Marietta Historic Site & Museum Presents:
Women and Children on the Underground Railroad

By STACEY HAWKINS
Marietta Historic Site & Museum

Want to know more about the women and children who used the Underground Railroad? Then this is the program for you! Please join us on Thursday, November 5, 6:30–8 p.m., as historian and founder of UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences, Dionne Patterson, presents “Women and Children on the Underground Railroad.” This presentation is online using Microsoft TEAMS.

Ms. Patterson has written several children’s books about the Underground Railroad. She has published multiple articles about the resilience, survival, and ingenuity of many Underground Railroad “travelers” who sought freedom from enslavement.

Ages 12 & up. $5/person. Registration required. To register online, please go to www.pgparksdirect.com and use ticket code: MHM-SPEC-GA-20261105.

For more information, please call 301-464-5291 or email mariettahouse@pgparks.com. Marietta Historic Site & Museum is located at 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, MD, and is a property of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

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Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union Named Official Presenting Sponsor of Tanger National Harbor Tree Lighting Celebration
Partnership celebrates the holiday season and strengthens community connections in Southern Prince George’s County.

By PRESS OFFICER

PGCFCU

OXON HILL, Md. (Oct. 20, 2026)—Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union (PGCFCU) is proud to announce its role as an official presenting sponsor of Tanger Outlets National Harbor’s Tree Lighting Celebration, taking place Friday, November 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Tanger National Harbor.

The annual holiday celebration brings families, shoppers, and community members together to welcome the season. As part of the festivities, the credit union will serve complimentary hot cocoa to attendees and share information about its financial products, services, and membership opportunities.

The sponsorship builds on a growing partnership between PGCFCU and Tanger National Harbor. Earlier this year, the credit union participated in Tanger National Harbor’s Back-to-School Bash, connecting with families and supporting students preparing for the new school year. Both initiatives reflect PGCFCU’s commitment to increasing its presence and accessibility in the southern part of Prince George’s County.

“We’re excited to welcome Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union as a presenting sponsor of this year’s Tree Lighting Celebration,” said Carrie Masich, Marketing Director at Tanger National Harbor. “Their participation in our 2026 Back-to-School Bash demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting local families, and we’re delighted to continue that partnership during one of our most anticipated celebrations of the year.”

For PGCFCU, the partnership represents an opportunity to connect with existing members while introducing more residents to the benefits of a locally focused financial institution.

“Being a community credit union means meeting people where they are, and that extends well beyond our branch locations,” said Diane Coleman Brown, President & CEO of Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union. “We want families across Prince George’s County, particularly those in the southern part of the county, to know that their credit union is here for them. Supporting events that bring our community together is one of the many ways we demonstrate that commitment.”

With the holiday shopping season approaching, PGCFCU will also highlight its Holiday Loan, offering eligible members a financing option to help manage seasonal expenses, from gift purchases to travel and family celebrations.

Attendees are encouraged to stop by the PGCFCU area during the event, enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa, meet the credit union team, and learn more about membership.

For more information about membership and Holiday Loan options, visit www.princegeorgescfcu.org or call 301-627-2666.

Established in 1967, Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union was created to provide financial services to Prince George’s County employees. Over nearly six decades, the credit union has expanded its reach to serve more than 19,500 members throughout the county, with assets exceeding $300 million. Today, PGCFCU remains a member-owned, community-based financial institution serving individuals who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or own a business in Prince George’s County. Through its financial products, services, educational resources, and community involvement, PGCFCU remains committed to helping its
 
members and the communities it serves build stronger financial futures. For more information about Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union or to become a member, visit PrinceGeorgesCFCU.org or call 301.627.2666.

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First Black Secret Service Agent’s Story Takes the Stage Nov. 13
“Out From the Shadow” honors Charles L. Gittens

By PRESS OFFICER

Shannon Whren Entertainment

Temple Hills, Md. (Oct. 19, 2026)—The story of the man who broke the U.S. Secret Service’s color barrier comes to the stage November 13 as Shannon Whren Entertainment presents “Out From the Shadow”. The production brings Charles L. Gittens’ determination, service and legacy into focus, inviting audiences to discover the man behind a historic first.

Produced by Whren and based on Maurice A. Butler’s book about Gittens, the
 
production explores his pursuit of opportunity despite racial barriers and his commitment to opening doors for others. Gittens became the first Black Secret Service special agent in 1956 and rose to deputy assistant director before retiring in 1979. Gittens was the son of a Barbadian immigrant father. His Caribbean roots add another dimension to his legacy, connecting his achievements to the broader story of Caribbean-Americans.

Opening night will bring together elected officials, current and former Secret Service leaders, and members of the Gittens family for an evening celebrating his contributions to American history and public service.

“Mr. Gittens did not allow the barriers before him to deter him from reaching his goals,” said Whren. “When he wasn’t invited to sit at the table, he built his own. His story reminds us that progress takes persistence—and that the trailblazers who create opportunities for others deserve to be seen and remembered.”

For audiences across Washington, Maryland and Virginia, the production connects Black history, military service and federal law enforcement through the personal story of a pioneering public servant.

Shannon Whren Entertainment brings compelling stories to the stage through the work of playwright, director and producer Shannon Whren, whose theatrical career began in 1994. Her productions include “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”, “Bound & Gagged” and “A Soulful Christmas Wish”, with work presented at venues including Washington’s Lincoln Theatre, Warner Theatre and Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium. Combining entertainment with community engagement, her work has raised awareness of domestic violence and created opportunities for actors and musicians. Visit www.ShannonWhrenEntertainment.com

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