Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art One-half Banana Stems

Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art One-half Banana Stems - www.kevindayhoff.com Address: PO Box 124, Westminster MD 21158 410-259-6403 kevindayhoff@gmail.com Runner, writer, artist, fire & police chaplain Mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist & artist: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, technology, music, culture, opera... National & International politics www.kevindayhoff.net For community: www.kevindayhoff.org For art, technology, writing, & travel: www.kevindayhoff.com

Showing posts with label Westminster File community events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westminster File community events. Show all posts

Monday, January 09, 2012

Explore Carroll parting shot pictures - Big turn out for first annual Westminster New Year’s Eve celebration

Explore Carroll parting shot pictures - Big turn out for first annual Westminster New Year’s Eve celebration


Also see: Happy New Year By Kevin Dayhoff, January 1, 2012 

At the stroke of midnight New Year’s Day in downtown Westminster, nothing dropped. Not a brightly lighted ball - or anything, for that matter.

As the crowd shouted in unison, “five, four, three, two, one; Happy New Year” - a large American flag was raised on a bright yellow bucket lift donated by Ben’s Rental. “2012” accompanied the flag in numbers in bright lights on a homemade four-by- eight Styrofoam backboard powered by a portable generator.

“Hey, you know, I mean, why not, we’re always looking up in Westminster…and if anything, we’re patriotic…,” said Westminster Kevin Utz with a broad grin, as he nodded approvingly at the flag suspended about thirty-five-feet in the air above Main Street.

With the temperature in the lower 40s, no snow and hardly any wind, the weather was perfect for almost 500 people who attended the first annual Westminster New Year’s Eve celebration in historic downtown Westminster Saturday night.

Lori Graham, who spearheaded the event, had put a great deal of thought as to “what the heck do you drop” for a new Westminster New Year’s Eve tradition. Oh, there were plenty of silly ideas, smiled Graham devilishly. In the end, it was decided to not drop anything at all.

In honor of the troops, the men and women in uniform, coming home from the Middle East, Graham wanted to honor their service by raising the flag for the Carroll County New Year’s celebration in the first unit block of West Main Street. “I wanted a patriotic Westminster family-oriented event.”

The Westminster police and the Westminster street department blocked-off the area just minutes before 11:30 p.m., Saturday evening, as folks had already begun to gather.

Westminster Councilman Tony Chiavacci was there, with thirty folks from his New Year’s Eve party. “I brought the whole party here,” said Chiavacci as he peered over the crowd. “Great to see everyone here… Give us a couple of years and look out Times Square,” in a reference to the hundreds of thousands who attend the traditional dropping of an expensive Tiffany Ball.

New York City got started on its New Year’s Eve celebration over a hundred years ago - in 1906. This was Westminster’s first year for a family-community celebration and Graham and city officials and other community leaders got started on last Saturday’s event, about 100-days ago...

“Just like New York,” said Bernie Stallknecht, from Hampstead. She was there with her family. “We unusually go the (Baltimore) harbor. We wanted to support a Carroll County celebration… (This was) just wonderful. Keep it local.”


“No wonder they came here. New York hasn’t got anything on Westminster,” added Graham, as families hugged and kissed and strangers greeted each other with “Happy New Year.”

Westminster Volunteer Fire Department President Bob Cumberland, watched from the back of the crowd with fire department treasurer Bob Ruby and Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding – who was busy coordinating crowd control with Captain Nancy Yeager.

“Happy New Year – be safe in 2012. We’re thankful for all the community support last year and looking forward to even better things this year,” said Cumberland.

Ruby, who also serves with the fire police, stopped in the middle of his greeting to listen to his radio. “Happy… wait a minute. Well, there goes the first call of the year, shrubs on fire from fireworks… Where was I? Oh, Happy New Year.”

Utz noted that he was “overwhelmed with the turn-out. We thought we might just get a few folks – a Westminster crowd - from the downtown restaurants. But, families came from all over Carroll County,” said Utz.

Long after midnight, Utz, Graham, Westminster Street Superintendent Larry Bloom, Westminster Administrator of Economic Development Stan Ruchlewicz and his wife, Pat, waited patiently to dismantle the flag and lights while families lined-up to have their pictures taken with the “2012” display.

