(443) 538-4250
Serving the Children of the World
About this event
Crofton Flags for Heroes is a patriotic display of US flags along MD Route 3 before and after Veterans Day as well as Memorial Day weekend.
Crofton Kiwanis is organizing a special recognition of veterans and first responders from November 5 to 12, 2022. This Flags for Heroes program has become a Crofton tradition and everyone loves seeing the flags out on Route 3 at Lake Louise.
There are pictures of these flags from past events further down this webpage.
Proceeds from this event will go towards Kiwanis civic and charitable programs and the flags are also be displayed around Memorial Day 2023. By sponsoring a flag, you can show both your patriotism and support for the Crofton community. There is an option to add a tag to the flag pole specifying the name of a veteran or first responder you want to honor. It costs just $50 to sponsor a flag and, optionally, $5.95 to add a placard with the name of your honoree.
If you order a tag, the organizers will contact you regarding the contents to be printed on the tag, which may include Name of Honored Veteran or First Responder, Service (ex. US Army), Optional Rank, Optional Status ( Serving, Veteran, KIA, or MIA), Optional born/died years, Optional Combat Service (ex. Vietnam or Iraq), and optional “From” line (Ex. “From the Smith Family”).
You can register your hero(es) for this event either online or via a mail-in form.
For questions, please write to croftonflags@gmail.com. Thank you.
Crofton Kiwanis's cold water was a big hit at the Neighborhood Night Out in Crofton on August 2nd. Pictured in the photo above on the left are many of our proud Kiwanis volunteers. In the photo above on the right are (left to right) James Kitchin, County Executive Steuart Pittman, and Kiwanis President Mike Pierre.
On Wednesday, July 27th the Crofton Kiwanis was pleased to participate in Jim Harvey's successful Charity Bake-off to benefit the Crofton Christian Caring Council (CCCC) Baby Pantry at the Farmer’s Market in the Seton Parish parking lot. The sale of pies and cakes raised $1,107 for the CCCC. The Crofton Kiwanis Club and Foundation will sponsor the Annual Chili Cook-off on Oct. 19th benefitting the CCCC Food Pantry.
Shown above from left are Kiwanis members Sharon Shipley (CCCC Chairperson), Bake-off Event Organizer (and Chili Cook-off chair) Jim Harvey, and Event Pies Slicer/Server and Crofton Kiwanis Board Member Susan Harvey (and the Harvey’s dog, Vlad).
Scenes from our June 11th 10K and 5K Races
Some 270 runners registered for the hugely successful annual Crofton Kiwanis Foundation 10K Challenge and 5K Races that took place on June 11, 2022.
Crofton Kiwanis Race Chair Nancy Scaggs complimented the very generous renewed Title Sponsor this year, Crofton’s Team Surlis/Remax Leading Edge, Realtors, and all the sponsors, donors, runners, and the volunteers that made the major charity fundraiser possible.
She expressed appreciation to Crofton Country Club for letting Crofton Kiwanis once again have access to their grounds for registration, runners’ refreshments, the awards ceremony, and participant and volunteer parking.
Thanks to our 2022 Race Sponsors:
Team Surlis RE/MAX Leading Edge
Morgan Stanley-Chesapeake Capitol Group, Bethesda, MD
Crofton Go-Kart Raceway
John & Carole Hampton
Solstice Kitchen & Bath
Chick-fil-A
424 Wine and Spirits
Belair Engineering
Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill
CamPower For All
Dr. Vargas, Crofton Family Dentistry
Edward Jones, Financial Advisor Alexis Lecouras
The Fallon Family
Kumon of Crofton
Ledo Pizza Crofton
Joyce & John Maloney
Regan, Grace & Kerley, LLC
Senator Ed Reilly
Wegmans
Williams Financial Services
Zancan Press
8 Days a Week Business Solutions
Family Bike Shop
Kimmotions Pilates
Panoptic Eye Care
Rich Reilly Insurance Company
Sharon & Russ Shipley
Crofton Country Club
Gold's Gym
Crofton Kiwanis Club and Foundation President Mike Pierre (at right) is pictured presenting a $1,625 Foundation check to cover registration of 13 at-risk kids from Glen Burnie, MD for a positive one-week summer camp experience in Richardsville, Virginia. Accepting is William Boone, area directory of Boys and Girls Clubs for Salvation Army of Central Maryland. This followed Mr. Boone’s remarks at the Crofton Kiwanis monthly membership meeting on June 8, 2022, where he outlined their programs to help, counsel and motivate at-risk kids and their families. Staples, Inc. of Bowie, MD also donated to the Salvation Army summer program two dozen “Student School Packs” for the campers, which included pens, pencils, colored markers, glues, erasers, and other items for many needs including writing notes and assignments, creating stories and artwork, and making crafts. The core Foundation contribution was supplemented by several Crofton Kiwanis individual members’ donations.
