County Connections Volume 11 Issue 2 Carroll County Government http://ccgovernment.carr.org Carroll s Best: Carroll County s Senior Inclusion Program is One of a Kind in Maryland The Senior Inclusion Program or SIP provides a day-long activity program for 26 seniors with developmental disabilities. This program, located in the Westminster Senior Center, has the perfect setting to provide opportunities for the clients to interact with non-disabled peers and enjoy the same activities that non-disabled seniors enjoy. The SIP clients participate in regular senior center activities as well as separate, specially designed activities to meet the clients special needs. Over the years program staff has learned that on occasion non-disabled seniors from the center will even join the SIP clients and participate in their special events. One particularly popular event at the moment is the Man Cave. The setting in the senior center is the key to the program s uniqueness. Because it s located in a place non-disabled seniors frequent, it is a truly inclusive program. Another wonderful feature of the program is the staffing ratio. While for many programs staffing is one staff member for every 14 clients, SIP s ratio is one to 4 or 5. The higher staff to client ratio enables the county to offer a wide variety of educational, social and recreational opportunities. There are frequently two or even three simultaneous activities going on at a time that SIP clients can choose from. The number of program offerings is partly possible because of the senior center location. Carol Smith, SIP Program Coordinator, recently said Our goal is to give our clients a voice in how they want to spend their retirement years, just like the non-disabled population. Our hats go off to all those who work with Carroll s disabled residents. We thank you for all you do to enrich their lives and bring them wonderful programs like SIP. Remembering Commissioner Roger Mann I never met Commissioner Mann, but those who knew him remember him as a kind man who cared about Carroll County and worked hard to represent his constituents well. Commissioner Mann was a two term county commissioner. He was elected to serve his first term in 1974 and re-elected in 1978. During his tenure, the county went through many changes. Mr. Ned
Cueman, Director of Planning for the county during this time, recently listed a number of endeavors the 2 boards of commissioners took on. I think you ll find some of them very interesting. Between the years of 1974 and 1982 Carroll County: Constructed the new County Office Building located at 225 North Center Street Accepted the deeds for the Union Mills Homestead and completed various Homestead improvements Joined the recently formed Maryland Association of Counties Began using the first county computer system Began construction of Piney Run Reservoir Began planning for Hashawa Environmental Center in 1975, groundbreaking in 76 and opening in 77 Constructed a new Animal Shelter for the Humane Society Approved Piney Run Nature Center Began planning Northern Landfill Began construction for the Detention Center in May of 1981 These are just a few of the projects undertaken by the commissioners in the 8 years Commissioner Mann held office. It s fascinating to think of all the changes the county went through in such a short period of time and how many decisions the members of each board of commissioners make that endure for years to come. Commissioner Mann left office over 30 years ago and yet, the decisions he made and the infrastructure his board authorized still have an impact on resident s lives and are still in use today. This is a difficult time for Commissioner Mann s family and friends as they deal with his passing, and it is important to remember the positive impact his work and his service to the county had and continues to have on all our lives. Carroll County Recreation and Parks February Events Bear Branch Nature Center Programs PLANETARIUM SHOW Saturday, February 28 Join the Westminster Astronomical Society under the star dome to learn the stars and constellations of the night sky. Following the indoor show, you are invited outside for a Star Party to observe the nighttime sights. Dress for the weather. Bring your own telescope or look through one of ours! 8 Adult TIME: 7:30-8:30pm FEE: $5 person JUNIOR EXPLORERS Thursday, February 12 Calling all junior naturalists! Each month, you can explore the outdoors while learning about some of your favorite nature topics. Through hikes and activities you can learn all about the natural world just outside your door. Children should be mature enough to attend the program on their own. 6 8 years TIME: 1-2:30pm FEE: $7 child
BEAR CUBS CLUB Thursday, February 12 Do you have a young explorer on your hands? If they love nature, join us for one or all three of these programs in the series. Your child will learn about the natural world through hikes, games and stories. No tag-alongs please, parent participation is needed. TIME: 10-11am FEE: $5 child AGE: 3-6 years HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY Sunday, February 1, 2 3pm Did the groundhog see his shadow? Will we have six more week of winter?! Learn more about the legend and some facts about the groundhog. Make a craft to take home. AGE: 5 12 years FEE: $5 child LOVE BIRDS Saturday, February 14, 1 2pm Winter can be a difficult time for our feathered friends. Show the birds some love by making a bird feeder for your yard. It will make a great opportunity for some bird watching, too! AGE: All Ages FEE: $7 person THE MAGIC OF MAPLE Saturday, February 21, 2 4pm AND Sunday, February 22, 2 4pm It s that time of year! The sap is flowing and we are making syrup. Learn more about this age