In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Remembering Police Chief John McHale
John Edward “Jack” McHale, Jr., was born in Houston, Texas, on September 11, 1925, the oldest of the two sons of John and Robbie McHale.
On this September 11, the McHales gathered at Texas Ribs, in Clinton, to celebrate his 100th birthday. It was a loud and fun gathering—I wish Jack had been there in person. He loved a good party. And he loved Texas Ribs.
War was Waging
Jack graduated from St. Thomas High School, in Houston, where he lettered in ice hockey. The day after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, expecting to be sent into action in the Pacific. Instead, he was assigned to the Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Kingsville, Texas, where he edited the base newspaper and became the official base photographer. Sadly, most of his official photos were of crashed airplanes.
After the War
World War II ended in 1945. Jack used the G.I. Bill to enroll at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana where he majored in journalism and played hall football.
Notre Dame was right across the street from St. Mary’s College where I was a freshman. One Sunday afternoon, at a St. Mary’s Tea Dance, he asked me to dance. We danced, we dated, three years later we graduated—he from Notre Dame and me from St. Mary’s. We married January 3, 1946, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Saginaw, Mich., my hometown.
After a brief honeymoon, we headed for Houston, Texas, where Jack worked as a reporter for The Houston Press, until he learned the FBI was hiring. He applied; they accepted him. We moved to Washington for FBI training, and then to Los Angeles. It was there the first of our seven children—Mary Kathleen—was born.
Then on to ‘Frisco and DC
His next FBI assignment was to San Francisco. We bought a house across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, and it was there our next four children were born.
In 1958 Jack was transferred to Washington, and we bought the house in Skyline where I still live.
Jack never told me much of what he did, working for the FBI, but it included several tours of duty in Europe. He also lectured on organized crime at local colleges and at military and law-enforcement institutions. He had retired when he turned about 50 but Prince George’s County Executive Lawrence Hogan Sr. appointed him Prince George’s Chief of Police, a job he loved.
However, several years later he was unemployed again, and he took to coaching Morningside boys and teenage girls in softball. He played tennis at our neighborhood courts. And he was active in St. Philip’s Parish where he taught catechism classes.
Jack died August 2, 2004. This September 11 was the 100th anniversary of his birthday.
Renaissance Festival continues Through October 19
If you’re looking for an opportunity to escape the stress of modern life, you might consider visiting the distant past at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, which opened for its 48th season in August.
The festival boasts 140 artisans and merchants selling handcrafted clothing, jewelry, toys and art. Their 10 stages host shows throughout the day from a roster of 200 musicians and dancers, comedians, acrobats and jugglers, magicians, and other performers. There also are combat and archery demonstrations, jousting performances, and games.
Stands throughout the festival offer Medieval-inspired food and drinks. In addition, you can find Maryland staples, and a wide variety of different cuisines.
Costumes are not required, but many visitors do come dressed for the occasion. Many weekends have suggested costume themes. If you are looking for inspiration, or if your suit of armor has shrunk, there is a booth where you can rent a theme-appropriate costume for the day.
The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through October 19. Tickets are not sold at the door. They must be bought online ahead of time from their website, https://rennfest.com/. The cost, including tax, is $32 for adults over 15, $18 for children 7–15, and $28 for seniors. Children under 7 are free. Many dates are sold out, but cancellations are released for sale every Monday.
The festival grounds are at 1821 Crownsville Road in Annapolis. For more information, you can check out their website or call 800-296-7304.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Melissa Howell, Sept. 7; Mike Dawes, Sept. 9; Charlie Deegan, Robert Andrew Woods, John Dexter Woods and Nan Brown, Sept. 10; Carol Lee, Sept. 11; Anthony Thomas and Hank Busky, Sept. 12; Patricia Epperly, Sept. 13; Kenny Clark, Sept. 14; Elnora McCall, Sept. 15; Dolores McDonald, Steven Warren and Yolanda Dooley, Sept. 16; Kimberly Brewer, Everett Mason, Jr, and Joan Stakem, Sept. 17; Shirley Smith, Sept. 18; and Lee Burkhart, Sept. 20.
