In and Around Morningside-Skyline
by Mary McHale 301-735-3451
After 18 great years, Gingerbread House Contest is in trouble
Darnall's Chance House Museum may have to cancel this year’s 19th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Show. “This year we have a record low number of entrees in all categories and might have to cancel this year’s contest. We cannot have a show without entrees!
“Our Viewer’s Choice prize is even bigger and 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes are up for grabs in each category.”
For information, and the Contest rules, call 301-952-8010 or go to history.
pgparks.com (then go to History, Sites and Museums, Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Gingerbread Contest & Show). The entry date has been extended; check with the Museum.
Categories are: Adult, Child, and Family with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd prizes in each. Prizes range from $25 to $100 gift cards, and the Viewer’s Choice prize is a whopping $275 check.
Please spread the word! And consider entering yourself to keep this fun tradition alive.
Skyline President Holmes honored
The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) presented their Award of Appreciation to Stanley Holmes, at a meeting of the DPW&T on Nov. 8. The Award states, “In recognition of your advocacy for the Skyline Citizens Association, and your tireless efforts to ensure the needs of the community are known and addressed in a timely manner. Thank you for your dedicated service and commitment to the citizens of Prince George’s County.” Signed, Gwendolyn T. Clerkley, Acting Director.
Stan is not only the long-serving, and very active, President of the Skyline Citizen’s Association, but also serves on the board of the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department—the first civilian to do so. We here in Skyline are very proud of him.
Changing landscape
Target plans to open a store in Oxon Hill, at Rivertowne Commons Shopping Center, in 2020. They’ll also renovate more than 1,000 other Target stores, including the one in Forestville.
The new National Law Enforcement Museum has opened in the District with an array of interactive exhibits “designed to inform, entertain and maybe create some understanding on both sides.” It’s at 444 E St. NW, opposite the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Open Sun. thru Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (longer on Thursday), info@lawenforcementmuseum.org.
I keep getting calls and emails about the huge development going on in “downtown Suitland,” corner of Silver Hill and Suitland roads. I’ll have to go see for myself, but I know that corner will one day be part of the Towne Center at Suitland.
The Great American Read
Did you watch it on PBS? Readers from across the U.S. voted for their favorite novels. One hundred titles were selected, the most votes determining the winner. It was a trip down memory lane, to hear readers (some famous) discuss the books I have enjoyed over the years. On Oct. 23, the list was revealed by a series of famous authors. The winning novel is also my #1 favorite, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. You can go online for the final list.
Morningside Memories: 35 years ago
Here are a few items from The Enquire-Gazette newspaper in the fall of 1983:
Morningside Baptist Church was renamed Suitland Road Baptist Church, “reflecting the larger community the church serves,” said Rev. James Bryan, Pastor.
Crystal Dean and Craig Coffren were married Sept. 17 at Christ Episcopal Church in Clinton.
Walt Sienkiewich was the new president of the Morningside-Skyline Parks & Recreation Council.
Morningside Councilman Charles Kiker was among candidates for County Orphans’ Court judge. He didn’t win.
Cable television finally came to Morningside, and Metrovision salesmen were going door-to-door to sign people up.
And on a sad note: Raymond Lee “Frosty” Frostbutter died of cancer at Southern Maryland Hospital. He was only 60.
Michael Scalise, detective
Michael Douglas Scalise, 71, of Fayetteville, N.C., Navy veteran and former detective with the Prince George’s County Police, died May 7. He was husband of the late Carol Scalise and is survived by sons Tony and Nick, and grandchildren. Services were at Mount Calvary Catholic Church in Forestville.
Mary Gatton, Upper Marlboro High alumna
Mary Armstrong Gatton, 91, a graduate of Upper Marlboro High School, died Oct. 30 at her home in Frederick. While raising her family in Upper Marlboro, she was an auditor for Acacia Mutual Life Insurance, and then worked for the Prince George’s Schools. Later she moved to Germantown and finally to Frederick. She was the widow of Charles Gatton, Sr.; mother of Paula Pitts (Dan) and Charles Gatton, Jr. (Gayle); grandmother of two; and sister of Elizabeth Bean.
Gerry Brannon, American Legion Auxiliary member
Geraldine “Gerry” Brannon, 91, of Duck, W.Va. and formerly of Clinton, died Aug. 30. She was living in Wheeling when she met and married Paul L. Brannon. With her Air Force husband she traveled the country, finally settling in Clinton. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Clinton, Elks Lodge in Forestville, St. John’s Senior Lunch Bunch, and Clinton Baptist Church. Her husband Paul preceded her in death. Survivors include three daughters; grand-, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren; and two siblings.
