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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR FEBRUARY 20, 2003

During our Prince George's County Council of Democratic Clubs' meeting this past week, we were lucky to have someone from the Department of Emergency Preparedness speak to us about what we should personally do for this heightened state of awareness. Recommended actions at this time, are 1) Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities; 2) Review your personal disaster plan 3) Exercise caution when traveling; 4) Have shelter ready, with materials on hand; 5) If a need is announced, donate blood at designated centers; and 5) If you want to volunteer, call the agency to make sure they need you. He said that everyone should have a battery radio in case your electricity is cut off. If you have a family, be sure to discuss your plans with your children. If you are a teacher, be prepared to handle inquiries from parents. If you have a business, determine need to restrict access or provide private security support

Leo Bosner, a program specialist at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in a letter to the Washington Post, says that if you are in an office and it is damaged in a bombing, a key-chain flashlight would help light the way through darkened corridors, a paper face mask would help you breath through a cloud of smoke; a pair of gardening gloves could provide invaluable to lift fallen debris away from a colleague; and a bottle of water could be used to wash out someone's eyes.

When you read the above, you can understand why I appreciate belonging to the different clubs that I do. Many times, we are given very good information that you can't always find in the papers or on the television. If you are a resident of the local area, maybe you would like to join one of our Democratic clubs. There is one in Clinton, one in Brandywine, and one in Fort Washington/Accokeek. Each club has their own meeting once each month, except in the summer, and all three clubs get together for a summer picnic in June. Every other year, the three clubs take a trip to Annapolis together for a reception, and to see how our legislators work. If there is anyone who would like to join any of these clubs, call me and I will tell you whom to contact.

The National Democratic Club will soon be breaking ground for a new Democratic National Committee Headquarters. This building will link the existing building with the Club building. My daughter, Janice, and I attended the Fort Washington Democratic Club meeting at this club in January and enjoyed it immensely. The food was wonderful, and the building itself is very impressive.

On February 27, at Stephen Decatur Middle School, the Progressive Action Coalition, a community interest organization dedicated to enlightening our citizens on the issues of education, political topics, and community activities, will be having a program to celebrate Black History Month from 7 to 9 pm. The focus of this organization is centered on heightened awareness and multicultural unity. The school is located at 8200 Pinewood Drive in Clinton.

The Evelyn Cole Senior Center in Seat Pleasant, is offering a trip to Atlanta, Gerogia, for a Black History Tour for age 21 and older from February 24 to 27. It will include stops at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Memorial and Birthplace and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Call 301-386-5525 (TTY) 301-218-6768 for information.

Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex is presenting a program on the history of African American Cowboys and Girls on February 25 at 5:30 pm. Western paraphernalia will be available. Call 301-583-2670 (TTY) 301-583-2483/

Umpires are needed for the Hughesville Baseball Association for the spring season. Training is beginning this month. Call 301-290-0209 or 301-638-0040.

Charles County Commissioners are looking for a county resident to fill a vacancy on the Nuisance Abatement Board, which addresses citizen complaints about excessive trash and/or weeds and grass on private property. Candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume by February 21. Call 301-645-0554 or 301-870-3000 for more information.

The Dr. Samuel Mudd House is seeking donations of farm machinery, including plows, planters, harrows, disks, drills, hay rakes, hay loaders, mowing machines, corn and garden cultivators, grain binders, thrashing machines, horse harnesses, yokes, wagons, and more. Call 301-274-9358 if you can help.

Brooke Shields, when asked to become spokesperson for an anti-smoking campaign, said "Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."

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

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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