Ruchlewicz was all smiles as he and his wife clicked-away with cameras handed to them. “Great turn out for a first time event,” said Ruchlewicz, a seasoned urban planner and veteran of helping putting together many events over the years. “Especially for a family-centered event at midnight…”

Mike Johnson, from Westminster, was also pleased with the event and added, “All traditions have to start somewhere…” as he surveyed the families having their pictures taken.

Bloom, who is also in charge of the city’s snow clearing operations, was glad for good weather. “This weather was great for a good turn out,” said Bloom as he began to unplug the lights.

“This was awesome,” Graham kept saying to no one in particular. “Just awesome that so many families came out. It’s good to have a local community event for families right here in Carroll County.”


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


Labels: Maryland Municipal League see MML, MML, MML Municipal League
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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Kevin Dayhoff I’m a newspaper reporter. I’m pushy, inconsiderate and I do not respect boundaries. Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for Patuxent Publishing Co., The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO
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+++++++++++++++
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Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/ “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Monday, January 02, 2012

Big turn out for first annual Westminster New Year’s Eve celebration


At the stroke of midnight New Year’s Day in downtown Westminster, nothing dropped. Not a brightly lighted ball - or anything, for that matter.

As the crowd shouted in unison, “five, four, three, two, one; Happy New Year” - a large American flag was raised on a bright yellow bucket lift donated by Ben’s Rental. “2012” accompanied the flag in numbers in bright lights on a homemade four-by- eight Styrofoam backboard powered by a portable generator.

“Hey, you know, I mean, why not, we’re always looking up in Westminster…and if anything, we’re patriotic…,” said Westminster Kevin Utz with a broad grin, as he nodded approvingly at the flag suspended about thirty-five-feet in the air above Main Street.

With the temperature in the lower 40s, no snow and hardly any wind, the weather was perfect for almost 500 people who attended the first annual Westminster New Year’s Eve celebration in historic downtown Westminster Saturday night.

Lori Graham, who spearheaded the event, had put a great deal of thought as to “what the heck do you drop” for a new Westminster New Year’s Eve tradition. Oh, there were plenty of silly ideas, smiled Graham devilishly. In the end, it was decided to not drop anything at all.

In honor of the troops, the men and women in uniform, coming home from the Middle East, Graham wanted to honor their service by raising the flag for the Carroll County New Year’s celebration in the first unit block of West Main Street. “I wanted a patriotic Westminster family-oriented event.”

The Westminster police and the Westminster street department blocked-off the area just minutes before 11:30 p.m., Saturday evening, as folks had already begun to gather.

Westminster Councilman Tony Chiavacci was there, with thirty folks from his New Year’s Eve party. “I brought the whole party here,” said Chiavacci as he peered over the crowd. “Great to see everyone here… Give us a couple of years and look out Times Square,” in a reference to the hundreds of thousands who attend the traditional dropping of an expensive Tiffany Ball.

New York City got started on its New Year’s Eve celebration over a hundred years ago - in 1906. This was Westminster’s first year for a family-community celebration and Graham and city officials and other community leaders got started on last Saturday’s event, about 100-days ago...

“Just like New York,” said Bernie Stallknecht, from Hampstead. She was there with her family. “We unusually go the (Baltimore) harbor. We wanted to support a Carroll County celebration… (This was) just wonderful. Keep it local.”


“No wonder they came here. New York hasn’t got anything on Westminster,” added Graham, as families hugged and kissed and strangers greeted each other with “Happy New Year.”

Westminster Volunteer Fire Department President Bob Cumberland, watched from the back of the crowd with fire department treasurer Bob Ruby and Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding – who was busy coordinating crowd control with Captain Nancy Yeager.

“Happy New Year – be safe in 2012. We’re thankful for all the community support last year and looking forward to even better things this year,” said Cumberland.

Ruby, who also serves with the fire police, stopped in the middle of his greeting to listen to his radio. “Happy… wait a minute. Well, there goes the first call of the year, shrubs on fire from fireworks… Where was I? Oh, Happy New Year.”

