In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
WSSC releases plans for Suitland Road Rehab Project
On October 27, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) released plans for their upcoming Suitland Road Sewer Rehabilitation Project (Project #CR7309A22 - CTO 113).
The repairs should add at least 50 years to the life of the sewer pipes!
The project is repairing, replacing, or upgrading old and damaged pipes, manholes and sewer mains. It will also address problems caused by corrosion, plant roots, and soil accumulation, in order to reduce sewer overflows and backups.
WSSC Water expects this to involve about 3.16 miles of pipes and 86 manholes, mostly using trenchless repair method.
How will it affect us? For the Morningside/Skyline area, all the work will be northeast of Suitland Road.
Affected roads in the Morningside/Skyline area include portions of Suitland Road, Pine Grove Drive, Maple Road, Boxwood Drive, Allies Road, Elgin Court, Larkspur Road, Morgan Road, Larches Court, Marianne Drive, Randolph Road, Poplar Road, and Pickett Drive, as well as Skyline Drive before Pine Lane Drive, south to Suitland Road (where I live.)
Work is scheduled to begin next month and last into spring of 2027. WSSC Water is planning to work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
They will not need access to homes to do this work, and for the most part, will not need to access private properties. Also, they promise to give 48 hours’ notice prior to any parking restrictions in a particular area.
If you have any questions or concerns as the work continues, the contacts are several, including: Sherbert Hinds (240-638-6319). Walter Guzman (240-444-5803) is WSSC Water’s Customer Advocate for Southern Prince George’s County.
And, of course, if you have a more urgent problem, you can always call the 24/7 Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002.
Morningside Thanksgiving
I was among those who gathered at the Town Hall on Nov. 20 to celebrate the holiday. With me was my delightful daughter Kathleen in town from her home in Ohio. Sitting on the other side of me was Tyrone Dodson, who lives on Maple Road. I enjoyed his company.
We had a good lunch, followed by a drawing for assorted items. I was among the first to be chosen and chose a 40-ounce mug.
I want to thank those who planned and worked the event. They were great. The tables were festive. The lunch was delicious. It was a special time.
Six Flags in Bowie closing
Six Flags America in Bowie closed on November 2. Originally founded in 1974 as The Largo Wildlife Preserve, the park changed ownership several times, evolving across the 1980s from a drive-through safari experience into a rollercoaster-based amusement park.
Six Flags purchased the park in 1999, making it the tenth Six Flags park.
After Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair last year, the Bowie location was the first victim of the new company’s reorganization.
Now our closest amusement parks will be King’s Dominion in Richmond, Virginia, or Hershey Park in Pennsylvania.
The 515-acre property was put up for sale on November 5, aiming for residential development, mixed-use development, or, if Prince George’s is unlucky, a data center.
Changing Landscape
The Washington Post’s “Home Sales” has a long list this week, among them: 6013 Elmendorf; 6703 Pine Grove Drive, 6300 Skyline Terrace; and even more. Must be a good season for new-residence shopping.
Former priest at Holy Family dies
Father Charles H. Muzzy, longtime priest at several Archdiocesan parishes, including Holy Family in Hillcrest Heights, died October 6 at his residence in Laurel. He was 93. He had served at St. Pius X Parish in Bowie and later at St. Raphael in Rockville, St. Mark in Hyattsville, and St. Ambrose in Cheverly.
Viewing was held Oct. 14 at St. Ann Parish in Tenleytown, followed by Vigil Mass. Burial followed at a later date at St. Peter Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Julie Koch-Michael and Darryl Moss, Nov. 26; Arthur Rose, Nov. 27; Thomas Shipman, Sr., Nov. 28; Devin Kane Blade, Nov. 29; Karen Windsor, Alexis R. Paige, Ramona Britt, Patricia Branch, and Kimberly White, Nov. 30.
Happy anniversary to Gary and Ivy Kline, Nov. 28.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
THANK YOU BULLDOG FAMILY
On behalf of the Office of Alumni Engagement & Stewardship, thank you to everyone who SUPPORTED our annual Alumni VIP Tent. Special thank you to everyone who lent a hand and a big shout out to those who cheered us on from afar during Homecoming 2025!
For those who volunteered, your energy, teamwork, and commitment helped make this years’ celebration seamless and unforgettable. From check-in and set-up to guest engagement and event support, you kept the Bulldog spirit alive and thriving.
