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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR JUNE 13, 2002

Picnic time is a fun time and every year, I spend a lot of time enjoying picnics. The bad thing, of course, is that I have to then attend my Weight Watchers meeting with an extra pound or two. The three Democratic Clubs from the area had their annual picnic, with the Brandywine Club as hosts, at the Brandywine American Legion on June 6. We had the Southern Mix (Barbershop) as entertainers, and lots and lots of great food. We also had the opportunity to try out one of the new voting machines. If you plan to vote, and I hope you do, it would be good for you to also have this opportunity. The machines are much easier to use than the old ones, and if you have ever used an ATM machine, you will have no problem. I was shocked, appalled, and all of that kind of stuff, to find out that only one percent of the registered voters showed up to vote in the election for a Councilperson to represent District 8. If you are a Democrat, live in the southern area of Prince George's County, and you like to socialize with other like-minded folks, you should join one of our clubs. There is a club in Clinton, one in FortWashington/Accokeek, and Brandywine. Call me and I will tell you who to get in touch with. There will be no meetings in July, but on the first Thursday in August, Brandywine Club will be having a Candidates Forum. Come to the Brandywine Fire House at 8 pm on August 1, and hear what the candidates have to say.

The opening of our little village at Patuxent River Park was a bit of a disappointment, although it was a beautiful day. Once we get up and running, I hope that many of you will pay us a visit. If you want to find out more, you can call me and I will explain to you what is going on. Patuxent River Park is off of Croom Airport Road, and the village is up the gravel road from the Visitors Center at the Park.

Ladies of the Elks will be holding an indoor flea market on June 22 from 8 am to 2 pm at the Camp Springs Elks Lodge on Temple Hills Road. Table rental is $10. Call Barbara McMillion at 301-843-1953.

Brandywine Lions Club is having a car show and Bull Roast to celebrate summer's end (!!!) on September 21 (rain date 9/28) at their new place on Cherry Tree Crossing Road in Brandywine. Time is 10 am to 5pm, with trophies to be given out at 4 pm. Live entertainment will be "Road House" Vendor spaces are $15. Pre-registration is $12 and $15 the day of the show. Admission is $4, but you will have to pay for whatever food you want to eat!

Relying on my memory is not always the way to do things, so I must apologize for the information about the next Bluegrass Concert at the Brandywine Lions Club, which is actually July 27, as a fundraiser for La Plata. Sorry!

Roslyn Turner who is running for County Council in District 9, was recognized as one of the Phenomenal Mothers of Prince George's County on May 19 by the Hunter Memorial AME church. This recognition came because of a letter written by Ros's son. Congratulations, Roslyn!

A hearing loss can be a barrier between you and your family and friends, make it more difficult in the workplace, and interfere in the classroom. People with hearing loss tend to feel more isolated, tend to socialize less and may even feel bad about their health. I know this is true, because I have been slowly losing my hearing, and it took me a long time to realize that I had to have a hearing aid if I wanted to hear everything that is going on around me. My children became very irritated when I asked them to repeat things and it made me uncomfortable. If you find yourself having these problems, be sure to make an appointment with your ear, nose, and throat doctor. You will be glad you did.

Cancer researchers have found that grilling or broiling muscle meats (red meat, poultry, and fish) causes the formation of carcinogenic compounds called HCAs (heterocycleamines). Also, when fat from these items drips onto coals or stones, another group of cancer-causing substances is formed. They disagree, though, on whether or not eating grilled foods actually poses a significant health risk. However, the researchers agree that in moderate amounts, consuming grilled foods is not a major health hazard. Our bodies regularly handle and dispose of small traces of carcinogens every day.

You were given two ears and one mouth so you should listen twice as much as you talk.

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.

Archives: May 30, 2002, June 6, 2002

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