In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
The Town of Morningside turns 75 and they’re celebrating!
Morningside—the name—probably dates back to the late 1930s, but the Town was incorporated as Morningside in 1949, and the first election was held.
Morningside voters chose June Stocklinski to serve as their first Mayor and, for the Town Council, Duncan Fleming, Thomas S. Austin, Mr. C. W. Mueller, and R. C. Stevenson. They took office in June 1949 and immediately created a Volunteer Police Department of three Navy veterans: Charles J. Kiker, Gerald A. Glaubitz, and Donald R. Michelson.
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, Morningside celebrates its 75th Anniversary. The revelry begins at 6 p.m. and will continue until 9 at the Municipal Center (which I always like to call the Town Hall).
There will be something for everyone, including a Moon Bounce, games, food trucks, 360 photo booth, raffles, and a movie after dark. And there’ll be music!
The Town’s “Fabulous Morningside Seniors” had an Anniversary celebration of their own on Tuesday, April 23—they were invited to Topolino Italian Cuisine for luncheon and to “enjoy friendly conversation.”
It’ll be a great celebration! And you can easily imagine what it’ll be like in 25 years when The Town of Morningside turns 100 in 2049.
More from Morningside: Election and Circuit Rider
The annual Town election will be Monday, May 6, when two current Council Members, John Anthony Sr. and Sharon Fowler, will be running to, hopefully, serve another term. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Town has a new officer, Clayton Anderson, a Circuit Rider whom they are sharing with Upper Marlboro and Eagle Harbor. Circuit Riders help assist small towns and city governments with building their administrative capacity.
The Town Hall meeting room is available for rent. It’s a very nice, large room with an attached kitchen. Great for receptions, birthday parties, and they’ve even had a wedding. Call 301-736-2300 to reserve, or for more information.
Neighbors & other good people
Elaine Chao, 4th-grader at Colin Powell Academy, Fort Washington, has won National 1st Place with her acrylic “Guardians of the Earth” in a NASA Langley Student Art Contest. You can see it for yourself in an exhibition of student art works at Oxon Hill Library.
Father Martino I. Choi has been transferred from St. John the Evangelist parish in Clinton to administrator of St. Michael Parish, Baden, and St. Dominic Mission, Aquasco.
Youth Open House, April 27
District 8 youth are invited to an Open House Brunch event hosted by County Council Member Edward Burroughs and the 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County.
During the event, they’ll have the chance to meet dedicated mentors, discover various programs and initiatives and explore how they can get involved. The event will be at LeDetroit Baptist Church, 5306 Indian Head Highway in Oxon Hill. The time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 301-952-3860.
Surratts-Clinton Library, open and busy
The new library held its Grand Opening on April 22, with Bibliobop for ages 0–5, Lighthouse Crafts for ages 5–12, and Maryland Trivia for all ages.
When I visited this week, I asked about meetings and activities. There are events for all ages so you should pick up a schedule. One popular event is Knitting and Crocheting for adults. I think it’s a regular for Tuesdays. You can check https://pgcmis.info/website/events.
My trips to the library these days are to check on Large Print books. Just recently I read “Prince Charles” and because I enjoyed it, I read “Spare,” about Prince Henry.
And speaking of libraries, Prince George’s plans to open new libraries in Langley Park, Glenn Dale and Brandywine. Plus, a larger replacement for Hillcrest Heights.
Changing landscape
The Preakness is coming up May 17–18 at Pimlico in Baltimore. And then the racetrack will be rebuilt “to create a permanent home worthy of the Preakness.” I don’t know much about horse racing, but I watch the Preakness every year.
Dunkin Donuts is opening soon on Woodyard Road in Clinton.
The Nationals’ season is underway but there have been changes. You can still bring single-serving food items and a sealed water bottle into the ballpark, but if you’re willing to splurge, some of the concessions are worth a visit: Ssong’s Hotdog, Los Cinco Tacos, Eli’s Crepes, Rita’s Italian Ice, and Emerald Amor Café.
Can anyone tell me what’s being built at the corner of Allentown Road & Temple Hill Road?
A home at 6811 Pickett Drive, in Morningside, has just sold for $299,900.
Places to go & things to do
Maryland Choral Society Concert is performing “In My End Is My Beginning” on April 28, 4 p.m. at Mount Calvary Catholic Church, 6700 Marlboro Pike in Forestville. Among the selections will be Haydn’s “The Creation.” There’ll also be a pre-concert talk by Dr. Douglas Buchanan, Artistic Director, who is retiring.
Ed’s Plant World, in Brandywine, has announced the imminent arrival of a vast selection of flora, ranging from vibrant annuals to enduring perennials, majestic trees to ornamental shrubs, and everything in between.
