Published on: Tuesday, February 09, 2010

By Mary McHale

Sweetie is missing!

“Lost beagle!” the flyers announce from their postings on trees and poles around the area. The beagle, a Homeward Trails Rescue Dog, is Sweetie, and she’s been missing a lmost a month now. She even made NBC news.

Sweetie has her own Web site, http//findsweetie.blogspot.com. Go to it and you’ll see this cute little dog and learn about her. She is mostly tan and white, with black on her tail, has a gentle disposition and has had a pretty tough life.

The Web site has a Sweetie time line: On Jan. 16, 1 a.m., she disappeared from Hartford Street in S.E. Washington. Since then she (or a beagle look-alike) has been sighted in Temple Hills, Suitland and District Heights. The last listing was Feb. 8, after the storm, at 11:30 a.m. on Route 4 south/east toward Brooks Avenue.

A large reward is offered for her safe return. However, if you spot her, the flyer warns, do not chase her!

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization that provides pet adoption throughout the metro area. It operates through a network of volunteers and pet foster parents. The phone number is 703-766-2647.

Neighbors

I’m proud to announce the birth of my new great-grandchild, Jason Alexander, born Jan. 22 to granddaughter Kathryn of West Chester, Ohio. The happy grandparents are Kathleen and Jim Shearer. Baby Jason weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds, 3 ounces.

Evelyn Poe, my former Skyline Drive neighbor, wrote me recently. (Getting a real letter is such a treat!) She writes that she has moved from her home near the Chesapeake to the Wildewood Senior Living Community in California, Md. and adds, “I traded the beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay for the beautiful woods that surround my apartment building.”

Condolences to Frank Broschart, former teacher at McNamara High School, on the death of his father, William E. Broschart Sr. who died Dec. 20.

In search of Flying Cross awardees

The Distinguished Flying Cross Society is searching for Maryland veterans who have earned the DFC.  Contact Roy Hodges at royhodges@comcast.net.

Coming up

Feb. 16: Morningside Town Meeting, 8 p.m.

Feb. 17: Skyline Citizens Meeting, Morningside Firehouse, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20: Celebrate Darnall’s Chance Scottish heritage and partake in a cozy winter afternoon tea, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Scotland. Space is limited. Make your reservation early by calling 301-952-8010. Admission: resident, $20; non-resident, $25. Darnall’s Chance is at 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Dr., in Upper Marlboro.

John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tours will be held April 10, 17, 24, and May 1. I’ve done this all-day tour twice and found it fascinating. It reserves out fast. Call the Surratt House, in Clinton, for availability and other information, 301-868-1121.

May they rest in peace

James Earl “Slim” McCaskey, 86, formerly of Forestville and Crofton and a Pepco retiree, died Jan. 14. He was also a driving instructor with the Prince George’s Board of Education for 32 years. In recent years he lived in Carrsville, Va. He was a lifelong member of the Loyal Order of the Moose. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Margaret Gray McCaskey; a stepson, Robert Gray; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Richard Ray McCaskey.

William J. “Swede” Smith Sr., a retired Navy Seabee and Vietnam vet, died Dec. 31. He was retired from his company, Aaron’s Safe & Lock, a volunteer at the Oxon Hill Fire Dept., member of the Knights of Columbus Columcille Council #5317, and a horse owner and resident of Rosecroft Raceway. He was a dedicated husband, devoted father of 10 children, father-in-law to many, past and present, and grandfather of 12.

Lynette Thomas, 35, an English teacher at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, died Dec. 23. She previously taught at Laurel High and at Frederick Douglass where she helped start the school’s Steppin’ Divaz step team in 1998. She lived in Bowie. Among her survivors is her husband, Enoch Thomas.

Milestones

Happy birthday to Adam Cook, Feb. 5; Diane McCrone, Feb. 6; Theo Carter, Rita Beall and J.B. Thomas, Feb. 7; Jesse Ritter and my granddaughter Molly McHale, Feb. 8; Connie Waby and Mary (Stakem) Crane, Feb. 9; Ginny Call, Dawn Witherow and David Chambers, Feb. 11.

Happy Valentine’s Day!