In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Mystery donation of hats and gloves now headed to Mexico
In the spring of this year, a large grocery bag showed up on my front porch. It was filled with winter hats and gloves, and all of it brand new. No note, nothing I could use to track the donor.
Ten pairs of black gloves. Ten black hats, some with pompoms, some pullovers, and some with team names—New England, Dallas, Boston.
Daughter Therese, who is visiting from Brownsville, Texas, mentioned that refugees waiting at the foot of the Gateway International Bridge in Matamoros, Mexico, could use them. She said it gets cold in the winter, sometimes in the 30s with a sharp north wind that cuts right through their Central American clothes and donated tents.
She suggested the perfect person to see to the distribution of these gloves and hats: Sister Norma Pimentel.
In naming Sister Norma one of the 100 Most Influential People, Time wrote in the Oct. 5–12, 2020 issue, “Sister Pimentel has been on the front lines of mercy for three decades, supporting those seeking refuge in the U.S. along Texas’ border with Mexico. As executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, she directs efforts to provide shelter, food, sanctuary and comfort to people often treated as less than human…”
So I boxed up the hats, the gloves and a letter of explanation and sent them off to Texas this week.
In closing, I can’t help wondering who and why that bag of winter duds was left at my door. If you know, please contact me.
Meanwhile, I can’t help but be amused thinking about some guy from Honduras sporting a nice warm beanie labeled NEW ENGLAND.
Winter Festival of Lights
Bring a twinkle to your holidays when you drive through Watkins Regional Park, which is featuring more than 2.5 million lights. The Festival begins Friday, Nov. 27, and continues daily through New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2021.
Fee for car or van: $8 in advance, $10 at the gate. Also available are multi-visit passes. You are advised to purchase tickets in advance at ParksDirect. Admission is free on Nov. 30 and Christmas Day.
Face covering is required when interacting with park personnel. And remember to bring canned goods for donation to local food banks.
Changing landscape
According to the National Park Service, no live audience is invited this year to watch the Dec. 3 lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, citing coronavirus concerns. However, the service will be available virtually at
thenationaltree.org.
The National Museum of the United States Army officially opened its doors on Veterans Day 2020. It’s at 1775 Liberty Drive in Fort Belvoir, Va. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free but timed tickets are required (thenmusa.org).
Andrews Discount Tobacco has opened at 4813 Suitland Road. Hours listed: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sat: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun.: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Rainbow Shop, featuring women’s clothing, has opened in Woodyard Crossing Shopping Center in Clinton.
Coronavirus has done it again. The Smithsonian has closed the National Zoo and seven of its museums, though January.
We’ve been waiting
An announcement was expected on Nov. 23 about a name for the Zoo’s 3-month-old giant panda. The nominees (and their meanings) were: Fu Zai (prosperous boy), Xiao Qi ji (little miracle), Xing Fu (happy and prosperous) and Zai Zai (traditional Chinese nickname for a boy). Which name won?
Virus update
Thousands in Maryland are flocking to coronavirus testing sites, hoping for negative results before visiting family for Thanksgiving. The virus is spiking and Governor Hogan is issuing more closings.
As of Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m., Maryland had a total of 171,823 cases with 2,018 added the day before. Deaths continue to rise: 16 were added with a total of 4,351 deaths.
Meanwhile, I’m still here. Daughter Therese Gallegos arrived Sunday from Brownsville, Texas, to cook and encourage for the next few weeks. I love her for it. But she nags me a lot. I probably need it.
Morningside Memories: Sportsmen’s Club 1980
Lee Collins was president of the Sportsmen in 1980. Other officers were Ernest Bayne, vice president; Joe Carlucci, corresponding secretary; Clinton Stamp, recording secretary; Gary Jurney, treasurer; Dave Williams, sergeant at arms. The Board of Directors included Bob Walker, Frank Jurney Jr., Fred Readen and Bob Pitts.
That year, 1980, at the annual Installation of Officers & Awards Banquet, I was surprised and honored to be awarded the Laddie Beardmore Award presented annually for “civic achievements in the spirit and standards as set by Mr. Beardmore.” Predecessors were Gerald Glaubitz, Roscoe and Irene Smith, Lee Ditmars, Matthew Rosch, R. Dice West Sr. and Grover Estep.
I remember Carol Glaubitz
In last week’s 100th birthday tribute to the late Morningside Mayor Jerry Glaubitz, I mentioned his daughter Carol. I was not aware she had died two years ago.
Carol Ann Lee, 72, who grew up in Morningside, the daughter of Mayor Gerald and Jean Glaubitz, died Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, 2018, at her home in Stevenson, Ala.
