In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Morningside Parading on the 4th
I hope to be under the Baptist tree, corner of Suitland Road and Skyline Drive, waving a flag, maybe tossing candy, on the Fourth of July.
I have come to know several neighbors just by joining them on that corner to wave and chat. I’m talking about years and years of 4th of Julys. (Though, on several occasions, I was actually in the Parade.)
I understand the Parade is shoving off at 11 (though with the heat, maybe 10).
If you just maybe might be there on the corner, introduce yourself. (I remember less and less.) I love to meet other waving neighbors.
Shortly after the Parade, the party continues in Morningside. Call the Town for the exact time.
Also on the 4th—fireworks at dusk!
St. Philip the Apostle School closing
In August of 1960, at the request of Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle and Pastor, Fr. Joseph Teletchea, the Bernardine Sisters (a branch of the Franciscan Third Order) arrived in Suitland to prepare for the opening of St. Philip’s School. While they awaited final construction of the school, the Sisters conducted classes in an unoccupied wing of La Reine High School. Two of my children—Therese and John—were among them.
The school temporarily opened on September 19, 1960, with grades 1 and 2. In September 1961, grade 3 was added. Sister Gerald was named the first principal. Construction of the school building began April 2, 1962.
St. Philip’s School officially opened September 10, 1962, with six grades. In September 1963, first grade students numbered 59. In September 1964 there were 72 first-graders, the largest class the school ever had.
That same year, a 7th grade was added, and a children’s choir formed. One of the choir’s first performances was a Latin Mass, on Christmas night.
Over the years, grades 7 and 8, kindergarten, and Pre-K, were added. The first 8th grade graduation was in 1965. My daughter Kathleen was one of those graduates.
The Bernardine Sisters were transferred. But, St. Philip the Apostle has continued to open every year, graduating thousands of students (including my seven).
Now, 65 years later, it’s closing. A letter has gone out to the parishioners from our pastor, Fr. Ryan Pineda, with the word that St. Philip’s is closing due to declining enrollment.
There will be meetings with neighboring Catholic schools and help for current school families.
My great-grandson Wesley—now a senior at McNamara—will be the last McHale to graduate St. Philip’s School.
Now, I wonder what will happen to that building. The building that holds so many memories.
John Whipple, St. Philip’s musician, dies
John Whipple, extraordinary guitarist, has died at 72. I will pay tribute to him in next week’s column. In the meantime, remember John and his family in your prayers.
Town of Morningside
Morningside Town Work Session, July 8. Town Meeting, July 15.
A home at 6718 Larkspur Road has just sold for $257,000. For more Morningside information, call 301-736-2300.
Vacation Bible School at Clinton UMC
Clinton United Methodist Church is holding Vacation Bible School, 9 a.m. to noon, July 14 through July 18. For more information or to register, call 301-868-1281.
Changing Landscape
Crabs in the Chesapeake Bay have dropped to a concerning low number, according to experts.
Note from Sue
Sue Stine Mason often sends me news and comments. Here is a recent note from her regarding Fort Washington where we had a family picnic to celebrate Mother’s Day.
“Re: Fort Washington. My late first husband, Richard McConkey, and his family and I used to go there on some Sunday afternoons and play baseball. We would explore the catacombs or caves the soldiers used. It was great fun. I know it has all changed now as that was in 1962 era.
“It’s hot here in Florida in 90s this week and no rain. I just had some Areca Palm trees, and some Bamboo trees planted in my back yard adding to my other trees and flowers and several Hawaiian Plumeria trees. Those are the ones as you probably know are the flowers the Hawaiians make their Leis from and smell divine, so between those and my huge Jasmine vines my yard smells “Heavenly”!
Take care Mary, Luv and hugs,” Sue Stine Mason.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Ruth LaBelle and Jordan Foster, July 1; Sharon Simms, Matthew Clark, Megan Frostbutter, Gloria Grapevine, Pat Richardson Conlon, Sarah Booth and Jack Hay II, July 3; Grace Carruth, Matthew Ryan White and Nya Nichols, July 4; Jean Ihrig and Timothy Hollowsky, July 5; Chrissy Bennett and Marie Golihew, July 6; Father Kevin Cusick, Charles “Tony” Haley, Sue Richards and Rev. Dr. Kelvin McCune, July 7; Jimmy Gromen and Anthony Curcio-Bobbitt, July 8; Karlyn Davis, John Anthony III and my grandson Zachary Seidman, July 9; my daughter Elaine (McHale) Seidman, July 10; Kevin Kline, Nicole Wade, Dee (Curcio) Brown and Dave Williams Jr., July 11; and Kenard Simms, July 13.
