CRCC News and Notes 8/07/11

Everyone who attended the Crofton 2nd Annual Night Out Against Crime has declared it an unqualified success. The County Executive's Office (Jody Leddy), the Greater Crofton Council (Madonna Brennan and Bess Sharland), the Crofton Regional Community Center (CRCC), the Western District Police P.A.C.T. unit (Sgt. T. J. Smith) and the Crofton Library (Ruby Jaby) were all delighted by the turnout with so many happy people who showed up at the Crofton Library parking lot on August 2, from 5-8 p. m. The hot sun beamed down on everyone, and the temperature soared, but that didn't stop the crowd from enjoying themselves or having a very good time.

Everything was free (how often does that happen?) and DJ Doug Guinn kept the music coming as well as announcements and a number of special games he provided, with prizes.  Magician Tim Hall strolled the area with his entertainment for all ages. Katie Harmke, dressed as a cop clown, entertained everyone as she roamed around and made friends.

Volunteers helped set up and clean up as well as controlled the parking and Moon Bounce, which the young children enjoyed. The basketball toss was a popular hit with everyone. The volunteer face painters did a magnificent job.

Firemen with their vehicles were present until they got a call and had to leave. People were allowed to go into their vehicles and have their questions answered. The police were active with their vehicles and demonstrations. The K-9 demonstration was a huge hit with the crowd.

On one side skateboard demonstrations were held to the delight of all. There were many tables with giveaways, including the CRCC. The Anne Arundel Recycling Program provided compost kits and recycling bins to attendees.

Perhaps the biggest attraction of all were the free hot dogs, water and chips furnished by Target, along with their balloons, and the Bruster's ice-cream as well as the Kona snow cone truck. The hot dogs were grilled on a charcoal grill by volunteers. The ice-cream, shaved ice, and water were "must haves" on a hot summer's evening.

What a wonderful time all the volunteers and groups had. We have the county executive's office and Target to thank for it all, as well as the many volunteers who worked so hard under a very hot sun. The organizers estimated the crowd at over 300 people. Over 350 hot dogs and 500 bottles of water were consumed.

The CRCC membership also met this past week to discuss a number of issues and make people aware of upcoming events. The CRCC web site has been shut down to be revamped . Please be patient until the new web site is back up and available once more.

August 20, the CRCC will have a table at the Back to School Fair from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. at the Waugh Chapel Community Center. Last year, this event attracted thousands of people.

The executive committee discussed the Crofton Arts and Crafts Fair at the Crofton Country Club on September 24. We will have two separate raffles. Tickets for these will start selling before the event. More on this later, but new giveaway items will be added to what has already been offered.

The Crofton Community Awards banquet on November 4 will feature the CRCC presenting a Citizen of the Year award to the person the Executive Committee wants to recognize for their generous support of the CRCC over the past year. The CRCC is grateful for the support of all of their volunteers and benefactors.

The 2nd Annual Book Lovers Auction on November 12 is coming along nicely with 18 authors appearing in person, raffles and door prizes, plus a Free Children's Festival to be held outside the Blue Dolphin Banquet Room. The hours are from 4 to 7 p. m. People are encouraged to sign up early for the reduced price of $5 by calling Rev. Shawn Jegede at 443-302-9598. After the first 50 people to call, tickets will sell for $10 apiece for the auction event.

We've already started work on the February 16, 2012 Sweetheart's Gala. It promises to be bigger and better than the previous year. Not an easy task as last year's was such a big success. Local businesses and community members are asked to kindly consider donating a prize (trip, gift certificates, memorabilia) for our gala. Funds will be used to reach our goal of building a community center to benefit the citizens of our community. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. Call John Hollywood at 301-897-1462 if you have something to donate or want to be part of this night.

The Crofton Regional Community Center is a tax-free, non-profit organization formed to open a community center and a skate park in Crofton. The website is at www.croftonregionalcommunitycenter.net. The Facebook fan page is at www.facebook.com/theCRCC. Email comments and questions to Donna Doyle at doyle1718@comcast.net.