In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
We took a trip to Suitland
My daughter Therese and I decided to go to the Suitland Library one day last week.
As we drove into town, I was aware of how the sidewalk extends along our entire route, from where I live in Skyline to downtown Suitland. My husband Jack, who occasionally had to walk home from Suitland when his bus didn’t run, appreciated that.
We began our outing at Suitland Library, where one of my favorite signs is still out front: “Please. Do not drop your cigarette butts on the ground. The rabbits come out at night to smoke them. And we are trying to get them to quit.”
Inside the library, I found five promising large-print books to check out. (Large print makes it possible for me to still read!) Therese meanwhile noted some cute, very well-behaved kids from an after-school program called “God’s Little People.” Their teacher, Tiffany Pannell, was letting them play quietly with the toys in the children’s section.
When we had trouble managing the library checkout process, Aida, one of the librarians, patiently explained how to do it. When I thanked her, she smiled and said, “That’s what we’re here for.”
We’re so blessed to have the Suitland Branch Library!
As we drove home past Suitland High School, we admired the mural. And we stopped at a small Latin supermarket, La Benedicion, where Therese bought a bag of red beans and a large avocado. Then we stopped off at La Tienda Karina Spanish Market where there were lots of the typical Hispanic grocery items, plus fresh produce and hot take-out dishes.
Next time you need queso fresco or frijoles, you may want to try one of these little stores. But, if you decide to take a trip to Suitland, don’t forget those speed cameras!
Allentown Road
On March 13, there was a community update on the progress of Allentown Road. WSSC General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell gave reports. I was unable to attend and look forward that getting those reports.
Town of Morningside
The next Town meetings will be the Work Session, April 8, followed by the Town Meeting, April 15. Both beginning at 7 p.m. Information, 301-736-2300.
On April 12, there’ll be Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt for children. For more information or to register, call 301-736-2301.
7th Best Hotel
The Hotel at the University of Maryland has been ranked the seventh best hotel in Maryland this year by U.S. News & World Report:
“Whether you’re visiting at the Hotel for business or leisure, we strive to provide an elevated experience in a modern, innovative serving,” said Southern Management Companies Vice President of Hospitality and Sales Jeff Brainard.
Clarence Richardson dies at 99
Clarence T. Richardson, who retired in 1985 as Chief Master Sergeant at Andrews, died March 6. He was 99.
He was born in Seagrove, N.C., and moved to Washington, D.C. in 1946. In addition to his work at Andrews, he taught heating, ventilation and air conditioning classes and later had his own HVAC business.
He was a member of the 459th Wing Association, RSES, American Legion, an investment club, New Vision Fellowship Church in Forestville, and later Sudley UMC in Manassas.
Survivors include daughters Joanne Miller and husband Terry; Mary Mast and husband Steve; Terry Miller; Linda Lyons and her husband Chris Lyon; sister Ann Suggs and husband Steve, five grandchildren and three great-grands. He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred, parents Wendell and Mary Peal Richardson, brothers Clinton, Bobby and Benny and sisters Nell, Marie, Louise and Mary Deloris.
Services were at Demaine Funeral Home, in Springfield, Va.
About me
On March 12, I turned 96. Doesn’t feel any different than 95. But I thought I’d give you—whether you want it or not—an abbreviated bio of Mary Margaret Mudd McHale.
I was born on March 12, 1929, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, to Dr. Richard Dyer Mudd, of Anacostia, D.C., and Rose Marie Krummack Mudd of Ravenna, Neb., an R.N. at Henry Ford. They were married in Ravenna in 1928.
My earliest years were in Dearborn, Michigan, where I attended Kindergarten at Charles A. Lindbergh School. (Chas. Lindbergh is famous for being the first to fly alone across the Atlantic.). My father, then a doctor for General Motors, was
transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I started school. When I about to start grade 3, we were transferred again to Saginaw, Michigan, and I attended St. Andrew’s and, later, St. Mary’s Cathedral schools. Then, one day I heard on the radio, that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. My reaction, “What is Pearl Harbor?”
