Imam Yahya Hendi, 42, of Frederick was awarded the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award last week for his efforts in helping local and national law enforcement agencies combat gangs, violence and terrorism through community outreach.
Hendi, who moved to the city in 2002 and has served as the imam of the Islamic Society of Frederick for nine years, earned the award for his work with the FBI Baltimore field office, where since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks he has engaged the Muslim community in dialogue with national and local law enforcement agencies.
The Director's Community Leadership Award was established in 1990 and has been awarded by FBI field offices to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating everything from cyber crime to terrorism in the U.S., according to an FBI statement.
Hendi, the first full-time Muslim chaplain of an American university, was also recognized for his distinguished position at Georgetown University. Hendi is also the Muslim chaplain at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, and a member of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of North America. He is a graduate of the FBI Baltimore Citizen's Academy.
"After Sept. 11, there was some amount of fear in the community about the FBI," Hendi said. "There were statements made that made the Muslim community feel uncomfortable.
"People thought the [FBI] were just out there to get them," Hendi added. "But they are out there trying to reduce violence and corruption, and keep them safe. We needed to acknowledge that."
This urged Hendi to invite FBI officials, as well as local law enforcement officials to mosques and speak to area residents and clergyman of other faiths about the issues facing their communities, such as violence, drugs and gangs.
"The Muslim community is part of America and we want to be part of the community fighting gangs, corruption and the War on Terrorism also," Hendi said. "We all had a stake. We all had something to lose and something to win."
Hendi will be honored at a formal ceremony hosted by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III on March 20.
City offers toddler classes
The City of Frederick Recreation Department and Technology Explorations have joined together to coach the city's youngest scientists.
The Preschool Science and Technology Explorers Program will begin Friday at the William Talley Recreation Center. Children ages 3-5 are invited to register for the series held 9 a.m. to noon every Friday through March 27.
Experiment stations, project tables and hands-on collection displays will all be available.
The series costs $95, and parents can register by calling the City of Frederick Recreation Department at 301-600-1492.
Veterinarian to judge Kennel Club Dog Show
Dr. Scott Kellogg, a veterinarian at McClellan Veterinary Clinic in Frederick, has been chosen for the third time to travel to New York City to judge the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Kellogg, chosen for the honorary position by the show's judging committee, will judge six terrier breeds and four herding breeds at the dog show to be held Monday and Tuesday.
Kellogg is also a dog owner — he has Kerry Blue and Lakeland terriers.
Frederick Community College announces dean's list
More than 100 Frederick residents were named to the Frederick Community College's 2008 fall dean's list. This week, we recognize the honorees with last names beginning with A-C:
Herb N. Addy, Chaz A. Aguado, Amanda J. Angleberger, Kristina M. Anthony, Marisol Argueta, Philip Armah, Brenda S. Armstrong, Trista M. Arnold, Christina E. Arnold, Kiara Arosemena, Muhammad Atif, Zachary E. Augustine, Marc A. Ayers, Brittany A. Aylor, Payman S. Azadi, Ruth G. Baldwin, Jason N. Ball, Cheryl Banes, Corey A. Barker, Jean-Boris Barou, Caroline A. Baroudi, Jordan T. Beard, Julee Ann Beazell, Traci L. Beck, Teresa M. Becker, Alexandra Bialozor, Arrington L. Bingham, Sarah E. Bishop, Jennifer C. Bisignano, Kelly L. Blackburn, Paul M. Bliven, Ryan P. Bolesta, Eleni M. Bonilla, Jeanine D. Borrero, Brooke L. Bottomly, Danielle M. Bowers, Tyler J. Briggs, Matthew D. Brooks, Jordan K. Brown, Mariana O. Bryant, Belinda G. Bryant, Brittany R. Bryant, Meilan C. Buckingham, Kevin R. Bullock, Shana E. Burkhart, Sarah L. Bush, Daniel P. Cahaney, Engin Caliskan, Nathan S. Campbell, Morgan E. Campo, Linda M. Canale, Aaron L. Cannon, Kristy S. Carey, Giselle D. Carrillo, Lizbeth Carrillo, Tyler Cejka, Angela M. Chase, Joel W. Chineson, Melanie L. Christensen, Yujeong Clark, Shannon Clay, Amy E. Clemens, Bradley S. Cole, Antonio L. Collins, Jeremy R. Collins, Melanie Combs, Nicholas V. Combs, Cheryl A. Concannon, Grace-Marie Conrad, Lauren A. Cowan, Grant E. Cregger, Jeffrey Aaron Cregger, Tha Cuai, Nancy E. Cunningham, Susan R. Custer.
Skittles tournament to benefit Habitat for Humanity
Catoctin Charities Inc. has resurrected the wooden tabletop game of Skittles and residents are encouraged to come out to a Skittles Tournament Sunday to win money for a charity of their choice.
The once-popular, wooden table-top game is similar to bowling and will be featured at All Star Billiards at 1037 W. Patrick St.
The entry fee is $50 for pre-registration, or $55 at the door. Half of the registration proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity. Check-in and practice for the tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. and the tournament starts at 1:30 p.m.
Send City Beat items to Erica L. Green at egreen@gazette.net or call 301-846-2134 for more information.
