In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Happy Anniversary, Jerry & Jean
It all began in August 1941, at the five-and-dime in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jean was a clerk and Jerry a shopper, and quite impressed with her. He asked for a date. But she was 17 and said she had to get permission from her folks. Jerry was a 21-year-old sailor, on leave from the USS San Francisco.
Four months later, on December 7, 1941, the San Francisco was anchored in balmy Pearl Harbor. Jerry had spent the evening with friends in Honolulu but, early in the morning, a frenzied announcement came: “All sailors report to their ships!” As Jerry and friends piled into his 1932 Graham-Paige roadster, they saw billowing black smoke and heard bombs exploding. At the base, they dashed from the car and boarded. Jerry never saw that car again.
Around them, bombs were falling, ships were sinking. But the San Francisco made it through the bombardment. On December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his “Day of Infamy” speech, Congress declared war, and the United States entered World War II.
Over the next four years, loving letters traveled back and forth between Nebraska and the Pacific. And so, on December 23, 1942, Gerald August Glaubitz and Jean Loree Quapp were married at the American Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
That was 82 years ago this week.
Morningsiders—and all who knew and loved the mayor and his family—might want to remember their anniversary: December 23.
In August 1947 the Glaubitz Family moved to 507 Maple Road in Morningside, and Jerry went on to become one of the longest-serving mayors ever in Maryland.
Jerry died April 26, 2005. Jean died March 19, 2014.
Town of Morningside
Stop sign cameras will soon be added, including two at Beauford & Marianne, one at Pine Grove & Maple, and more.
The Town had a Staff holiday on December 8, with lunch at Dave & Busters.
The Morningside Police have been working hard and have been awarded a unit citation.
My grandson David McHale has been in town from Denver, staying with me. I thought I should introduce him to a small town. Karen, Morningside’s Clerk/Treasurer, welcomed us and started talking news when one of the Council Members came in, then the Police Chief and then the Fire Chief. They all had something to say.
David has seen how a small town operates—he’s seen the best. He’ll remember Morningside.
A home at 4700 Pickett Court, in Morningside, just sold for $180,000.
Southern Md. Hospital Chaplain honored
Father Jeffrey Samaha, longtime chaplain at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, has been presented the John Cardinal McCloskey Award from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., for his 46 years as a hospital chaplain.
Father Jeffrey, 72, is currently in residence at Holy Spirit Parish in Forestville. A native of Denver and son of the late Dr. Francis Samaha, Father grew up in Camp Springs, attended St. John the Evangelist School in Clinton, St. John’s College High School in Washington, and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg.
Now, on a typical day at the hospital, Father might serve 25 to 30 patients and their families. “It’s my home away from home,” he says. After receiving the award, Father Samaha said his greatest blessing in health-care ministry is “being able to bring Jesus to the sick, and to see Jesus in the sick…”
Neighbors & other good people
Theresa O’Connell, longtime resident of Camp Springs, died November 29. I’ll run her interesting obituary in next week’s column.
My granddaughter Sarah McHale is graduating from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) this month as a dance major. I attended the Fall Dance Showcase, for which she choreographed “Intrusive Daydreams” and danced in “Palaistes.” Both beautiful. Sarah is the daughter of my son John and his wife Michelle.
I went recently with family to Franklins Restaurant and General Store in Hyattsville. There is still nothing else like it. It advertises “Serves happy hour food · Serves great cocktails · Doesn’t accept reservations.” I love it.
McNamara celebrates its 60th
In 1962 the Holy Cross Brothers established Bishop McNamara High School, a boys’ school in Forestville, at a time when desegregation of schools was an issue. But they simply created a high school for boys. In 1992 they opened the doors to girls.
Now they are celebrating their 60th anniversary. My sons Mike and Brian graduated from McNamara, and last year, great-granddaughter Mary. Her brother Wesley is a junior there now. And is on the Archery Team.
Happy 60th, McNamara! And many, many more.
Changing landscape
Beneath the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington, workers are carving out a multimillion-dollar visitor area with amenities focused on President Lincoln’s legacy.
McDonald’s, corner of Allentown and Suitland roads, looks to be almost ready to open—as soon as the grounds are shaped up.
Southern Style Chicken & Waffle is open at 6711 Marlboro Pike in District Heights. It advertises: “Casual, fast-food spot serving up all-you-can-eat chicken and waffles plus cheeseburgers, mac 'n' cheese, and banana pudding.” Give it a try and let me know.
A home at 4605 Eaton Drive, in Suitland, recently sold for $381,000.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Timothy Flaherty and former Morningside Mayor Irving Robinson, Dec. 22; Paul Ford and Russ Kyser, Dec. 23; Kendall Lanehart and Ken Miller, Dec. 24; Jean Nichols, Jason Tomlinson, Samantha Bowie and Christine Mucker, Dec. 25; Jeffrey Norton and Michael Nichols, Dec. 26; Virginia Simms, Carolyn Jeffcoat and Kirra Starr Mears, Dec. 27; Christopher Garris, Anne Lucas, Patsy Anderson and my granddaughter Samantha McHale, Dec. 28.
