Charles Henry Brown, of Charles Brown Opticians in the medical office building on Piscataway Road across from the Clinton Post Office, died April 26 at his home in Bryantown.
He was born in Cumberland, Md., to the late Vella and Robert Brown. He graduated from Fort Hill High School, Class of 1961.
Charles was an optician for 50 years and a master optician for the last 30 career years. He was a Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry and was listed in Washington Consumer Checkbook as among the area’s best opticians. He was a Charter Certified Optician and received many plaques for excellence.
A Deacon at The Grace Church of Waldorf, he played guitar, sang tenor in the church choir and was a member of the Brothers in Grace Quartet. In 1994, with his wife and 10 others, he went on a mission trip to Argentina where the 12 of them built a church in 12 days.
He was the past president of the Clinton Lions Club 1984 to 1985.
He loved golf. And he learned to fly an airplane with the flight instruction of Bob Jeter in 1977.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 47 years, Karen H. (Ferry) Brown, daughter Lisa, sons William Walter and Andrew Walter; grandchildren and great-grands, sister Marybell and her husband Lester Elder. Memorial Service was at The Grace Church in Waldorf.
Time for Morningside’s annual clean-upMorningside will have its annual Spring Clean-Up the weekend of May 18-19. As it reads on the website, “It’s that time of year. Let’s get it done inside and out—from that overflowing closet and basement to the shed, garage and yard.”
Hours: Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m. to noon. Rain-dates, June 29/30.
There’ll be roll-off containers for household items, yard waste and scrap metal drop off.
First come, first served (maximum 2 loads per household). ID required. (Restrictions apply: no mattresses, paint, tires, hazmat, gas-powered equipment, etc.)
Raffle & Free Bag of Mulch (while supplies last).
Senior Residents: “If you are unable to bring your items, call 301-736-2301 by Thursday, May 16 at 4:00 and let us know. A member of our Public Works team will assist you.”
Also, this year, on Sunday, May 19 (rain-date, June 30), they’ll host a Low-Cost Shot Clinic for cats and dogs: Rabies $15, Distemper/Parvo $20, Deworming $10 & Admin. Charge $3.00 per pet. Vet will be onsite Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m. to noon (rain date June 30).
More from the Town of MorningsideMonthly work session, May 14; monthly town meeting, May 21. Both start at 7 p.m.
Administrative offices will be closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.
Driving Suitland Road, passing Morningside? Slow down! The new speed cameras have been installed.
Congratulations, Washington PostThe Pulitzer Prize is regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism. It was established in 1917 from funds endowed by journalist and newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Prizes are awarded yearly in twenty-one categories. This year, The Washington Post received three awards: National reporting by the Staff of Reuters and Staff of The Washington Post, Commentary, and Editorial writing by David E. Hoffman of the Washington Post.
GraduationsDonna Glagola Gentile, who grew up in Morningside, sent an email announcing their granddaughter Mackenzie is graduating from Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, Del., on June 2. She will be attending Coastal Carolina University in the fall. Mackenzie is their daughter Lori’s daughter.
Send news about the graduates in your family (muddmm@gmail.com).
Fur & feature reportA young black bear has been seen hanging out in the Brookland neighbor of NE Washington. The Department of Natural Resources website advises, if you come across a wild bear, “speak to it calmly in a low tone.” And don’t let it feel “cornered.”
Changing landscape“La’Caj Seafood is A Cajun Latin Fusion Kitchen & Bar with the perfect balance of flavors and influence. It’s the perfect place to catch a good dinner, lunch or Sunday brunch with amazing, handcrafted cocktails and a vibe like no other!” It’s at 4531 Telfair Blvd. in Camp Springs. Info: (240) 838-7575.
A home at 4503 Maple Road has sold for $300,000.
Mary Tolson, served under 5 mayorsMary Bernadette (Wise) Tolson died April 22, in Clinton. She was 81. Survivors include her children, Dana Tolson Blake and Donald G. Tolson II; grandchildren and great-grands.
She was born in Newton Grove, N.C., and moved to Washington in 1958.
Mary is noted for her illustrious career which began at C&P Telephone Co. and Freedmen’s Hospital. Later, she joined D.C,’s Department of Employment Services, serving under five of Washington’s mayors. She was widely recognized as the go-to person in the D.C. Government.
Among her talents, she will be remembered for her love of gardening.
Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial was held May 14 at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Camp Springs. Interment will be on May 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in her birthplace, Newton Grove, N.C.
MilestonesHappy Birthday to Kaylin Barbour, Otis Jones and Ellen Ashby, May 10; Jim Behr, May 20; Crystal Foster, Juanita Hood and Linda Holsonbake, May 22; Ricci Lee Jr., L. Dorothy Jones, Nancy Sawyer, Dory Babecki and Chester Lanehart IV, May 23; Edna Lucas and Harry Messer, May 24; Dennis Cook, Norma Edwards and my son John McHale, May 25.
Happy Anniversary to Dennis & Leigh D’Avanzo, their 35th, on May 20; Ronnie and Karen Ellis, their 58th on May 20; and John and Nichole Barbour. on May 25.
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