In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Cecilio Torres, longtime Morningsider, dies at 84
Cecilio Pia Torres, Jr., long-time resident of Woodland Road in Morningside, died August 18. A Memorial Service will be held for him October 13 at the Morningside Town Hall, 6901 Ames St., 1 to 4 p.m.
He was born in Washington, son of Martha Jane and Cecilio Torres, Sr.
He attended Charlotte Hall Military Academy in his youth and became a skilled bodyman/mechanic. He belonged to several clubs, including the American Legion, Moose Lodge, the Elks and the VFW.
Cecilio is survived by his sons Mike Torres (Gwen) of Bushwood, Md. and Steve Torres (Cindy) of Brandywine, grandchildren Anthony Torres (Sabrina), Tiffany Crupi (Adam), Travis Torres and Brittany Torres. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Jenna Torres, Mason Torres, Jaxon Crupi, Myles Moss, Jianna Crupi, Cruz Torres, Axel Torres and Reid Torres.
Dance to the music of DJ MIXX, for cancer research
VFW 9619, Morningside, invites you to their Pink & White Sneaker Party, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m. to midnight. Cash bar, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. All proceeds go to the VFW Auxiliary Fundraiser for Cancer Research.
Dress Code: Dopesneakers, pink & white attire. Music by DJ MIXX.
The $30 Admission (includes food) reserves a table. (Reminder: attendees must be 35 or older.) To purchase advance tickets, visit the VFW at 6527 Suitland Rd., in Morningside. Call 301-735-5200 for VFW hours.
For more info: Tasha Thomas, 443-518-9388; Ann Wilcox, 301-455-2279; Terri Robinson, 757-414-7979; Bonita Hicks-Hardy, 202-753-9979.
Town of Morningside
Morningside’s September meetings: Work Session on Tuesday, October 8, and the Town Meeting, Sept. 17, both starting at 7 p.m.
Looking ahead: Trunk-or-Treating will be held October 19 at the Town Hall, time to be determined.
If you need a hall for a special event—birthday party, baby shower, retirement celebration, reception, graduation—the meeting room at the Town Hall is available for rent. For more information, call 301-736-2301 or email Morningsiderec@morningsidemd.gov.
Neighbors & other good people
Robert Leo Graves, Oxon Hill H.S. 1965, died September 7after a brief illness. He retired from the Prince George’s County Public Schools in 2002, following a 32-year career. His entire teaching career was at Parkdale HS where he met his future wife, Nina Grindlesperger. Following retirement, he became a full-time real estate agent. Services were at DeVol Funeral Home in Gaithersburg.
In last week’s column, I ran an obituary for Art Rehkemper. Christina Ritzcovan sent a tribute: “To the Rehkemper family—I worked with Art at the Secret Service Washington Field Office. He was a lovely and fun person, and I enjoyed my time knowing him. May your good memories of Art help during this sad time. Rest in Peace, Art.”
Morningside VFD
The Morningside Volunteer Fire Department has a Recruitment Event September 28–29 for new members. Interested? Call 301-736-4342.
They have purchased a replacement ambulance from the Silver Hill VFD. The department chose to purchase this unit because it has low road miles and is a fraction of the cost of a brand-new replacement ambulance. This unit will be able to provide basic life support and advanced Life Support to the Town of Morningside and the surrounding area.
Changing landscape
Years in the making, the 58-foot-long bronze sculpture follows the story of an unnamed World War I soldier, beginning the day he ships out and continues through the anguish of war and the nurses who tend his injuries, finally to homecoming. The sculpture now is the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial and was unveiled Sept. 13 in a park at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just blocks from the White House.
The National Zoo is awaiting the arrival of two new pandas. Helping make this possible, philanthropist David Rubenstein has pledged $10 million to the Zoo’s panda program.
The Biden administration has approved Baltimore-based US Wind’s project to build offshore wind turbines about 10 miles off the coast of Ocean City, Md. The off-shore windfarm could generate more than two gigawatts of wind energy and power more than 718,000 homes, according to the Department of the Interior.
Starting September 23, the Washington Post’s comic pages will be printed in full color seven days a week.
A home at 6021 Lucente Avenue, in Skyline, has sold recently for $385,000.
Places to go & things to do
Did you know the first Wednesday in October is Maryland Walking Day? Anyway, you are invited to celebrate the occasion by heading to Watkins Regional Park Wednesday, Oct. 2, 8–10 a.m., and walk a few laps through the park on the beautiful Loop Trail. Walk as many laps as you can and earn prizes as you go! Also, learn walking safety tips from the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Enjoy Bingo? The Knights of Columbus hosts Bingo to help provide funds for the Council’s causes, ranging from food pantries and Pro Life clinics and to their annual Clergy and Nuns’ night. They have Bingo Wednesday nights between 6 and 10 p.m. at their hall, 3611 Stewart Road, Forestville. For more information, call Bingo Chairman George Hoehl, 301-599-0307.
The Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum is open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 3725 Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Road in Waldorf. Admission is $10 for a house/farm tour. Call for information, 301-645-6870. (And, yes, Dr. Mudd was my great-grandfather. I never knew him, but I love to visit his historic house and barns.)
