Showing posts with label Annual New Year 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annual New Year 2012. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 10, 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.”


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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/
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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
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
The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/
Westminster Patch: http://westminster.patch.com/search?keywords=Dayhoff
E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com BEST VIEWED IN Chrome
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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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Idea for next year’s Westminster Maryland New Year’s Eve celebration

Paragon Casino Resort Unveils a New Alligator Themed Ball Drop for New Year's Eve Celebration. (PRNewsFoto/Paragon Casino Resort)

January 2, 2012 December 30, 2011

LOL. This is, perhaps what we should of dropped for the Westminster MD New Year’s Eve celebration… Maybe? Just saying. I wonder what Lori Graham might say…

Anyway, PRNewswire says:

MARKSVILLE, La., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Casino Resort is ringing in the New Year "Louisiana Style" with a one-of-a-kind ball drop. Inspired by the culture of Louisiana, Paragon Casino Resort created a unique piece that represents the property and the state…an alligator.


Paragon worked in partnership with Egads, LLC in Las Vegas who designs and manufactures signage and sculptures for casinos all across the United States. They were hired to design and create the Louisiana inspired ball complete with an alligator perched on top that will drop from the Atrium ceiling at midnight New Year's Eve.

The one-of-a-kind Louisiana inspired ball design weighs 175 pounds, stands approximately 3 feet tall and is installed high above the Cypress Swamp in the resort atrium 65 feet above the real alligators that call the habitat home. The illuminated ball will descend from approximately the 8th floor of the casino resort atrium to its final spot hovering 35 feet above the Cypress Swamp.

"We are so excited about adding this beautifully designed alligator themed ball to our New Year's Eve celebration this year," said Vice President of Marketing, John Barbry. "The alligator is such an iconic symbol of both Paragon and the state of Louisiana."

The top casino resort, located in the heart of Louisiana, delivers an authentic Louisiana experience for its customers by including everything that is engaging and unique about the state.
  
The casino resort will feature several entertainment options for New Year's Eve including the FREE block party in the Atrium starting at 8pm featuring music by Rod Antoon, street performers and party favors for the midnight ball drop. For more information about other entertainment options please visit www.paragoncasinoresort.com.

About Paragon Casino Resort Paragon Casino Resort, the Pearl of Louisiana, is located on Highway 1 in Marksville, La. The casino and all of its amenities are owned and operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. Paragon Casino Resort is the only casino resort destination in Central Louisiana and has been attracting gamers from across the country for 17 years. For more information, please visit www.paragoncasinoresort.com. Follow Paragon Casino Resort on Facebook and Twitter.

Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville, LA photo identifier: 20111230/AQ28628 news release:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paragon-casino-resort-unveils-a-new-alligator-themed-ball-drop-for-new-years-eve-celebration-136454773.html credit: R NEWSWIRE direct link to this photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111230/AQ28628

Media PRNewswire


At the stroke of midnight New Year's Day in downtown Westminster, nothing dropped… http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/neighborhoods/westminster/ph-ce-west-nye-0101-20120102,0,2347335.story




[20111230 Casino drops alligator for NYE]

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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
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
The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/
Westminster Patch: http://westminster.patch.com/search?keywords=Dayhoff
E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com BEST VIEWED IN Chrome
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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Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year By Kevin Dayhoff


According to widespread superstition, evil spirits are frightened away by loud noise and this is why we have the tradition of using noisemakers to bring in the New Year.

Since we greet 2012 while enduring the beginning of the fifth year of an economic malaise; I suggest that we celebrate New Year’s Day by banging on our pots and pans for an extra long period of time. This economic recession has gotten really old…

The American Sentinel newspaper printed in January 8, 1898, “The New Year, 1898, was greeted in Westminster by the firing of guns and pistols, the ringing of bells and the screaming of steam whistles.” Please note that the local police don’t approve of “the firing of guns and pistols’ part of the celebrations.

Although the New Year has been celebrated since prehistoric times, it was celebrated on the vernal equinox rather than what we now consider the first of the year.

The early Roman calendar used March 1 as New Year's Day, which, if you think about it, was only logical because this is the beginning of spring and we slowly emerge from the dead of winter and there are signs of new life everywhere.

