Crofton’s Eleventh Annual Chili Cook-Off will be hosted by the Crofton Kiwanis, the Crofton Civic Association, and the Crofton Farmers' Market on Saturday, October 11th, from 10:00 AM to Noon at the Crofton Farmers' Market, located in the parking lot of the Crofton Library, 1681 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114. For those who have competed in the past, there's good news: Six-time winner Chad Houck will be there as a judge, not a contestant. He's been forced into retirement! Two awards will be given: Crofton Chili Cook-Off Champion Crofton Chili Cook-Off People's Choice The winners will receive the two coolest trophies around, along with gift certificates. There will also be a special prize for the hottest chili. The event will benefit the Crofton Christian Caring Council's Food Pantry, which provides food for families in need and the homeless. They provide thousands of bags of groceries to over 1,000 households in the Greater Crofton and Odenton area. Attendees can make a $5 donation or donate a packaged food item (no perishables, please) and try each delicious chili and submit their ballot for the People's Choice Award. Our panel of gourmands will judge chili entries at 10:30 AM to decide who wins the 2025 Crofton Chili Cook-Off Championship, and awards will be made at 11:45 AM. Participation in the contest is free for entrants. Come and join the Crofton Kiwanis, Crofton Civic Association, and the Crofton Farmers' Market for our biggest event of the year and help make a difference for those who need a little help! Participation is free. To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/212055585800048. (fb)

The Crofton Kiwanis Club celebrated its annual Installation Night dinner at the Crofton Ledo Pizza restaurant on Wednesday, Sept. 24th to install the 2005-2006 Officers and Board of Directors. In the upper left photo outgoing President Jim Harvey (center) is presented with a Hixson Award for the immense contributions he made during the past year. Dennis Clark (left) and Russ Shipley (right) presented this prestigious and well-deserved Kiwanis International award. In the upper right photo incoming President Renee Mackey thanked Jim Harvey for his service to the club during the past year. In the middle photo the incoming Officers and Board of Directors are sworn in. Shown left to right are Immediate Past President Mike Pierre, incoming President Renee Mackey, incoming President-Elect Mike Sweeney, incoming Club Vice-President Jim Harvey, incoming Club Treasurer Nancy Scaggs, and Lt. Governor Katie Pajewski. In the bottom photo incoming President Renee Mackey welcomed returning Club Secretary Kim Kavanaugh for another year or service. (fb)