In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Halloween in Morningside
Morningside is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event on October 25 from 6–9 p.m. at the Town Hall. It will include a haunted excursion through the woods, harkening back to the haunted hayrides of past years. The event will include games and fun. There will be a small fee.
Be careful when you drive in Morningside on October 31 because Trick-or-Treaters will be haunting our streets. The hours have not yet been announced.
For more information, call Karen at the Morningside Town Hall, 301-736-2300.
Mark Mangold
Mark Mangold, of Camp Springs, died August 20 at his son’s home in Bowie. He was 80. He had worked as an Information Specialist at the Census Bureau.
Mark was born October 24, 1944, in Orlando, Florida, son of Dolores and CMSgt John Mangold. He was the oldest of siblings Monty and Matthew, Monica and Madonna.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971 at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, during which he completed basic combat training and clerical work. His duties included writing awards for soldiers who were wounded in combat during the Vietnam War.
Mark married Carol in October 1970 and went on to have two children. Their daughter, Danielle, was born in 1976, and son, Darren, in 1982. The family lived in Camp Springs, where he worked as an Information Specialist at the Census Bureau until retirement in 2002.
He was a devout Catholic and served as a lector at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Camp Springs and at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington D.C.
A Killens Pond adventure
On a recent weekend, my children organized a family camping trip to Killens Pond State Park in Delaware. Usually, I can come up with an excuse not to join them, but this time, there was no escape.
We had a total of 4 cabins: one with my daughter Therese and me, one with my
daughter Elaine and her husband Luke, one with my grandson Conor and his wife Heather, and one with three of my granddaughters—Naomi, Rose, and Claire—and their two dogs, Kiedis and Pocket.
There was a lot of talking, eating, being silly (and loud!) as we sat around the fire pit on a couple of very chilly nights. They hiked during the day while I read.
We all enjoyed a visit to the Nature Center, where we met the 2025 Killens Pond Animal of the Year: the Spotted Turtle.
Next time you’re in the mood for a fun get-away, consider camping. For more information, go to www.destateparks.com or call (877) 987-2757.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to TJ Foster, Oct. 12; Andrew Colandrea, Oct. 13; Mildred Peaire and Carolyn Williams, Oct. 16; Mary Louise Patterson, Oct. 17; Andrew Nicholas Smith, Carol Kline DeGraba and Nola Cook, Oct. 18; Clyde Miller, Catherine Alvis, Jody Nyers and Christina Ramsey Eckloff, Oct. 22; Mary Flood Dawes, Oct. 23; Daniel John Fitzgerald and Anna Norris, Oct. 24.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY AT CUMC
We had a beautiful International Service at Clinton United Methodist Church Sunday, September 28, 2025. “THINK ON THESE THINGS” Pastor Rev. Melaina Trice. Guest Speaker Rev. Narcisse (Cherie) Hamilton-Philips, a native of Jamaica, West Indies, who delivered a very powerful Sermon: “Go Light Your World—Living Lives that Tell His Story”. Rev. Philips started her educational journey at Barracks Primary School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica. She then completed her secondary education at St. Jago High School and was included in the second class of students to have received their legal education in the west Indies Academia. She attained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of the West Indies, followed by a Certificate in Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. She was admitted to the Bar in Jamaica in 1976 and worked in her own Law Practice of Hamilton & Bennett and under the tutelage, mentorship, and exposure of Frank Phipps, QC. In just a few short years she gained the reputation of being an accomplished and feisty lawyer with whom one should not be eager to contend with. She was engaged in a vibrant criminal/civil law practice before migrating to the United States of America in 1983. In 1985 she was further admitted to the First Judicial Department of the Supreme Court for the State of New York as an attorney and counselor at law. She practiced law in the United States as the in-house counsel for FML Manufacturer’s Corp., New York, and Chicago branches, and then in private practice specializing in real estate law, probate, and administration matters.
In the year 1994, after having a Christ-changing ‘conversion’ experience, her life’s direction changed dramatically. It was for her a 180-degree turn around from a life devoted to secularism to a life devoted to Christ. In response to God’s later ‘unequivocal and clarion’ call to ministry, she obtained a Master of Divinity, Magna Cum Laude from Drew Theological School, Madison, New Jersey in 2004 and pursued ordination in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Philips served the Peekskill UMC in Westchester County for 6 years, Bethany UMC in Brooklyn for 9 years and recently retired in June after serving at UMC of Hempstead in Long Island for two years. Her favorite response when asked about her transition from a lawyer to servant/leader ministry, is “Being a pastor was never on my things-to-do-list, but it was certainly on God’s.”
Rev. Philips’ heart is in God’s ministry, and the sharing of the gospel and the teaching of God’s Word are her passions. She is committed to uncompromising preaching and fidelity to God’s Word which she finds fresh, exciting, transforming, and relevant. Rev. Philips is married to Locksley Philips, an IT Manager at Fujifilm Head Office in Valhalla, New York who is on countdown to retirement at the end of this month. They will be celebrating their 37th anniversary in November. They are the proud parents of two sons, Aronn and Jordan, 35 and 33 years respectively: granddaughter Kennedi 3 years, grandson Carter 22 months, the delight of their hearts, and God’s gift of their daughters-in-law Tobi and Nahomy.
Pianist Avis Balkcom-Williams, Worship Leader Alysia Falby Lay Servant, Praise Music Dr. Kenneth Newby Men’s Choir of CUMC. Parade of Flags and Tage on Steel Music.
TICKLE ME TUESDAY’S COMEDY
Piano Keys Restaurant and Lounge presents Mike Brooks and Friends TICKLE ME TUESDAY’S COMEDY every 2ND and 4TH Tuesday. Special Guest Comedian. Free Admission. Doors Open 6–11 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m. No boring Tuesdays in the DMV. Join us for Tickle Me Tuesday’s, a night full of laughs with Mike Brooks and friends. Enjoy a hilarious comedy line-up, great vibes, delicious food and refreshing cocktails—the perfect date night or a fun outing with friends. We have TACOS! Indulge in tasty tacos and other mouthwatering dishes. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early. Want a guaranteed VIP table? Reserve one in advance for the best experience. DON’T MISS IT! Tell a friend, grab a drink, and get ready for a night of non-stop laughter! The address is 7651 Matapeake Business Drive, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. More information: (240) 816-2211. FREE TICKETS OR VIP TABLES.
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING
We are excited for this year’s Homecoming Week celebration! Taking place from October 27–November 2, 2025. There will be various activities planned. Visit the BSU Homecoming website: https://www.bowiestate.edu/alumni/university-signature-events/homecoming/, 301-860-4000 or 1-877-BOWIE, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland 20715-9465.
SAARC
“The Guardians by Judy Sutton Moore. Judy Sutton Moore is the artist who created “The Guardians” an imposing 22-foot steel sculpture posted at the entry to SAARC. The inspiration for this outdoor work is the majestic, 150-year-old willow oak tree that resides on the SAARC site. Using an actual leaf that had fallen from the tree, the artist fashioned the design concept which developed into “The Guardians.” Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex (SAARC) is located at 13601 Missouri Avenue, Brandywine, Maryland.
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