In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
D.C. happenings: Korean War heroes, Amelia Earhart, and right-on-red
The Wall honoring 43,000 lost in the Korean War was unveiled during a memorial on the National Mall July 27, the 69th anniversary of the end of the War. The ceremony took place (I quote the Washington Post) “on a humid afternoon, under gray skies with a sprinkling of rain. Dragonflies flitted over the seated crowd as dignitaries from the United States and South Korea spoke. Later, people placed white roses near relatives’ names on the gray granite of the monument.”
Aviator Amelia Earhart has finally come to the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall, following a ceremony July 27 that focused more on her role as a trailblazer for women’s rights rather than the enduring mystery of her disappearance. She was one of my heroes back in the 1930s. I was broken-hearted when, in July 1937, she took off in her Lockheed Electra from New Guinea, and vanished.
Be warned: D.C. is considering a ban on right-on-red turns.
Town of Morningside
The Morningside Town Meeting will be August 16, 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Mayor Cann wrote in the July newsletter, “I want to encourage you to come to the Town Hall meetings to see what is happening.” He went on to say they would appreciate feedback on such matters as Trash Providers, Street and Road Projects, Town Operations and Communications, and ARPA Funds, “to name a few.”
The Town rents out its meeting space for special occasions. They have had baby showers, weddings and receptions of all kinds. Call 301-736-2300.
Morningside’s Yard Sale is coming up Sept. 10 at the Fire Department. Table rental is $15, or 2 tables for $25. For information, email Morningsiderec@morningsidemd.gov or call 301-736-2300.
Neighbors & other good people
Davonte Cornett, who once lived two doors down, dropped by his old neighborhood and knocked on my door. I was sorry I didn’t recognize him—he’s grown up. He moved about 10 years ago but now lives in Suitland and is a member of the Federal Police Department. He told me how busy the FPC is! He also introduced me to his wife Shawnsey. There’s something special about having kids grow up and revisit their old neighborhoods.
Randall Matthews, who grew up in the City of District Heights on Kipling Parkway, is now the Head Chef at Underground Food Court in DuPont Circle.
Frances J. Hall, 96, of Aquasco, died July 11. She leaves her children, Regina, Rene, LaShawn, Calvin “Gregory,” Andre and Darryl Sr; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grands, seven sisters and two brothers. Mass of Christian Burial was at Mount Calvary Church in Forestville.
We recently entertained three of our Texas relatives, in town at National Harbor for a jewelry convention. We took them to Texas Ribs in Clinton. Among the other customers were Tom and Barbara Zetty who are Texas Ribs regulars. Our party was very loud, but Tom and Barbara said they didn’t mind. I told them I’d put them in my column.
St. Philip’s Crab Feast
St. Philip’s invites you to their All-you-can-eat Crab Feast fundraiser at Sarto Hall on August 21. Feast on crabs, BBQ chicken, fried fish, hotdogs, beef/turkey burgers, potato salad, coleslaw, corn-on-the-cob, soda, beer, music & more.
Hours are 1–5 p.m. Cost: $70 per person. Sarto Hall (Knights of Columbus hall) is at 3611 Stewart Road in Forestville. For information and tickets, contact Andre Jordan, 841-0141; Renee at the church office, 301-423-4244; or Stephanie at the school, 301-423-4740.
Changing landscape
Recent news about the Chesapeake Bay blue crabs is not good. There has been a severe drop in the numbers of crabs—the lowest ever recorded! I assume our next McHale crab feast will be a lot more expensive.
Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center has announced its planned relocation two miles up the road from the current location in Prince George’s. Which means a new hospital in South County. The medical center recently purchased 23 acres of land between Livingston Road and Route 210 on Old Fort Ford in Fort Washington. This empty land is across from the new Giant grocery.
The Fairytale Museum has opened in Waldorf at 2935 Festival Way, next to The Christmas Tree Shop. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday but that time may occasionally be extended. It includes interactive exhibits and guided play and offers special events such as birthday parties. Admission is $12, free for adults when accompanied by a child. Info: 844-722-4642.
The name “National Landing” is being shorted to a two-syllable abbreviation; Amazon is calling it “NaLa.” I don't think this is official, but you need to know the latest in kitsch.
County Fairs Coming up
Prince George’s County Fair will be at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro Sept. 8–11.
The 98th (!) Charles County Fair will be at the Fairgrounds Sept. 15–18.
Ike loved to dance, especially the jitterbug
Alfred N. “Ike” Eichelberger, 92, died July 31 with family by his side. He was born in Washington, son of Agnes and Linwood Eichelberger.
He married Anita in 1958. They raised their three children in Camp Springs and were members of St. Philip the Apostle Church. Through St. Philip’s, they made many lifelong friends and remained active in the community until moving to Dunkirk in 1993.
Ike retired from the Washington D. C. Fire Department, Engine Company 3, in 1970. After several years, he began a second career working for the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation as Construction Standards Inspector.