She was a teacher at Stevenson Elementary School and a member of Stevenson Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 50 years, Robert Christopher Lee, Jr. Survivors include sons James and Robert Christopher Lee, grandchildren, Dillon, Miranda, Nicholas, Caitlyn, Logan, Derrick, Dustin and Corey, five great-grandchildren, and her brother Larry and his family. Her interment was at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
I wish I had more of the life-story of Carol—she was such a delightful woman. If you have Carol stories to tell, email or call me.
Milestones
Happy birthday to Devin Kane Blade, Nov. 29; Karen Windsor, Alexis R. Paige, Ramona Britt, Patricia Branch and Kimberly White, Nov. 30; Mary Doyle Susan McKay and Jon Foster, Dec. 1; John Anthony, Jr., Vonn Branch and Tyonda Simms-Taylor, Dec. 2; Louise Lantz, Mary Straud and Sen. Mike Miller, Dec. 3; Mark Witherow, Jr. and La’Keshia Johnson, Dec. 4.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
CONGRATULATIONS JEREMY MITCHELL
Congratulations to Jeremy Mitchell, son of Larry and Patricia Mitchell and grandson of the late James and Ruth Turner of Brandywine, Maryland, who has been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. Jeremy graduated from both Officer Candidate School (Intelligence/Chemical) May 22, 2020, Fort Benning Georgia, and Basic Officers Leaders’ Course (Chemical), November 6, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He finished in the top 10% of his classes at both of his schools. A real tribute to Jeremy as he travels with his wife Shanelle and his son Jeremiah to his next assignment in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii for 3 years.
ABOUT THE HONORABLE JAMES E. PROCTOR
Maryland Delegate Proctor was committed to the state’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), especially with his alma mater, Bowie State University. With his support, Bowie State University received approximately $200 million in state funding over the course of his tenure in Maryland legislature. Family and friends of Delegate Proctor established an endowed scholarship in his Bowie State University.
James E. Proctor Jr. Forum on Education, Leadership and Innovation honors the life and legacy of the late Delegate Proctor, one of Bowie State University’s most distinguished alumni. The event during American Education Week celebrates outstanding educators, strengthens the pipeline of students interested in the profession and showcases education as a lifelong career. Each year, the forum offers meaningful opportunities for students and educators alike to find inspiration and solutions for 21st century challenges in education. The forum also highlights student and alumni voices.
The Proctor Forum 2020 was held on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 3–4 p.m. The forum featured an impactful conversation about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education, featuring Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux and Montgomery College President DeRionne P. Pollard. Media Contact: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu.
ONLINE NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM (NDPP)
Are you thinking about making healthy changes to prevent Type 2 diabetes? A CDC-recognized diabetes prevention and lifestyle change program can help you build healthy new habits that last a lifetime.
When you join a lifestyle change program, you will learn, laugh, share stories, try new things, and build new habits, all while lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes and improving your health. Online classes started October 26, 2020. Space is limited. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To discuss eligibility requirements and to register for UM Capital’s upcoming Diabetes Prevention class, please call 301-254-6763 or email us umcapitalcommunityhealth@umm.edu . To obtain more information regarding the National Diabetes Prevention Program, please visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention. Information received from University of Maryland Capital Region Health.
153rd CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
Sunday, November 15, 2020 Nottingham Myers United Methodist Church located at 15601 Brooks Church Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772, Constance C. Smith, Pastor, celebrated their 153rd Church Anniversary. The Theme was “Be Steadfast” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Guest Speaker was Reverend Thomas Gorman, pastor of New Union Church, New Rochelle, New York with Guest Performances. Congratulations Nottingham Myers on your 153rd Church Anniversary.
COVID-19 RESTAURANT RESILIENCY FUND
Prince George’s County has announced an appropriation of $6 million to assist restaurants and food service establishments that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Restaurant Resiliency Fund will provide grants up to $25,000 to Prince George’s County based restaurants and food establishments to promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of business operating at reduced capacity.
Applications will be accepted between November 13, 2020 and December 18, 2020. For more information visit: www.pgcedc.com/restaurantfund. Information received from At large Council Member “Mel Franklin” Prince George’s Council Media.
VIRTUAL WINTER COMMENCEMENT
You are invited to join us for our Bowie State University 2020 Virtual Winter Commencement Celebration, Friday, December 18, 2020 at 10 a.m. at bowiestate.edu/commencement. Nationally celebrated author and incoming director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Kevin Young will address about 400 Bowie State University graduates, including about 100 graduate students, at the Commencement. He currently serves as the director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, recently named a National Historic Landmark, and poetry editor of the New Yorker, where he hosts the poetry podcast. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was named a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2020. Young has published 13 books of poetry and prose, most recently “Brown” as featured on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah. In addition to Young, graduates will hear from a host of celebrities, prominent business leaders and elected officials in video shout-outs during the live ceremony. Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE
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