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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2002

In case you folks who live in the area don't know that when the sign in front of the American Legion on Piscataway Road says they have shrimp every Wednesday night, it is for you, too, it is. Some of my friends and I go quite often, and this past week, our Council of Democratic Clubs had our meeting there so that we could take advantage of the shrimp dinners. You get ½ lb. of shrimp, cole slaw, and hush puppies, and it is delicious. Try it some Wednesday night.

Chesapeake Dinner Theatre on Route 50 is showing "Fiddler on the Roof" and some of my family and I enjoyed a performance on Saturday night. It was a good show, and all of the actors who performed had very good voices. Fiddler on the Roof is one of my favorite plays and I really love the music.

The Maryland Choral Society will be having two Christmas Concerts this year, one at St. Anthony's in North Beach on December 7 and 8 at 8 pm, and one at St. Mark the Evangelist in Hyattsville. They have not as yet found a permanent home and are still practicing in the area. Sorry that I do not have more details, but will try to find out more before next week's column.

Saturday, December 7, American Legion Post 259 on Piscataway Road will be having a Christmas Craft Fair from 8 am to 3 pm. There will also be a raffle, lunch and a bake sale. Tables are $12. For more information, call Joan at 301-297-0832

There are fruit sales all over the place, and one of them is at Faith United Methodist Church on Route 373, in Accokeek. If you are interested, call Bob Thompson at 301-609-9053. There are three sales altogether, one this month, one in December, and the last one in January.

On November 28, Southern Maryland Hospital Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The first patient was admitted on November 28, 1977. SMHC is the only full-service, acute care hospital in Southern Maryland. During these past 25 years, health care has changed dramatically, and SMHC has changed along with it. To help the medical staff in the delivery of optimum care, the highest technological equipment has been brought in throughout the hospital, and in the operating rooms. Stroke care at SMHC has been rated among the best in the nation. Of course, along with the technology, qualified professionals are needed to add the personal touch that patients expect and deserve. A new state-of-the-art navigation system, or image-guidance surgery, was recently purchased by the hospital, combining images obtained through CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound with surgical tools. Between them is a software system producing three-dimensional images with data imported from the diagnostic images. Before this equipment was installed, it was necessary to take a series of x-rays during surgery. Now that radiation exposure can be reduced. This information came from the latest SMHC newsletter. I think we are lucky to have Southern Maryland Hospital Center in the area.

Family Tree of Maryland is looking for volunteers to mentor teen parents and families, teach parenting classes, assist with support groups, lead children's programs and staff the 24-hour crisis and referral hotline. Training will be provided. Call 301-209-5254 for information.

Indian Head VFD and Rescue Squad is looking for crafters for the annual Christmas craft fair, to be held on November 23 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Fire Department on Indian Head Highway. For applications, call 301-753-9722 of 301-743-7203.

Smallwood State park is offering firewood-cutting permits for personal use from November 1 to March 1 Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm. Call 301-743-7613.

Christmas in April is searching for house captains for its annual home repair event on April 26, 2003. These people would act as liaisons and schedule work at an assigned home on the day of the event. Call 301-868-0937 for more information, and to offer your services.

St. Mary's of the Assumption School in Upper Marlboro will be having their Christmas Craft Fair on December 7 from 10 am to 4 pm, with lunch, snacks, and a children's workshop. Call 301-627-4170.

Mechanicsville VFD Ladies Auxiliary is looking for crafters for its annual holiday bazaar to be held on December 1from 10 am to 3 pm at the Mechanicsville VFD Social Hall. Call 301-884-4519.

Mentors are needed for African-American youth ages 10 to 15 from Southeast Washington. Volunteers should be at least 21 years of age and must submit to a background check. Call 202-610-1939.

One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a person gain five pounds.

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, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14

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