old process. Get the stories and legends behind it. Be sure to dress for the weather! AGE: 6 Adult FEE: $5 person Bear Branch Volunteer Opportunities TRAIL GUIDE TRAINING Saturday, February 7, 1-3pm Age: Adult Do you love nature? Would you like the opportunity to share that love with others? We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with school programs. MAPLE FESTIVAL TRAINING Sunday, February 15, 2-4pm Age: 14-Aadult Helping at Hashawha s Maple Festival and pancake breakfast can be a great way to earn service hours. We will discuss the syrup making process and assign duties at the training. Training participants are expected to and MUST help at the Festival to earn their hours. Piney Run Nature Center Programs MORNING BIRD WALK Thursday, February 19, 8:30 9:30am Venture outside and join Dave Harvey of the Carroll County Bird Club for a morning bird walk. Search for the many different types of songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and woodpeckers that inhabit Piney Run Park. Beginning birders are welcome. We suggest bringing along binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather since walks occur rain or shine. Meet at the front door of the Nature Center. AGE: 10 Adult FEE: $5 person GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION Monday, February 2, 1 2pm Will old Mr. Groundhog see his shadow or will spring come early this year? Let s explore the history, traditions and myths surrounding the most celebrated groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Then celebrate our own groundhog day with a craft for all to take home and enjoy. AGE: 3 7 years FEE: $7 child VALENTINE S DAY IS FOR THE BIRDS! Friday, February 13, 4:30 5:30pm Food is scarce during the long cold winter. Why not show some love for the birds by decorating your trees with homemade goodies. Using ingredients found in our panty and cookie cutters, we will create adorable decorations for the birds. It is a great opportunity for bird watching and having your feathered friends come back for more! AGE: 5 10 years FEE: $7 child
TRACKERS TRACKING TRACKS Monday, February 23, 4 5pm Some animals have gone into hibernation for the winter, but there are still plenty of creatures out and about. Let s explore Piney Run Park for finding, identifying, and following animal tracks! We will also make our very own track-identification-guides so you can search for tracks anytime you want! Be ready to get dirty and dress for the weather! AGE: 6 12 years FEE: $7 child WHERE S THE GREEN? Friday, February 27, 4:30 5:30pm Suffering from cabin fever? Longing to see some green? With spring just around the corner let s start a garden! Each plant begins with a single seed. Together we will begin the planting of seeds in recycled containers. From planting to watering, and covering, you will officially begin your spring planting season. Seeds and soil are included. AGE: 7 Adult FEE: $10 person Piney Run Volunteer Opportunities Front Desk Volunteers Age: adult Interested in volunteering for the Nature Center front desk? Answer the phones, take program registrations, answer nature questions, and sell items from the Nature Shop. No experience necessary, positive attitude and love of nature preferred. Piney Run Events Cabin Fever Art Show Saturday, February 21, 11am-4pm A fine art and craft exhibit showcasing natureinspired work of our local artists. A $1/per person admission fee will be collected at the entrance of the Nature Center. Proceeds will be used to help support the Piney Run Recreation & conservation Council. Vendors will be on hand and local artists will be displaying their artwork throughout the Nature Center and the Yurt. Refreshments will be served. Therapeutic Recreation Programs WILD ONES 2015 January December, occurs monthly Another year of fun-filled activities is in store for you! If you have not joined us in previous years, don t miss out this time! This is an independent socialization group for those interested in social activities in a structured setting; must be an independent adult to participate. Group recreation and leisure activities such as dining out, miniature golf, ball games, hay rides, theme parties, movies/plays, concerts and more! Register anytime during the 2015 year at the yearly membership fee; additional fees apply per activity. AGE: Adults 18+ FEE: $52 (12 sessions) NIGHT OWLS 2015 January December 2015, occurs monthly A NEW youth social group that will be going out and about once a month to movies, dining out, miniature golf, hay rides, etc. Registration can be anytime during the 2015 year at the yearly membership fee; additional fees apply per activity. AGE: 12 17 years FEE: $42 (12 sessions)
Board and Commission Openings The Board of County Commissioners is looking for people who are interested in serving on the Recreation & Parks Board and Dept. of Social Services Board * Anyone interested in serving on any board should complete Carroll County the application available here: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/commiss/boards/ applicat.pdf and send the completed application along with a resume to: Board of County Commissioners Attn: Denise Hoover 225 N. Center Street, Room 300 Westminster, MD 21157 Or by email to dhoover@ccg.carr.org Commissioners Meeting Minutes Please follow this link to read the minutes of the Commissioners meetings: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/commiss/votes/ Carroll County Public Library Each month the county s 6 public libraries are busy with activities for residents of all ages. Unfortunately, the activities are too numerous to list here. Please follow this link to see a complete listing of all this month s activities: http://library.carr.org/programs/calendar.asp