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Morningside Clerk/Treasurer Karen Rooker, Judy Waby, and Teresa Kessler, Sept. 22; Elizabeth Long and Mary Kilbride, Sept. 23; Dottie Arehringer and Peg Richardson, Sept. 24; Alice Lucke, Sept. 27; Marshall Carson and Tim Ward, Sept. 28; my brother Tom Mudd and Janice Diggs, former Morningside Town clerk, Sept. 29; Peggy Nanney and Jessica (Williams) Proctor, Sept. 30; Jasmine Wade, Nola Thomas and my grandson, Sam Mudd, Oct. 2; John Ihrig, Oct. 3; and Marlene Titus, Oct. 4.
Happy Anniversary to André and Cynthia Jordan, their 61st on Sept. 28; Marvin and Lee Burkhart, Sept. 29: and Bill & Terry Ratliff, their 38th on Oct. 4.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Upper Marlboro/Waldorf (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. affectionately known as the “U”; celebrated 40 years of serving the Upper Marlboro and Waldorf communities through youth mentoring, Men’s Health Awareness and community service. The black-tie gala was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Greenbelt Maryland. The occasion was used to highlight the many achievements garnered by the chapter. Many regional and local dignitaries honored the “U”, including the Senior Grand Vice Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc., Brother Robert Jenkins Jr, Esq.; the 30th Eastern Province Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Brother Richard B. Mattox; the 29th Eastern Province Polemarch and Chief Administrative Officer to the Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Brother Charles Exum; Guy Levis Grant Awardee and the 21st Eastern Province Polemarch Brother Anthony Hill, the 15th Eastern Province Polemarch and Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Brother Clarence Nelson; Province Senior Vice Polemarch Brother Paul Robinson; Eastern Province Keeper of the Exchequer Brother Hugene Fields; Eastern Province Region II Board Member Brother Brandon Craddock; Guy Levis Grant Awardee Brother Joseph Jimerson; President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners, Brother Reuben Collins; and Circuit Court Judge of Maryland the Honorable Scott M. Carrington.
The evening’s master of ceremonies Brother Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins kept the festive occasion light but lovingly challenged members of the “U;” to increase their community involvement. Dr. Jenkins stressed to the chapter that their continued presence in the community is needed. With the absence of good role models in the community, Dr. Jenkins commended the chapter for its efforts through its Kappa League mentorship program. Other speakers for the evening included: the 30th Eastern Province Polemarch Richard B. Mattox, who applauded the chapter for its tireless community service and its social activities. He said the chapter’s leadership has been vital to Kappa and to social action throughout the DMV. Following the Eastern Province Polemarch, Past Chapter Polemarchs Brother Shaun Alfred (20th) and Brother Keith Tyler (22nd) recognized the present charter members with plaques which thanked them for their vision of achievement.
After several presentations thanking the Upper Marlboro/Waldorf Chapter’s civic and social partners, the members celebrated with singing and dancing with their attending family and friends. The event ended with a beautiful rendition of the Kappa Hymn sung by the attending 63 members. Written by Marcus V. Smith.
CRAB FEAST
There will be a CRAB FEAST October 13, 2024, from 2–5 p.m. at St. Philip’s Church Hall 13800 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. Hosted By: Peter A. Gross, Sr. Scholarship Committee.
All You Can Eat: Crabs, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on cob, baked beans, potato chips. Donation is $60.00 per person. “Proceeds go to future scholarships.” Call 240-882-3369, 804-301-9530, 302-690-4260 for tickets. ‘‘No Tickets Sold at Door.” Peter A. Gross, Sr. Scholarship/Memorial Fund Inc. 16905 Horsehead Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613-8302 (301) 888-1475.
COOPERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We are presently looking for a drummer on each Sunday of the month for our Sunday Worship Service, $175 per Sunday. Services start at 10 a.m. and are typically over no later than 11:30 a.m. Coopers United Methodist Church, 9370 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, Maryland 20754. Point of contact is Rodney Nelson Rodnel847@gmail.com
SPEAKOUT 2024 “I AM AWARDS”
Get ready for SpeakOut 2024 “I AM Awards”—a night of celebrating and honoring those who have spoken out and made a difference Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. See more information on Eventbrite. SpeakOut 2024 “I AM Awards” is the place to be this year! Join us at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino for a night of celebration and recognition. Get ready to be inspired by incredible individuals making a difference in our community. This in-person event promises to be unforgettable, so mark your calendars and get ready to be a part of something special. Do not miss out on this opportunity to honor those who are truly making an impact. Event lasts four hours. This year’s event will also include a Pre-Show reception that will take place Friday, October 4, 2024, 7 p.m. at the MGM Grand.
Ticket Prices: General Admission $175 (includes admission to the Pre-Show October 4th and Awards Show October 5th. Tickets :VIP Table $2500 includes VIP Gift Bag, 2 complimentary drink tickets. Tickets: General Admission $188.58 incl. $13.58 fee, tables (10 seats) $2,669.52 incl. $169.52 Fee. Organized by SpeakOut, Inc.
ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT
Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church Annual Trunk or Treat sponsored by the C.I.A. Ministry (Sunday School) event will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 12–3 p.m. Bring your treat bucket or bag and wear a fun friendly costume. Free Comfort Carriage Horse rides for kids and adults from 12–2 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Saturday, October 26, 2024. Questions call 240-755-9008. Event location: Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church, 10610 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.
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