Showing posts with label Westminster Holiday House Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westminster Holiday House Tour. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Letter to the editor from Sarah Abel-DeLuca

Letter to the editor from Sarah Abel-DeLuca

To the Editor:

In these hard economic times, it may seem counterintuitive to be generous; yet generosity, like honesty, is more than a virtue. It's also the best policy.

This year I've had ample opportunity to experience the immediate and tangible results of others' generosity, and it has inspired me to start living generously myself. To give just a few examples: community advocates Lyndi McNulty and Pam Zappardino contribute to virtually every good cause in Carroll County, so I said yes without hesitation to their recent requests to donate paintings for local charity auctions.

Local business owner Karen Pelton's charitable spirit has encouraged me to seek new outlets for my particular volunteering gift: supporting and mentoring fellow artists. The dedication and enthusiasm of Tim Rogers, Laurie Walters, a large group of excellent docents, and all the others who worked tirelessly on the recent Historic Westminster Holiday Home Tour paid my husband and me back a hundredfold for being hosts, as did the generosity of the tour participants.

Hundreds of people filed through all but one room of our 1870s Victorian house on a snowy, messy day -- yet our hardwood floors and carpets sustained absolutely no damage; none of our possessions was lost, stolen, hurt or disturbed in any way; and our house was left warmer and cozier by their visits, despite the chilly wind blowing in the front door. I should also mention local merchants such as Hickory Stick and The Flowerbox, who contributed decorations to houses on the tour.

The temptation, when times are tough, money is scarce, and fear is everywhere, is to pull in one's resources, stop giving to charities, and buy from the cheapest of big box stores rather than from local merchants or chains that have a commitment to their communities, the environment, or other good causes. I've given into this temptation many times myself. But thanks to the good example of citizens and businesses in our own community, I'm going to resist it this year. Pennypinching breeds scarcity. Generosity breeds abundance.

Pass it on.

Sarah Abel-DeLuca
Westminster

20090203 Letter to the editor from Sarah Abel-DeLuca

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 28, 2008

Historic Westminster Holiday House Tour December 6, 200

Historic Westminster Holiday House Tour December 6, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the historic West End Neighborhood of Westminster

For Immediate Release

For More Information: Tim Rogers (410) 848-4628

November 24, 2008

The City of Westminster Historic District Commission announces the 2008 Historic Westminster Holiday House Tour

The City of Westminster Historic District Commission, in conjunction with The Carroll County Historical Society, is sponsoring the 2008 Historic Westminster Holiday House Tour to be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the historic West End Neighborhood of Westminster.

The mission of the tour is to promote and display the historic nature of Westminster’s older neighborhoods while building community through the strengthening of relationships and resources.

In accordance with this mission, McDaniel College and 14 homeowners from the West End Neighborhood will open their doors to share their own holiday celebrations with neighbors near and far. Live performances from local musical groups will add additional local flavor to the celebration.

These performances include: Carroll County’s Children’s Chorus, Westminster Municipal Band, and Winters Mill Vocal Ensemble, to name a few.

All of the West End Neighborhood homes on the tour were built between the 1840’s and the 1940’s, and this year’s tour will feature a special look inside the President’s House at McDaniel College, built in 1889.

The $10 ticket price ($12 at the door) includes access to all 14 homes as well as the Little Baker Chapel, the Harrison House, and the President’s House at McDaniel College.

Tour-goers will receive a tour booklet, special offers from downtown restaurants, and refreshments at the Harrison House.

A shuttle service between houses is also available. Tickets for the tour are available at Westminster City Offices at 56 West Main Street, Carroll Arts Center and selected businesses in downtown Westminster.

Guests are encouraged to continue the community celebration of the holidays in Westminster on December 6, 2008 with several other family friendly events: Starting with a visit with Santa on Locust Lane from noon to 4 p.m., enjoy the talents of your community at the “Festival of Wreaths” at the Carroll Arts Center from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. followed by the music of the Pennsylvania Opry at the “Country Gospel & Christmas Show” with shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Finish your evening with a stroll down Main Street to visit local Downtown shops open late during “Starlight Shopping” until 10:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Tim Rogers at 410-848-4628.

20081206 Historic Westminster Holiday House Tour December 6, 2008

Kevin Dayhoff Westgov.Net: Westminster Maryland Online