CLINTON COLUMN FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2003

My week started out with a wonderful Saturday evening at Grace Brethren Church in Waldorf, where I spent a delightful three and one-half hours listening to about 12 groups of gospel singers at a program called "Grace Ole' Opry." It was interesting to me that there were so many gospel songs that I had not heard before, but the groups were all extremely talented, and it was a fun evening.

On Tuesday, Rose and I went down to the Show Place Arena to see the Prince George's County "birds" that will be auctioned off this week. There were about 52 of them there, out of the 75 that have been set up in different sites in the county. The amount of work that went into painting and decorating these creatures was amazing. Rose and I got a bonus, though. When we were leaving, the Budweiser trailer was unloading the Clydesdales for a night's sleepover in Upper Marlboro. They are so beautiful, and it was really exciting.

Our Prince George's County Council of Democratic Clubs had their regular bimonthly meeting on Wednesday at Flossie's, a new restaurant in Upper Marlboro. The food was very good, although a little pricey, but the main thing was the wonderful ambience. If you want to impress your in-laws, your new girlfriend, or just someone from out of town, Flossie's is the place to do it.

A tea at Billingsley House was where I spent Sunday afternoon, although I was actually working at that one. If you have never been to a tea at Billingsley House, you should check it out. It is a lot of fun, and a great view. The next one is in January and if you think you might like to go, it is only $15, so call 301-627-0730.

On November 23, the gospel group I have joined, called Joyful Noise, will be singing at the St. Charles Town Mall from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Food Court for the "Giving for Charities" night. On November 29,we will be performing at the Jaycees Center on Waldorf from 11:15 to 12 noon. Calvary United Methodist Church in Waldorf will be the site for a Joyful Noise performance on December 7 at 7 pm.

The National Council on Aging has a website for seniors at www.benefitscheckup.com. It is a free service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. There are hundreds of programs to assist seniors with housing, employment, prescription drug costs, etc. There are more than 1,000 different benefit programs listed. Rather than spending many hours searching government agencies, you can enter your basic information, and immediately access programs that match your circumstances. If you do not have a computer, you can visit your local library and they will help you use one of theirs.

The Friends of Calvert Hospice is looking for tree decorators, tree/event sponsors, auction/craft donations, program advertisers and more for the 15th annual Festival of Trees, to be held from November 28 to 30. Call 410-535-2700 or 301-855-1910.

Calvert County School is looking for crafters for its fifth annual Holiday Bazaar, to be held on November 22 from 9 am to 2 pm. Tables are available. Call 410-535-7300.

The Marlton Gazebo Foundation is searching for vendors for its Christmas Bazaar, to be held on November 29 and December 6, from 10 am to 2 pm at the grocery story parking lot in Upper Marlboro. Call 301-627-8210.

Those diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, and their families, can join a support group on November 22 at 2 pm at the Civista Medical Center in La Plata. Call 888-332-4847.

Individuals and organizations are needed by ARC of Prince George's County to participate in its Adopt an ARC Family program for the holiday. This group provides services and programs for children and adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Call 301-925-7050, ext.242/232.

Sparrows' Nest Ministries, a program working with homeless and abandoned children, is seeking two licensed social workers to serve one year on its board of directors. Call 240-463-9687 if you are willing.

If you need any type of information from the Social Security Administration, you can call them at 800-772-1213 any time of the day or night.

Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye opener.