Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies - www.kevindayhoff.net - Runner, writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. The mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist, and artist: National and International politics. For community see www.kevindayhoff.org. For art, writing and travel see www.kevindayhoff.com
Friday, January 19, 2001
RAVENS WEEK IN WESTMINSTER
Monday, January 01, 2001
20010100 About the 4H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County
UPDATED: November 2nd, 2006
ALL the information below – AND MORE - is found on the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll
Therapeutic riding is an individualized program of learning to ride a horse which takes into account 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!
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.
The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County was established in 1978 to provide an opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to benefit from riding horses. Beginning with lessons at a local farm, the program moved to the Ag Center outdoor ring and then to the indoor arena in 1997. Everyone associated with the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program is a volunteer, including riding instructors, therapists, horse handlers, and side-walkers.
Our horses were originally borrowed and brought to lessons weekly. Now all are donated, loaned or leased to the program. During each session they are stabled and cared for on land loaned by the
In its 28 years of operation, more than 100 horses and 4000 volunteers have worked together to provide therapeutic riding classes to more than 2000 riders.
4-H TRP of Carroll County offers a one-hour lesson of 4 to 6 riders, similar in age or ability, that focuses on individual riding skills while gaining a therapeutic benefit. These benefits include improving muscle tone and strength, improving hand/eye coordination and balance, improving peer interaction and communication, increasing self-esteem, and developing a sense of control. Ten-week sessions are held each fall and spring. Each session seats 45-50 riders using 7 horses, assisted by 50 volunteers. Volunteers accrue more than 1300 hours of service during each session.
At the beginning of each session Instructors establish goals for each rider, working with the rider, parents or guardian. They create a wide variety of activities and exercises designed to increase the student's ability to listen, learn, and communicate.
Riders work on their horsemanship skills and willingness to try new things. Students may be taught how to help groom and tack their horses. Classes include arena riding, trail rides, and group activities.
For some riders this is their competitive sport of choice. They strive to compete at the local, national, and international levels in equestrian sports. 4-H TRP riders regularly compete in horse shows at Freedom Hills, Thorncroft,
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Saturday, December 09, 2000
20001209 Transportation 2nd Biggest Family Exp.
From: Baltimore Regional Partnership 12/9/2000 Newsletter
TRANSPORTATION SECOND BIGGEST ITEM IN HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
A report released November 30 by the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) finds that households in the
The report, "Driven to Spend," compiled data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and found that the poorest fifth of Americans pays a significantly larger percentage of income -- 36 percent—on transportation.
The report shows that 98 percent of day-to-day transportation costs are associated with owning and operating an automobile and that three quarters of those expenses, such as loan and insurance payments, tend to be unrelated to how often or far the car is driven.
The report points out that the most effective way to reduce household transportation costs is to own fewer cars, but that such a choice requires other transportation options to be available.
The report also cautions families that seek so save money on housing by investing in a cheaper house further out in a metropolitan area, pointing out that such a choice may lead to unavoidably larger transportation costs.
Among the report's recommendations is greater government investment in public transportation, bicycle facilities, and walkable neighborhoods, rather than increased highway capacity in outer suburban areas. T
he report also urges employers to provide free or subsidized transit passes to their employees, taking advantage of federal tax incentives and local measures such as
Full text of report available at http://www.transact.org/.
