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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR AUGUST 15, 2002

This week, I am going to start out with a story that becomes a question for my readers. Most of you who are already out of school can relate to reunions, which I go to every five years (the last one being our 60th). Before that reunion, I decided it would be fun to become a member of the committee who makes the decisions about when and where these events are held. We have a Chairperson who has held that position since we had our first reunion.He is "the boss" and he always has an agenda for each meeting. He believes in starting on time and getting things over with in a minimum. Because I am out of town, I am not privy to many of the decisions made ahead of time,so that I then learn them after the fact. We had decided at one time, that, since we are losing members very fast, we should have a "get-together" some time during the five years. They let me know, a week ahead of time, that there would be a meeting at 11am on a Monday. It takes me five hours or more to drive up there. I left at 6 am but did not make it until 12, so that all plans had been jelled before I arrived. They gave me a small job to do, and someone else had written the minutes for me to type up, because I took over as secretary when my friend, Gloria, died. They decided to have the get-together at the Golden Corral. It means we can't have a drink, of course, but what do you think? Should I quit the committee? Should I tell them I am upset? Should I let it go, and just try to make it to the meetings when I can? We graduated with 330, but our last reunion brought only 48 classmates, and we only expect about 30 or 35 this time. Give me your opinion, will you?

At any rate, since I have become friends again with a nephew and his wife, I have been staying with them when I go up. They believe in feeding me (so I gained three pounds), and taking care of me while I am there. I do so enjoy driving around my old hometown, and seeing some of the changes taking place, not always for the good. I am still going over to visit my old house that I told you all I lived in when I was a teenager. The man who bought it is doing a good job of restoring it, but is also making changes that I am unhappy about. However, it's his house, so there is nothing I can do about it.

From the August Medical News, Dr. Coryse Brathwaie-Dean of "A Woman's Place" says that saying "no" is the best way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The decision to have sex should not be made in a moment of passion, although it seems that happens quite often. If you are not comfortable discussing the subject of sex with your partner, then you are not ready, she says. Some of the things that go around among teenagers are "I can't get birth control, because I am under 18". You can get birth control without your parents' consent. "I can't get pregnant the first time I have sex". You can get pregnant the first time. "I can tell if my partner has an STD." Many times, it is not possible to tell. Show this to your teenagers, even if you are not comfortable discussing the subject with them.

United Support Foundation, an organization that offers free computer training for the disabled and economically disadvantaged, is seeking new and used computers. Volunteers are needed to contact clients and sponsors and teach computer applications. Cal l301-277-7576 (TTY) 301-277-8813.

St. Mary's Hospital is offering the American Hearts Association Heart Saver CPR course on August 23 from 5 to10 pm. You will receive a card upon completion of the course. There is a fee and registration is suggested. Call 301-475-6019.

Singers, age  50and older, musicians and directors are sought for a new community gospel choir in the Prince George's area. Call 301-336-2466 if you are interested.

Billingsley House is offering a pontoon boat ride on August 18 at 1 pm, to see historic sites and native wildlife along the mid portion of the Patuxent River. Call 301-627-0730 (TTY)301-699-2544.

Cheltenham Wetlands Park is having a hike with a naturalist along Cheltenham Creek on August 17 at 10 am. There is a fee and reservations are required. Call 301-297-4575 (TTY) 301-699-2544.

Bowlers age 18 and older are being sought for The Thursday Evening Mixed Bowling League in Clinton. The season starts on September 5 at 6 pm at Bolling Air Force Base. Call 240-603-5528 for information.

Stephen Decatur Community Center will present its final concert of the season on August 21 at 7pm. Refreshments will be available and the concert is free. Call 301-297-4648(TTY) 301-203-6030 for information.

Peppermill Community Center is offering a Grandma's Day Out at the Shenandoah Valley for women age 50 and older on August 21 from 8 am to 4 pm. Lunch will be on your own. Call 301-350-8410 (TTY)301-218-6768.

Darnall's Chance Museum in Upper Marlboro will have a Grandparents Day celebration with teas and desserts on September 8 from 2 to 3 pm. Paid reservations are required. Call 301-0952-8010 (TTY) 301-699-2544.

If you place a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death.

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, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8

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