In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Thank you, Chairman Burroughs!
Prince George’s County Chairman Edward Burroughs III constantly seeks new ways to help the youth of District 8 (which is my District). Now, he has our students attending weekly workshops where they have learned about interviewing skills, finances, public speaking, event planning, stress management and more.
Several of these young leaders are now CPR certified.
They have also participated in community trips and events including testifying in front of the Prince George’s County Council.
Where are you going next?
It’s graduation time and now I’d like to know—for publication—where you graduates are going next? To college? To military service? Getting married? To the beach? Traveling in foreign lands? Working at Walmart? Hanging out at home? Email me.
Tell me first of all: Where did you graduate? (With honors?) And then, what will you do next?
Let me know so I can let others know. We are proud of you! If needed, you can Email me at muddmm@gmail.com.
News from Town of Morningside
When I arrived at the Town Hall this morning, I ran into a Morningside gentleman who was there to pay a $40 fine for not coming to a full stop at one of the Morningside stop signs. He smiled about it and said he’d be much more careful in the future.
July 4th, from Parade to Fireworks
The Morningside July 4th celebration begins with the parade at 11 a.m. this year. I hope to be there, under the Baptist tree, waving to the paraders.
Then, at 1 p.m., there’ll be great events in the Morningside park, such as the very popular mechanical bull-riding challenge, and other games.
There will also be an ice cream food truck, a taco truck, and possibly a beer truck (!). Fireworks start at dusk, around 9:15 p.m.
Volunteers needed for the 4th!
Karen Rooker said more volunteers are needed to help with the celebration, doing such things as helping with crowd control and assisting with the game booths.
This would be a fun way for high school students to help their community and to build their resume while getting community service hours.
If you’re interested in helping, call 301-736-2301 and leave a clear message with contact number. Someone will call you back.
I had a nice visit with Karen, who gave me lots of interesting news.
I learned that three part-time Morningside police officers have recently graduated from the Police Academy, and by January, the Town will have 10 full-time officers.
Also, the fines that people pay for speeding and running stop signs are helping fund an additional speed camera. Don’t grumble if you get fined; the cameras make our community safer, especially when crossing Suitland Road, where a pedestrian recently died.
KidsPost is back!
KidsPost ran for years in The Washington Post. I wasn’t a kid, but I enjoyed reading it as much as my kids did. But about ten years ago, KidsPost folded. I was disappointed—and I know lots of kids were.
Now, I guess The Post has had second thoughts. They have announced, “KidsPost is Back And Better Than Ever!”
It will run in the Sunday Post. “Packed with mind-blowing facts, eye-popping photos, brain-tingling quizzes, and all the cool stuff kids love. From dinosaurs to space, animals to art, and history to inventions, each weekly edition of KidsPost is your family’s passport to fun and fascinating discoveries.”
Welcome back, KidsPost!
Changing nature
The number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay is low, marking several years of diminishing numbers and rising concern. The estimated number was 238 million, the second-lowest point since an annual survey. I hope the numbers perk up by the time I’m buying crabs for the annual McHale Crab Feast.
A wandering black bear visited Prince George’s recently and then moved on to Northern Virginia. It was first reported in Langley Park, Laurel and Beltsville. Recently it spent about four hours in a tree in the 800 block of Elden Street. Ultimately it crawled down the tree, then climbed another tree before the local fire department brought a ladder and emergency tarp to help the wildlife agency tranquilize it and bring it down. Officials of the state wildlife agency relocated the bear to a more rural area.
Spring migration is about over, and daughter Therese has since been enjoying her summer visitors. Some favorites are hooded orioles and buff-bellied hummingbirds, all fighting over a good seat at the nectar feeder. Also, in her backyard are curved-billed thrashers and great kiskadees. The Baltimore oriole, who was there last week, may be back in Maryland where it is the Maryland State Bird.
Therese herself is also back in Maryland, staying for a few weeks with me on Skyline Drive. I love having her! And according to her Merlin birding app, there was a Baltimore oriole in my backyard this morning. Maybe it followed her up here.
Oreo is Missing
Cecelia Byrd, of Frank Street, reports her dog Oreo went missing from the front yard recently. Cecelia’s worried that Oreo may have gotten picked up. Oreo is very friendly and likes to go up to strangers. If you have any information about Oreo, please reach out to Cecelia at her address, 4300-4310 Frank St. Also, a reward can be worked out if returned.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Gary Fadness, June 22; Edson Cook, June 23; Gloria R. Johnson, June 24; Michael Taylor and Larry Frostbutter, June 25; Angela Booth and Mable Hemmes, June 26; Charles “Chuckie” Henry, Rose Hoffman, Veda Curcio, Shawn Kumra and Cathryn Cordero Pracht, June 27; Mike Dudding, Juanita Eppard, Erica R. Webb, EvaMarie Anthony and my granddaughter Leah Katherine Mudd, June 28.
Happy Anniversary to Benny and Betty Nagro, June 23; Tim and Becki Cordero, June 23;
Mary and Mike Dawes, June 23, and Jack and Kimberly Hay, June 28.