Milestones
Happy birthday to Kendra MacLean and Katie Frostbutter, Nov. 18; Herbert Hanson and Andrew Boone, Nov. 20; Linda Cullinan and Brea Sandy-Hanson, Nov. 21; Dolores Steinhilber, Stephanie White, Sharon McKlveen and Jill Flaherty Kimmel, Nov. 22; and Leslie Greene, Nov. 23.
Happy anniversary to Paul and Sharon Locke on Nov. 22.
A happy Thanksgiving to all my readers!
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Brandywine-Aquasco
by Audrey Johnson 301 888 2153
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Community helps students bundle up. In October community partners made sure that students would have warm attire. “Nearly 500 Beacon Heights Elementary students received new winter coats thanks to a community partnership with Operation Warm and FedEx. Dozens of volunteers gathered at the school to present students with new coats, help find the perfect fit and offer high-fives and smiles.”
“Giving back to our communities is part of our core values, “said William Rowley, Sales Director for Timberland. “We believe you can do business and also do good.”
FALLEN HERO
Bowie State Alumnus 2nd Lt. Collins, III was among a group of fallen soldiers recognized during the Carolina Panthers Salute to Service Game at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. NFL Players wore the initials of a Fallen Hero and the families were honored.
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS
Congratulations to Bowie State University Football Mighty Bulldogs win against Elizabeth City State University. Heading to the championship in Salem, VA Saturday, November 10th. We are proud of our Mighty Bulldogs. Good Luck.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR
Please join other crafters by participating in the Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair, December 1, 2018 from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Crafter/Vendor Set-ups 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 30th and 7:00 a.m–8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 1st).
Location: Family Life Center of New Hope Fellowship-Nottingham Myers United Methodist Church. Address is 15601 Brooks Church Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772 (located 9 miles off Route 301.)
To reserve your space or get more information please email: Newhopeevent@gmail.com or call 301-627-0028. Limited number of tables for rent or bring your own table.
TENNIS INDOORS
Cosca recently replaced tennis bubble and renovated clubhouse includes four indoor courts and four adjacent outdoor lighted courts that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Private instruction and group instruction are available for juniors, adults and seniors. Cosca Tennis Bubble is located at 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735. Telephone number is 301-868-6462.
BLOOD DRIVE
Brandywine Lions Charities Foundation, Inc. upcoming blood drive will be November 29, 2018 from 2–7 p.m. at the Baden Fire Department. The address is 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, Maryland.
NOTTINGHAM MYERS 151ST ANNIVERSARY
New Hope Fellowship U.M. Cooperative Parish/Nottingham Myers invites everyone to attend their 151th Anniversary on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Reverend Constance C. Smith, Pastor. Guest speaker for their 11 a.m. service is Rev. Chris Pun.
Their Anniversary Service will be held in New Hope Family Life Center located at 15601 Brooks Church Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. Telephone number is 301-888-2171.
WARM NIGHTS
Nottingham Myers U.M. Church Family Life Center hosted “Warm Nights” in October. Six U.M. Churches, Christ U.M. Church, Clinton U.M. Church, Brookfield-Immanuel U.M. Charge, Asbury U.M. and Nottingham Myers U.M. Church joined efforts to do the work that is commanded.
Zilpha Pinkney, Chair of the local unit of United Methodist Unity Ministers and members of Nottingham Myers U.M. Church in conjunction with Community Crisis Services, Inc, lead efforts to collaborate and coordinate services to assist a community in need each day for seven days. The Family Life Center of Nottingham Myers United Methodist Church was a respite to dine and fellowship in prayer.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Happy Birthday to Sonia Douwana, Darius Paul Kerrick, Dunstana Nicol-Wilson, Markell S, Dabney, Dieon Jalloh, Owen Johnson, Ugo Mbakwe, Shurrell Bell, Tiffany Knight, Ronald Crawford, Jr., Daphne Rojas, Evangeline Crawford, Sheila Holmes, Pastor Dorothea Stroman, Wade Garrett, Beverly Holman, Grace Omoregbe, Pauline Clark, and Dorothy Reid-Glasgow who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating birthdays in November.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Happy Wedding Anniversary to Barron and Kendra Neal who are celebrating a Wedding Anniversary November24, 2018 who are Clinton United Methodist Church members.
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