He loved construction projects, so much so that he built both his and his daughter’s homes in Dunkirk—which inspired his son to build his own house next door. He spent summers at his home in Ocean City, fishing, crabbing and swimming in the ocean. He loved to dance.
Survivors include his wife Anita, son Keven, daughters Karen and Brenda, grand- and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Vickie, siblings Velma Cook, Jeanne Pontillo and brother James. Mass of Christian burial was at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Owings.
Milestones
Happy birthday to Mary Berkley and Brittany Short, Aug. 13; Kathy Beardmore, Aug. 15; Margaret Hunt, Nancy Stacey and Gracie Mothershead, Aug. 16; Hildagard Koenig, Aug. 17; my remarkable granddaughter-in-law Heather McHale, Le August Brent and Mark Cummings, Jr., Aug. 19. Send birthdays to me at muddmm@gmail.com.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
TRIBUTE TO BERNARD MATTHEW JOHNSON
Bernard Matthew “Bud” Johnson was born on July 1, 1910, to Robert Johnson and Isabelle Pinkney Johnson Bowie in Brandywine, Maryland. He was the second child of nine siblings, born of this union. Under Bud’s leadership and the labor of his brothers, this family was able to survive a war, a depression, and many other obstacles, by the grace of Almighty God.
As other brothers and sisters left the family farm to attain their own personal goals, he remained on the farm and continued to easily attest to this fact. John and Isabelle Acres Farm exists today through the efforts of Bud who remained and continued to till the soil and grow things until his sudden illness on May 24, 1993.
Bud was an active participant in the Brandywine community. He organized the first 4-H Club for African American children in Brandywine-Naylor area. This club met in the Brooks Church Hall. He was a mentor for Black males before it became the fashionable thing to do to “save our Black males.” this mentorship and ministry were demonstrated through the organization and coaching of the Tractor Club softball team. This organization was comparable to our little league teams of today. He was known for his outstanding athletic skills as center fielder for the renowned Brandywine Baseball Team.
Bud was a first-class farmer. He received a Soil Conservation Award for his outstanding techniques in preserving the environment. He was an active participant in the Prince George’s County Fair and the Maryland State Fair. He won many prize ribbons for his tobacco. Bud was an ambassador for the American farmer as he hosted farmers from the country of India as they attempted to learn the methods of American farm life.
In his early years, Bud worked at Fort Meade Military Base building the barracks and housing that exist today.
He was deeply appreciative of all the good deeds of his church. The renaming of the church fellowship Hall to the Bernard Johnson Covenant Hall was a tribute that brought him much joy.
Regardless of any obstacles he encountered or any joys he received, one would invariably hear or see Bud giving God the praise. He “lived the life and walked the walk” through his ministry of songs with the famous Rising Sun Male Chorus of Nottingham, Maryland, and his lifelong membership at Myers United Methodist Church where he had been actively involved in the Chancel Choir, United Methodist Men, Trustee Board and Adult Church School Class. He did not leave his religion at the church door but lived it daily as he consistently continued to reach out and make life better for those whom he came in contact.
Bernard Matthew married Mabel Lancaster, his devoted wife of over forty years. Many lives were enhanced because of the love, joy, and care of this couple by all whom they embraced.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Happy Birthday to Marcus Long, Brian Harper, Quivianna Stroman, Demetria Brooks Knight, Emeka Mbakwe, Ben Caple, Karl Pinkney, Valentine Grant, Sr., Mason Pilch, Donovan Joiner, Kevin Augustus, James V. Dorsett, Norville Hughes, Rev. Stella Tay, Esther Neckere, Georgia Kinard, Denia Peralta who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating birthdays in August.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Wedding Anniversary to Elton and Janet Smalling, Wayne and Beverly Baker, John and Pamela Stahl, Cameron Barron and Betty Rivers, Umaru and Mariama Davis, William and Judy Terry who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in August.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Pomonkey High School 1922–2022 Centennial Celebration will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, 11 a.m–5 p.m. at Indian Head Village Green Pavilion, 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Doors will open at 11 a.m. Program starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $5.00 at the door. Food Sales: Food Trucks from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 50/50 Raffle Ticket available. Proceeds to Benefit Scholarship Fund and School Restoration. Music provided by: DJ Jackie Baker. Masks may be required.
THE CHESAPEAKE CAROUSEL
The Chesapeake Carousel is located within Watkins Regional Park. The Carousel operated at Chesapeake Beach through 1972. Restoration has been ongoing since its acquisition by M-NCPPC in 1974. The Carousel is open seasonally and provides delightful experiences for the young-at-heart. The Carousel is wheelchair accessible.
Contact: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. General Information: 301-218-6700 TTY 301-699-2544, Wonderful World of Watkins (mainline) 301-218-6757, TTY: 301-699-2544.
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