In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Sharper’s Florist closes after more than a century
How could it happen? Valentine’s Day has come and gone without Sharper’s! The family closed its doors after more than 100 years at the corner of Brinkley Road and St. Barnabas Road.
“To our valued customers” begins the announcement:
“Thank you for the privilege of your business for over 100 years.
“Your support and loyalty has allowed Sharper’s to service many of you and your family members for a lifetime. We are truly grateful to have been able to convey your well wishes, congratulations, affection and sympathy through flowers.
The time has now come for our family to retire and embark on a new journey. We wish all of you health and happiness and thank you again for your patronage over the years.”
Signed, “With love, the Sharper family.”
One of the Sharper ads: “John Sharper Inc. Florist is a family-owned and operated business dating back to the early 1900s. We are a full-service florist so we can deliver next door to your home, the other side of the country and around the world.”
The announcement had well more than 100 comments, such as:
Mary Ann: “When I lived in Fort Washington, Sharper’s was the place to go. My husband and my family have shopped there for at least three generations.”
Patrick: “I would drive by five florist shops to purchase from your establishment.”
Sherri: “Probably the oldest continuously operating business in Oxon Hill.”
Maria: “Where do we go now?”
And my personal comment: What will happen to the iconic Sharper’s sign?
Neighbors & other good people
Congressman Steny Hoyer graduated from Suitland High School in 1957. (I like to see local people make it big.) I appreciate seeing him on the floor of Congress these days. But, what I personally remember is that back in about 1980 he knocked on my door. He told me he was running for office and asked me to vote for him. And told me why. I’ve been here since 1958 and never had another candidate knock on my door.
Fr. Charles Luckett has transferred from St. Mary’s Church in Upper Marlboro to Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Chaptico.
Donna Reed Duckett, of Clinton, died Jan. 31. She grew up in Morningside, one of the seven children of Albert and Jean Reed, of Larches Court. Her parents and brother Dwight Reed predeceased her. Survivors include daughter Kellie, son John, and two grandchildren.
Condolences to Angelo Meoli, a longtime resident of Auth Village, on the death of his brother Dominic Meoli, of Berwyn, Pa., on Dec. 17. Ange had just suffered the death of his wife Marlyn in September. It’s been a hard time for him.
Changing landscape
Move FBI Headquarters to Maryland? That issue is back in the news. The current building was completed in 1975 and has, according to a Washington Post editorial, a “crumbling façade, inadequate security, antiquated infrastructure and inadequate square footage.” One of three new locations under consideration is the site of the former (and once glorious!) Landover Mall. Stay tuned.
The Washington Post Magazine has a featured story, “Is D.C. Finally on the Brink of Statehood?” They think so: “Maybe, just maybe, it could actually happen.”
Esperanza Chicken & Grill is hosting its Grand Opening in the Clinton shopping center.
Lent began Feb. 17. When I was a child I gave up candy. What am I going to give up now?
Is Valentine’s Day over?
It may be too late, but you could call 301-372-6690, and see. Because for Valentine’s Day, Ed’s Plant World in Brandywine was advertising their Be Mine Bundle for $27.95: 1 dozen roses, 1 box of chocolates, 1 balloon and 1 Valentine.
If it’s too late now, you might consider the offer next February.
Coronavirus report
As of Feb. 9, 5 p.m., Maryland had had a total of 365,529 cases and 976 new cases the day before. There have been 7,413 deaths, with 41 yesterday.
I’m still here and have had no bad effects from my shot last week. On Feb. 25 I’ll have the 2nd shot.
Maryland had administered 634,055 doses as of Feb. 6.
It looks like CVS and Walgreens in Clinton may be taking reservations.
Bill Hartman, Crossland grad
William “Bill” Hartman, 67, who grew up in Morningside, died Feb. 4 at his home in Columbia. He was the son of John and Mayme (or Mary) Hartman who lived at 6206 Suitland Road, according to the 1952 Morningside Directory. They were among Morningside’s earliest residents.
Bill was a 1971 graduate of Crossland HS where he played varsity baseball. In 1980 he married Joyce Zanelotti. He had a successful 26-year career in sales, many friends and hobbies. He spent countless days coaching on the field—especially for son Tim—or cheering in the stands.
After retiring, Bill and Joyce moved to Delaware to fulfill their dream of living at the beach.
Bill is predeceased by his parents and siblings John, Edward and Mary Hartman. He’s survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce, son and daughter-in-law Timothy and Bridgid, three grandchildren, and sister Janet Farina. Services were at Sacred Heart Church in Glyndon, Md.
Mary Parks, one of eleven
Mary Schoenbauer (Hite) Parks, 98, of Camp Springs, died Dec. 23. She was born in Washington, one of 11 children. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis Schoenbauer and of the late Warren Parks.
