Wednesday, July 08, 2020

The Westminster Municipal Band

Musicians wanted – The Westminster Municipal Band. I found this recruitment display on June 11, 2020 in the window at Coffey Music in Westminster and it made me smile.

No matter how much I tried – I could not get a better picture of the window display. If you are interested in joining the band – email the band with this address: recruiting@westminsterband.com. For more information go to: www.westminsterband.com

I have great childhood memories of playing in the Wm. F. Myers and Sons Band. My wife, Caroline, currently plays the bassoon in the Westminster Band.

I have written about the band on a number of occasions – but this piece, from 16-years ago in 2004 might be my favorite. Interestingly enough, although I wrote it in 2004 for the Baltimore Sun, this version has never been published.

A History of the Westminster Municipal Band

Excerpted from the July 15^th, 2004 unpublished long version of “Heavy Metal Garage Band in Westminster finds Home” by Kevin Dayhoff

Between 1857 and 1952 there were 40 bands incorporated in Carroll County. Records of the Westminster Municipal Band go back as far as the 1860s.

In 1893 it was incorporated as the “Westminster City Band.” According to Sandy Miller, the Director of the Westminster Municipal Band, “the band is now officially celebrating 111 years of sharing music in Carroll County and the surrounding tristate area.” Band Director Miller was very helpful in filling me in on the rich history of the Westminster Municipal Band – for it seems our “Garage Band” is the Westminster Municipal Band.

The band has undergone many changes throughout its 111 years. The uniforms have changed color, from tan to Green and Gold. The name also changed in 1950 when the band reorganized as the “Westminster Municipal Band” and the City of Westminster pledged financial support to the group. The Color Guard was formed in 1961 and really sets our band apart from the other bands. (“Westminster Municipal Band” By Westminster Municipal Band Director Sandy Miller, July 12^th, 2004.)

From the beginning, the band has been a totally volunteer organization. Those who participate are involved because of their love of music and the opportunity to share that love with the community. Members range in age from 14 – 80 and there are no auditions or membership fees.

A big part of the band’s success is that it functions as a family. The group literally has many members of the same families as members of the band. Other family members attend band functions as our “groupies.”

The Westminster Municipal Band regularly participates in local Firemen’s parades; Memorial Day and July 4^th celebrations in and around the Carroll County area. The highlight of the Band’s playing season is the yearly trek in June to Ocean City for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention. As the “Official Band of the MSFA,” the band leads the parade each year down Baltimore Street.

One big part of the band’s success is the relationship we have built with the City of Westminster which has provided some financial support to the band since the 1950’s while the Band provides musical assistance and entertainment at many City events.

The Band and the Westminster Fire Company have a long history together as well, with many Fire Company members in the Band and the Color Guard. In the early part of the 20^th century, and again near the end of the century, the band met for their weekly rehearsals at the Westminster Fire Hall located on Main Street.

In 1998, after the Fire Company moved to its new building on John Street, the Band was again looking for a new home. That search ended, again, with the help of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Company. The Fire Company was in possession of the old Plumbing, Heating Supply Co building on John Street, and wasn’t using the space. An agreement was reached and the band moved to 40 John Street in January, 2001.

In the spirit of the many private – public partnerships that have made Westminster successful, The Westminster Municipal Band, The Westminster Fire Department and the City of Westminster have joined forces to give the Band a long-term home.

In the spring of 2003, the Fire Company demolished the back portion of the building, but left the area the band rented standing. It was decided that the Band, working with the City and Fire Company, could renovate the existing storefront to better accommodate the band’s needs. Members of the Band, Fire Company and the City have provided much of the labor, while the City has worked to provide a portion of the funds needed by way of a downtown rehabilitation grant fund.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/kevin-earl-dayhoff/the-westminster-municipal-band/10157591537092654

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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

Dayhoff for Westminster: www.kevindayhoff.city

Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net

Dayhoff Carroll: www.kevindayhoff.org

Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: www.kevindayhoff.info | https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

July 6, 1866 Benjamin Disraeli

Not sure of my favorite date in history, but July 6, 1866 is fairly significant. On that date the Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli succeeded Wm. Ewart Gladstone as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. From 1850 through the 1860s, Lord Derby had formed three governments. Disraeli served as the Leader of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Exchequer for all three governments.