Utz noted that he was “overwhelmed with the turn-out. We thought we might just get a few folks – a Westminster crowd - from the downtown restaurants. But, families came from all over Carroll County,” said Utz.

Long after midnight, Utz, Graham, Westminster Street Superintendent Larry Bloom, Westminster Administrator of Economic Development Stan Ruchlewicz and his wife, Pat, waited patiently to dismantle the flag and lights while families lined-up to have their pictures taken with the “2012” display.

Ruchlewicz was all smiles as he and his wife clicked-away with cameras handed to them. “Great turn out for a first time event,” said Ruchlewicz, a seasoned urban planner and veteran of helping putting together many events over the years. “Especially for a family-centered event at midnight…”

Mike Johnson, from Westminster, was also pleased with the event and added, “All traditions have to start somewhere…” as he surveyed the families having their pictures taken.

Bloom, who is also in charge of the city’s snow clearing operations, was glad for good weather. “This weather was great for a good turn out,” said Bloom as he began to unplug the lights.

“This was awesome,” Graham kept saying to no one in particular. “Just awesome that so many families came out. It’s good to have a local community event for families right here in Carroll County.”


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


Labels: Maryland Municipal League see MML, MML, MML Municipal League
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ 
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
 Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/ “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Baugher’s Restaurant in Westminster supports Little Friends of Grace Christian Preschool on Tuesday, October 18, 2011


If you have not had dinner yet, go over to Baugher’s Restaurant in Westminster. Baugher’s will donate 10 percent of all the receipts from Little Friends of Grace Christian Preschool on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.



If you are looking at this after October 18, 2011, go dine at Baugher’s anyway. Baugher’s has always supported the local community. We should all redouble our efforts to support local businesses that support local families and the local community.

Baugher’s Family Restaurant, 289 W. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157, 410-848-7413

Baugher’s Restaurant, Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, menus, food,





Baugher’s Restaurant in Westminster supports Little Friends of Grace Christian Preschool on Tuesday, October 18, 2011

[20111018 Baughers supports LFOG]



LABELS: ,
Baugher’s Restaurant in Westminster supports Little Friends of Grace Christian Preschool on Tuesday, Octobe...

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Lecture on the western cowboy art of E. William 'Bill' Gollings at McDaniel College, Oct. 13 Collector, author to speak at Peterson Hall event


Lecture on the western cowboy art of E. William 'Bill' Gollings at McDaniel College, Oct. 13 Collector, author to speak at Peterson Hall event





As a result of the collaboration of McDaniel professor Sue Bloom, local Westminster physician Dr. Dean Griffin and McDaniel College, a special talk on the western art of E. William Gollings will be held on Thursday evening October 13th in Peterson Hall at McDaniel College at 7 pm.

The premier authority on Gollings' work, Dr. William Ward, will be speaking.

According to Griffin and Bloom, Ward is a radiologist, who trained at the University of Maryland Medical School. He discovered the work of Gollings as he flew from his home in Laramie, Wyoming, to the remote populations of Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, delivering medical care.

It was during his residency when Ward became friends with a gallery owner in Denver, according to Bloom and Griffin. Thus began many years of collecting the work of E. William Gollings, a true cowboy artist, who lived from 1878 to1932, in Wyoming.

Ward and his wife, Carole, have amassed the definitive collection of Gollings work and have arranged to donate over $5 million in Gollings work to the University of Wyoming Museum of Art.

Ward has published two books on Gollings' art and commissioned a bronze statue of Gollings to sit across the street from the Wyoming State Capitol. His philanthropy in the fields of art and medicine are widely known in the west.

E. William Gollings was known as “Paint Bill” during his lifetime and he worked in watercolor, oils and etching. He painted cowboys, Indians, wolves, livestock and ranchers. Many of his paintings went east with vacationers at dude ranches, selling for as little as $20.

Griffin said in a recent e-mail interview, “The lecturer is a friend of mine from Wyoming … Last year I traveled to Wyoming to hear him give this lecture to a group from the Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum in Oklahoma City.

