Cedar Hill Funeral Home Unveils Extensive Renovations
Second chapel, other key elements to assist grieving families, now open

By PRESS OFFICER
Memorial Planning

Suitland, Md. (Dec. 15, 2025)—Everstory Partners, one of the nation’s largest deathcare providers, is transforming its funeral homes to emphasize hospitality and comfort for families.

Recently, Cedar Hill Funeral Home became the latest Everstory Partners location, under the Memorial Planning brand, to be transformed in this new direction.

“We want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible as they say goodbye to someone they love,” said Matt Sobon, senior vice president of operations, Everstory Partners. “We have researched deathcare approaches around the world, and everything shows our industry needs to focus on hospitality and how we care for our customers.”

Cedar Hill Funeral Home is one of the busiest locations in the Memorial Planning network. Serving Cedar Hill Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, and Washington National Cemetery, the funeral home hosts nearly 1,400 services each year.

“Cedar Hill Funeral Home provides a welcoming and caring space,” said Reverend Jerome (Sam) Tarver, pastor, Maple Springs Baptist Church and emcee of the December 13 ribbon cutting. “More importantly, a haven for peace and hope. It’s more than bricks, mortar, and fresh paint; more than a Java bar or new meeting rooms. It’s about ministry that walks with families in difficult times.”

Throughout the funeral home, the renovations introduce modern design elements, including updated colors, furniture, and fixtures, to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The highlight of the renovation is a second chapel, doubling the existing capacity and now accommodating services for up to 200 guests.

Key renovation highlights include:

• Redesigned reception areas that create a warm, welcoming first impression.

• A dedicated family suite offering a private, intimate space for loved ones.

• Well-appointed meeting rooms designed for planning funeral and cemetery services.

• A Java bar where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments.

“Cedar Hill Funeral Home and its cemeteries have been a central part of this community for more than a century,” said Sheria Jennings, funeral home manager, Cedar Hill Funeral Home. “These renovations show our commitment to this area, providing comfort for families during their times of need.”

Memorial Planning, the parent brand of Cedar Hill Funeral Home, is a family-focused network of cemeteries and funeral homes, offering personalized end-of-life services. With over 450 locations, Memorial Planning providers proudly serve over 66,000 families a year. Visit www.memorialplanning.com to learn more and for a list of locations.

Everstory Partners’ mission is to create supportive spaces where individuals and families can find solace, meaning, and hope in the midst of loss. Since 1999, the company has grown to include 463 cemetery, funeral, and crematory locations serving more than 65,000 families a year across the United States (including Puerto Rico) on both a pre-need and at-need basis. Everstory is the brand promise, created in April 2023 to destigmatize death care with a unique blend of long-standing traditions of caring for the deceased with a fresh perspective that death is a natural and beautiful part of the human experience that should be planned and celebrated. Visit www.everstorypartners.com

TOP OF PAGE

FUNBOX Launches Largest Indoor Bounce Park Yet in Maryland

By PRESS OFFICER
FUNBOX

BOWIE, Md. (Dec. 18. 2025)—It’s time to bounce! FUNBOX, the company behind one of the largest indoor bounce parks, is bringing its biggest location yet to Bowie, Md. with a high-energy grand opening on Dec. 20, 2025. Packed with immersive attractions designed for all ages, FUNBOX invites guests to bounce, climb and play their way through endless fun.

Located at 3861 Evergreen Pkwy., the massive 20,000-square-foot indoor playground includes a 10,000-square-foot inflatable bounce park, six birthday rooms, a prize and redemption room and arcade games. It’s the perfect year-round destination for families looking to stay active, celebrate special moments and have fun, rain or shine.

“Our Bowie location is the biggest FUNBOX yet,” said Timi Omotayo, franchisee owner. “We’re thrilled to bring this all-ages experience to Maryland. Whether you're here for a birthday party, school outing or just an afternoon of fun, FUNBOX is all about bringing people together in a vibrant, high-energy space.”

When it’s time to party, FUNBOX delivers more than just bounce, it brings the ultimate celebration experience! With flexible party rooms and endless customization options, everything from birthdays to spirited school outings can be transformed into unforgettable events, complete with food, decor and themes.

Walk-up and scheduled jump times are available. FUNBOX will welcome guests seven days a week. For more information, please visit funbox.com/bowie.

FUNBOX, one of the largest indoor bounce parks, features slides, obstacle courses, climbing walls and more. It is an affordable experience for all families. FUNBOX is dedicated to providing year-round fun for guests of all ages. In addition, FUNBOX is an ideal location for birthday parties, company parties, school field trips, and fundraisers. FUNBOX has every guest bouncing with joy. Visit funbox.com/bowie.

TOP OF PAGE

Marietta Historic Site & Museum Presents: Program for Families: Yoruba Language and Culture

By STACEY HAWKINS
Marietta Historic Site & Museum

Please join us on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for an energetic and fun “Program for Families: Yoruba Language and Culture”.

Dr. Taiye Ayoola-Adedeji is the author of the interactive bilingual (English and Yoruba) book “The Yoruba Sound Book for Children”. She will engage children and adults in fun cultural activities including music and play about the Yoruba people and culture. She engages families in using Yoruba words for colors, animals, foods, greetings, and seasons.

Recommended for ages 4-12 with an accompanying adult. All ages under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. FREE event. Registration is requested. Please register at www.pgparksdirect.com and use ticket code: MHM-SPEC-GA-20260110. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, please call 301-464-5291 or email mariettahouse@pgparks.com

Marietta Historic Site & Museum is located at 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, MD and is a property of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

TOP OF PAGE