It was during this third term as the Leader of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Exchequer that he expertly guided The Reform Act of 1867 through Parliament "marvelous parliamentary skill." This signal act of Parliament increased the number of voters in the UK by 88 per cent.

It was this momentous victory over overwhelming odds that helped lead him to become Prime Minister in February 1868 – after serving in government since he was first elected in July 1837. After Queen Victoria gave him permission to form a government he is known to have said, “"I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole." He went on to be one of the most influential prime ministers in English history.

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The second day of the Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most significant in history. As far as an encounter that only lasted “hours,” I might rank the Battle of Cannae, August 2, 216 B.C., in the 2nd Punic War – for it effect on socio-political public policy dynamics to this very day.

But perhaps the most significant single day in history is September 9, 9 CE. That was the day of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. That single day affects worldwide politics, governments, and public policy to this very day. I have written about it a number of times including a vignette here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/kevin-earl-dayhoff/the-hermann-monument-detmold-north-rhine-westphalia-germany/10157070454737654/

At the end of the day, the battle resulted in three entire Roman Legions, the famed Seventeenth, Eighteenth, and Nineteenth Legions, being ambushed and totally destroyed in the swamps of the Teutoburg Forest – east of the Rhine, in what is known today as North West Germany in the German states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. After the battle, their commander Publius Quintilius Varus committed suicide.

Perhaps the only worse event in the early history of the Roman Empire was the Battle of Cannae, August 2, 216 B.C., in the 2nd Punic War, at the hands of Hannibal in which 50,000 legionaries died in one day. Rivaled only by the later disasters of the Battle of Adrianople (378 CE) or Alaric's Sack of Rome (410 CE.)

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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

Dayhoff for Westminster: www.kevindayhoff.city

Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net

Dayhoff Carroll: www.kevindayhoff.org

Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: www.kevindayhoff.info | https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

I have a new parking spot

I have a new parking spot. July 4, 2020.

I have a new parking spot

I have a new parking spot. July 4, 2020.

I have a new parking spot

I have a new parking spot. July 4, 2020.

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 – Westminster, Carroll County Maryland at sunset on June 11, 2020

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 – Westminster, Carroll County Maryland at sunset on June 11, 2020

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 – Westminster, Carroll County Maryland at sunset on June 11, 2020

3 July 2020 MDVA News and Announcements

News and Announcements - July 3, 2020

MDVA News

MDVA Cemetery Visitation Hours Return to Pre-Pandemic Schedule

Effective June 29, 2020 all five state veteran cemeteries operate as follows:

Administration buildings will be open to the public. All visitors to the cemeteries and committal service guests will be required to adhere to social distancing guidelines, if not in the same household. All visitors must wear a face covering and those entering administration buildings will be required to complete a health questionnaire. If guests, clergy, or funeral home staff are ill, it is encouraged that they do not attend burial services.

Visiting:

On June 29, 2020, visiting hours will return to normal, Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM

Burials:

On June 29, 2020, cemeteries will return to normal burial schedules. However, committal services in cemetery shelters will be at 50% capacity. Shelters are of differing square footage, therefore capacity inside will vary.

Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery: maximum of 35 persons in the shelter
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery: maximum of 24 persons in the shelter
Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery: maximum of 30 persons in the shelter
Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery: maximum of 30 persons in the shelter
Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery: maximum of 27 persons in the shelter

Funeral home directors have received written notification detailing operational changes. The Department encourages family to work with their funeral home director in advance of a service to ensure all guests are aware of these changes as well.

The Department will revisit changes to operations as Governor Hogan’s Road to Recovery Plan advances.

For more information on the cemetery program visit: MDVA Cemetery and Memorial Program

To contact individual cemeteries, please email:
Chelthenham Veterans Cemetery: cheltenham.vc@maryland.gov
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery: crownsville.vc@maryland.gov
Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery: easternshore.vc@maryland.gov
Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery: garrisonforest.vc@maryland.gov
Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery: rockygap.vc@maryland.gov

For More Information on MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program

On June 24th, Keith Brown (left) was presented with his 5 year State Service Pin by Russell Ware, Director of the MDVA Cemetery and Memorials Program. Keith began his career with MDVA as a Grounds Caretaker, and was promoted to the position of Mechanical Equipment Operator. He was promoted once again and is now the Superintendent of the Memorials Program. Thank you Keith, for your hard work and dedication and congratulations on your work anniversary.