She spent her later years at Charlestown Senior Living in Catonsville and was an avid bridge player well into her 90s.
She was the mother of Ron (deceased), John, Tom and Debbie, stepmother of Bill and Tim (both deceased). Grandmother of many. Survived by brothers Aubrey, Richard and Jerry and sister Nancy.
A memorial service will be held for Mary in Summer 2021. Donations in her name may be made to Children’s Hospital.
Milestones
Happy birthday to Melissa Harnes and Paul Bornman, Feb. 20; Ray Short Jr., Feb. 21; Larry Miller, Feb. 24; Kevin Gray, Feb. 25; Angela Hutchinson and Thomas “TJ” Flaherty, Feb. 27.
Happy anniversary to Clifford and Nancy Lantz on Feb. 26. And Happy 20th birthday to Wikipedia. What would we do without it?
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
COUNTY’S BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Clerk of the Court Waverly Webb swore in Jackie T. Shabe of Greenbelt and Rev. Robert Owen Johnson, Sr. of Brandywine to the County’s Board of Social Services. Upon the recommendation of County Executive William W. Gullett, Council approved the two nominees August 22, 1983. Mrs. Shabe, a County Police Department employ and member of nine, had just finished a term on the board when she was confirmed for a three-year term to end in 1975. Rev. Johnson, Sr., pastor of the Brandywine United Methodist Church had been chairman of the Advisory Committee on Assistance to Families of Dependent Children in the Welfare Services since its start in 1963. Rev. Johnson served a three-year term until 1975. Information from Magan Pathik, Director, Area Agency on Aging.
REMEMBERING MY FRIEND RUTH TURNER
Remembering my friend, on her birthday February 2. She was a special lady to her family, her church, and her community. Mrs. Turner possessed a kind, giving sprit that touched the lives of many people in a positive way. Submitted by Rudell Jones.
AMAZON SMILE DONATION
Amazon Smile Donation to Community Support Systems. Just a reminder to sign up for Amazon Smile. We are ordering more these days. With each order you place, Amazon will donate a percentage of your total to Community Systems. Please tell your friends and family. We can donate without it coming out of our pocket.
Go to https: smile.amazon.com. Log into your Amazon account and select Community Support Systems Inc in Brandywine, Maryland at check out and presto you have donated. Remember: Amazon is donating monies based on your purchase. CSS works diligently to improve the quality of life of our neighbors. We appreciate any contributions you can make to help us fulfill our Mission. Our HEART is in our work. Won’t you help us to help others? Stay safe. Follow the Governor’s orders. Ethel Shepard-Powell, Executive Director, Kim Burch, Senior Program Assistant.
HISTORICAL BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
VCDMA & HBCUCON present ‘A Different World: HBCU Geeks’, February 24, 2021 at 6 p.m. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have served as unique educational and social environments for scholars of color and their allies since the abolition of slavery in 1865. HBCUs opened their doors to all, especially people of the African diaspora and other marginalized groups, at a time when most other institutions had outrageously low quotas, if not refused admission altogether. In a post-Jim Crow society, why are HBCU’s still relevant today? What is the HBCU (nerd) experience? Contact Tewodross Melchishua Williams for the link to join the event. Visit the HBCUCon Social media pages, Instagram page, Facebook page. Contact Tewodross Melchishua Williams, Email: tewodrossm@gmail.com, website: http://www.hbcucon.org.
BOLD INDIVIDUALITY
Ananias Miranda, Elementary Education with a minor in Theatre Arts, is a Junior at Bowie State University. She is involved in the Caribbean Dance Club, United and Expressions, which is a spoken word club featuring poetry, music, rap, singing.
What makes you Bold? Me being willing to put myself out there. Making everyone laugh, meeting new people, trying new things. I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, but now we live in California in the Bay Area. Moving from California to Maryland, and leaving my mom, my main support system is bold.
What inspired you to choose your major? I have always wanted to be a teacher and mold our younger ones because they are going to be the next generation that leads us. I want to help them become good adults and good citizens who can change our world.
What makes Bowie State special to you? I love seeing all the people from different backgrounds coming together here to get an education and to be better. I really fell in love with the campus once I came to student orientation. The professors, the classes. I had heard nothing but great things. And so far, everything about this place has lived up to its name.
What have you learned about yourself at Bowie State? I learned that I am not as shy as I thought I was. When I am on stage, I am completely comfortable. Now I am learning to make the world my stage. I have learned to love myself for who I am. No matter what you do, someone will have an opinion, so it is easier to just be yourself. Contact webmaster@bowiestate.edu.
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