We as women gracefully evolve experiencing many things throughout the course of our lives, and the emotions that they bring not only in our bodies. Fearfully and wonderfully made but with our hopes and dreams careful to not let them fade. We face all the changes with each high and with each low trusting God to be our guide wherever His will goes. Sometimes it is not so easy to try something new not realizing the impact made when we let go and do. The possibilities are endless. May we occupy until Jesus comes. Never too young or too old to help get the job done. Changes can be for our good, leading us to the best next place. May we look to the Lord, moving forward in faith and to the future let us embrace emotions. Embracing Change Words by Kendra Neal who is a member of Clinton United Methodist Church in Clinton, Maryland.
Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux attended the red-carpet premiere of Programmed, an independent film co-produced by Bowie State alumnus Antwan Chambers (‘04). Alumni Dr. John Word (‘77) and Alvin Pindell (71), who taught Chambers during his time at BSU, were also in attendance. #BowieBOLD.
Are you registered for the BULLDOG Golf Classic ? Help shape the next generation of Bulldog Champions! Join the Bowie State University Department of Athletics on the green in support of our #BowieBOLD student-athletes as they pursue academic excellence and athletic success Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The Country Club at Woodmore. Take advantage of the Early Bird registration fees through September 1: Per Foursome: $700, Per Golfer: $200. Registration includes 18 holes, green fee and golf cart, continental breakfast, lunch during tournament, post-networking event, gift bags, and so much more!
2026 Bulldog Golf Classic Sponsors: ABM Building Value, bge AN EXELON, South Lake MARKETPLACE COMPANY, R.I.S.E Lifting as We Climb. We look forward to hosting you at the 15th Annual Bulldog Golf Classic. For more information, and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit bowiestate.edu /bulldogclassic or contact Jennifer Coke Executive Director of Philanthropy 301-860-4778, jcoke@bowiestate.edu.
Zahra Tholley (‘25) Boldly expresses her range. When Zahra Tholley (‘25) walked across the stage last year to receive her degree in Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts, she carried far more than a diploma. She carried years of energy, creative exploration and an award-winning business idea she had been nurturing long before graduation day. Bowie State University gave her the tools and platform to blend her love of the arts with her budding entrepreneurial concept.
Tholley, a native of Accokeek, Maryland, is a joyful spirit who directed a team of 16 cast and crew members in what she says was the culminating project of her undergraduate journey. “I performed my senior thesis, called Express Your Range, at the Fine & Performing Arts Center. It was a multimedia project that revealed the pressures of beauty standards within the dance community.”
Her installation of theater, film, dance and creative direction was a showcase of her vision and lived experiences. Tholley used her technical skills to deliver a powerful message of representation, confidence and freedom to encourage people to accurately express themselves, and her message didn’t end at graduation. She combined her practical experience and entrepreneurial vision to create ZEERANGE Dance Apparel, an inclusive dancewear line for dancers of all skin tones.
“My goal is to make tights to match every complexion. So, I had a strategic business mindset while I was part of the BSU dance community. I used a skin analysis tool and a quiz to match tights colors of BSU dancers.” During senior year, Tholley submitted her business idea to the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center’s (EIC) 8th Annual Bulldog Pitch Competition and placed as a runner-up. The experience helped validate her idea while giving her valuable feedback from business leaders and entrepreneurs. It was a particularly impressive accomplishment, considering she was competing with 50 student venture applications from across all four academic colleges and the graduate program.
A lot of my entrepreneurship skills were developed in the EIC. Although I’m a creative person. I really do like to incorporate what I’m doing with my business.” Tholley says her college experience was defined by classes, projects and the people who crossed her path, and she made connections campus-wide. One of
her Bowie State friends started a group called the New Generation Artists Guild and asked Tholley to serve as its social media manager. At first, I didn’t think I could handle it, but I wanted to be there for her. I ended up having a lot of fun with it and I built up my graphic design skills.” In that spirit, she advises today’s students the chances to connect are everywhere at Bowie State.
4th of July Festivities Moved to National Night OutWith temperatures over 100 degrees and threats of severe thunderstorms, many area 4th of July celebrations had to modify or cancel their plans. Even the big firework display in Washington, D.C., was delayed until shortly after midnight, and a D.C. Fire and EMS statement noted that they treated 603 people for heat-related illness across the day at the National Mall festivities.
The afternoon of July 3rd, Morningside made the tough decision to cancel the annual parade up Suitland Road and move the Family Fun Day activities and fireworks display to the National Night Out on August 4.
Maybe because of all that unfulfilled Independence Day enthusiasm, this year’s National Night Out was unusually well attended.
The event still featured the regular array of first responders mixing with the community and showing off the tools of their trades. There were representatives from the police and fire departments of Morningside and Boulevard Heights, someone from the Maryland State Police Crash Team, a Prince George’s County bomb squad truck, and members of Maryland State Police Motorcycle Unit.
There were several food trucks selling pizza, tacos, or hot dogs, plus two trucks selling ice cream. One person ran a lemonade stand, and another set up a table offering a full chicken dinner for $10.