MDVA Website

Tami Hardesty, pictured on the left is the MDVA Benefits Specialist at the newly relocated Hagerstown office. This new location was developed through a partnership between MDVA and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The office is located inside the MVA building, 18306 Colonel Henry K, Douglas Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Please call Tami for an appointment on 240-527-6894. Appointments are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

More Information on MDVA Service & Benefits Program

New MDVA office in Hagerstown

Bill Honoring Veterans Assigns Portion of MDOT MVA
Specialty Plate Fees to Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

GLEN BURNIE, MD – A new law taking effect July 1 benefits Maryland veterans every time certain special vehicle registration plates are purchased from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA). House Bill 646 was passed in the 2020 Maryland General Assembly session and allocates $10 from the sale of certain plates to Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, a non-emergency, temporary financial assistance program administered by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligible plates include those recognizing individually earned combat-related armed services medals; honorably discharged veterans; and recipients of U.S. Department of Defense Gold Star status, which is awarded to a surviving spouse, parent, or next of kin of a United States armed forces member who lost his or her life in combat.

“We’re proud to honor our veterans with not only specialty plates, but also a variety of options that provide them easier access to vital services,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “With the implementation of this bill, veterans and families who order these specialty plates can be assured that part of the fee will help other veterans in need.”

“This past fiscal year, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs distributed more than $100,000 in Trust Fund grants to veterans in need of financial assistance,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings. “We are thankful House Bill 646 was enacted this year. We look forward to expanding our commitment to those who have served, and working with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration toward that goal.”

While the new law applies only to certain specialty plates and those eligible to receive them, anyone can donate to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. Details are available HERE.

MDOT MVA honors the men and women who serve our nation in several ways, including a “Veterans Status” designation on their driver’s license or identification card indicating they are eligible for state veteran benefits. MDOT MVA has issued more than 125,000 drivers licenses and IDs with a veteran designation. MDOT MVA also offers more than 100 specialty license plates honoring America’s military, as well as vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers for veterans who qualify as 100 percent disabled.

MDOT MVA also has customer service initiatives dedicated to helping veterans and their families access resources quickly and conveniently.

This month, MDOT MVA and the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs opened a veteran’s service center inside the Hagerstown branch office. It is the third veteran service center in an MDOT MVA branch. The first opened in 2019 at the Glen Burnie branch and the second opened in March inside the Salisbury branch office. All three veteran’s benefits centers are open during MDOT MVA business hours by appointment only. For information on these and other services, visit mva.maryland.gov/Pages/ militaryandveterans.

For More Information on the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

Each quarter of the year, Valor Construction selects one veteran who needs assistance and replaces the roof of their home. This photo was taken recently at the home of a veteran who received a new replacement roof. Those who came out to congratulate the veteran included: Deputy Chief Spriggs, Fire Fighter Drew, Battalion Chief Powel, Adam Kincaid (Valor Construction), MDVA Secretary George Owings, Fire Fighter Pratt, Lieutenant Makovisky, and Al Kincaid, Valor Construction President.

State Partner News

Governor Hogan declared June "Adaptive Boating Month" in Maryland and Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford attended a ceremony and presented a Proclamation honoring CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating). Video by Chesapeake Bay Boating Capital Gazette Article

From left to right in this photo are: CRAB Executive Director Paul Bollinger, MDVA Secretary George Owings, DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, President of the CRAB Board of Directors Brad LaTour and MDOD Secretary Carol Beatty

Maryland VSBE Program

Veteran business owners are invited and encouraged to participate in Maryland's Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program. It provides contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for certified veteran-owned small businesses. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans, and must meet the size standards established by the US Small Business Administration. There is no cost to participate. Certification in the VSBE Program is a 3-step process which takes place through the state's vendor registration tool, eMaryland Marketplace Advantage. Use the link below to learn more about the program and the details on completing the certification process.

