Photo credit Elyzabeth Marcussen
Cherrie Britton stands to be recognized after Joyce Phillip shared how Hospice of the Chesapeake cared for her husband. “Hospice was the best thing that I did for John over his eight years of my caring for him,”
she told Joyce.
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Sip & Savor Event Celebrates Prince George’s, Raises $16K
By ELYZABETH MARCUSSEN
Hospice of the Chesapeake
LARGO, Md. (Nov. 13, 2025)—Hospice of the Chesapeake celebrated its inaugural Sip & Savor: A Taste of Prince George’s on Nov. 9, a unique culinary event held at the elegant Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, Maryland. The event provided guests with not only a festive and flavorful afternoon but also an opportunity to support compassionate care for neighbors in need. The organization raised nearly $16,000 to support vital medical care, emotional and spiritual support, grief counseling and specialized programs for veterans and children in Prince George’s County.
The afternoon offered guests a curated selection of savory and sweet dishes from local chefs and caterers including Bennett Caterers, ButterQueen Bakery and Plan it to the T – Planning & Catering. Complemented by refreshing beverages, music and engaging experiences, the event highlighted Hospice of the Chesapeake’s mission to provide compassionate care throughout the community.
Becky Miller, President and CEO of Hospice of the Chesapeake, spoke movingly about the significance of the event. “We gather not only to celebrate the flavors and culture of our county, but to honor the heart of our community—the people who care for one another, especially our aging neighbors and their families,” Miller said.
Miller told the guests that in 2024, Hospice of the Chesapeake served 742 patients in Prince George’s County, providing nearly 45,000 days of care. “That’s 45,000 moments of comfort, dignity, and connection,” she said. “Our work is made possible by the trust and partnership of local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, community organizations and especially our faith-based communities.”
Joyce Phillip, a member of the Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors and longtime friend of the nonprofit, shared personal stories of how hospice care supported two families through challenging times.
“Today is a time to share our stories, reflect, rejoice and recommit to caring for our community,” Phillip said. “Let today be more than a gathering. Let it be a beginning—a commitment to care, to educate and to walk with our neighbors through every season of life.”
The afternoon concluded with a heartfelt musical performance by Alexander Strachan, a violinist and Maryland-National Capital Park Police officer. Strachan has performed for many hospice patients and is known for his community performances, including performing the national anthem at Chesapeake Baysox games.
The organization would like to thank its gracious sponsors, including Savory Sponsors K & I Healthcare Services, LLC; NPOC Wellness and Hydration; and Dr. Errol and Joyce Phillip; Artisan Sponsor Mary Frances and Chris Isakov; and Flavor Sponsors Visiting Angels Hyattsville; Tim McDonough and Cary Melnyk; and 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County.
To see pictures from the event, visit https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/sip-savor/#gallery
At Hospice of the Chesapeake, we support individuals and families facing progressive, serious illness to reimagine hope—living each day with intention and peace—while ensuring our nonprofit organization remains a vital resource for future generations. We develop care plans to minimize symptoms and focus on what matters most for patients and families in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s counties.
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National Harbor Celebrates Small Businesses on Saturday, November 29
Free parking from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Shop Small Business Saturday
By PRESS OFFICER
National Harbor
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (Nov. 5, 2025)—National Harbor has become known for its unique, boutique shops. It also has a large number of women and minority owned small businesses. On Shop Small Business Saturday, November 29, National Harbor will celebrate these entrepreneurs by offering free parking in the garages and parking lots to the public from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.
“National Harbor has long been known for its great mix of unique boutiques and national brands,” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “Shop Small Saturday, is a great way to highlight our smaller businesses. They are an intracell part of our retail portfolio and give our visitors a local shopping experience.”
The Waterfront District at National Harbor has more than 60 retailers and restaurants. Convenient parking and walkable streets make it an ideal destination for easy access to restaurants and holiday shopping. For a list of retailers, visit www.nationalharbor.com/shopping/ to see the wide array of shopping options. Here are a few of the small shops: Wigenton Candle Company (164 Waterfront St.) is a recently opened, family-owned business with soy candles and all natural products. In addition to having hand-crafted candles for sale, the company also offers a candle-making and scent bar where individuals, or groups can enjoy the creativity of designing and making their own candles.
Corinto Gallery (131 American Way) is an art gallery and boutique in one, featuring unique DMV inspired creations from Artist, Josue Martinez, a multi-media artist who has made his art accessible for all by creating a Corinto Gallery clothing and accessory line as well. You can find clothing for and accessories for the whole family including the family pets!
