacing: Single
• Before: 0 pt
• After: 0 pt
3. Click the Set As Default button in the bottom-left corner.
4. A pop-up will appear. Select "All documents based on the Normal template?"
5. Click OK.
   
   

By following these steps, all new documents you create in Microsoft Word will automatically open with Bookman Old Style, 12-point font, and single spacing. This is a change to the "Normal" template, which is the basis for all new blank documents.

Sources

+++ 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

How to apply for a special events permit from the City of Westminster Maryland

Friday, September 19, 2025: How to apply for a special events, demonstration or parade permit from the City of Westminster Maryland.

Here's how to apply for a special events, demonstration, or parade permit from the City of Westminster, Maryland:

Application Process

Online Application: Westminster requires a Special Event / Parade Permit for activities on public streets, as described in Chapter 109 Forms & Applications | MD-Westminster, MD - Official Website. The city has an online application form available through their Form Center on the official website.

Where to Apply: Visit the City of Westminster's official website at westminstermd.gov and navigate to their Form Center to find the "Application for Special Event / Parade Permit."

Key Requirements

Legal Authority: These permits are required for activities on public streets, as outlined in Chapter 109 Forms & Applications | MD-Westminster, MD - Official Website of Westminster's city code.

Digital Submission: The city has specific digital submission requirements that you should read before submitting any form.

Getting Started

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to westminstermd.gov
2. Access the Form Center: Look for the Forms & Applications section
3. Find the Permit Application: Locate "Application for Special Event / Parade Permit"
4. Create an Account (optional but recommended): This allows you to manage notifications, save form progress, and auto-populate information for future applications

Additional Information

For the most current requirements, fees, processing times, and specific documentation needed, I recommend contacting the City Clerk's Office directly, as permit requirements can vary based on the type, size, and location of your event.

Contact Information: You can reach out to Westminster's City Clerk's Office for detailed guidance on your specific event needs and to ensure you have all required documentation before submitting your application.

+++ 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