Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick

by Dave Maloney

Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick member Robert Wilson, a member of the Board of Directors of the William F. Moran, Jr. Museum & Foundation, Inc., recently invited Foundation President and bladesmith E. Jay Hendrickson to speak to the club about the well-known knife maker, Bill Moran (deceased) formerly of Middletown, MD. Jay told stories about Bill’s early years, how he began making knives, how he rediscovered the secret of making Damascus steel, and how he became one of the most famous bladesmiths in the world. Jay also brought examples of Bill Moran’s work including a Damascus steel knife. Pictured (L to R), Wilson presents Hendrickson with a child’s book as a “Thank You” gift. The book, part of the club’s Read Around the World program, will be donated to the C. Burr Artz Public Library in the name of Kristen and the Moran Foundation.

At a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick, Fred Burton, CFE, explained the dangers of identity theft and what we can do to protect ourselves against those intent on doing us harm by gaining access to our private information. Pictured (L to R), club member Edgar Crawford presents Fred with a child’s book as a “Thank You” gift. The book, part of the club’s Read Around the World program, will be donated to the C. Burr Artz Public Library in the name of Fred and his company, Corporate Assurance.

Noted Civil War expert and author Bob O'Connor recently spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick about Frederick County during the Civil War. A prolific writer, O'Connor brought along examples of several of his recent writings. But he is constantly on the look-out for other Civil War-related material as well. O'Connor (right) shows club member Bill Muffi a little-known early 20th-century book about Lincoln's bodyguards that O'Connor discovered and recently obtained the rights to re-publish.

Shooting marbles has been a local tradition for over 20 years, thanks to the help of Art Staus, director of the Frederick County Knucklers, a competitive marble-shooting club. Staus recently visited the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick to explain the history of shooting marbles in Frederick County and his efforts to expand the program locally. Pictured, left to right, novice marble shooter and club member Patrick Long gets much-needed marble shooting tips from Staus.

The Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick's ongoing Read Around the World program results in a steady stream of new children's books being donated to the C. Burr Artz Public Library. "Our club purchases children's books recommended by the library," says club president, Eric Gatrell. "We donate one book each week to the library in the name of our weekly club speaker. The speakers are very happy to sign the bookplate and have the book donated in their name," he continued. Recently, Gatrell and club member Mick Hickman delivered a batch of children's books to the library. Pictured left to right are Eric Gatrell, Mary Hauer (Material Coordinator for the C. Burr Artz Library, Mick Hickman.

Guide dog Macallan recently visited the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick. Joined by her trainers Becky Little and Janelle Little, Macallan demonstrated services that he will one day provide a sight-impaired person. Becky Little, Catoctin Region coordinator for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, explained the history and operation of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the national organization that breeds and trains guide dogs, and Janelle Little put Macallan through his paces to the delight of club members. Club member Frank Parker presented the Littles with a $500 check in support of Guiding Eyes for the Blind program. Pictured (L to R) Frank Parker, Janelle Little, Macallan, Becky Little.