Paca

On May 26, 1763, William Paca, the Harford native who would become governor of Maryland and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, ensured his social and economic position by his marriage to Mary Chew, the daughter of a wealthy and prominent Maryland family. Four days after the wedding, Paca purchased two lots in Annapolis and soon began building the five-part mansion and extensive pleasure garden that remains an important historical landmark and tourist destination today.

Think you know your Maryland trivia? Sure, you say. You know your state's history. You know its geography. You even know many of the state's symbols - the Baltimore oriole, for instance. The state bird, of course. On Sunday, you can celebrate the state at Maryland Day events, taking place throughout Annapolis. Maryland Day commemorates the founding of Maryland on March 25, 1634, at St. Clement's Island. All day Sunday, the Historic Annapolis Foundation invites visitors to its sites free of charge, for various educational and fun activities pertaining to Maryland.

Several city streets will be closed during a charity 5K run and walk tomorrow with a route that will loop from M&T Bank Stadium north to Franklin Street and back. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is sponsoring the 12th annual Race for the Cure with children and family walks beginning at 8 a.m., and the 5K walk and run starting at 8:45 a.m. Street closings from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. will be: Russell Street northbound from Hamburg Street to Pratt Street; Paca Street from Pratt to Franklin Street; and Hamburg from Paca to Russell.

On August 30, 2004, DONN T. LONGO, beloved father of Steven M. Longo and his wife Kelli; cherished grandfather of Olivia, Meghan and Lauren Longo; devoted son of the late Salvatore and Marie Longo; dear brother of Rose Marie Strouse, Anthony, Robert, Kevin and Timothy Longo. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the family owned David J. Weber Funeral Homes, P.A., 5311 Edmondson Avenue, on Thursday from 6 to 9 P.M. Services from the funeral home on Friday at 10 A.M. Due notice of interment will be given.

"Our word of the month is ... dream," echo hundreds of children in sync with their enrichment teacher, Margene Versace. "The kind you have while you're awake." More than 500 pupils and dozens of parents and faculty members packed the gymnasium of William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School in Abingdon on Thursday to honor third-grader Kiera McKenna and nine other prize winners. Kiera, 9, won the grand prize of the "Dare to Dream ... Expect to Succeed" national competition. Any medium could be used for the contest.

William Paca Beatson Sr., a retired insurance executive, died Friday of complications from a stroke at the Broadmead retirement community in Hunt Valley. He was 91. A direct descendant of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the third governor of Maryland, Mr. Beatson was an avid student of American history. A gifted raconteur, he often delighted his three grandchildren with stories about their ancestors, whom he had traced back several generations. "He loved life and loved sharing it with other people," said attorney and sports agent Ron Shapiro, a close family friend.

On November 28, 2003, WILLIAM PACA BEATSON, SR., beloved husband of the late Mary Colt Wilcox, devoted father of William Paca Beatson, Jr., and the late John Herbert Beatson; and loving grandfather of John Herbert Beatson, Jr., Philip Whittington Beatson, and William Paca Beatson III. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 30, at 1 P.M. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1401 Carrollton Ave. in Ruxton. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Gilchrist Center, 6601 N. Charles St., 21204 or to Broadmead, 13801 York Road, Cockeysville, 21030.

On November 1, 2003, MARCIA J. BRYAN, beloved wife of the late B. Stanley Bryan; devoted mother of Gregory A. Bryan, Colleen M. Leprevost, Robyn L. Hill and Karen L. Walton; also survived by six brothers and sisters, and ten grandchildren. Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home Inc., 1050 York Rd. (Beltway exit 26A) on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M., where a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 9 A.M. Interment Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery. Memorials, in her name, to the St. Jude Shrine, 308 N. Paca St., Baltimore, MD 21201, would be appreciated.

EAI Corp., a national defense contractor based in Abingdon, is expanding its headquarters in William Paca Industrial Park from 25,187 to 45,530 square feet, the company announced last week. Barney Michel, EAI's vice president of management and integration, said that he expects to complete the project in the spring. The company will occupy the entire building at 1308 Continental Drive, which it previously shared with Convergence Corp., a mouse pad and counter mat manufacturer. EAI specializes in manufacturing materials used by the departments of Defense and Homeland Security - gloves, suits and breathing apparatus - for protection against biological and chemical attacks.

On June 11, 2003 PROSPERO A. MAGAT beloved husband of Prose G. Magat; loving father of Karlo G. and his wife Anna L. Magat; devoted grandfather of Isabella F. Magat and admired brother of Rosario M. and her husband Julian Agardi. Visitation to be held at the HUBBARD FUNERAL HOME, INC., 4107 Wilkens Avenue on Friday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Jude Shrine, 308 N. Paca Street with reception to follow.