Happy Anniversary to Les and Kathy Hedrick, Sept. 13; and Sal and Kathy (Blankenship) Biberaj, Sept. 14.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
History of Morgan State University Alumni Association Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter. During the summer of 2004, Rev. Dr. George F. DeFord and other Southern Maryland Morgan State University (MSU) graduates convened several meetings to gauge the interest in forming a local alumni chapter. An initial organizing meeting, which attracted 15 MSU alumni, was held on October 16, 2004, at Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Indian Head, Maryland. At a subsequent meeting on November 20, 2004, the following individuals were elected to office. President-Rev. Dr. George DeFord, Vice President-R. Wayne Barnes, Treasurer-Charles Simpson, Secretary-Vera Walton-Merritt, Financial Secretary-Joan Chapman, Corresponding Secretary-Victor D. Watson, Historians-Thomas Datcher and Aaron Mathis, Chaplain-Rev. Ed Williamson.
With 17 members in attendance, the Chapter was officially chartered on May 14, 2005, during the annual business meeting of the Morgan State University National Alumni Association. Through the awarding of scholarships to prospective Morgan State students from Southern Maryland, health-related outreach and awareness activities in the community, Adopt-A-Road, partnering with other MSU entities such as Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL), the Chapter has successfully lived up to its mantra: Come Back, Give Back. It is our sincere desire to continue to provide support to our Alma Mater and to the communities in which we reside and work.
REFLECTIONS FROM FORMER CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
ROCHELLE SAVOY 2022–2023 “Being elected Chapter President was truly a full-circle moment, and I am deeply grateful for the trust the chapter placed in me after serving in various roles. While my term began with an unexpected challenge, missing my first dinner dance due to COVID, I am incredibly proud of our chapter’s resilience. We quickly pivoted to lead significant social justice initiatives, including a crucial webinar and a successful virtual voter registration drive. It was an honor to serve alongside such a dedicated team.”
DENISE BARNES 2012–2021 “I previously had the unexpected honor of leading as
President for 10 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we innovatively held our meetings via Zoom for the first time, a practice that continues to be part of our meetings today. Throughout my term as President, I was proud to lead our chapter to new heights, culminating in our recognition as chapter of the Year in 2016.”
THOMAS M. DATCHER, JR. 2010–2011 ”During my term as President, one of the challenges I faced was finding suitable meeting places for our Chapter meetings. A key objective was to actively engage memberships in the Southern Maryland area, which remains a priority today. Reflecting on my journey, I feel honored to have held various roles, including Life Member, Historian, Treasurer, and one of the founding members of MSUSMAC. It was a tremendous privilege to be recognized as Alumnus of the Year in 2013”.
WILLIAM YOUNG 2008–2009 “It was an honor serving as the third President of MSUSMAC, following in the tradition of those who preceded me. One of the highlights during my tenure as President occurred at the 3rd Annual BODD, when I had the privilege of presenting the honoree plaque to Mr. Leroy Battle, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen. ‘Come Back, Give Back!’ was voted as chapter of the year.”
WAYNE BARNES 2006–2007 “I was one of the charter members of the Morgan State University Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter (MSUSMAC). When I assumed the role as the second president of the MSUSMAC, having been engaged in the initial planning for the chapter was a great asset in fulfilling my leadership responsibilities.”
REV. DR. GEORGE DEFORD 2004–2005 “As the Founding President and currently serving as the Scholarship Chair for the George DeFord Scholarship, I am proud of the journey we began in October 2004 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Indian Head, Maryland. With its charter established in May 2005, our organization continues to uphold the vision of supporting and empowering students through educational opportunities”.
67th ANNUAL WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
The 67th Annual Washington International Horse Show in the Washington, D.C. area October 20–26, 2025 with the magic, the memories, and the absolute best of indoor show jumping. With nearly $1 million in prize money, a star-studded lineup of Olympic-caliber athletes, family-friendly fun, and an elevated experience for all, this year’s WIHS is set to be best-in-class on every level. Join WIHS at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Buy tickets at https://wihs.org/
BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-VFD
Baden VFD is at the southern edge of Prince George’s County, Maryland. The address is 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. They have a very nice banquet hall available for rent. They are in need of Firefighter EMS, EMS, and administrative members. Telephone: 301-888-1888. info@badenvfd.com.
ST. PHILIP’S CRAB FEAST
We will have a Crab Feast on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 2–5 p.m. ALL YOU CAN EAT: ALL YOU CAN LOVE! At St. Philip’s Church Hall, 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland. 20613. All tickets in advance are $60 Adults, $25-12 & under. Land Lovers Food and Drinks included. Tickets: Vivian 804-301-9530, Shirley 302-690-4260, Michele 240-882-3369. Peter A. Gross, Sr. Scholarship/Memorial Fund “Proceeds Go to Future Scholarships.”
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