The town handed out popcorn, as well as coupons that could be used for free food at the trucks, but with the large crowd, the coupons ran out quickly.
The Family Fun Day games and activities were set up, including the mechanical bull and the basket raffle, which offered themed baskets with things like beach gear, school supplies, a snack assortment, and even a couple of tablet computers.
Washington Commanders’ Mascot Major Tuddy Even put in an AppearanceAnd the whole day was capped with the fireworks display starting at 9 o’clock on the dot. My son Mike, visiting from El Paso, walked over with his son Conor, to join the throngs at Morningside town hall. Mike’s wife Sandy, Conor’s wife Heather
and I watched over by Suitland Road Baptist Church, where the tree cover was thin enough that we got to see all but the lowest fireworks. The show was spectacular, as usual.
Afterwards, the attendees went home while town workers stayed until 11:30 to clean up. They were back again the next day to finish. If you run into anybody who worked the event, be sure to thank them for their efforts.
Hopefully, next year’s 4th of July events actually will happen on the 4th of July. Make sure you come out for both Independence Day and National Night Out. Morningside always does a great job, and you’re sure to have a good time.
Karen Rooker to RetireCongratulations to Morningside clerk/ treasurer Karen Rooker, who is retiring at the end of the year. Karen has been heavily involved in Morningside government for years, joining the town council in 1991 before serving as mayor.
She also worked at National Geographic for thirty-five years. Not long after she left there, Morningside needed a new clerk/treasurer and Karen stepped up. She’s held that position for the last decade.
Karen looks forward to being able to spend more time focusing on her work with the VFW Auxiliary which this summer voted her the senior vice president for their Department of Maryland. While we still have a few more months of Karen answering calls and helping to keep Morningside running, she is busy getting her replacement, Alisha Cabrera, ready to take over. I met Alisha recently, and she was hard at work learning the ropes.
Of course, as far as I am concerned, one of Karen’s most important tasks has been taking time nearly every week to chat with me, sharing news, updates, and insider info about Morningside. She has been an invaluable source of both material for my column and good conversation. I will be sorry to lose her.
But I look forward to getting to know Alisha and seeing where her Morningside career takes her.
Spiggy and Deb Celebrate 57 yearsRichard Landon always makes sure to keep me informed on anything going on in the District Heights/Forestville area. He notes that his friends Dave and Deb Spigler celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on July 19.
You may remember Dave as Spiggy, a member of the Hogettes, the unofficial fan group that supported the then-Washington Redskins football team. For thirty years, the Hogettes entertained fellow fans by donning dresses, big hats, and rubber pig snouts to cheer the team from the stands.
Along the way, they gained national attention, including an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, using their fame to help them organize and attend charitable events that raised over $100 million. The group officially retired in 2012.
Deb may have had a lower profile than Dave, but she made her own valuable contribution as a nurse, most recently at Calvert Hospital. Now they are both enjoying traveling the world in retirement.
Changing Landscape?Rumor has it the Subway on Suitland Road might be closing. Any fans should stop in while they still can. And anybody who can confirm the rumor and give more information should reach out to me, so I can let my people know.
Upcoming Town EventsPlans for an August 14 senior picnic have changed. In light of this summer’s extreme weather, the event has been replaced by a lunch at Topolinos. By the time this item runs, it’ll be short notice, but there’s no harm in calling 301-736-2300 to see if you can still sign up.
Karate is back at the Morningside town hall. Sessions are held Wednesdays from 6–8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The classes have been filling up quickly, but you might drop by during those times to see if any space is still available.
August 15 will be the back-to-school giveaway, with Morningside offering residents a free backpack and school supplies. The event runs from 3-6 p.m., but get there early, before things run out.
The town is planning an outdoor movie night for September 12. More details—including the movie title—to come later.
And looking further ahead, the Haunted Trail is coming back the weekend of October 23rd. They’re already seeking volunteers to help them top last year’s success. If you’re interested in helping, call 301-736-2300.
MilestonesHappy Birthday to Carolyn Dade, Aug. 1; Chris Webb, Cornel Gotshall, and Samantha Wade, Aug. 3; Victoria Levanduski, Laura Cook, and Sallee Bixler, Aug. 4; Miss Bailey Sparks, GeGe Feeney, and granddaughter Rose Seidman, Aug. 5; Markeyce Herring and Connie Kimbles, Aug. 6; Mary Dean, Aug. 7; Maxmilian
“Max” Howard, Ruth Sanford, and William Billy Stewart, Aug. 8; Savannah Foster, Aug. 11; Mary Berkley and Brittany Short, Aug. 13; Kathy Beardmore, Aug. 15; Margaret Hunt and Nancy Stacey, Aug. 16; Hildagard Koenig, Aug. 17; Le August Brent, Mark Cummings, Jr., and granddaughter-in-law Heather McHale, Aug. 19; Melody Barnes, Aug. 20.
Happy Anniversary to Denis & Donna Wood, Aug. 7; Sharon & Mike Fowler, Aug. 11.
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