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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR JULY 18, 2002

On July 9, I opened my eyes and said to myself "I can't believe I actually am 80 years old"! But strangely enough, I am. My children threw me a wonderfu party on the 13th, and it was great to be with so many people that I have been friends with over the years, as well as family. There were people who came that I didn't expect, but was glad to see. Two of my nephews who have not seen each other for over 30 years were able to make it. My niece, who is a world traveler, and has been teaching in Laos for the last two years, with the plan to return in the fall, was in attendance, and also got a chance to visit with family she hasn't seen for a while. It was a terrific party, and I hope that they plan to do another one every year.

If you have never taken the John Wilkes Booth tour, it will be held again on September 7th and 21st. Booking for this particular tour is going on right now, and it fills up fast, so if you are interested in this 12-hour, fully narrated trip over the route of President Lincoln's assassin, call 301-868-1121.

Your history lesson for the week from the Surratt Society newsletter "On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy sailed into Yedo Bay Harbor (which is now Tokyo) and opened Japan to the Western World. Our first envoy to Japan was a New York businessman named Townsend Harris, who drew up the first treaty of friendship and commerce between this country and Japan. Since both countries had to sign the treaty, in 1860, the first group of Japanese set sail for the long voyage to Washington. Stops were made in Honolulu and San Francisco, and a crossing was made of the Isthmus of Panama by rail. The USS Roanoke met them and took them to Hampton Roads, where a luxurious steamer brought them into Washington on May 15. They were greeted by saluting cannons and cheering crowds along the streets. Crack units of troops in dress uniform, both mounted and on foot, escorted them to their accommodations. The lords were in carriages, their party members in buses. They were housed at the historic Willard Hotel and the Japanese flag flew from the roof. One of the men kept a diary, which was translated 100 years later. Some of the things he noted was that the dancing seemed like exercise and the pillows were too soft. He mentioned that the home of the Secretary of State was not as fine as the hotel they were staying in. The ambassadors' note to Secretary of State Lewis Cass noted that "This is the first time Japanese people have left their country for a voyage to a foreign country". What do you suppose made them think they could conquer us?

A common complaint during the summer is what is called "swimmer's ear". Symptoms include the ear feeling blocked and itching, the ear canal becomes swollen, sometimes swelling shut, it starts draining a runny milky liquid, it becomes painful and very tender to the touch, especially on the cartilage in front of the ear canal. If your health care person agrees, you can make your own eardrops to take care of the problem.

The Red Cross is again seeking blood donations. Summer is the time when more emergency requests for blood use up the supplies. If you would like to organize a blood drive,call 800-787-9282, ext. 4680. For anappointment, call 800-448-3543.

The Learning Center at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex have many classes this summer, one of which is an Introduction to Personal Computers. Call them at 301-583-2430 (TTY) 301-583-2441.

Every Saturday through August, at 2 pm, you can learn about the wetlands, wildlife and history of the area at Patuxent River Park by taking a boat ride. Participants should reserve space on the day they plan to attend. Tours are offered for schools, adult groups, and seniors from Tuesday to Saturday by appointment. Call 301-627-6074.

The Southern Maryland Deaf Community will hold social time on July 25 at 7:30 pm at the food court in St. Charles Towne Center. Call 301-396-3372.

The Center for Children, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse is looking for volunteers age 21 and older to assist with registration, raffles, and the tournament contest at the annual golf tournament on August 2. Training will be provided. Call 301-699-9887.

The MarylandNetwork Against Domestic Violence is seeking volunteers age 17 and older to assist with computer, office and clerical work. Call 301-352-4574.

On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily. Hmm!

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.

2002 Archives: May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11

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