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Serving the Children of the World
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. Half of the Crofton Kiwanis Club membership, plus spouses and some youngsters, had a rollicking good time at the club’s Christmas party at Crofton’s Ledo Pizza on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
Following a terrific Italian buffet with dessert bar, President-Elect and emcee Mike Sweeney introduced Joyce Maloney, who led a spirited audience chorus of popular Christmas carols for nearly half an hour. Santa Claus (aka President Mike Pierre) then gave greetings to all and distributed gifts to everyone.
Special thanks went to Dinner Chair John Maloney and his worker bees for the event planning, and to Ledo’s for their excellent food preparation, and to Kim Kavanaugh and Joyce Maloney (plus Wegmans bakery!) for some wonderful desserts. The Party’s Crofton Christian Caring Council Food Pantry collection was notably led by generous donations of cases of canned goods (on behalf of Crofton Kiwanis) by Dennis Clark and several month’s worth of delicious peanut butter in jars donated by Bill Hand.
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, and to effectively address all inquiries from residents of greater Crofton, Gambrills, Davidsonville, Crownsville, and Odenton at the November 10th monthly meeting at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant. Crofton Kiwanis President Mike Pierre presided, Kiwanian Dr. Clarke Ross served as moderator, and James Kitchin, Director of Community Engagement & Constituent Services assisted Mr. Pittman.
The club welcomes new member Vanessa Orlando of Odenton, pictured with her husband Ron at left, sponsor Russ Shipley (middle), and President Mike Pierre (right).
Members of the Crofton Kiwanis Club erected nearly 80 large U.S. flags near Crofton’s main gate on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, as part of the club’s semi-annual recognition and honoring of the nation’s veterans, current and deceased military, and first responders. Many of the flags once again had specially inscribed name cards sponsored and affixed honoring family members or friends who had served their country.
Kiwanis project Chair Jim Harvey said that this year proceeds from flag and designation card sponsors’ donations would benefit benefit Crofton Kiwanis Foundation’s charity programs. The flags are flown until Nov. 20.
(Shown from left:) Kiwanis Members Bill Hand, Jim and Sue Harvey; Joyce Maloney; back row left to right:). Mike Kane, Dennis Clark and Nancy Scaggs. Right of sign, standing left to right: John Maloney, John Hill, Sharon (a guest volunteer), Club President Mike Pierre, and Crofton Civic Association’s 2021 Citizen of the Year, and Kiwanian Melanie Smith. (photo by Russ Shipley)
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.
Leading the parade were the Crofton Police, Arundel Volunteer Fire Dept. Engine No. 7 fire truck, and various marchers including Anne Arundel Circuit Court Judge Michael Malone; Bagpipes and Drum; Kid Friendly Horses; local Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts.
“The crowd of costumed kids and parents really swelled during the parade” Kiwanis co-chair Al Tucker (pictured above) stated. “No high school band was available, but we’d love to get one next year, maybe from Crofton High School.” Al noted this has been an annual Crofton Kiwanis project for 45 years, and he has helped manage it for at least 20 years. He was focused on the parade and marshaling the parade route, while co-chair Nickie Zancan - assisted by Kiwanis member Nancy Scaggs - coordinated the permits, refreshments, prizes, volunteer assignments and cooperation with the CCA, Town Hall and also the first responders participating in the day’s activities.
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Start of our 10K Race (October 2nd)
Pictured (from left) Aidan Surlis Jr., Tara Surlis Kelly, Tara’s daughter Nora, Cathy Surlis Gress, and Cathy’s husband Chris Gress. Team Surlis Re/Max Leading Edge Realtors of Crofton, founded by Aidan Surlis Sr. and wife Catherine, has been the very generous Lead Sponsor of Crofton Kiwanis 10K/5K Race for 22 years.
Shown (from left) are Crofton Kiwanis Race Chair Nancy Scaggs, Cathy Surlis Gress, Tara Surlis Kelly, and Tara’s daughter Nora Kelly.
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 Kiwanians again promoted and gave volunteer support to the Crofton Christian Caring Council’s (CCCC's) Pie-Eating Contest on September 15, 2021 to benefit the Council’s Baby Pantry. The pie sales totaled nearly $600. Much credit once again goes to super Event Organizer and Crofton Kiwanian Jim Harvey, who publicizes this fundraiser through his Living in the Triangle magazine and his community e-newsletter, and who annually runs this and a Chili Cookoff contest for CCCC.