VSBE Program

Training for Small Business Owners

In this new environment of social distancing, everyone is adapting. Today's seminars are webinars, Zoom meetings, Facebook Live events, Google Meets, and more. If you have a smart phone or a computer, you have what you need to tap into these valuable training and information sessions. Capacity can fill quickly, so sign up early when required to do so.

07/07/2020 - MBE Application Assistance Workshop
07/09/2020 - Productize - Steps for Turning Your Service Into a Product
07/14/2020 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship
07/16/2020 - Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely
07/21/2020 - Prepare to Persevere - The Future of Technology & Business
07/21/2020 - Women's Leadership Conference

Check out our full listing of small business eventsonline at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

Federal Partner News

VA Seeking women who served in the military

We invite you to participate in a study focusing on your health behaviors and life experiences as a woman Veteran.

The goal of the Health for Every Veteran Study is to better understand the experiences of Veterans from all backgrounds and promote their health and well-being, including women who served. We are especially interested in hearing the diverse voices within our communities. Participants will be helping advance Veteran research, without leaving their homes!The study is being conducted by researchers at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. It consists of completing a confidential, web-based questionnaire every 9 months for approximately 2 years (for a total of 4 questionnaires). All research activities are completed online, with no in-person visits required. For more information, please go to https://healthforeveryvet-women.questionpro.com

Federal News

Fourth of July Observance - A Capitol Fourth, PBS

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the National Archives

National Center for PTSD

Invisible Wounds: Understanding PTSD, Health.mil article

DOD Trains Staff to Collect Convalescent Plasma Donations, Health.mil article

COVID-19 Plasma Sought - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, fedweek.com

US Department of Labor: Apprenticeship Pilot for Transitioning Service Members

Free Educational Resources for Military and Veteran Families

Live Whole Health self-care episode #32: Scheduling Pleasant Activities

Live Whole Health self-care episode #33: The Guest House

Phase 2 - Moving Forward Plan, VA Maryland Health Care System

Community Partner News

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDVA. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a MDVA community outreach effort.

Mr. David Catania, a Vietnam Marine Veteran was honored at Yingling-Ridgely VFW Post 7472 recently. Thank you to Post Commander Bill Milner and Jr. Vice Bill Braid for use of the Hall, Department of Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Thomas Williams, VFW Post 467 Jr. Vice Mike Lexa, VFW District 7 Commander Landon Becker, Retired Executive Director Of National American Legislative Division, Louis Celli , 7472 member Shelby Rogers, Joe Dunnigan, Kay Emmanuel, Mike Sherman, Al Hernandez, PC Keith Clevenger FSK Post 11 and Don Zack for attending. Photo and text provided by Josh Marks.

Community News

Baltimore Station which serves homeless veterans is holding a fundraising raffle

Project Opportunity - Free Late Summer/Fall Entrepreneur Training for Veterans at two locations:

Southern Maryland Location

Eastern Shore Location

Operation Tohidu

Operation Tohidu is excited to announce our Fall 2020 schedule. The Melwood Veterans Services team has reviewed our program and instituted changes as required by common sense and the state of Maryland regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides cleaning equipment frequently and implementing social distancing, we will have all attendees drive to the retreat location. This in effect, is reducing our service area to within a reasonable driving distance from our location near LaPlata, MD. Applications from outside of this region will be deferred to Spring 2021 or possibly beyond. Below you’ll find our schedule for Fall 2020. Thank you for your continued support.

Operation Tohidu® is a free, 5-day retreat program provided by Melwood Veterans Services for veterans or service members that have been diagnosed with or are self-identifying post-traumatic stress, mild traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, moral injury or military sexual trauma. This program is open to veterans of all eras and most discharge statuses. For an overview of our program, please see this video from our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQgL4VZwuJY&t=1s.

“Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit and Operation Tohidu® retreats continue to promote “Peace with the past through power in the present” for hundreds of veterans each year. For more information or to apply to attend please visit www.operationtohidu.org . We are also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/melwoodveterans.

September 14 – 18, 2020

Women’s Session (MST Focused)

September 28 – October 2, 2020

Women’s Session

October 12 – 16, 2020

Women’s Session (MST Focused Retreat in partnership with The Veteran Leadership Project)

November 9 – 13, 2020

Men’s Session

November 30 – December 4, 2020

Couples Session

December 14 – 18, 2020

TBD