I soon learned. Dad was called to service at Kelly Field, in San Antonio, Texas. We moved there, and I high-schooled at Our Lady of the Lake, where I edited the school newspaper. Four years later, with Peace declared, we returned to Saginaw, and I went off to St. Mary’s College in South Bend., Ind., where, at a Tea Dance, I met a Notre Dame man from Houston, Texas. We graduated in 1946 and married at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Jan. 3, 1951.
Jack was a newspaper reporter when I married him, but he joined the FBI. We were stationed in Los Angeles and San Francisco before moving, in 1958, to 4304 Skyline Drive, where we raised our seven kids and where I still live.
Jack eventually retired from the FBI, became Prince George’s Chief of Police, and retired again; he died in 2004. Son Brian died in 2016. My other six kids are scattered around the U.S., and I now have 13 grandkids and some great-grands.
I’m reasonably healthy. This column is my only job (and I don’t get paid). I rely on YOU to not only read it, but to keep giving me news. Send it to muddmm@AOL.com.
Clarence Richardson dies at 99
Clarence T. Richardson, who retired in 1985 as Chief Master Sergeant at Andrews, died March 6. He was 99.
He was born in Seagrove, N.C., and moved to DC in 1946. In addition to his work at Andrews, he taught heating, ventilation and air conditioning classes and later had his own HVAC business.
He was a member of the 459th Wing Association, RSES, American Legion, an investment club, New Vision Fellowship Church in Forestville, and later Sudley UMC in Manassas.
Survivors include daughters Joanne Miller and husband Terry; Mary Mast and husband Steve; Terry Miller; Linda Lyons and her husband Chris Lyon; sister Ann Suggs and husband Steve, five grandchildren and three great-grands. He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred, parents Wendell and Mary Peal Richardson, brothers Clinton, Bobby and Benny and sisters Nell, Marie, Louise and Mary Deloris.
Services were at Demaine Funeral Home, in Springfield, Va.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Ruth Anthony, my great-grandson Jack McHale and Hudson Murphy Glaubitz, March 23; Lewis Woods, March 24; Ken Kyser and Jay Rollins, March 25; Gina Foster, March 26; Walter Dimes, March 27; Robert Hay, Jr. and David Righter, March 28; and Ben Surratt, Kimberly Smith, March 29;
Happy Anniversary to Terry and Gina Foster, March 26, and to Antoinette and Charles Mattison, March 29.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
A HELPING HAND
A helping hand for those caring for Loved Ones. Caring for a loved one can also be challenging. No one is ever completely prepared for the job, especially since caregiving is often a long-term responsibility that may become more difficult over time. The five steps every caregiver should take are: Step #1: Start the conversation. You may be wary of initiating a conversation with your loved one about sensitive topics, but sooner is better. Having a plan will help you be more prepared during a crisis. Step #2: Form your team of support. Caregivers should be creative about enlisting support. Step #3: Make a plan. Consider developing your caregiving plan into an electronic calendar of tasks that is accessible to each member of the caregiving team with AARP’s Caregiving app at www.aarp.org/caregivingapp. Step #4: Find support among caregivers. Caregivers, you are not alone. According to AARP Public Policy Institute’s 2015 “Valuing the Invaluable” report, there are about 40 million unpaid family caregivers of 18+ adults in the U.S. Visit aarp.org/caregiving and click on the Care Provider Locator to find resources in your area. Step #5: Care for yourself. Making time for exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Caring for yourself helps you better care for others. Joining caregiver support groups for information, insight, and support. Being an effective caregiver means asking for help when you need it. By taking time to care for your own needs, you are less likely to feel worn out by your caregiving responsibilities. Find Articles, Tips, and Tools for Caregivers at aarp.org/caregiving. Information from AARP Real Possibilities.