The Romans were the first to recognize New Years Day on January first. Rather than tie the day to some significant astronomical or agricultural event, in 153 BC the Romans selected it for civil reasons. It was the day after elections in which the newly elected officials assumed their positions.

During the Middle Ages, most European countries used March 25, a Christian holiday called Annunciation Day, to start the year. By 1600, many Western nations had adopted a revised calendar called the Gregorian calendar, established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. This calendar restored January 1 as New Year's Day. Great Britain and its colonies in America adopted it in 1752. We use this calendar today.

It is important at this point to mention that there were and are other calendars: the Aztec, the Hindu, the lunar, and the Jewish calendars to name a few. Asian countries follow the lunar calendar and celebrate the New Year in January or February. Diwali begins the New Year in India around October/November and Rosh Hashanah commences the Jewish New Year in late September-early October.

The Dutch celebrate New Years by burning their Christmas trees in the streets in big bonfires. In Spain they eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight to ensure twelve good months for the year to come.

I like grapes, but I’m betting our local town officials may not be too keen on the burning Christmas Trees in the streets. I’m just saying.

The January 4, 1879 edition of the defunct Democratic Advocate noted, “A baker's dozen of merry maskers, composed of ladies and gentlemen, went from house to house on New Year's Eve, singing New Year's carols.”

For those who are curious as to the origins of other holiday traditions, the largest celebration in the world is in Time Square, New York City. Each year people gather by the hundreds of thousands and crowd into the streets of Time Square for the annual New Years Eve celebration. The highlight of the Time Square celebration is the famous ball drop that begins its descent at the stroke of midnight. This famous celebration dates back to 1906 when the owners of one Times Square held a rooftop celebration to bring in the New Year.

Celtic priests of what is now England gave out branches of mistletoe, which was considered sacred.

By the 1200's, English rulers had revived the Roman custom of asking their subjects for New Year's presents. Now this is a tradition that local officials just might appreciate… Come to think of it, the ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness… I said the eggs were gifted and not thrown…

English husbands gave their wives money on New Year's Day to buy pins and other articles. This custom disappeared in the 1800's. However, the term pin money still means small amounts of spending money.

It is not happenstance that the month of January was named for the Roman god, Janus, who is pictured with two heads. One looks forward, the other back, symbolizing a break between the old and new.

When I reflect upon the coming year I ponder that an optimist stays up until midnight to see in the New Year. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. I’m an eternal optimist.

Today many of the New Year celebrations actually begin with a countdown to the New Year on the evening prior. It is customary to kiss your sweetheart when the clock strikes midnight as one of the customs of these New Years Eve parties. New Year Resolutions is simply another way to wish away the past in exchange for hopes of the future.

I am not in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions. As I’ve grown older I’ve come to realize that there are many things that I would like to do better- and I shudder when I realize that the list only grows longer every year.

What I really wish for in 2012 is for other people to change - LOL. That said, I understand that if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

On January 2, 1970 the defunct Democratic Advocate delivered a nine-point “Holiday Message from (the Westminster) Fire Company.” Number 6 advised: “At this time of year there's plenty of bottled Holiday cheer around, so let us quote an old saying, ‘If you drive don't drink; if you have been drinking don't drive.’”

And number 9 said: “Remember your policemen this holiday season. He is the one that has to notify the loved ones left behind if you don't heed the above warnings.”

In context of the fact that the current administration in the White House has added more debt to our nation’s balance sheet than all the preceding presidential administrations in history combined: it is interesting to note that locally, here in Carroll County, on January 2, 1942, the Baltimore Sun reported:

“The (Carroll County) Board of County Commissioners paid off $25,000 to make Carroll County debt-free. Carroll County was probably the only county in Maryland in 1942 that could claim such a distinction. With a tax rate of 90 cents on $100, Carroll had the lowest tax in the state with the exception of Queen Anne's County.”

I would like to offer a prayer for our elected officials, men and women in uniform, police officers, teachers and public works employees in the coming year. May the New Year bring our families and community peace and joy. Let’s look to the new beginnings, new hopes, and new adventures of 2012.

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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/

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.”


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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/

Westminster’s first annual New Year’s Eve celebration a big success




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.

[20120101 Wster NYE (6)bsm100]

[20120101 Wster NYE (8)CKb] 

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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/

Happy New Year from historic downtown Westminster


Happy New Year from historic downtown Westminster