A single-car crash on Suitland Parkway about 11:20 Sunday morning, Feb. 16, resulted in the death of an adult and left four minors injured, according to United States Park Police. Helicopters landed on the Beltway and airlifted the minors to a hospital for further medical treatment.
This accident occurred on the eastbound side of the Parkway near Suitland Road.
The crash is under investigation and no additional information has been released. If any of you, dear readers, know more, call me at 301-735-3451. Meanwhile, pray for this grieving family.
Town of Morningside
A St. Patrick’s Day celebration is coming up in Morningside, and, of course, the annual Easter Eggstravaganza.
March meetings include the work session on Tuesday, March 11, and the town meeting on March 18, both beginning at 7 p.m.
For all things Morningside, you can call 301-736-2300.
Mardi Gras at Camp Springs Senior CenterCamp Springs seniors’ spring calendar is out, and it’s filled with good stuff, like Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 4, noon to 2:30 p.m.
This celebration features French Quarter vibes with live music performed by Memphis Gold and Trio. Purple, Green and Gold are the colors of the day.
Wear your festive mask. Bring your handkerchiefs. There’ll be the crowning of the King and Queen and a parade with beads and festive treats. The fee is $25 and includes a Louisiana-style catered meal.
The next day will be Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent.
Selling your home? Join the center?Among the other offerings at Camp Springs Senior is “Preparing Your Home for the Selling Market,” on March 13, 1-2 p.m.; Blood Pressure Screening by MedStar, in the Blue Heron, March 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join them Friday, March 14, 1-3 p.m., for a movie with popcorn and a drink. Name of the film will be at the front desk and on the digital marquee in the hallway.
If you are a senior like me, you can see that the Center has delightful and helpful offerings. Go by. Pick up the Spring Calendar and ask about joining.
Potomac crashEleven more bodies were found in the river Feb. 3, bring to 55 the number of victims found. The crashed plane was carefully brought to the surface with the help of Navy salvage experts. Details continue to surface on what caused the tragedy.
Changing landscapeThe new Capitol Heights Patient First is now open at 1670 Ritchie Station Court. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year. Walk-in, no appointment necessary. Phone: 240-765-1406.
D.C.’s Landmark E Street Cinema — a “subterranean hub for independent and international cinema” in downtown Washington — is closing its doors this spring. The final show will be March 6, a 7 p.m. showing of “Mickey 17” starring Robert Pattinson. Back in my foreign movie days, the E Street was one of my favorite theaters.
Valencia Ferguson, Suitland High gradValencia Renee Ferguson, 57, of Camp Springs, a graduate of Suitland High School, died Feb. 8. She was the daughter of Jacqueline and Gene Ferguson and the sister to Leonard, Yolanda and Lionel.
After high school, she earned a bachelor’s from Potomac College and a master’s at Capitol Technology University. She had a career in pharmacy.
Survivors include her son Jarrett Dwight Adams, and she also cherished her nieces and nephews, Kendra Hyater-Davis, Keonna Hyater, Labarron Dante Davis and their children. A service was held Feb. 21 at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home in Waldorf.
Paul Merriman, Crossland graduatePaul E. Merriman, Jr., 77, of Dunkirk, died at his home on Jan. 30. He was born in Washington, lived in Oxon Hill and graduated from Crossland.
He joined the I.B.E.W. apprentice program and was a member of Local 26 for 42 years. He worked on many industrial projects, including the opening of the Metro rail system, the renovation of the Washington Monument, and the construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
He was an avid reader, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and rooting for the Washington Redskins. He never missed a family celebration, especially a birthday for one of his grandchildren who knew him as “Pop Pop.”
Survivors include two sisters, Ana Mae Merriman and Vicki Griffin, and three children, Tammy Merriman Kost, Tracy Merriman Kost, and Eric Merriman, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother Vernon “Mickey” Merriman and parents, Paul Eugene Merriman and Frieda Omega Merriman (White).
Services were at Lee ‘s Chapel, followed by interment at Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk.
David Wheeler, Crossland graduateDavid A. Wheeler died suddenly on Jan. 10 at his home in Pittston, Maine. He was born in Washington, D.C., to John and Gladys Wheeler.
He graduated from Crossland and worked the rest of his life as a builder, carpenter and cabinetmaker. As his official obit states, he was “a born craftsman. He attained great skill in joinery, boatbuilding, and fine woodworking.” He worked in Maine shipyards including Renaissance Yacht, Sample’s Shipyard, and Hodgdon Yacht, and launched boats including Signe, Antonisa and Scheherazade.
He and his first wife, Julia Moore, had three children, Anais, Morgan and Piper.
MilestonesHappy birthday to Winifred Lanehart, March 1; Karen (Elborne) Stern and Harold Titus, March 2; Jennifer Vilky, March 3; Amy Schlor, March 4; Matthew Flaherty, March 4; and Roy Derrick, March 6.
Happy anniversary to Tom and Sarah Shipman, their 66th on March 4; and to Larry and Susan Frostbutter, March 5.