SOCIAL JUSTICE ALLIANCE SPRING SYMPOSIUM
Social Justice Alliance Spring Symposium, Rise up: Mobilizing for Justice and Democracy will be Friday, April 18, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland 20715-9465. You need to register for the Symposium.
This year’s symposium seeks to inspire meaningful dialogue and action around the urgent issues of social justice, civic engagement, and democratic renewal. The BSU/UMD Social Justice Alliance annual symposium will bring together
changemakers, scholars, and community leaders to explore the grassroots mobilization, coalition-building, and activism in today’s complex social and political landscape. The Social Justice Alliance continues to honor the legacy of BSU student 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III, who was murdered in 2017 by a UMD student.
Hosted by BSU/UMD Social Justice Alliance, 2nd Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Foundation and the UMD Anti-Black Racism Initiative. Parking information will be shared prior to the event. Transportation will be provided for folks traveling from UMD’s campus, more information to come. For questions, please contact Victoria Alexander (she/her/hers), at valex@umd.edu.
EASTER BAKE SALE
A fundraiser to benefit the Peter A. Gross Scholarship. Homemade cookies (dozen) $18, Sweet Potato Pie $20, Brownies (pan) $20. 7Up Cake Iced $10; Reg $25, Carrot Cake (Sheet) $25, Strawberry Short Cake $25. Limited Supply. Pre-Orders only no later than April 13. Monetary donations are always welcome. Pick up Location: St. Philip’s Church Baden, Maryland. Pick up Dates/Times: Saturday, April 19, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sunday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to Noon. Point of Contacts: Trenda Hall 703-201-3863, Janice Harper 301-385-2620, Michele Chase 240-882-3369, Tasha Harley 443-404-5373.
MOTHER DAY CELEBRATION
BRENCORE Entertainment and Bowie Center for The Performing Arts Mother Day Celebration May 10, 2025, Bowie Center Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, Maryland 20716. The BRENCORE ALL STARS and special guests will be honoring Moms with their favorite Gospel, R&B, Jazz and inspirational songs. Let us honor the special ladies in our lives. Advanced Tickets $35.00. Day of event $45.00. Doors open at 6 p.m. Concert at 7 p.m. Tickets: BRENCORE.COM/BOWIECENTER.org. Free Parking, Vendors, Food and Cash Bar. Organizer BRENCORE ENTERTAINMENT.
A CULINARY STAPLE
Pig feet are considered a culinary staple in several countries China, the Southern United States, France, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines, and parts of Eastern Europe where they are often prepared in different ways like pickled, boiled, roasted, or used in stews depending on the region. Information from Wikipedia.
KIDS TO CAMP SCHOLARSHIP
The Kids to Camp Scholarship allows you to find the perfect camp that fits the imagination of your child. This is a needs-based scholarship. Applicants will be reviewed on a first-come, first served basis. Kids to Camp registration 2025 is underway. Apply today pgparks.com/fee-assistance-scholarships.
A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF BOBBY WOMACK
Join us as national recording artists Jamar Dukes, Reggie Baker, and Bryan Fox will perform some of Bobby Womacks greatest hits such as “If You Think You Are Lonely Now,” “Harry Hippie,” “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha,” “Woman’s Gotta Have It,” and many more. Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 8 p.m.–10:30 p.m. If you are a fan of Bobby Womack’s music, then this is a tribute you do not want to miss. Ticket Price: General $30; Senior & Student $25. All ages. Event Category: Arts Performances Senior Youth. Event Programs & Series: Concert Harmony Hall Arts Center. (301) 203-6070 harmonyhallarts@pgparks.com.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Cultivate something new. Now’s the time to plant the seed of something great in your life, help it grow and see it thrive. Dig into new interests, skills and hobbies, with classes in gardening, stainability, healthy living, and much more this summer at the College of Southern Maryland. Go to csmd.edu/community education to explore CSM’s full range of Community Education offerings.
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