“It was excellent,” said Griffin. Dr. Ward has quite an extensive collection. This artist and the lecturer are very well known in the southwest of the United States. Several of Gollings paintings are in the Grand Room of the Wyoming State House and there is a bronze statue of Bill Gollings on the lawn of the Wyoming State House.

“This is a rare opportunity for you to hear a great lecture on Cowboy Art. Dr Ward is very knowledgeable of the art and history of the southwest. I am pleased he has agreed to do this while visiting here in Westminster. My hat goes off to Professor Bloom who has made this possible.”

Thursday evening, Ward will talk about Gollings work and his own commitment to documenting Gollings' life and collecting his art work. The event is open to the public.

Submitted by Kevin Dayhoff 





Lecture on the western cowboy art of E. William 'Bill' Gollings at McDaniel College, Oct. 13



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Sunday, October 31, 2010

This years Westminster MD Christmas parade will be held November 27, 2010

That Holiday Glow by Katie Jones

This years Westminster Christmas parade will be held November 27, 2010.  City of Westminster Recreation & Parks Department HOLIDAY PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY - NOVEMBER 27 AT 5PM - Come celebrate the holiday season in Historic Westminster. Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the Westminster Municipal Band, sing carols, see the awarding of the Mayor's Cup and await the arrival of SANTA!

For some of the coverage of last year’s events, see:

That Holiday Glow

Westminster plugs into the season with first-ever Holiday Electric Parade

By Katie V. Jones Posted 11/22/09



On the evening of Nov. 28, the streets of Westminster will be aglow to greet the holiday season as some 50 floats — each with more than 2,000 lights — travel down Main Street as part of the city's first-ever "Holiday Electric Parade."

The parade is expanding on the Westminster tradition of hosting a Christmas parade, followed by a tree lighting.

The idea of adding the element of an "electric light parade" had been suggested by Eileen Gist, a volunteer, for years, and she's thrilled to see it come to light.
"They call me the 'electric chair,' " Gist laughed.

[…]

Watching Lori Graham, a parade organizer, create lighted lamp posts out of bird feeders for a float that will carry Mayor Kevin Utz and the Common Council…

[…]

From midday to night, Nov. 28 will feature a variety of events, starting with a children's carnival in the parking lot off Locust Lane at 1 p.m., and a showing of Laurel and Hardy movies at the Carroll Arts Center at 2:30 p.m.

The Wishbone Mile benefit run will be held at 4:45 p.m., and the Holiday Electric Light Parade will begin at 5 p.m., starting at Pennsylvania Avenue and proceeding down Main Street to Longwell Avenue.

The tree lighting will be held at the conclusion of the parade, at Locust Lane. From there, children and their families are invited to the Westminster Family Fitness Center on Longwell, where the city's Recreation and Parks Department will host "Santa's Treat," a party for children.

Many local businesses will also stay open late for "Starlight Shopping."  http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3643/glow/

20091122 That Holiday Glow by Katie Jones

And go here for pictures by Nicole Martyn: http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3643/glow/




*****

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

“Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball” to be held in Westminster on March 27th

Photo caption: Scenes from the 2009 “Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball.” (Submitted photos) The annual “Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball” Invades the Old Armory in Downtown Westminster on March 27th, 2010 [“Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball” to be held in Westminster on March 27th http://tinyurl.com/ydkt7yc Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/18wiov or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/451869271/the-annual-corbits-charge-civil-war-ball]

March 13, 2010 By Kevin Dayhoff

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/03/corbits-charge-civil-war-ball-to-be.html Labels: Annual Corbit's Charge, Carroll Co Community Events, History 18630629 Corbit's Charge, Westminster File community events http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/308622.html

The annual “Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball” Invades the Old Armory in Downtown Westminster on March 27th.

The 3rd Annual Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball will take place this year on March 27, in the gymnasium of the old Longwell Armory (known today as the Westminster Family Center), 11 Longwell Avenue, in Downtown Westminster, Maryland, from 8:00 pm. until 11:00 p.m.

The annual event is hosted by the Corbit’s Charge Commemoration Committee and the City of Westminster’s Department of Recreation and Parks.

