Norma Jean's Column for Southern Prince George's County

What a crazy world we live in. Looks like you can't even gas up your car without worrying about what might happen when someone comes along with a gun! Let's all pray that the person or persons who are doing this are caught quickly.

It seems that we may lose many acres of wetlands due to building that may be allowed in Newport News, Virginia. They have asked to be able to build a reservoir which would destroy more than 400 acres of prime Chesapeake Bay wetlands, making it the largest wetland loss in the Mid-Atlantic since the Clean Water Act was adopted in 1972. If you are concerned with the Bay, let your Congressperson know how you feel about this action.

A State of the Bay will be released within the next two weeks. This annual report rates the Bay's health based on 13 indicators in the categories of habitat, pollution, and fisheries. The report gives us an idea of how far we have fallen from the Bay of the 1600s (as recounted by Captain John Smith) and how great our challenge remains. At this time, the Bay's health rates only 27 out of 100 and work continues to change that by reducing pollution, restoring habitat, and replenishing the Bay's fish stocks. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation leads the way through environmental education, restoration, and protection. If you have a desire to have someone from the CBF speak to your organization, let me know.

Nancy and I had to cancel our trip to Tunica since there was not enough interest, but we have a great trip going to Florida in January. It will be from January 26 to February 1, and will visit Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Savannah. The cost is $425, with a deposit of $75 upon signing. The price is based on double occupancy; $149will be added for single occupancy. Final payment is due by November 27, 2002. Let me know if you are interested.

We had a wonderful train trip on October 8. We traveled by bus to Cumberland, and then took the train to Frostburg. If you have never taken this trip, you should. It is really fun. They use the same engine for both ways and you get to watch the engine turn around in Frostburg on the turntable. We ate in the dining car on the train, lunch on the way up, and dessert with coffee on the way back.

Many hearings will be taking place concerning the plans for a new waste transfer station on Dower House Road. If you have not heard of this plan, perhaps you should attend one of the hearings, which will be November 12 and 18, both at 8:30 am at the County AdministrationBuilding.

Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek will be having their annual Bazaar on October 26, from 8 am to 2 pm. There will be handmade items, white elephants, and baked goods, with lunch available. The annual roast beef dinner will be the next weekend.

American Originals Fife and Drum Corps is looking for its annual Christmas Bazaar on November 30 from 10 am to 3 pm in Chesapeake Beach. Call 301-855-7501.

"Disco Mania" will be taking place at Solomons VFD from 9 pm to 1 am on October 25. Free buffet style food will be available, with setups provided for YOB. Prizesand cash will be given away. For advance ticket information, call toll free 1-877-666-8583 or email at cocopromotions@aol.com

Southern Prince George's County Chapter 1260 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will again meet at theSurratts-Clinton Library on October 17 at 1 pm. Dan Adcock, NARFE's National Representative on Long Term Care Insurance will be speaking. Please think about bringing some non-perishable food for NARFE's Thanksgiving Food Drive and/or any school supply item for the Adopt-a-school program.

HappyBirthday in October to Eddie Plotts and Rose Jordan, October 3, Lisa Tinkham and Angelica Gonzalez, October 4, Elaine Flowers,October 5, Margaret, Arrington and Ann Carr, October 6, Mary Sasscer and Steven Flowers, October 8, Betty Hayden, October 11, Marie Spano, Steven Ratcliff, and my grandson, George Lucas, Jr., October 12, Ruth Brett, Margaret Buckler, Grace Cooksey, Midge Floyd, Carolyn McKinney and Betty Moore, October 15, Bettye Ryan, October 16, Lewis Batty, October 17, Sue Jenkins and Jeffrey Guzman, October 19, Janet Brown, Willie Herbert and Russ Kirk, October 20, Richard Fisher and Nancy F  Williams, October 21, and Dorothy Donley, October 30.

Being kind is more important than being right.

Norma Jean Fazenbaker's column can be found in the Clinton Gazette, Prince George's Post, Prince George's Sentinel, and the Enquirer Gazette. You can contact Norma Jean by email - click this link.

2002 Archives: May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 28, Sept. 5, Sept. 12, Sept. 18, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10

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