Pictured sampling some delicious pecan pie is Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. Others shown at the Crofton Farmer’s Market event in Seton Parish parking lot, from left, are Vicki McQuade who with husband Art manages the Baby Pantry; Crofton Kiwanis Past President and 10K/5K Race Chair Nancy Scaggs; Crofton Kiwanis Past President and Club Treasurer Dennis Clark; and CCCC Chairperson and Kiwanian Sharon Shipley. Nancy and Dennis were also delivering Kiwanis 10K/5K Race shirts and kits to some of the runners pre-registered for the October 2nd Crofton Kiwanis 10K Challenge and 5K Run fundraiser. The Baby Pantry and other CCCC fundraisers are regularly publicized in Crofton Kiwanis announcements and newsletters.
Shown above: State Sen, Ed Reilly (R, Dist-33); Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad; Kiwanians Robert Duckworth (former AA County Clerk of the Court) and Club Past President Russ Shipley
Crofton Kiwanians turned out in strong numbers at National Night Out on August 3 at the Crofton Library parking lot. The event was mainly to pull together County police and other first responders and community groups with the local citizenry being served.
The Kiwanis booth publicized our Foundation’s efforts to help children and families and it promote our major October 2 10K Challenge and 5K Race fundraiser.
Past Presidents Nancy Scaggs and husband Dennis Clark provided member Russ Shipley with booth set up guidance and materials. Set up and early shift booth workers included President Mike Pierre (with his extra cooler of iced waters and tent leg-stability weights); Patrick Heelen trucking over (and packing up) tent, tables, signage and chairs); Secretary Kim Kavanaugh (with fresh cookies for the volunteers); Mike Kane; and President-Elect Mike Sweeney, with assists by John Hill and Club Vice President Dan Scholfield. Russ had a late shift and tear-down crew of Foundation Treasurer Reggie Haseltine, and “troupers” Mike Kane, Bob Duckworth, Mike Pierre, Mike Sweeney, and our official Kiwanis Trucker Pat Heelen.
Sharon Shipley delivered to and picked up from both the Kiwanis booth and her Crofton Christian Caring Council display. By the end of the mild-weather twilight “Night Out”. conclusion, our assertive “elevator chats”, outreach, signs, 10K/5K Race sheets, club membership benefit fliers, and numerous cold waters and delicious candies distributed had made positive impressions on many dozens of local attending residents.
Crofton Kiwanis Club
A Service Club in Crofton, Maryland
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!
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.
Upcoming Events
Monday, January 10th: Sarah’s House dinners delivered.
Wednesday, January 12th (not in person, perhaps Zoom)
Thursday, January 13th: Sarah’s House dinners delivered.
Wednesday, January 26th: PIZZA Night, 6 PM at Ledo’s Pizza. Email Dennis Clark (ddclark780@verizon.net) to tell him if you're going.
Saturday, March 26: Crofton Cherry Blossom Festival around Crofton Parkway, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 11th: 10K/5K Races, Crofton Country Club, 8:00 a.m. starts
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.
Crofton Kiwanis members and other community residents helped set up
Flags for Heroes for Memorial Day weekend.
From left to right: Ed Reilly, Jackie Tucker, Russ Shipley, Mike Kane, Margaret Kane, John Hill, John Maloney Maloney, Moi (perched on the ladder behind this crew), Al Tucker, Joe and Carol Narcavage, Dennis Clark and Joyce Maloney.
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
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 everyone who ran in our
Thanks to our 2020-2021 Sponsors
Team Surlis Re/Max
Zancan Press
Blue Dolphin
Chick-fil-A
Wegmans
Dr. Vargas, Crofton Family Dentistry
D'Ana Johnson
Marnie Fallon
424 Wine and Spirits
CamPower For All/Carol Diamond
Belair Engineering
Edward Jones Financial Advisors
Rich Reilly Insurance Agency
Williams Financial Services
Solstice Kitchen & Bath
Ed Reilly, State Senator
Joyce & John Maloney
Al & Jackie Tucker
Carol and Joe Narcavage
Kumon of Crofton
Regan, Grace & Kerley, LLC
Bay Area Chiropractic & Wellness Group, PC
Crofton Country Club
Family Bike Shop
Thomas R. Callahan, Attorney
Michael Malone, Attorney/Delegate
8 Days a Week Business Solutions
Gold's Gym
Nancy & Reggie Haseltine
2019 Results
2018 Results
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.
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)
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.
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.
