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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR DECEMBER 25, 2003

Hope all of my readers are having a Merry Christmas, if that is what you celebrate, Happy Chanukah if you celebrate that way. And I am definitely wishing all of you a wonderful 2004. For most of you, and for me, the Christmas parties are all over. I have not had the nerve to get on a scale yet, but I am sure there is at least one extra pound there.

Bad news, everyone. It seems that Dr. Dobson has informed the Lions Club that he is just not up to meeting his grateful public, so they have had to cancel the December 8th Appreciation Day. I don't know how many of you were looking forward to letting Dr. Dobson know how you feel, but I certainly was ready to do so. Let's hope it will be rescheduled.

Although the Bible describes the birth of Christ, there is no particular date mentioned, but for those of you who celebrate Christmas as Jesus' birthday, you might like to know that it began as a solemn, religious celebration. Prayer and spirituality were emphasized over colorful theatrics. Soon nonreligious ideas of decorations, gift giving, and feasting, however, became popular. During the reformation of the English churches in the 17th century, some church leaders tried to outlaw Christmas. They believed that the Pagan ideas of evergreen, holly, mistletoe, gifts, and special meals corrupted the meaning of Christmas. However, it only took a little while before people began celebrating again with gifts, etc. To me, it is an excuse to get together with my family, sing songs of celebration, and enjoy gift giving with those I love.

Catholic University is offering instructional baseball camps for age 8 to 18 from December 27 to 29 and on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings from January 2 to February 8. All skill levels are welcome. Call 301-622-5058 to register.

The National Museum of African Art on Independence Avenue is screening the 1993 film "Seven Candles For Kwanzaa" on December 27 at2 pm. On the same day, the Museum will show you how to make your own Kwanzaa alter, with easy to gather materials. Call 202-357-2700 (TTY) 202-357-4814 for more information.

Recreational and therapeutic after-school programming is provided to autistic children in the Fort Washington/Temple Hills area. Call 301-433-0040.

Freestate Happy Wanderers is holding non-competitive 5K and 10K walks on December 31 and January 1 at the Owen Brown Community Center in Columbia. Participants can start the walk any time from 9 am to 1 pm. Call 410-437-2164 or 301-490-5850 for more information and to register.

Southern Maryland Hospital Center offers an emotional fitness program on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm in the hospital library. Call 301-877-5700 for more information.

Civista Women's Health Center is offering strength training for women on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Call 888-332-4847 for information.

American Legion Post 206 in Chesapeake Beach is holding a New Year's Eve Party Dinner and Dance, from 6:30 pm to 1 am, with a champagne toast at midnight.. A continental breakfast will be served from midnight to 1 am. Call 301-855-6466 for more information

Free storytelling is being offered at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons on December 28 at 2 pm in the lobby. Call 410-326-2042.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Brandywine is looking for volunteer puppy raisers for the Bay region training group. Puppy classes will be held in Bowie twice a month. Call 800-942-0149.

The Calvert County Breast and Cervical Cancer program is offering free breast exams, mammograms, and pap tests for women age 50 and older who are eligible. Call 410-286-7992.

If you are a perfectionist, remember - demand it of yourself and you will be unsatisfied; demand it of others and you will be disappointed.

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.

2003 Archives: Jan. 2, Jan. 9, Jan. 17, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 16, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 24, Aug. 14, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18

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, Dec. 12, Dec. 19, Dec. 26

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