Inaugural lighting of tree scheduled at 5 p.m. Tuesday
The Carroll County commissioners are starting a tradition: a county holiday tree lighting.
The ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday in front of the County Office Building at 225 N. Center St., Westminster.
The Westminster West Middle School eighth-grade chorus will perform several seasonal songs on the front steps of the building.
A panel from the county's Environmental Advisory Council selected a 22-foot-tall Douglas fir, donated by John and Gail Terzano of Hampstead, to stand inside the fountain circle for the holidays.
The tree will be decorated with lights donated by London House Inc. of Sykesville.
Information: 410-386-2043
Commissioners holding community meetings
The Carroll County commissioners will hold a series of community meetings around the county to hear comments and listen to citizen concerns on issues that affect the county.
The next meeting will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Hampstead Elementary School, 3737 Shiloh Road.
A public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. to hear public comment regarding the Wolf Hill Drive road closing.
There is no set agenda for these meetings, and all citizens are welcome to discuss any topic or issue of concern.
Information: 410-386-2043.
Nomination deadline for ball set for Wednesday
The Community Foundation of Carroll County Inc. will sponsor the Carroll County Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit's Red, White and Blue Heroes Ball at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at Martin's Westminster.
The ball is held to recognize Carroll County's exemplary community heroes.
Proceeds from the event go to CASA to provide services to county residents who are victims of sexual assault.
Nominees are needed for the ball. The Community Foundation is asking the public to submit nominations with a brief description why the person should receive the award.
Anyone who has touched the life of a child that has been victimized by a crime, or the life of an adult who has been sexually assaulted, may be nominated.
Nominees should have displayed exemplary performance during a single event or displayed a continued pattern of commendable behavior during this year.
Four recipients will be recognized for their commitment and dedication to a victim or victims in Carroll County.
Deadline for nominations is Wednesday. Nominations should be sent to: Audrey Cimino, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Carroll County, P.O. Box 170, Westminster 21158.
Information: 410-876-5505.
Carroll officials to speak during county conference
Carroll County officials will attend the Maryland Association of Counties annual winter conference from Wednesday through Friday at the Clarion Conference Center Antietam Creek, Hagerstown.
Commissioner Dean L. Minnich will be moderator of a panel discussion about the state's Public Information Act, and Chief of Staff Steven D. Powell will speak during the Structure of Government session, both Wednesday.
The conference theme is "Best Practices." More than 80 speakers will participate.
Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele is scheduled to install the 2005 MACo officers and board of directors. Other speakers include state legislators, state department heads, journalists, business leaders and educators.
Information: 410-386-2804.
Commission on Aging seat open for Manchester area
The Carroll County commissioners are seeking resumes and letters of interest for a Manchester-area vacancy to the Commission on Aging.
The commission's responsibilities include:
Reviewing, evaluating and commenting on area plan objectives, as drafted by staff members.
Serving as a steering committee for prioritization of programs to be funded.
Bringing before the bureau the needs and issues of senior citizens.
Developing positions on legislation.
Advising the commissioners on programs and fiscal matters relating to the bureau and funding of programs and services for senior citizens.
The commission is a 15-member group; each member serves three years.
Resumes and letters for the vacancy will be accepted through Jan. 14 and should be sent to 225 N. Center St., Westminster 21157, or via e-mail at acollins@ccg.carr.org.
Information: 410-386-2043.
Bollinger Road to close later in week for repairs
The Carroll County Department of Public Works has announced the closing of Bollinger Road at the bridge over Beaver Run for repairs.
The road will be closed on or about Thursday for approximately four weeks while repairs are made.
Detour signs will be posted.
Information: 410-386-2171.
Planning Department reorganizes staff, functions
The Carroll County Planning Department has announced a reorganization of its functions and personnel, which became effective Nov. 17.
An Office of Environmental Compliance has been established. The Environmental Inspection Services Division (formerly Enforcement Division) has been relocated to the Bureau of Resource Management.
James E. Slater Jr., as environmental compliance officer, will be the primary contact on environmental matters for the county. He will create an environmental compliance team of staff members from agencies operating county-owned and county-operated facilities.
The team will facilitate county compliance with environmental laws and operating permits more effectively and efficiently.
The Bureau of Resource Management will gain the environmental inspection services function and a hydrogeologist position. Thomas S. Devilbiss, bureau chief, has been acting county hydrogeologist since being promoted last year.