To read the local press release - Click Here
Summary
Ranking: 26
Portion of Family Budget Devoted to Transportation: 14.7%
Annual Household Spending on Transportation: $5,236
Total Household Expenditures on Transportation in
Breakdown of Transportation Expenditures
Annual Household Spending | Percent of Total Transportation Expenditures | |
Vehicle Purchases | $2,236 | 42.7% |
Other Vehicle Expenses | $1,956 | 37.4% |
Gasoline and Motor Oil | $952 | 18.2% |
Public Transportation | $92 | 1.8% |
Breakdown of All Household Expenditures
Households in
Annual Household Spending | Percent of Total Household Expenditures | |
TRANSPORTATION | $5,236 | 14.7% |
Shelter | $7,304 | 20.5% |
Food | $4,793 | 13.5% |
Utilities | $2,361 | 6.6% |
Other Household | $2,285 | 6.4% |
Insurance & Pensions | $4,773 | 13.4% |
Health Care | $1,600 | 4.5% |
Entertainment | $1,830 | 5.1% |
Apparel & Services | $1,650 | 4.6% |
Education | $657 | 1.8% |
Miscellaneous | $2,806 | 7.9% |
Transportation Choice
Transportation Facts for
Annual miles traveled by car per household: 20,170 miles
Percentage of trips taken by car: 82.2%
Percentage of trips taken by transit: 2.6%
Percentage of trips taken by foot: 8.1%
Percentage of trips taken by bicycle: 0.2%
Area covered is Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA).
For boundaries, visit http://www.census.gov/geo/www/mapGallery/ma_1999.pdf
To choose another Metro Area Click Here
To go back to the Driven to Spend homepage, Click Here
Friday, December 08, 2000
20001208 Egg fans uneasy about FDA's 'No over easy' advice
December 8, 2000
In this story:
How risky are soft-boiled eggs?
By Elizabeth Cohen CNN Medical Correspondent
Stop right there. The
"You just need to cook your eggs thoroughly -- no sunny side up, no over easy," said Dr. Jane Henney, FDA Commissioner. "This is a case when it's better to be safe than sorry."
Because high temperatures kill salmonella bacteria, the Food and Drug Administration has recently ordered instructions on cartons of eggs telling consumers to cook them "until yolks are firm." But federal health authorities admit this is going to be a hard sell.
"These recipes are traditional -- people wake up to them in the morning. Changing those behaviors is a long and challenging prospect," said Dr. Robert Tauxe, chief of the foodborne and diarrheal disease branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But change them they must, Tauxe said, because one in every 100
[…]
This egg controversy is nothing new to
[…]
Eggnog -- a Renaissance-era comfort food
November 21, 2000
Make food safety a holiday tradition
November 21, 2000
Experts see increased threat from new infectious diseases
April 26, 2000
Researchers find new, drug-resistant strain of salmonella
May 6, 1998
RELATED SITES:
CDC - Salmonella enteritidis Infection
American Egg Board
Egg safety tips
Even light cooking will begin to destroy any salmonella or other bacteria that might be present in an egg, but proper cooking is necessary to complete the job.
Egg dishes should be cooked slowly over gentle heat to ensure even heat penetration.
For scrambled eggs, omelets and frittatas: cook until the eggs are thickened and no visible liquid egg remains.
Cook fried eggs until the whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. To increase the internal temperature the eggs reach, cover the pan with a lid or baste or turn the eggs.
Soft-cooked eggs should be placed in water and heated until the water is at a full, rolling boil. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and let the eggs sit in the hot water about 5 minutes.
Poached eggs should be heated in gently simmering water until the whites are set and the yolks begin to thicken but not harden -- about 3 to 5 minutes.
Hard-boiled eggs easily reach internal temperatures sufficient to kill bacteria. Still, hard-cooked can spoil more quickly than raw eggs. They should be refrigerated promptly after cooking and used within a week.
For soft custards, including cream pie and eggnog, cook egg mixture until it is thick enough to coat a metal spoon with a thin film and a thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. After cooking, cool quickly by setting the pan in ice water and stirring. Then refrigerate, covered, for at least an hour.
Source: American Egg Board
Read the entire article here: http://archives.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/12/08/egg.labeling/
Tuesday, October 10, 2000
20001011 Halloween Trick or Treating memo for October 31, 2000
MEMORANDUM - October 11, 2000
TO: City Council Members
Thomas Beyard
John Dudderar
Chief Roger Joneckis
Carroll
The
WTTR Radio
SUBJECT: HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING
As discussed at the Mayor and Council Meeting of Monday, October 9, 2000, Halloween will be observed on Tuesday, October 31, 2000 between the hours of dusk and 8:00 p.m. and is restricted to children age 12 and under plus accompanying parents or adult guardians. Residents who wish to participate by providing treats to the children should turn on their outside light. Children are advised to wear some light colored clothing so as to be more visible to motorists and to go to homes in their immediate neighborhoods with lights. Motorists should pay particular care on the evening of October 31st with so many children walking around City streets.
