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

CLINTON COLUM FOR DECEMBER 26, 2002

It is my hope that everyone who celebrates it had a wonderful Christmas. Although I am writing this column before it happens, I am sure mine will be great, as always. I am fortunate to have a lot of my family in the area, so I don't have to go anywhere too far to be able to share.

The National Building Museum, along with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is celebrating the heritage of George Washington's home with an exhibit that will be available through September 21, 2003. Paintings, prints, photographs, memorabilia and the Mount Vernon in miniature help to trace the evolution of this historic home from changes made under Washington's direction through the initial preservation efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and to more recent restoration and reconstruction. The exploration of this national treasure will be great for those just beginning their discovery of America's past, as well as those with a deeper understanding of Washington's legacy and the importance of historic preservation. There is no admission for this special exhibition, and those of you who have been reading my column for a while know that I think this building is one of the great treasures of our area, and worth visiting for any reason at all. Call 202-272-2448 for more information or log on to www.nbm.org. Hours for the museum are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

Most of us have a lot of confusion when it comes to knowing what fats are supposed to be good for us, and what fats are not. The latest newsletter from the American Cancer Society gives us the skinny - fats are divided into three major categories: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Trans-fatty acids are found in shortening as well as commercially prepared baked goods and deep-fried foods. Saturated fats come mostly from animal foods, such as meat, whole milk, cheese and tropical oils. For good health, these are the kinds of foods you should limit in your diet. They recommend that less than 30 percent of your calories should come from fat. By shifting to a mostly plant-based diet, you can reduce your fat intake, which will then offer protection against diseases related to overweight and obesity such as cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and type 2 Diabetes. However, some fats are good for you, like those found in fatty fish (salmon, albacore tuna, trout, herring and mackerel), canola oil, flaxseed and walnuts. Of course, the newsletter, as always, mentioned the fact that exercise is the most important part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Women of Prayer Ministries of Windsor Mills are sponsoring Summoned to Pray, a National Prayer Revival on May 10 on the Mall in Washington. Call 410-655-0519 for more information.

Ages 6 and older can play bingo and learn about Kwanza on December 27 at 4:30 pm at Glenarden/Theresa Banks Complex. Call 301-277-1710 for information.

The College of Southern Maryland in La Plata is presenting A Retrospective of Drawings and Paintings in the Tony Hungerford Memorial Gallery, Fine Arts Center, through January 26. Call 301-934-7765, 301-870-3008, ext. 7765, or 301-884-8131, ext. 7765.

The Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocates Association is seeking volunteers to act as Special Advocates for abused and neglected children in the child welfare system. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided. Call 877-543-7663 for more information.

The Board of Child Care is looking for foster parents, mentors, and respite care providers. Training and support will be provided. Call 202-291-3330, ext. 23.

License plates are being offered by the Calvert Marine Museum as a fundraiser for its historic Cove Point Lighthouse. A portion of the price is tax deductible. Call 410-326-2042, ext. 16.

Hospice volunteers are being sought by the Homecall Hospice Service to work with terminally ill patients and their families. Orientation and training is provided. For information and to register call 800-543-0696.

Union Bethel FOCUS Intergenerational Center in Temple Hills is offering an after-hours daycare program. Call 301-630-8891.

Grandparents are like a piece of string - handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of grandchildren.

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, Dec. 12, Dec. 19

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

Back to the Brandywine, Maryland web site

Back to the Accokeek, Maryland web site