Written By Lisa Breslin
More than 175 people gathered for a family picnic and the opening of The Francesca Borrelli Johnson Wetlands Classroom at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster on Saturday, April 28. Many of the guests’ donations made the classroom’s creation possible.
“This picnic is a celebration – it’s our way to give back to those who gave to us,” said Beth Sergott, a friend of the Borrelli family who worked on the project.
Attendees feasted on chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, other side dishes and a variety of baked goods. They enjoyed traditional and Irish music provided by Whirligig and listened to naturalists talk about the owls, snakes and turtles that were on display.
The new wetland classroom represents a partnership between the Carroll Community Foundation, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll County Parks and Recreation, the business community, and residents who wanted to pay tribute to Francesca Borrelli Johnson, an avid environmentalist who was killed in a car accident in December 2004.
“This classroom is a reminder of Franny’s life, her love for education and her love for the environment,” said Mary Hoy, outdoor educator for Carroll County Public Schools. It will be a haven for students. We’ll be able to continue stream studies, water quality testing and summer enrichment programs. A lot of stars lined up to make this happen today.”-L.M.B.
Fallfest Gala Raises $12,000
More than 245 people filled Martin’s Westminster on April 14 for “The Crown Jewel Affair,” the 5th Annual Fallfest Gala. The $100 per person event featured a champagne reception, seated dinner and dancing to the big brass sounds of Mood Swings.
“I love coming to this event because it brings the community together for a great cause,” said Melvin Mills, a member of the Fallfest board of directors. “The cause is raising money for an event that funds several organizations that meet many needs in our community.”
During a live auction, high bidders walked away with treats that included a week at an Ocean City condominium, a studio tour of Baltimore’s WJZ-TV for 13 people who will meet Don Scott and Marty Bass, and a Crown Jewel Dinner for eight people, featuring food prepared by a gourmet chef in the winner’s home and bottles of fine wine.
Attendance at the gala was up this year, as were the auction bids, and the event raised $12,000.
“Every year this event is the result of great teamwork, and every year the gala is such fun,” said Carol Baublitz, event chair. “The band members couldn’t believe how many people were still having a blast on the dance floor at 11:15 p.m. That’s a true sign of a great gala.”
Mt. Airy Chili Cook-Off Attracts 29 Cooks, 500 Tasters
The Mount Airy Main Street Association held its first chili cook-off on a cool Saturday in April.
More than 29 cooks participated, and approximately 500 attendees bought $5 “tasting kits” to sample entries
“The cooks loved the venue, the level of organization, and the results,” said Dr. Aaron Lubick, Mount Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA) member and Committee Chair.
Other activities included a Blaine Young broadcast on WFMD Radio, Feathers the Clown, a buffalo wing- and beer wing-eating contest and live music. The Main Street Merchants participated in a Chili Cookoff Search, and there was a drawing for a chili-making gift basket. -L.M.B.
Celebrating Citizenship
Friends and family gathered on Monday, April 16, at the Westminster home of Julia Jasken and David Colquhoun to surprise David when he came home from work as a U.S. citizen. Colquhoun, a pre-doctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is originally from Great Britain.
“We’ll have hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, and apple pie,” the guests’ invitation stated. “Of course, we’ll also be serving red, white, and blue cocktails.”
The home was adorned in American colors and icons. One wall was plastered with papers stating sample questions from the written exam: Who selects the Supreme Court Justices? What holiday was celebrated for the first time by American colonists? Who wrote “The Star Spangled Banner?” Why did the pilgrims come to America?
Earlier in the year, Colquhoun sailed through the written and oral tests, and on Monday, April 16, he journeyed to Baltimore for his final interview. Days later, with 47 other citizens-to-be, he raised his hand, took the oath of naturalization and sang the National Anthem.
“It [citizenship] has been a long time coming,” Colquhoun said. “I wanted to be a full participant in this country. Now I can vote and apply for jobs that require citizenship. It’s a big milestone.” -L.M.B.
Turbo Turtle Splash Raises Funds for Meals on Wheels
Music, balloons, celebrities and fanfare marked the First Annual Turbo Turtle Splash at McDaniel College’s indoor swimming pool on April 28. Hundreds of fans cheered their rubber turtles, which they “adopted” for $5 a piece in hopes of winning one of 21 prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize.
Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was the grand marshal for the race. Dave Johnson, former pitcher for the Orioles, launched turtles into the pool. Dwight Dingle was the race announcer. Undersea Outfitters employees in full scuba gear filmed the race.
Representatives from Scales Ôn Tales with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Turtle & Tortoise Society spoke to attendees about the proper way to handle real turtles and turtle conservation.
The event, which took months to plan and one hour to run, is expected to garner approximately $14,000. Proceeds will support Meals on Wheels, which rolled into Carroll County in 1973, according to Deborah Goff, event coordinator and volunteer.
Goff is a senior at McDaniel College studying social work. The Turbo Turtle Splash was part of her internship with Meals on Wheels. She hopes to be placed again at Meals on Wheels when she pursues her master’s degree at the University of Maryland this fall. -L.M.B.