On Saturday, May 28, 2022 more than 70 American flags were raised by Crofton Kiwanis Club members as part of a "Flags for Heroes" Memorial remembrance of former and current U. S. military, veterans, and first responders.
Most flags included a sponsored tag bearing the name, rank, branch, and years/main duty station or war theatre of a loved one or friend who served or is still serving their country. Flags for Heroes sponsorship funds benefit programs of the Crofton Kiwanis Foundation.
Kiwanis participants in the picture (left to right): Russ Shipley, John Hill, Kiwanis President Mike Pierre, Flags for Heroes Chair Jim Harvey, guest Richard Shipley, (kneeling) Kim Kavanaugh, Bill Hand, Melanie Smith (standing) Susan Harvey, Mike Sweeney, Nancy Scaggs, Joyce Maloney, John Maloney, Bill Branham, and Martin H. Simon. (Photo provided by Martin H. Simon, MHS Images, Inc.)
Crofton Kiwanis member Bill Branham is shown with his designated “Flag for Heroes” at the May 28, 2022 U.S. flags raising next to the Crofton, MD Main Gate. Bill recently made a five-year donation to sponsor an American flag flown one-to-two weeks at Memorial and Veterans Days, recognizing his Coast Guard service as a Quartermaster.
At its Annual Meeting on May 11, 2022, the Crofton Kiwanis Foundation introduced its three annual college tuition $1,000 scholarship winners. Pictured left to right in the first picture are Anthony DePaolis (to attend Towson University), Havana Mullaly (to attend John’s Hopkins University), and Sarah Martin (to attend Rutgers University).
In the second picture, Crofton Kiwanis Key Clubs Advisor/Service Leadership Program Chair Bill Hand in center presents certificate to Havana Mullaly, with Kiwanis President Mike Pierre shown at left.
All three award winners attended Indian Creek Upper School in Crownsville, and were leaders in the school’s Key Club. Award merit criteria include academic excellence, charitable service, extracurricular activities, career goals, and Key Club leadership.
CROFTON CLUB GROWTH, TOWN’S 60th ANNIVERSARY OUTLOOK AMONG HIGHLIGHTS OF KIWANIS 46th CHARTER NIGHT DINNER
Pictured above at far right is Crofton Kiwanis President Mike Pierre and to his right are newest club members Martin H. Simon and his wife Julie Simon, at their induction during the May 6, 2022 Charter Night Dinner at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant.
At far left are the dinner emcee Russ Shipley and the Simons’ sponsor, Marsha Perry, the featured speaker who later led a memorable and nimble conversation (sprinkled with colorful anecdotes) on “Crofton Through the Decades” and a few emerging plans for the town’s 60th anniversary in 2024.
Kiwanis Club members (from left) Vanessa Orlando, Russ Shipley and Melanie Smith are shown at the Kiwanis information table at the first Crofton Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, March 26. The club also made tables available at the Festival at Swann Park for residents wanting to sell items at a mega-community yard sale.
The Kiwanis Yard Sale project was chaired by member Susan Harvey, assisted by Club Treasurer Nancy Scaggs who also arranged the information table that promoted membership and the club’s June 11 10K/5K Race. The inaugural community Festival was created by the Crofton Civic Association and “Living in the Triangle” magazine publisher (and Kiwanian) Jim Harvey.
Pictured in a Christmas hat is Crofton Kiwanis Salvation Army Bell-ringer Jerry Esterheld, leaning against Dale Gray, grandson of Joe and Carole Narcavage (seen behind in booth) at the first Crofton Kiwanis Club holiday winter get-together in two years due to Covid-19 cancellations.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman delivered a well-received, wide-ranging talk touching on development, schools, public health, public safety, environment, and county planning and zoning at the November 10th monthly meeting at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant.
Several hundred excited youngsters in costumes ranging from ugliest creatures to cutest and prettiest to scariest to traditional witches and goblins to “groups” of family members walked from Prince of Peace Church to Crofton Town Hall for refreshments, crafts and prizes on October 30, 2021 at the Crofton Kiwanis Club’s 45th annual Halloween Parade.
President Mike Pierre provides a recap of last year's accomplishments and lays out the plans for next year at the annual Installation Dinner on Sept. 24th for new officers and board members.