For those who could not make it this time, we felt your support in spirit. There will be plenty of opportunities ahead to get involved, and we would love to have you join us at a future event or volunteer experience. LIVE IN THE MOMENTS WITH US THROUGH PHOTOS! Homecoming by Myles Anderson & Bowie I Boldly Reunited MIXER! Together, we are keeping Bowie strong, one event, one alum, and one act of service at a time.
Thank you again for being part of the BSU family and for helping us celebrate 160 years of excellence and 90 years of Homecoming pride. #BSU4LIFE.
SPARKS HOLIDAY BASH
“You are invited to the Spark Holiday Bash at Nottingham Myers United Methodist Church on December 6 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., featuring games, crafts, and holiday activities for children. Calling all parents, do you need to do some holiday shopping? Need a fun, safe place for your children to go? Do you need a quiet moment in your home?”
“The Parish Children’s Ministry will be holding a SPARK Holiday Bash. We will play games, do crafts, and various other activities that celebrate the Birth of our savior and the holiday Season. Please fill out an online registration form for your child to join us on this link!” https://nottinghammyersumc.subsplash/t6km2ck. Small Church Big Vision Bigger God. Catherine Watkins
BOLD BUZZ
Alumni Spotlight: Sisters in Success: Bowie State Alumni Empower the next generation of Math Scholars. Bowie State University alumni and sisters Jesseki Kelly and Jasmine Tolson have come full circle, returning to their alma mater to inspire and guide future mathematicians. Once standout students themselves, they now play essential roles in the Department of Mathematics, helping strengthen programs, mentor students and create an environment where learning thrives. Their journeys reflect Bowie State’s enduring spirit of community, resilience and service.
ALL STAR ATHLETE
Student Athlete BJ Mensah takes Bowie State to the World Stage. When BJ Mensah steps onto the mat, he carries more than just the pride of his sport. He carries Harlem, Bowie State and a message of representation. A power tumbler on the U.S. National Team, Mensah has been making waves nationally and internationally, proving that talent, effort and heart can make the impossible possible.
CONGRATULATIONS
Bowie State University President Breaux named to the Daily Record’s 2025 Higher Education Power List. “The Daily Record recognized President Aminta H. Breaux among Maryland’s top higher education leaders for her vision, commitment and impact on student success.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“When Allissa Barnes, a senior honors student majoring in criminal justice, arrived at Bowie State University, she did not yet know where her path would lead. She
only knew she wanted to grow, explore and make a difference. Her first bold step came when she ran for Miss Freshman, an experience that did not end in a win but instead sparked years of leadership, purpose and service that would come to define her Bowie journey.”
DISTRICT 9 COMMUNITY HOLIDAY MIXER
“The District 9 community is invited to a special Community Holiday Mixer hosted by Councilman Sydney Harrison and Our Sons Rise! Join us on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the brand-new Michael’s Restaurant in Upper Marlboro for an evening of connection, celebration, and live entertainment by the Walker Redds Project Band. Enjoy free admission, tasty hors d’oeuvres, and a festive atmosphere as we kick off the holiday season. Attire is dressy casual/holiday festive. Free admission.”
LINE DANCING NIGHT
Line dancing night every Wednesday 5–11 p.m. Brandywine, it is UP! Wednesdays just got BETTER at Piano Keys Restaurant & Lounge. Each and every Wednesday, we are turning midweek into a whole vibe. WEAR YOUR DANCING SHOES! DJ Carlos on the 1s & 2s Bringing the Heat. Happy Hour Food & Drink Specials 5–7 p.m. So come early. Free Line Dancing lessons with LaShea Lyonna 7–10 p.m. FREE VIP TABLE, SO COME EARLY. RSVP or for more info: (240) 816-2211. Piano Keys Restaurant & Lounge, 7651 Matapeake Business Drive, Brandywine, Maryland. Tag your crew and let us pack the floor. RSVP OR VIP TABLE.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
“Displaying her hands for service by the way she willingly gives. Demonstrating the heart of a lady by the way she daily lives. Seeking out women and children to provide for their basic needs. Supporting whatever the mission. Some of the first to take the lead. Strong, dedicated, and faithful to the work both far and near, answering the call in many ways the soul purpose of why she is here. She stands beside the godly men of Clinton CUMC. Faithful follower, sister in Christ for whom the son set free. Only the work done for the Lord will count in the very end. The way she has given to the least of these. She shall truly be called a friend. No program, no service, no earthly reward. No activity under the sun can compare to the words of the Almighty saying, all my daughters, “Well done.” Words by Kendra Neal.
“WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING”
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