In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Eastover Auto Merges With Parts Authority
Eastover Auto Supply recently underwent a big change. As of September 2, Eastover has merged with Parts Authority and moved in with their Earl’s Discount Auto Parts branch.
In spring of 1982, Eastover Auto was ailing—on the verge of closing—when Will Foreman decided to take a chance on it.
A year earlier, Will had left his position as events manager at the Towson Center, Towson University, to take a job at Southeast Auto Supply. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to strike out on his own in Eastover.
In his first month running Eastover Auto, Will decided he needed help. He called on his friend, Towson Center building manager John McHale (incidentally, my son) who agreed to give Eastover Auto a whirl.
It would prove to be a big adjustment for John. “He couldn’t tell a spark plug from a brake shoe,” Will said. John agreed, “I knew nothing.”
He learned quickly, however.
In an era of print catalogues and paper price sheets, he had to memorize as much as possible just to keep up.
Soon, the store built a loyal base of auto-repair shops, government facilities, and regular walk-in customers, drawn to Eastover’s signature mix of deep knowledge and good-natured banter.
Long-time supporters included Morningside Councilman John Anthony and former Morningsider Wayne McKeown.
Across the years, the catalogues were replaced by computers.
The staff changed. Though some people—like Wayne Brown—have stayed around for decades and become family.
Some staff, literally, were family. My daughter Elaine and grandson Conor have both worked there across the years, and Will’s children all pitched in when they were in high school.
One by one, the other independent auto parts stores have gone out of business or been bought by national chains. Through it all, Will and John, “joined at the hip,” as Will says, have kept Eastover Auto going.
In 2014, lease changes forced Eastover Auto to leave its original home in Eastover Shopping Center and relocate to a space behind the Forestville Fire Department and across the street from the old Murray’s Steaks.
Eastover Auto adjusted to the new location, aggressively building online sales through eBay and Amazon, and the customer base grew significantly by reaching new customers across the U.S. and all over the globe.
In the wake of COVID, however, their main supplier went bankrupt, forcing Eastover Auto to find a new path forward.
Visit them in Marlow Heights
The Eastover staff—led by Will and John—is joining Parts Authority as they open their new location at 4500A St. Barnabas Rd in Marlow Heights. Come in for your new wipers. And welcome them.
Gospel Concert at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
Chair Edward P. Burroughs III invites you to “a very special evening of worship, fellowship, and inspiration” at the District 8 Gospel Concert, Friday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, 7707 Allentown Road, in Fort Washington. Doors will open early for those who RSVP.
As Chair Burroughs says, “This concert is a celebration of our community’s resilience, faith and unity.”
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Mike Dawes, Sept. 9; Charlie Deegan, Robert Andrew Woods, John Dexter Woods and Nan Brown, Sept. 10; Carol Lee, my late husband Jack McHale, Sept. 11; my cousin Mary Ann Bass, Anthony Thomas and Hank Busky, Sept. 12; Patricia Epperly, Sept. 13; Kenny Clark, Sept. 14; Elnora McCall, Sept. 15; Dolores McDonald, Steven Warren and Yolanda Dooley, Sept. 16; Kimberly Brewer, Everett Mason, Jr. and Joan Stakem, Sept. 17; and Shirley Smith, Sept. 18.
Happy Anniversary to Les and Kathy Hedrick, Sept. 13; and to Sal and Kathy (Blankenship) Biberaj, Sept. 14.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
SEPTEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Franklin and Joyce Isaac, Jose and Daphne Rojas, Norville and Deserae Hughes, Ted and Rebecca Mosley, Shelton and Melania (Pastor) Trice, Owen and Audrey Johnson who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in September. Wishing you many more years to celebrate.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Happy Birthday to Ayden Bell, Osayi Omoregbe, Chidinma Mbakwe, Mariama Davies, Ronald Jones, Pam Stahl, Donna Cain, Norman Noel, Alexis Proctor, Elijah P. Knight, Kirk Samuel, Beonie Pearson, Idena Thomas, Karen Taylor, Curt Falby, Annie Cokes, James Dorsett, IV, Kizzy Savoy, Umaru Davies, Rebecca Mosley, Vincent Cooke who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating birthdays in September.
CLINTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
Clinton United Methodist Church Art as Therapy (Mental Health) Beauty for Ashes Retreat Friday, September 19, 2025, via Zoom at 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Prayer Garden & Multipurpose Room) cost is $25 per person (lunch included in registration fee). The church address is 10700 Brandywine Road, Cinton, Maryland 20735. Church Office: 301-868-1281. Email: cumcmd@verizon.net.
149th ANNIVERSARY HOMECOMING
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Baden Parish will be celebrating their 149th Anniversary Homecoming on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. Guest Speaker, Minister Faye A. Johnson from Genesis Covenant Church in Clinton, Maryland. Message for the day is “We are Trusting and Seeing What God Can Do.” St. Philip’s Church, Baden Parish is located at 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. There will be a lite lunch after the service. Come out and bring a friend.
67th ANNUAL WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
The 67th Annual Washington International Horse Show in the Washington, D.C. area October 20–26, 2025 with the magic, the memories, and the absolute best of indoor show jumping. With nearly $1 million in prize money, a star-studded lineup of Olympic-caliber athletes, family-friendly fun, and an elevated experience for all, this year’s WIHS is set to be best-in-class on every level. Join WIHS at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Buy tickets at https://wihs.org/
FOODEES FOOD AND CULTURE FESTIVAL, NATIONAL HARBOR
Come on out and enjoy the number one touring food truck festival in the US! October 17, 1 p.m.–October 19, 7 p.m. Tanger Outlets National Harbor, 6800 Oxon Hill Road, National Harbor, Maryland 20745. Admission is free. Tickets and information: Visit Eventbrite, the Destination Magazine, ALL Events.
ST. PHILIP’S CRAB FEAST
We will have a Crab Feast on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 2–5 p.m. ALL YOU CAN EAT: ALL YOU CAN LOVE! At St. Philip’s Church Hall, 13801 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613. All tickets in advance are $60 Adults, $25-12 & under. Land Lovers Food and Drinks included. Tickets: Vivian 804-301-9530, Shirley 302-690-4260, Michele 240-882-3369. Peter A. Gross, Sr. Scholarship/Memorial Fund “Proceeds Go to Future Scholarships.”
PAINT & SIP NIGHTS
Wind Down. Wine Up. Join us for Paint & Sip at Piano Keys Restaurant Lounge for a smooth and soulful after-work vibe you do not want to miss. Location: Piano Keys Restaurant & Lounge 7651 Matapeake Business Dr. Suite 104, Brandywine, Maryland. Date: Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday. Paint & Sip Time: 6–8 p.m. and Afro Caribbean 11 p.m. Enjoy good music, good food, and great company. Coming solo or with the crew, just show up and vibe out. Painting materials included. Chill. Connect. Unwind. RSVP WWW.SADEPAINTANDSIP.COM. More information 240-342-9192.
BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Baden VFD is at the southern edge of Prince George’s County, MD. The address is 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, Maryland. We have a very nice banquet hall available for rent. We are in need of Firefighter EMS, EMS, and administrative members. Telephone: 301-888-1888. info@badenvfd.com.
TRIBUTE TO BILLIE HOLIDAY
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we pay tribute to the legendary Billie Holiday. Experience the magic of her timeless music, brought to life by talented performers who will capture the essence of Lady Day’s soulful music and emotional depth. From her iconic hits like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless A Child” to lesser- known gems, this tribute promises to be a heartfelt celebration of the greatest voices. Do not miss this chance to honor Billie Holiday’s enduring legacy and immerse yourself in the beauty of her music Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1–2:30 p.m. Ticket Price $25 Age: All. Event Category: Arts Performances. Event Programs & Series This event is at Harmony Hall Arts Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, Maryland. Telephone 301-203-6070 harmonyhall@pgparks.com.
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
Bowie State University recently welcomed Babson College President Stephen Spinelli Jr. and his staff to campus for discussions around our shared commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial education and leadership. We thank them for visiting and engaging in meaningful dialogue about bold future for students. At Bowie State, entrepreneurial education is embedded in our university. Learn more about our entrepreneurship resources: https://bit.ly/45i00rW. BowieBOLD, Entrepreneurship, Innovation.
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