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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR DECEMBER 12, 2002

It's hard to decide which is worse for the weight problem, all the picnics to go to in June, or all the Christmas parties in December. So far, I have attended three parties, and have three more this coming week. The problem is, they are all such fun, being socially with people without having a meeting, and the food is so good, I do really enjoy them all.  

Hope none of my readers were not hurt or got sick during the wonderful snowstorm we had this past week. It's beautiful, but dangerous, of course.

Help out your local (Clinton) Volunteer Fire Department, and get your beautiful Christmas tree at the same time. All trees are $30, and the hours are 7 to 11 pm daily, and 10 am to 11 pm on weekends. They are always there for us; be there for them.

On December 14, at 8 pm, at the College of Southern Maryland Fine Arts Center Theatre in La Plata, on December 15 at Christ Episcopal Church in La Plata at 5 pm, at 4 pm at the Charles County Community Services in Port Tobacco, and 7 pm at Peace Lutheran Church in Waldorf on December 18, the College of Southern Maryland Concert and Chamber choirs will present their 2002 Holiday Concert Tour. For more information, call 301-934-7828, 301-870-3008, or 301-884-8131, ext. 7828.

On December 15, at noon, there will be a Hansel and Gretel Tea Party at Darnalls' Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro. The story of Hansel and Gretel will be presented for age 5 and older. There will be tea and dessert in the mansion, which will be decorated like a gingerbread house. Paid reservations are required. Call 301-925-8010 (TTY) 301-699-2544.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund recently held their annual wreathlaying ceremony commemorating the Memorial's dedication 11 years ago. Hundreds of dignitaries, law enforcement officers, and survivors of fallen officers gathered at the National Law Enforcement Officers memorial to recognize the occasion and to honor the 16,000 officers and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Chairman of the Memorial, Craig W. Floyd mentioned that when the recent memories fade and people forget about the heroics and selfless sacrifice, the Memorial will continue to stand as a permanent reminder. If you have never been to visit this memorial, you can get to it at the same stop as the Archives. It is located on E Street, between 4th and 5th Streets, NW in the heart of the city. The Visitors Center is located two blocks away at 605 ret. Normal business hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and noon to 5 pm on Sunday.

If you are interested in the history of our beautiful city, perhaps you would like to be involved in the new City Museum. Construction is more than half complete, and the opening is planned for May 2003. You can "buy a brick" and get honor for your donation, or honor another person by having an engraved brick placed in the walk of donors outside the Museum. All gifts are welcome, large or small. Make your voice heard by supporting this new museum. Call 202-785-2068, ext. 118.

Belair Mansion is offering Colonial Christmas for Kids, with crafts, history and refreshments, for ages 6 to 10 on December 14 at 10 am. There is a fee and reservations are required. Call 301-809-3089.

Hillcrest Heights Community Center is holding a holiday tree decorating party with music and refreshments for ages 12 to 17 on December 13 at 6 pm. Participants should bring an ornament for the tree. If you have a center ID, the party is free. Call 301-505-0896 (TTY) 301-203-6030.

Roller skating is being offered with holiday music for ages 6 to 12 on December 13 from 3:30 to 6 pm. There is a fee. Call 301-888-1500 (TTY) 301-203-6030 for information.

A group open to all ages who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's and their family members, will be meeting on December 28 from 2 to 4 pm at the Civista Medical Center cafeteria in La Plata. This is a free program. For information, call 888-332-4847.

All ages can participate in a Winter Detectives activity on December 14 from 1 to 3 pm to search for clues, including animal tracks, to learn which animals are active during the winter, at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian. There is a fee and reservations are required. Call 410-741-9330.

He who does not economize will agonize.

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, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5

This web page is sponsored by Dowling Web Consulting & Training.

Back to the Brandywine, Maryland web site

Back to the Accokeek, Maryland web site