Crofton Kiwanis Club
A Service Club in Crofton, Maryland
Welcome
The Kiwanis Club and Foundation of Crofton, Maryland serves the Greater Crofton area, focusing on the needs of children and families, community involvement and enrichment, and service to the citizens. Examples of our activities include the Annual Crofton Halloween Parade, the Annual 10K and 5K Races, "Rebuilding Together", Salvation Army bell ringing, and blood drives. Our charitable activities include service to the aged at the Crofton Care and Rehab Center, Sarah's House, the Crofton Christian Caring Council, and assistance to Wounded Veterans. We also fund other charitable causes on an ad hoc basis.
Contact Membership Chair Russ Shipley at (410) 721-1195 or russ.shipley@verizon.net to find out more about Kiwanis or to inquire about joining.
Do you enjoy the American and Maryland flags that are on display around Crofton Parkway?
This program is coordinated by the Crofton Kiwanis Club, and has relied on the generosity of the people of Crofton over the years.
The flags have been hung on the parkway since 1990. They were the idea of Ed Dosek, the newly elected President of the Crofton Civic Association (CCA) at that time. He was looking for a patriotic way to celebrate Crofton.
There are 76 BGE light poles along the Crofton Parkway. Each has two American flags, except for the 8 street entrances into Crofton where there is a Maryland flag along with the American flag.
The flags are hung in May before the Armed Services parade and removed after Veterans Day in November. The CCA managed the program initially until it was turned over to the Crofton Kiwanis Club.
TLC, a local business in Crofton, puts the flags up and takes them down and also stores them at their facility. Also during the year TLC will replace any flag causalities that might occur.
This year we replaced 35 flags and poles that were worn out. With those replacements the flag fund has gone into the red.
If you would like to help with this project and donate you may send a check made out to the Crofton Kiwanis Foundation and mail to:
The Crofton Kiwanis Foundation
c/o The Crofton Kiwanis Club
Box 3101
Crofton, MD 21114
Thanks for your support!
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, Sept. 7th: Board Meeting, First Baptist Church, 7:00 pm.
Wednesday, Sept. 14th: Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 28th: Social Night, Ledo Pizza
Friday, September 30th: Annual Crofton Kiwanis Installation Dinner, Location TBD, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19th: Chili Cook-off at Farmers Market, Seton Parish parking lot.
Wednesday, October 29th: Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner, Blue Dolphin, 6:00 p.m. 0-
Past Activities
Proud recipients of our annual Key Club scholarships and Teen of the Year awards.
Anna Lenzenweger of Spalding High School receives the Dan Scholfield scholarship presented by State Senator and Kiwanian Mike Malone, President Mike Pierre, Dan Scholfield, and mother.
Austin Gayhart of Spalding High School receives the Tom and Marnie Fallon scholarship presented by Mike Malone, Mike Pierre, and parents.
Emily Soto of Broadneck High School receives the William and Janet Hand scholarship presented by Mike Pierre, Service Leader Program Chair Bill Hand, and parents.
Julia Stanley of Spalding High School receives the Teen of the Year Award presented by Mike Pierre, Mike Malone, and Bill Hand.
Not pictured are Holly Falter of Meade High School receiving the Bobbi Coffman scholarship and Emma Alton of Indian Creek Upper School receiving the Sharon Drew scholarship.
Local home project sponsored by the
Crofton Kiwanis Club
Happy Helpers for the Homeless Project
Front: Jerry Esterheld and his grandson
Back: Mike Pierre, Dennis Clark, Kim Kavanaugh, Bill Hand, and Nancy Scaggs
We were in the paper! And thanks to you all, we raised a bunch of money!!
Ongoing Events and Activities
Halloween Parade
The Kiwanis Club will be holding its 44th Annual Halloween Parade on Saturday October 30th, and we invite community organizations to participate in the Parade.
The Parade will start at the Crofton Country Club and end at the Town Hall, where the prizes for best costume will be handed out. The kids will still meet at the Prince of Peace Church parking lot at 10:00 a.m. to register their costumes and be judged and then join the Parade staging area next door at the Country Club.
If it rains, the Parade will be cancelled, and a virtual costume contest will supplant live judging.
If your organization would like be one of the participants in the Parade, please contact Nickie Zancan (nickie@zancanpress.com) or Al Tucker 410-721-2078 tuckeralv@verizon.net).
Service Leadership Programs
The Crofton Kiwanis Club is actively involved in mentoring young adults at school meetings and during their service projects, as well as providing funds for attendance at conventions. We also provide up to three college scholarships each year. Currently our club sponsors the Providence Center Aktion Club and Key Clubs at Arundel High School, Archbishop Spalding High School, Meade Senior High School, and Indian Creek School. Our club also makes an annual contribution for a high school sophmore to attend the Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference.