Happy Anniversary to Gerald and Arvilla Atkinson, their 70th, on Dec. 27; and Nola and Bruce Thomas, their 47th on Dec. 27.
Top of Page
Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
MERRY FITNESS BOOT CAMP
Come and burn some of those holiday calories Monday, December 30, 2024, from 8:30 a.m.–Noon at Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex, 13601 Missouri Avenue, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. This boot camp consists of structured group exercises such as cardio, strength training, and agility drills which will challenge you both physically and mentally, while helping to achieve your 2025 fitness goals. A light lunch, good music and fun times provided. FEE: $12(R); $16(NR) Parks Direct: 17511-175A.
FOOD PANTRIES IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Food pantries and distribution centers in Prince George’s County administer several assistance programs. The locations may have meals, free food, gift baskets and items such as clothing available to the low-income seniors and disabled in the community. Resources offered by these centers can range from groceries and boxes of food through limited amounts of financial help for bills, housing, basic needs such as diapers or baby formula.
Anything noted above would of course be in addition to helping needy families by providing free or low-cost food, meals, and perishable items. The goal is to prevent hunger in the region. Some of the food pantries in the area are Bethel House, 6810 Floral Park Road, Brandywine, Maryland, 20613. Telephone: 301-372-1700. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be provided along with snacks for students in Prince George’s County.
FISH of Greater Baden, PO Box 858, Bowie, Marland, 20718. Main phone: 301-262-8479. The disabled and elderly can receive a Meals on Wheels service or transportation. Free groceries and Christmas food baskets as well as gifts are also available.
Bowie Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund, 3120 Belair Drive, Bowie, Maryland, 20715. Telephone: 301-262-6765. Emergency food is provided. Other support may help pay bills, offer grocery and prescription vouchers, shelter, and other services for the low income and people facing a hardship.
Jericho Baptist Church Food Pantry, 8501 Jericho City Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785, phone 301-333-0500. Groceries, personal hygiene items, clothing, and more is available in Prince George’s. Many other pantries operate in the region. For more details, call 410-737-8282. Callers can also learn about Meals on Wheels for senior citizens or Christmas and Thanksgiving programs.
Greater Refuge Ministries Food Pantry, 9512 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland, 20735. Phone: 866-515-1317.
The First New Horizon Baptist Church, 9511 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland, 20735. Telephone: 301-856-9177. Free meals, including delivery to the homebound, can be arranged.
Beltway Church of Christ, 6000 Davis Boulevard, Camp Springs, Maryland, 20746. Dial the church at 301-423-2320 for hours.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Drive through a spectacular trail that perfectly matches your car radio playing the Christmas favorites until January 1, 2025, from 5–9:30 p.m. The most popular displays include reindeer, colorful snowflakes, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, candy canes, and of course, Santa Claus. Stop by a dazzling life-size Gingerbread House and an enchanting Carousel of Lights. Located at Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774. Fee is $10 advance, and $15 at the gate.
CLINTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Happy Birthday to Taylar Terry, Shawnee Hendricks, Nadia Prah, Anthony Bell, Elvin Falby, Valentine Grant, II, Somto Mbakwe, Doris Mackall, Lily Jalloh, John Stahl, Alaya Bell, Jahmaiyah Dorsett, Elijah Kerrick, Carolyn, Donald Hill, B. Kent Mauldin, Theodore (Ted) Mosley, Carol Hughes, Juliette Adaku Onyiba Mbakwe, Iyana Rojas, Keinel Peralta, Ikechi (Ike), Latsha Bell, Betty Rivers, Dr. Joelle Robinson Oghogho, Wendell Wallace, Luz Knight, Joanne Quarm who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating birthdays in December.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Ronald and Dr. Sandra Jones, Dr. Francis and Agatha Nicol, Ikechi (Ike) and Chidinma (Chidi) Mbakwe who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating wedding adversaries in December.
THE METROPOLITAN FOLLIES
The Metropolitan Follies: A Holiday Revue! is a revamped 30-minute Broadway-style show that will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 2–2:30 p.m. featuring MSA students of all ages. This show includes many of your favorite holiday characters: Mrs. Claus, Frosty, Rudolph, Cindy-Lou Who, the Nutcracker Doll and other holiday friends. This upbeat, high-energy, and engaging performance travels throughout the DMV area to perform and spread holiday joy in both private and public performances. It is a season to laugh, sing, and spread joy together. The address is 150 National Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland. Visit website: https://metropolitanarts.org/.
SUBURBAN MARYLAND SPRING HOME SHOW
The Suburban Maryland Spring Home Show will be held at Show Place Arena, Saturday January 11, 2025, from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Address is 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The Home Show is for everything in and around your home. Sponsored by American Consumer Shows. The event features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you will be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. More importantly, we want you to be excited for all the fantastic possibilities that come with your project. Get your free passes on the show’s website: www.mdhomeshows-sp.com. Visit the website for the latest information.
“WISHING EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS”
Top of Page