Top of Page
Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
2025 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
A 2025 Women’s Conference will be held July 12, 2025, from 10 a.m.–p.m. at St. Philip’s Church, Baden Hall, 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland. Continental Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Event is to benefit St. Philip’s Church, Baden.
Guest Speaker is Rev. Shemaiah Strickland. Special Mime Presentation Pastor Tae Ron Flemming. HOST: Lady Johnson. $25pp, $15 T-shirt (worn at conference). Contact Michele Chase 240-882-3369 or Lady Johnson 240-926-9199 for tickets Cash App: 4stphilipschurchbaden Memo “Conference”.
14th ANNUAL BULLDOG GOLF CLASSIC
Join us for our annual Bulldog Golf Classic on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Country Club at Woodmore. Contact Information: Primary Contact: Jennifer Coke, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland 20715. Telephone number is 301-860-4778 jcoke@bowiestate.edu. Secondary Contact: Clyde Doughty, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland 20715. Telephone number is 301-860-3559 cdoughty@bowiestate.edu.
ST. PHILIP’S CHURCH
Fundraiser Chicken Box with Potato Salad, Roll and Drink sponsored by Peter A. Gross, Scholarship/Memorial Fundraiser Sunday, June 29, 2025. Pick up 11 a.m. at St. Philip’s Church, 13801 Baden Westwood. Pre-Order only by 6/25/2025. Orders: Michele-240-882-3369, Shirley-302-690-4260, Vivian-804-301-9530.
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY EVENT
Come for a day of celebration of freedom and its continued pursuit on Saturday, June 21 from 12–4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782). There will be speakers, dancers, vendors, food trucks, community organizations and so much more. It will be fun for the entire family. This event has been organized by Black Clergywomen of the BWC and sponsored by Abundant Health and Advocacy and Action. Mark your calendars as you will not want to miss this wonderful event. See you there!
SALUTE THE SUNSET CONCERT SERIES
Saturday evenings throughout the summer are military band nights at National Harbor. Bring a chair and enjoy an evening with performing ensembles from a variety of United States military bands at 7 p.m. Concerts are free and open to the public. These events are subject to weather (https://www.nationalharbor.com/about/weather/) cancellations. To check the status of a concert, please visit our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/visitnationalharbor) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/NationalHarbor).
June 28 United States Air Force Band Airman of Note Septet.
July Concerts: July 2 DC Army National Guard 257th Army Band https://www.nationalharbor.com/events/salute-the-sunset-dc-army-national-guard-257-army-band/ July 5 United States Air Force Band Air Force Strings. July 9 United States
Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. July 12 United States Air Force Band Singing Sergeants. July 19 United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. United States Air Force Band Air Force Strings.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
Community Support Systems, Inc. Neighbor helping Neighbor. Phone (301) 372-1491, Brandywine, Maryland. “We are always here to lend a helping hand. Contact us now for more information on any of our programs and assistance or to give a donation. We are funded by community grants and individual donors to help us have the resources we need to help others daily”.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
“Now’s the time to plant the seed of something great in your life, help it grow, and see it thrive. Dig deep into new interests, skills, and hobbies, with classes in gardening, sustainability, healthy living, and much more this summer at the College of Southern Maryland”. “Whatever you want to sow and reap in your life, dig deep this summer with CSM Community Education”. “Go to csmd.edu/community education to explore CSM’s full range of Community Education offerings”.
ANNUAL CRAB FEAST
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Greater Annapolis Alumni Chapter invites you to save the date for its Annual Crab Feast, a beloved tradition filled with great food, fun and fellowship. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Martin’s Crosswinds.
Stay connected with Hawk4Life1886 Newsletter! For the latest update, news and exclusive content from Hawk4Life 1886, make sure to keep attuned to our Newsletter. Don’t miss out on exciting articles, events and special offers. Connect with us and be part of the Hawk4Life 1886 community! Questions or Feedback? Reach out to us at: Kcturnbull@umed.edu.
FAMILY CRISIS CENTER
The Family Crisis Center of Prince George’s County, Inc. is a private nonprofit, 501 c(3) human service organization. Our mission is to promote and facilitate the elimination of abusive behavior in intimate relationships.
A volunteer Board of Directors that includes a diverse mix of community leaders, allied professionals, and victim advocates, governs the Family Crisis Center. Services are funded with the assistance of public and private contributions, and grants administered through the following government agencies: Prince George’s County Department of Family Services Administration for Children, Youth & Families. Maryland Department of Human Resources (VOCA & DV Funds). Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention (MVOC & VAWA Funds).
In addition, the agency sponsors annual fundraising events to assist with funding for our programs. For over 25 years, FCC has been the primary service provider in Prince George’s County that addresses the entire family with comprehensive services delivered by a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals.
Programs and Services: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, Safe Passage Program & Emergency Shelter, Family Violence intervention Clinic, Legal Advocacy, Community Outreach & Education, Children & Youth Services, Stay in Touch Program. 24-Hour Hotline (301) 731-1203.
Top of Page
