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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR APRIL 10, 2003

Palm Sunday is coming up this week, which means the beginning of the Easter Season. Many of our children have no idea why we celebrate Easter. Perhaps some of them think that it is to celebrate the beginning of Spring when everyone wears new clothes and new shoes. If you are a Christian, make sure that your children know the reason for Easter. I hope that all of my readers will be spending as much time as possible with their loved ones. When we all watch the television and see the sacrifices that are being made by so many of our young people, the rest of us should make sure to love those who are close to us as much as possible. 

If you have a pet, you much think of them in case of emergency, also. Have a disaster kit for each one of them. It should be packed in a waterproof container and should include food and water, medications, a medical history and vaccination records. Also, be sure to have a supply of cat litter and puppy training pads, as well as heavy plastic bags and buckets to contain waste. Human evacuation shelters usually do not allow pets, except assistance animals. Pets should wear tags with a phone number for an out-lf-town contact in case you become separated. Also, keep a photograph of your pets with you to help others identify them if necessary. This information came from a letter to the editor of the Washington Post written by Anne Culver, who is the Director of Disaster Services of the Humane Society.

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees Southern Prince George's Chapter 1260 will hold its monthly meeting at 1 pm on Thursday, April 17, at the Surratts-Clinton Library on Piscataway Road. Chapter 1260 Services Representative, Ann Barnes, will be the guest speaker. Chapter 1260 will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with dinner on April 30 at Rosecraft. Please call 301-423-3406 for more information.

La Plata will be celebrating with a "Spring Festival" from April 25 to 28. It will start with refreshments for sale from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Town Hall, and a concert by the USAF singing Sergeants (weather permitting). On Saturday, there will be a 5K Run/Walk through the streets of La Plata From 10 am to 4 pm, there will be a Street Fair with food vendors, crafters, business displays, fire trucks and ambulances, MSP helicopter, children's activities (petting zoo, giant moon bounce, giant slide, clown, jugglers, face painting, rock mountain, ball crawl, game tent, and three showings of the "Rufus" puppet show), and sidewalk sales by downtown businesses. From noon to 4 pm, there will be entertainment on the main stage with performances by La Plata High School Jazz Band and chorus, the J. P. Ryan Elementary School Chorus, Solid Brass, the Port Tobacco Encore Kids and more. In the evening, there will be a vaudeville show by the Port Tobacco Players at the Charles County Government Building. On Sunday, the March of Dimes Walk will go through the streets of La Plata, and on Monday, there will be a Memorial Ceremony, light refreshments, and remembrances at the Government Building.

The Knights of Columbus in Fort Washington are looking for vendors and crafters for its flea market on May 3 from 8 am to 2 pm at 1633 Tucker Road in Fort Washington. For reservations, call 301-839-1347.

Bi-Faith Organization is presenting a Star Dance Competition on June 28 at the Publick Playhouse Theatre. Deadline to register is May 1. For more information, call 301-516-2644.

Hospice of the Chesapeake is looking for patient care volunteers to provide support and companionship to the terminally ill and their loved ones throughout Prince George's County. Training will be provided. Call 301-499-4500.

Southern Maryland Hospital Center has a program that diagnoses diseases of the blood vessels, including varicose veins, aneurysms and arteriosclerosis. For more information, call 301-877-4363.

SMHC also provides a detailed evaluation, with medical history, physical examination, consultation with a pulmonologist and breathing test, to help individuals manage asthma or allergies. Call 301-877-4616.

Union Bethel Intergenerational Center offers its banquet facility at 3231 Brinkley Road in Temple Hills, for rent for weddings, receptions, reunions, retreats, parties, etc. Call 301-630-8891.

It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

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

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