KENNETH A. YOWAN
Mayor
Monday, September 25, 2000
20000925 Ord 638 Neighborhood Commercial Zone My Thoughts
Internal Memo to file - I don't think that I ever mailed it out to anyone….
Ord 638 Neighborhood Commercial Zone My Thoughts
September 25, 2000
Re: Ordinance #638 Adopted by the Westminster City Council on September 25, 2000 which established a Neighborhood Commercial Zone by enacting Text Amendment TA99-1 (Section 164-8 of Chapter 164 of the Westminster City Code).
My Thoughts on the Neighborhood Commercial Zone (Ordinance #638) adopted by the Westminster City Council on September 25th, 2000
I grew up in Westminster (and just outside of Westminster) within walking distance of commercial and industrial employment. Many of my neighbors in my old neighborhood walked to work.
I believe that now more than ever is the appropriate time for the City of Westminster to get away from Euclidean zoning. Born in 1927/1928, Euclidean zoning is 70 years old and really showing its age. This old tired cookie-cutter compartmentalization approach to zoning is causing communities such a Westminster environmental problems, revenue stream problems, quality of life problems and progressive congestive heart disease.
I am a strong proponent of floating zones. Whereas a property can only be re-zoned in the Euclidean zoning approach upon a finding of change or mistake, floating zones can be implemented by elected officials upon a finding of compatibility with a purpose clause accompanied by a development plan.
It is possible to develop commercial and industrial tax base next to existing residential development with very high design and architectural standards that I suggest to you will raise the value of the adjoining residential development. I have toured many such developments in Baltimore, Montgomery and Calvert Counties.
The solution to pollution is dilution. I think it is absolutely absurd to have to drive all the way out to Route 140 to get a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk or pick up a pizza. This is the result of 33 years of Euclidean zoning in the City of Westminster (as zoning was only adopted as a management tool in 1967 for the City of Westminster).
I think that it is extremely important to thank everyone so much for their meaningful participation in the debate about the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.
I think the mark of a successful person is the ability to make the difficult decision. I also believe that it is necessary to collaborate with other meaningful players in an attempt to arrive at conclusions that have the best of the greater common good of the community in mind.
This legislation is a result of a collaborative effort with Damian and Greg, Ed and Suzanne, Ken, the GWDC, the P&Z Commission, many citizens who took the time to give me feedback – pro and con, in a pleasant and rewarding manner - and the Citizens Advisory Group.
I cannot say publicly how uncomfortable I am with the 55,000 square foot component to this legislation. My reconciliation is that anything over 5 acres is really a commercial development anyway and I want to have the opportunity to perpetuate the highest in architectural and design standards to such commercial developments. It is important to me that the text be changed so that it be a floating zone and not tied to the Comprehensive plan but could be applied to a property based upon merit, not change or mistake.
I have labored and labored, and studied and studied, and argued and argued for this Neighborhood Convenience approach for 15 years. It is time to give it a chance to succeed or fail in the real world rather than the intellectual or conceptual world.
Along that line of thought - I'm never reticent to make a mistake – admit it and address the mistake later. Often we can learn more from failure than we can by success. Abraham Lincoln lost 7 elections before he was elected President in 1860. Failure is not fatal…should be part of the education process. Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times. “Democracy means government by discussion but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.” CLEMENT ATTLEE, Anatomy of Britain (1962).
After 15 years of debate, study and analysis, I felt it was critical that we make a decision and move forward. We are on the cutting edge of re-defining the future of zoning – and our community. A future of non-Euclidean zoning that will hopefully bring back grocers and shops into our neighborhoods as it was in the Westminster where I grew up.