Proceeds will benefit the Corbit’s Charge Commemoration Committee, which is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Community Foundation of Carroll County.

The commemoration committee is dedicated to educating the public on Corbit’s Charge, which is also known by some historians as “The Battle of Westminster,” and other Civil War events that occurred in Westminster.

The annual ball particularly helps fund the commemoration committee’s sponsorship of Corbit’s Charge Commemorative Weekend held annually the last weekend of June.

According to a release by the city and the commemoration committee, attending the ball allows a person to “Experience a sense of what life was like more than 145 years ago … for an evening of 1860s period dancing, dance instruction, light refreshments, door prizes, and fun in Historic Downtown Westminster.

“Noted dance instructors and callers Briant and Karin Bohleke of the Gettysburg area will serve as the dance master and mistress. Live period dance music will be performed by Peg Shutes and Bruce Young of Smash the Windows from State College, Pennsylvania.”

“The ball is for the experienced and beginner alike and a partner is not required. Well-behaved children may attend; however, they need to be able to follow the calls to participate in the group formation dances.

“Your best 19th Century period attire is requested but not required; appropriate modern semi-formal attire is acceptable. Shoes with flexible leather soles are recommended for all dancing. Sandals, slides and rubber-soled athletic shoes are not desirable footwear for dancing. Please remember that spurs, swords, heel plates, and firearms are prohibited in the gym and on the building grounds.”

For those who did not attend the original conflict that inspired events such as the ball or the annual weekend in June, Corbit’s Charge took place on June 29, 1863 in Westminster.

At that time, according to the release, “90 men of Companies C & D of the Union First Delaware Cavalry engaged the vanguard of Major General J.E.B. Stuart’s 5,000-man cavalry division of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.”

“The brisk cavalry fight at the corner of Main Street and Washington Road became known as Corbit’s Charge, named after the commander, Capt. Charles Corbit, of the brave union troops. While it was a confederate victory, the battle helped to impede Stuart’s ability to link up with Confederate infantry in Pennsylvania and was a contributing factor in the defeat of Lee at Gettysburg.”

Tickets for the ball are $20 per person. Free parking is available in the Longwell parking deck or on the Longwell surface lot. If you are arriving by horse and buggy, please bring your own hay and horse feed.

For more information call Thomas B. Beyard, the City of Westminster at 410-848-9002 or Susan Harry at (410) 848-9161sharry@westgov.com; or Kim Prehn at (410) 876-5390 ujltd@msn.com.
*****


Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Carroll County Birthday Celebration TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 2010

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/y0etq or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/333911581/carroll-co-md-birthday-celebration-7-pm-tues

Join HSCC as we celebrate the founding of Carroll County on January 19, 1837.

Nancy Gibson, noted historian and former curator of the DAR Museum, will present a very special lecture on Carroll County quilts and their history. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. in Holy Cross Hall at the Church of the Ascension, 23 North Court Street.

Parking available in the lot on Ralph Street. Free; refreshments provided. For more information call the Historical Society at (410) 848-6494

20100119 Carroll County Birthday celebration Arts cultural events calendar, Carroll Co Community Events, Historical Society of Carroll Co, History Carroll Co, Westminster File community events

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/carroll-county-birthday-celebration.html http://tinyurl.com/yhuqlmy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff

Carroll Co MD Birthday Celebration 7 PM TUES 19JAN10 http://tinyurl.com/yhuqlmy Church of the Ascension http://twitpic.com/y0etq

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Sunday, November 29, 2009

A reprint of “Let’s bring back the Westminster Christmas Parade”

From March 16th, 2005 by Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yhysm8f

As I am certain you are aware, it is only 284 days until Christmas. But even more importantly, there are only 262 days until the Westminster Christmas Parade on December 3rd, 2005. Please mark this date on your calendar now, so you do not miss all the fun with your friends and neighbors.

In keeping with the theme; “Westminster An Excellent Experience”, The Greater Westminster Development Corporation (GWDC), along with the City of Westminster and the Main Street Program are reviving an old Westminster Christmas tradition; the Christmas Parade.