Happy Anniversary to Dave and Carolyn Williams who wed July 11, 1975.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
BULLDOG GOLF CLASSIC
Join the Bowie State University Department of Athletics for the 14th Annual Bulldog Golf Classic as we hit the greens in support of our #BowieBold student-athletes October 7, 2025, at The Country Club at Woodmore.
Your participation directly benefits scholarships, equipment, and resources that empower our Bulldogs to excel both in and out of the classroom. Take advantage of the Early Bird registration fees through September 1, 2025. Per Foursome $700, Per Golfer $200. Registration includes 18 holes; greens fee and golf cart, continental breakfast, lunch during tournament, post-networking event, gift bags, and so much more.
About The Course: Do not miss your opportunity to play at the exclusive Country Club at Woodmore—an Arnold Palmer-designed, 18-hole course nestled in the beautiful Woodmore community. Maintained to the highest standards, the Woodmore golf course has a distinguished reputation of being one of the region’s most challenging and prestigious venues.
We look forward to seeing you at the 14th 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 I jcoke@bowiestate.edu.
ANNUAL DINNER
St. Philip’s Church-Baden Annual Dinner will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12 p.m. until sold out. Dinners: Fried Chicken $18, Fried Fish $20, BBQ Ribs $20. All dinners come with potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, green beans and bread. Sandwiches: Fried Chicken $12, Fried Fish $14, BBQ Ribs $14, Hot Dogs $3. Ribs, Chicken & Fish PRE-ORDER UNTIL JULY 13. St. Philip’s Church Baden Parish address is 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland, 20613.
Celebrate LOCAL VENDORS: Art, Crafts, and Resale, Bake Sale, Fun & Games. Dinners Pre-Orders: Vivian 804-301-9530, Trenda 703-201-3863, Debra 301-520-3145, Michele 240-882-3369, Jackie 301-385-2620, Doretha 301-233-3136. Vendor Tables ($20) Trenda 703-201-3863.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Join Clinton United Methodist Church’s Vacation Bible School July 14–July 18, 2025, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. every day. Each day our K–5 graders will discover God is with us everywhere we go. Grades 6 and above will be helpers. You are also invited to join us for our fellow up Vacation Bible School Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. We will have a summary presentation. Please register your child for VBS Registration 2025 on our website at http://cumcmd.org/. Please contact our office 301-868-1281 if you need a printed form, or call Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384.
ST. THOMAS PARISH ANNUAL CRAB FEAST
St. Thomas Parish Annual Crab Feast will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 2–5 p.m. All you can eat Crabs, Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, Drinks. There will be a 50-50 Bake Sale. Advance tickets: adults $55, children $25 (12 and under). At door: Adults $65 and children $25 (12 years and under). St. Thomas Church, 14300 St. Thomas Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772.
Contact: Parish Office (301) 627-8469 or Debbie Richards (301) 980-5274. Tickets can be purchased at the Office or https://www.stthomascroom.org/crab-feast online; sale ends August 14.
NURSE JOHN: THE SHORT-STAFFED TOUR
Nurse John: The Short-Staffed Tour will perform Friday, July 11, 2025, 8 p.m. at MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland. John Dela Cruz’s (a.k.a Nurse John’s) comedy is like talking to your work bestie; you trauma dump, cry, scream, and laugh together through all the high and lows of working in the service industry. It is the feeling of relatability and instant relief that you are not crazy from experiencing all the roller coaster of emotions working short staff while being underpaid, undervalued, and underappreciated. His relatable humor helped him garner over 12 million besties and followers across the globe and growing each day in all his social media platforms. John also hosts ‘I Beg Your Pardon’; one of the top comedy podcasts in North American that currently has 3 million downloads and serves a weekly therapy for many. It highlights all the good, the bad, and the ugly of working in healthcare and the service industry. Healthcare Nurse by profession and an accidental comedian at heart, his portrayal of life working in healthcare has proven hilariously relatable to those both in and out of the healthcare industry. Box office hours: On Show days: 3 hours prior to ticketed event.
JULY WEDDING anniversaries
Congratulations to Daniel and Bonnie Droter, Karl and Romonia Pinkney, Ugo and Mamou Mbakwe, Kennedy and Nana Akwo, Anthony and Dr. Joelle Oghogho who are Clinton United Methodist Church members in Clinton, Maryland celebrating wedding anniversaries in July.
2025 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Walking in My Purpose 2025 Women’s Conference will be held July 12, 2025, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at St. Philip’s Church Baden Hall, 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. Guest Speaker Rev. Shemaiah Strickland. Special Mime Presentation Pastor Tae Ron Flemming. Host Lady Johnson. Continental Breakfast and lunch provided. $25pp $15 T-shirt (worn at the conference). Contact Michele Chase 240-882-3369 or Lady Johnson 240-926-9199 for Tickets. Cash App: $stphilipschurchbaden (memo “Conference”).
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