“Unapologetic” featuring the works of renowned African American artist Marcel Taylor, is running through Saturday, June 8, at Harmony Hall Arts Center, in Fort Washington. The artist depicts liberated African Americans through diverse narratives. Harmony Hall is at 10701 Livingston Rd. For more information: (301) 203-6040.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Cathy Miller and Hazel Ball, Beverly Gotshall Marquis, DJ Fowler and Jessica Phipps, April 28; Lael McCune and Todd Mullins, April 30; Kathryn Deaver, May 1; Ann Lacey, Ernestine Taylor Wood, Dante Ross Jr. and Janet Booth Kaye, May 2; my daughter Sheila (McHale) Mudd and Lori Williams, May 3; India Goodall and Ruby Haines, May 4.
Happy 52nd Anniversary to Jan and Cindy Smith who will celebrate that special day on April 28.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
ST. PHILIP’S DAY
Join us Sunday, May 5, 2024, at our 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. Come and enjoy our service and learn about our history. Let us give praises to the Lord. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the worship service. St. Philip’s Church Baden, 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613-8426.
MOTHER’S DAY SPRING FLING
Join us for an evening of Hand Dancing, Line Dancing, and Bop Friday, May 10, 2024, from 7–11 p.m. at Show Place Arena. Featuring: DJ Lady D. Tickets include a light fare buffet. Please dress to impress. Tickets: $40 in advance, $45 at the door. This is a 21 and over show. Tickets can be purchased online at Universe.com or at The Show Place Arena box office. For information on reserving a table of six, email us at showplacearena@pgparks.com, or call us at 301-952-7900. The Show Place Arena: 14900 Pennsylvania Ave, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772.
This program is brought to you by Parks & Recreation M-NCPPC, live more, play more ppparks.com. Connect with us, facebook@artspgparks.com. Arts programs of the M-NCPPC are supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org). The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register a minimum of two weeks prior to the program start date to request and receive disability modification. Customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please call Maryland Relay 7-1-1. Language interpretation is available at all facility front desks. Please ask for assistance.
STEP IT UP
Step It Up II is more than just a walk. It is a Movement toward a healthier and happier community. Coordinated by the Prince George’s Health Department, in collaboration with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Department of Parks and Recreation. This program brings together individuals, families, schools, sports teams, and community organizations to prioritize health and well-being. Join us for Step It Up II: Family Fitness Walk, May 4, 2024, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774.
PGCPS-SEAS
Prince George’s County Public School Student Environment Alliance Summit will be held on April 29, 2024, from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Bowie State University is proud to host the second part of the summit which exposes PGCPS high schools to career options, leadership and advocacy activities and contemporary environmental research. The event will be a full day of presentations, interactive rotations around the campus, dynamic speakers and fun, enriching experiences. Cost is free.
The Summit will be in the Student Center Ballrooms, Multi-room event, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland. Contact Jabari Walker, Email: jswalker@bowiestate.edu, Telephone number is 301-832-4590. Categories: Earth Week, Sustainability.
BULLDOG GOLF CLASSIC
Save the date 13th Annual Bulldog Golf Classic October 8, 2024. Proceeds from the Bulldog Golf Classic provide scholarship funding for student-athletes and help to meet the growing needs of the Bowie State University Department of Athletics.
We look forward to seeing you at the 13th Annual Bulldog Golf Classic. More details will be coming soon. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Jennifer Coke, Executive Director of Philanthropy, 301-860-4778, jcoke@bowiestate.edu.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL THE STAGE PLAY
Love Conquers All the Stage Play is a heartwarming stage play about love overcoming all obstacles and triumphing in the end Saturday, May 18 from 3–5 p.m. Eventbrite.com/ttd/md-fort-Washington/ Tickets cost $35–$45. Location: Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744. Refund policy, no refunds.
Come join us for a night of romance, drama, and laughter at Harmony Hall Regional Center. Witness the powerful story of love overcoming all obstacles in this captivating stage play. Get ready to be moved by the talented actors and actresses as they bring this heartwarming tale to life on stage. Do not miss this unforgettable evening filled with love and inspiration.
LAKE ARBOR JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Lake Arbor Jazz Festival returns to the beautiful Lake Arbor community in Central Prince George’s County. Come out for a day of Jam packed with dynamic jazz talent in a carefree setting Saturday, July 20, 2024. Gates open at 12 Noon. Performances Start at 1 p.m. at the Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, Maryland 20721.
The festival features top-flight contemporary and traditional jazz and R&B artists from across the nation and the Washington D.C. area. Richard Elliott, Rick Braun, Jazz Funk Soul Paul Jackson, Jr., Jeff Lorber, and Everette Harp. Queen of Soul Jazz Althea Rene, Jeanette Harris, Brass Attack Willie Bradley, Rob Zinn and Johnny Britt. Let it flow Band. Host Tony Richards.
Free parking, over 40 food and merchandise vendors, on site beer and wine lounge, two covered VIP tents, and live music all day. $175.00-VIP Reserved Seating, covered tent, food and refreshments, private cash bar. $150.00 Private Tent for 8. Sold by the tent (10X10 Private Tent) includes a cooler of ice and water). $95.00 General Admission lawn seating. $75.00 Group sales (minimum group of 20). $110.00 General admission same day. Advance ticket sale end Friday, July 19, 2024. Get your ticket on Eventbrite!
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation Scholarship Fund. The Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation is a 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization.
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