“In order for an individual or an organization to remain vibrant, relevant and meaningful, it must constantly reinvent itself.”

Community leaders such as former Councilmember Sam Greenholtz, now Chair of the GWDC Board of Directors; Kathy O’Dell, Chair of the GWDC Downtown Main Street Promotions Committee; Lori Graham, President of the GWDC; Missie Wilcox; Sandy Scott; Lynn Aaron and Ron Schroers have rolled up their sleeves to plan this excellent experience.

It is yet another reminder that Westminster’s greatest resource is our human resource. The creative dreamers and dream keepers who are constantly thinking out of the box, with one eye on our past successes and a focus on the future, providing our community with the leadership to maintain “Westminster As An Experience”.

There are many resources that has made Westminster successful for 240 years, including our beautiful historic downtown, family oriented businesses and friendly shopkeepers, our new parking garages, Carroll Arts Center, and the Westminster Family Center in the old Armory Building.

The glue that puts all this together for a quality of life much greater than the sum of its parts are the dream keepers who roll up their sleeves and say let’s get it done.

Last Christmas, we moved the Community Christmas Tree and Santa to Locust Lane in the heart of the downtown shopping district. This year, the GWDC, and downtown merchants, are planning events, starting with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 26th and continuing throughout the week until the parade at 4:00 PM on Saturday the 3rd of December and Starlight Shopping when merchants and restaurants have specials and remain open late for shoppers.

Over fifty years ago, Christmas tradition in Westminster included a parade and shopping downtown with the family. In those days, the downtown-shopping district included East Green Street, West and East Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Some of the many shops and businesses on Pennsylvania Avenue included, Earhart Motors, O’Farrell Brothers Pontiac, The Avenue Barber Shop, Westminster TV and Radio Shop, Carroll Electric Service, Dutty’s Beauty Salon, Everhart’s Barber Shop, Wine’s Sports Shop, and Wilson’s Garage to name just a few.

Moreover, who can forget the huge toy department in Hollander’s Auto Store, Bobby’s Hobby Lobby, Rosenstock’s Ladies’ Shop, Gehr’s Hardware Store, The Treat Shop, and the Bixler and Guild Drug Store on Main Street.

The early parades marched west along Main Street to the “Forks” at Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue where Santa Claus had his “temporary residence”. The jolly old fellow recently moved to Locust Lane, along with the Westminster Community Christmas Tree.

Main Street was decorated with large colored light bulbs that were strung on both sides of the street as well as across the street at various points. These strands were covered with live holly that had been meticulously wrapped around the wiring.

The Democratic Advocate on December 26, 1947 describes the parade with the “city’s two bands”, the American Legion, and the 29th Division Association. Christmas carols, led by Kale Mathias, were sung by the community. Santa often rode on a float, but was also know to come to town on a fire truck.

This year’s parade will be reminiscent of those former parades. Participants will include bands, antique cars, fire trucks and floats.

Businesses are encouraged to provide a float depicting their business and the holiday spirit. The merchants from the TownMall, Westminster Crossing and other areas are invited to participate and call attention to the many fine products that they too offer.

Of course, Santa Claus will be the featured guest as he is welcomed to Westminster while riding in a horse drawn carriage. Store windows will be decorated and musical groups will be strolling the streets to entertain both young and old.

While much of the program revolves around the downtown merchants, you should know that the GWDC represents all of the greater Westminster environs and this event is one of many excellent experiences promoting shopping in all of the Westminster area.

The GWDC was created in 1994 as a private public partnership of business and city leaders to work together cooperatively to maintain and further a positive business environment in Westminster.

Planning for the parade has already begun in earnest and sponsors, at various levels are welcome to help finance the project. More information can be obtained from Sam Greenholtz or calling the Westminster Main Street Program Manger, Stan Ruchlewicz at (410) 848-5294. And keep your hot chocolate at the ready.

Note: This is an earlier longer version of a column originally published in the Westminster Advocate on March 16, 2005

Also a shorter version was published on “Soundtrack” here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2005/03/20050316-bring-back-westminster.html
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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/