Norma Jean's Column
for Southern Prince George's County
CLINTON COLUMN FOR MAY 30, 2002
Having spent five years as a Tour Guide in Washington, DC, I am
more sad every day when I read about all the actions taken in closing up our
wonderful buildings. This city has been called‚ "America's Home Town",
but who has a hometown that has been closed to their visit? One of the buildings
the children I guided loved was the Capitol, which they can only now see from
the outside. What a shame! It is a beautiful building, with fantastic pictures
and statuary. When your friends and family come to visit for the first time,
they will no longer be able to see these items. I plan to go to the concert
Memorial weekend Sunday, and Rose and I have to plan on being searched, and
scanned so that we can sit OUTSIDE and listen to the concert. How many places,
do you suppose, are closed in the Middle East because of suicide bombers? Those
people continue to live their everyday lives, although I am sure they go out
each day not knowing where they may come in contact with a person who has a
bomb tied to them. However, I don‚'t see any information that the government
has closed buildings that are a part of daily life. Every day, now, we have
to watch the news and read in the paper where there is a possibility of more
bombings. Most of us continue to do the things we have always done, with hope
that neither our children nor ourselves will be involved in a terrorist act,
but each day, we also hope that neither our children nor ourselves will be involved
in an accident where we are injured or killed. Somehow, the people who are closing
our buildings and taking other actions of this type in our wonderful, beautiful
city must realize that it is important for our lives to go on each day. How
many buildings have been closed in New York? The people there are going on with
their daily lives, although I am sure they are always aware, as we are, that
another terrorist act is possible. What can we, as everyday citizens, do to
make our government understand that we need the ability to continue to visit
and enjoy our fabulous capital city?
On May 18, my three daughters and I enjoyed a recital by the Louse Pyles Dance
Studio of Camp Springs, where we got to watch my granddaughter, Christie Ratcliffe,
and many other special people, doing their thing. One of the groups who danced
was the Branchwood Towers Line Dancers, a group of seniors who enjoy dancing
and performing. It was a great afternoon.
Coming up this Saturday, June 1, are two great flea markets, one at Faith United
Methodist Church in Accokeek, and the other at St. Paul's in Baden. At both
of these events, you will be able to have something to eat, and buy lots of
junk/treasures, as well as some great baked goods. Plan on getting out for these
events; weatherwise, it's supposed to be a good day.
Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek will be having the annual Bible School
program from July 15 to 19 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This year, it will be the
Bug Safari, with registration on July14. All local children are invited to attend,
and much help is needed. Call the church at 301-292-6109 to register or offer
your help.
On June 2, a new little village will be opening at Patuxent River Park. Along
with the Duvall Tour Museum, where I work each Sunday, there is now a blacksmith
shop, a wonderful log cabin built in the beginning by a freed slave, and a tobacco
display. Please plan to come down to the Park, and join us for a fun afternoon,
with demonstrations, etc.
Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, along with the Department
of Parks and Recreation of Prince George's County, is accepting registration
for all age groups for its championship basketball summer leagues for girls.
Play will begin on June 24. The fee is less in advance. Call 301-577-5740.
Prince George's County Fire Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association is seeking
volunteers. Training will be provided to become a firefighter or emergency medical
technician. Call 301-386-3300, or 877-475-JOIN for information.
Shouting to make your kids obey is like using the horn to steer your car, and
you get about the same results.
Norma Jean Fazenbaker's column can be found in the Clinton Gazette, Prince George's Post, Prince George's Sentinel, and the Enquirer Gazette.
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