Interestingly, contemporary zoning and planning will not allow us to re-create the very communities that gave us our current success and high quality of life. There are going to be some bumps along the road, some disputes and a lot of dialogue. What is important is that we keep talking in a friendly, constructive and productive manner and move forward.
If I had voted against this, it would have killed this issue and this opportunity. It would have died of exhaustion. I would have lost my opportunity to see to fruition a zoning approach other than Euclidean and I would have lost my attempt at changing the municipal cityscape to a more family oriented, family friendly, Neighborhood Convenience approach. An approach that made this community what it is today.
Why people believe that they can promote their agenda or further their cause by being as excruciatingly unpleasant is beyond me! If someone really cares about a particular issue and is polite and pleasant in their discussion - I will listen! - and hopefully learn. I'm always willing to go in what ever the direction that is required, that is in the greater best interest of the greatest number of people in my community.
As always, your thoughtful consideration is appreciated regardless of the outcome on any particular issue. As usual, whether you agree or disagree with me, always find my door open for constructive dialogue.
Best regards
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Westminster City Councilman
Friday, September 22, 2000
20000427 Carroll County Chapter MML Meeting at Union Bridge
20000427
April 27, 2000
Minutes
6:00 p.m. Social hour
7:00 p.m. Welcome by Mayor Perry Jones
Pledge to the Flag
Invocation by New
BUSINESS MEETING:
There were 22 in attendance:
Taneytown Mayor Henry Heine, City Councilmembers Jackie Boisvert and Jim McCarron, City Manager Chip Boyles, and Master Municipal Clerk Linda Hess,
New
Sykesville Mayor Jonathan Herman, Councilmembers Debby Ellis and Jeannie Nichols,
Mt. Airy Mayor Jerry Johnson
Hampstead was not represented.
Maryland Municipal League Director of Research and Information Management Jim Peck, E3 Energy Services, LLC Principal Christopher Cook, Esq.,
Electric Deregulation – Chris Cook. Mr. Cook is a Principal with E3 Energy Service LLC. Taneytown Mayor Henry Heine introduced him. Mr. Cook gave us an overview on the restructured electric industry; bulk purchasing, municipal pooling, municipal aggregation, Carnegie Morgan/ Baltimore City pooling effort, State of Maryland Pool, and BGE price freeze service.
Election of Officers.
President: Mt. Airy Mayor Jerry Johnson
Vice President: Taneytown Mayor Henry Heine
Secretary/Treasurer:
Treasurer's Report. Secretary/Treasurer
Dues: There was some discussion as to whether or not to levy dues from each municipality. If was decided that there would be no dues levied at this time. That the Treasury had enough money in it and it was purposeless to collect money simply for the sake of collecting money.
MML Scholarship Levy: It was discussed that the $2,500 needed for the MML academic scholarship was funded: $1,000 from the MML's statewide office and $1,500 raised from the
April 27, 2000 | |||
Pro rata share | |||
Mt. Airy (Carroll only) | 1.9 | 7.85% | $ 117.75 |
10.3 | 42.57% | $ 638.54 | |
Hampstead | 2.9 | 11.98% | $ 179.74 |
0.7 | 2.89% | $ 43.37 | |
Sykesville | 2.3 | 9.50% | $ 142.55 |
New | 0.8 | 3.31% | $ 49.57 |
2.1 | 8.68% | $ 130.15 | |
Taneytown | 3.2 | 13.22% | $ 198.33 |
Municipal Total | 24.2 | 100% | $ 1,500.00 |
75.8 | |||
Grand total | 100 |
Communications Committee Report:
MML Time – MML Director of Research and Information Management Jim Peck. Mr. Peck discussed the MML Board of Directors Member at Large election at the MML Summer Convention in
He also discussed Senate Bill 626 and House Bill 1309: Truth in Taxation – Real Estate Property Tax Assessments.
MML League President Jay Gullo: President Gullo presented Certificates of Appreciation to:
Taneytown Mayor Henry Heine – Convention Planning Committee