MahoganyBooks (121 American Way) Opened this year at National Harbor, this is the second location for this bookstore in the D.C. region. The store specializes in books written for, by or about people of the African Diaspora. It was featured last February on the Today Show after being surprised by President Barack Obama during the store’s virtual book club meeting.
ZAAF (189 Waterfront St.) is a premium lifestyle brand with goods made entirely in Africa. Items include beautiful high-end handbags, scarves, shoes and other accessories. It’s a store that is truly unique and is helping artisans across Africa in a demonstration of social responsibility.
Abai Schulze is the Founder and Creative Director of ZAAF. Her life journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States and the rest of the world. Abai is committed to using her academic background in economics and fine arts from her alma mater George Washington University to create unique and practical expressions of beauty.
Those for looking for an experience with their out of town guests, can stop by locally owned Thread & Sole by Kinetics Lab to customize sneakers and apparel or head over to Sip and Develop to develop your own photograph.
These stores join other popular locations including Muse Paintbar, America!, Ben & Jerry’s, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Carhartt, Comfort One Shoes, Community Love Hub, Dippin’ Dots, House of Jonlei Atelier, It’Sugar, Miguel Wilson, Panda Tea House, Pepper Palace, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, plus another 85 brand names at Tanger Outlets and more boutique shops at MGM National Harbor. And, there are more than 30 restaurants!
For more information on National Harbor, visit www.nationalharbor.com
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Governor Moore Honors Veterans Day and Announces Additional Support for Veterans Impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown
By PRESS OFFICER
Office of the Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Nov. 11, 2025)—Governor Wes Moore today visited Greenbelt to commemorate Veterans Day and honor the sacrifices of Maryland’s veterans and their families. During his visit, the governor reinforced the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families across Maryland.
“Leave No One Behind is not a talking point for us, it’s a governing philosophy,” said Gov. Moore. “So at a time when we’re seeing attacks against our veterans and military families, today is a reminder: In Maryland, ‘thank you for your service’ actually means something. As long as I am governor of the state, it always will.”
In response to the impacts of the longest shutdown in U.S. history and federal layoffs that disproportionately affect veterans, the governor today announced $250,000 in funding to be allocated to four initiatives that provide critical aid for rent, groceries, and household stability. The partnerships built through this effort will help strengthen Maryland’s support network for veterans—one in four of whom are federal civilian employees—and their families.
“At a time when we are facing enormous challenges, what gives me hope is that our administration is doing everything in our power to deliver relief for those struggling,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “When I married my husband, I didn’t know I was marrying a governor—but I knew I was marrying a soldier. Soldiers are wired to protect, and my husband wakes up every day thinking about how to build a state that lives by the creed he learned in the military: leave no one behind.”
The $250,000 in funding announced today will be distributed among the following initiatives: Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, which helps cover essential expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and vehicle repairs. Funding will significantly reduce the backlog of more than 200 pending applications, ensuring timely financial relief through emergency grants of up to $10,000 for veterans, military families, Gold Star parents, spouses, and members of the Maryland National Guard.
Learn more about the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund at veterans.maryland.gov.
Operation Homefront, which works to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional, and social well-being. Funding will expand an existing emergency food assistance partnership, providing $500 grocery gift cards to approximately 200 military and veteran families—including veterans with service-connected disabilities within 10 years of separation. Operation Homefront has seen a nearly 100% increase in food assistance requests nationwide since the government shutdown began.
Applications for support are being accepted at www.operationhomefront.org
Blue Star Families Maryland Chapter, which works to ensure that military families feel connected, supported, and empowered wherever they serve through partnerships with public and private organizations. Funding will support and expand the upcoming Nourish the Service event at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on November 16, providing four-day food packages for approximately 400 military families. The program works to address food insecurity among military families while also building community through volunteerism and shared support.
Maryland National Guard Food Pantry, which provides essential food and household supplies to the Guard, active-duty service members, and their families across the state. The pantry, supported by donations and community partners, has seen a sharp increase in demand during the federal government shutdown as Guard members experience delayed pay and rising household costs. The funding also strengthens the Guard’s existing network of family support programs, helping connect service members to additional state resources.
Governor and First Lady Moore honored Maryland’s veterans and military families this morning during the City of Greenbelt’s Veterans Day celebration, where they observed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Greenbelt War Memorial. The governor and first lady then served meals to veterans and their families at the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
“When Maryland veterans fall on hard times, they shouldn’t have to face it alone,” said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein. “Those who have served and sacrificed for our nation deserve our support in return. This funding helps meet the immediate needs of veterans and their families and provides stability during times of financial uncertainty. It’s a reminder that in Maryland, our commitment to those who served is more than words—it’s action.”
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