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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR DECEMBER 4, 2003

There are not many more shopping days before Christmas, so if you have any gifts to buy, it's time to get out there. I am so glad that our family draws names now, so that I only have one gift I have to concentrate on.

While you are out buying gifts, especially toys, remember to think of the safety aspects. From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we learn we should select toys to suit the ages, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced can pose safety hazards. For infants, toddlers, and all children who still stick things in their mouths, avoid toys with small parts. Look for sturdy construction on plush toys, such as tightly secured eyes, etc. Avoid toys with sharp edges. Do not buy electric toys with heating elements for children under eight. Look for labels that give age and safety levels. Check instructions for clarity. Even if they are clear to you, they may not be clear to a child. Discard plastic wrappings immediately. 

On Saturday, November 22, I attended a workshop at Patuxent River Park, where I learned a lot about bugs that live in and on the water. It was really interesting. There were about nine students from Roosevelt High School, who needed this workshop for their science classes. After the informational part was over, they all went out to the water with their nets, etc. to see how many of those bugs they could catch, but I decided I didn't want to go along for that part of it.

That night, I attended a play put on by Lackey High School, titled "The Curious Savage." It was very good, but, like all plays, sometimes it was hard to hear the actors, even with my hearing aid turned up!

If you gave a donation to the local fire department, and you received tickets to "A Christmas Carol" at Show Place Arena, I hope you went to the show on November 26. It was a lot of fun. Everyone did a great job, and I especially loved the little dances that they performed. Of course, "A Christmas Carol" is a favorite, but everyone has a little different way of performing it.

On December 13, 14, and 15, you can enjoy a candlelight tour of Historic Surratt House Museum. This is the 29th year for the holiday tour, and the house is always decorated with festive greenery, antique dolls and toys, greeting cards, and ornaments of the 19th century. Time will be from 5 to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 6 to 9 pm on Monday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors over 60 and $1 for ages 5 to 18. If you need more information, call 301-868-1121 or check into the website at www.surratt.org.

North Clinton's Community Spirit lives on. During the Halloween season, there were wonderful decorations at the Woodards, Terrys, Fines, Hacks, Littles and Hares. On Saturday, December 13, from 1 to 3 pm, there will be a Senior Holiday Extravaganza at Stephen Decatur Recreation Center, with a Sinatra impersonator, dancing, and refreshments for $2. Also, at Stephen Decatur, on Saturday, December 20, there will be a Christmas party from 1 to 3 pm for ages 4 to 12, with Santa, crafts, entertainment, and refreshments. If you want to get a picture with Santa, it will be $2. The Association is encouraging families to decorate their front doors for the holidays. If you would like to get some more information about the North Clinton Civic Association, call 301-297-8784.

Do you know the difference between margarine and butter? I was surprised to find out that they both have the same amount of calories, and butter is only slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams for margarine. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter according to a recent Harvard Medical study. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few only because they are added. Butter tastes better and can enhance the flavors of other foods. Margarine is very high in trans fatty acids, lowers the quality of breast milk, decreases immune response and insulin response. Margarine is only one molecule away from being plastic. Buy a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days, you will notice there are no flies - even those pesky fruit flies won't go near it. I don't know about you, but it is butter for me from now on.

Popcorn was probably served at the first Thanksgiving feast. Early Native Americans thought a little demon lived inside a kernel of popcorn and when the kernel was heated, it got hopping mad and caused the kernel to explode!

CLINTON COLUMN FOR DECEMBER 4, 2003

There are not many more shopping days before Christmas, so if you have any gifts to buy, it's time to get out there. I am so glad that our family draws names now, so that I only have one gift I have to concentrate on.

While you are out buying gifts, especially toys, remember to think of the safety aspects. From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we learn we should select toys to suit the ages, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced can pose safety hazards. For infants, toddlers, and all children who still stick things in their mouths, avoid toys with small parts. Look for sturdy construction on plush toys, such as tightly secured eyes, etc. Avoid toys with sharp edges. Do not buy electric toys with heating elements for children under eight. Look for labels that give age and safety levels. Check instructions for clarity. Even if they are clear to you, they may not be clear to a child. Discard plastic wrappings immediately. 

On Saturday, November 22, I attended a workshop at Patuxent River Park, where I learned a lot about bugs that live in and on the water. It was really interesting. There were about nine students from Roosevelt High School, who needed this workshop for their science classes. After the informational part was over, they all went out to the water with their nets, etc. to see how many of those bugs they could catch, but I decided I didn't want to go along for that part of it.

That night, I attended a play put on by Lackey High School, titled "The Curious Savage." It was very good, but, like all plays, sometimes it was hard to hear the actors, even with my hearing aid turned up!

If you gave a donation to the local fire department, and you received tickets to "A Christmas Carol" at Show Place Arena, I hope you went to the show on November 26. It was a lot of fun. Everyone did a great job, and I especially loved the little dances that they performed. Of course, "A Christmas Carol" is a favorite, but everyone has a little different way of performing it.

On December 13, 14, and 15, you can enjoy a candlelight tour of Historic Surratt House Museum. This is the 29th year for the holiday tour, and the house is always decorated with festive greenery, antique dolls and toys, greeting cards, and ornaments of the 19th century. Time will be from 5 to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 6 to 9 pm on Monday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors over 60 and $1 for ages 5 to 18. If you need more information, call 301-868-1121 or check into the website at www.surratt.org.

North Clinton's Community Spirit lives on. During the Halloween season, there were wonderful decorations at the Woodards, Terrys, Fines, Hacks, Littles and Hares. On Saturday, December 13, from 1 to 3 pm, there will be a Senior Holiday Extravaganza at Stephen Decatur Recreation Center, with a Sinatra impersonator, dancing, and refreshments for $2. Also, at Stephen Decatur, on Saturday, December 20, there will be a Christmas party from 1 to 3 pm for ages 4 to 12, with Santa, crafts, entertainment, and refreshments. If you want to get a picture with Santa, it will be $2. The Association is encouraging families to decorate their front doors for the holidays. If you would like to get some more information about the North Clinton Civic Association, call 301-297-8784.

Do you know the difference between margarine and butter? I was surprised to find out that they both have the same amount of calories, and butter is only slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams for margarine. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter according to a recent Harvard Medical study. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few only because they are added. Butter tastes better and can enhance the flavors of other foods. Margarine is very high in trans fatty acids, lowers the quality of breast milk, decreases immune response and insulin response. Margarine is only one molecule away from being plastic. Buy a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days, you will notice there are no flies - even those pesky fruit flies won't go near it. I don't know about you, but it is butter for me from now on.

Popcorn was probably served at the first Thanksgiving feast. Early Native Americans thought a little demon lived inside a kernel of popcorn and when the kernel was heated, it got hopping mad and caused the kernel to explode!

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.

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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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