(Pictured above is Past President/Service Leadership Chairman Bill Hand (left) with members of the newly chartered Indian Creek School Key Club)
Blood Drives
The Kiwanis Club and Foundation of Crofton, MD is teaming with the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Blood Donor Center to have an AAMC Bloodmobile in front of Old Navy in the Waugh Chapel Town Center for blood drives. We plan to hold 2-4 blood drives each year based on anticipated participation from local citizens.
10K Challenge and 5K Run
For 30 years the Kiwanis Club and Foundation of Crofton, Maryland has sponsored the 10K Challenge race that covers the beautiful tree-lined residential streets of Crofton. The race includes some light hills but is mostly a flat course. Our race is always held on the second Saturday in June. Medals are given for the top 3 runners overall and first place male and female finishers in 19 age/gender categories. Short sleeve technical shirts are given to the first 250 entrants. Food, drink and other giveaways from our sponsors are available at the finish line. Electronic timing is used and results are posted within 8 hours. The 5K Race was added to the 10K in 2018. Both races in this family friendly community event offer something from the beginning runner to those preparing to train for a fall marathon.
Thanks to our 2022 Sponsors
Team Surlis RE/MAX Leading Edge
Morgan Stanley-Chesapeake Capitol Group, Bethesda, MD
Crofton Go-Kart Raceway
John & Carole Hampton
Solstice Kitchen & Bath
Chick-fil-A
424 Wine and Spirits
Belair Engineering
Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill
CamPower For All
Dr. Vargas, Crofton Family Dentistry
Edward Jones Financial Advisors
The Fallon Family
Kumon of Crofton
Ledo Pizza at Eddie's Place
Joyce & John Maloney
Regan, Grace & Kerley, LLC
Senator Ed Reilly & Cathy
Wegmans
Williams Financial Services
Zancan Press
8 Days a Week Business Solutions
Family Bike Shop
Kummotions Pilates
Panoptic Eye Care
Rich Reilly Insurance Company
Sharon & Russ Shipley
Crofton Country Club
Gold's Gym
2021 Results
2020 Results (Virtual Runs Only)
2019 Results
2018 Results
Rebuilding Together
On the last Saturday in April our club participates with other local organizations in a Rebuilding Together home renovation project. Rebuilding Together is a national non-profit organization that provides free home repairs and modifications to neighbors in need.
Please contact Bob Sharpe at (301) 580-0149 or bsharpe411@comcast.net for more information.
(Pictured above is Rebuilding Together Chairman Bob Sharpe (left) with Dan Scholfield at last year's project)
Other Club Activities
Crofton Christian Caring Council
Sarah's House Meals
Crofton Convalescent Center Bingo and Birthday Parties
Crofton Flag Project
Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Christmas Angels
Annual Installation Night and Charter Night Club Dinners
Adopt-a-Family Holiday Meals
Teacher of the Year Award
Kiwanis International's Young Children Projects
(Pictured above is a memorial on Crofton Parkway to beloved late club member and WW II veteran Pete Pedersen)
Club Recognition
Our Kiwanis club has achieved Blue-level Today Club status for the 2016–17 Kiwanis year by contributing an average of $10 or more per club member to the Kiwanis Children's Fund.
Club Meetings
Regular monthly Crofton Kiwanis Club meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month currently at 7:00 p.m. at the Crofton Library, Room 1. Guests are always welcome for our regular meetings and to listen to our program's guest speakers.
The Club Board of Directors and Officers meet the first Wednesday each month at the First Baptist Church of Crofton at 7:00 p.m.
On the fourth Wednesday each month there is a club social meeting at Ledos Pizza at 6:30 p.m.
(Pictured left to right at the September 12, 2018 donation ceremony at Blue Dolphin Restaurant are Kiwanis President Patrick Heelen presenting $4,000 donation check to Crofton Christian Caring Council Chairperson Beth Ross, CCCC incoming Chairperson Sharon Shipley, and CCCC Financial Aid Volunteers Marge Wagovich, Judy Battista and Maria Bodnar.)
Charity Auction and Gift Basket
Each November for the past 15 or so years we held a combined silent and live bidding auction to raise funds for our many service projects. Every year we had over 400 items to bid on, including vacation rentals, sporting events, toys, household appliances, and restaurant discounts, which made this the biggest fundraiser of the year. The auction was held at the Bowie Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 3.
For 2018 we tried something new, a Gift Basket containing over $4000 worth of gift cards for fine dining at Crofton and Annapolis area restaurants. Tickets were $20 each. There were 725 tickets sold and the drawing was held at our December 12th Christmas Holiday Party at Ledos Pizza. This new fundraiser was a great success in raising over $18,000, with the proceeds begin split evenly between Sarah's House and the Crofton Christian Caring Council.