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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR AUGUST 21, 2003

Well, I don't know about all of you, but I am certainly glad not to live in the area where the blackout happened. There is never a time when it would be good to have something like that happen, but when the temperature is in the upper 90s is certainly not the best time. It was interesting to see how the people reacted, although of course, we all know that people are basically good, and they will act that way most of the time in emergencies.

It was very disappointing to read the new "Guide" to the parks in Prince George's County, and see that there was no mention of our Rural Life Museums at Patuxent River Park. We have a log cabin where Brenda cooks in the fireplace, is growing a garden, and has a smokehouse for you to examine. Then, there is a blacksmith shop, a tobacco barn, and the tool museum where I will show you around. We are open from 1 to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. If you don't know how to get there, call me.

Clinton Presbyterian Church at 9901 Brandywine Road in Clinton is having their annual Yard Sale on September 6, from 9 am to 2 pm, (rain date September 20). There will be a bake table, as well as hot dogs and drinks for sale, with a mini-bazaar inside. Space for vendors is $10. Call Phyllis Ruble at 301-868-0724.

If you are a Democrat, and you would like to see things change next year, get involved in your local club. Call me and tell me where you live, and I will give you the club nearest to you. If you are in Brandywine, our club will be meeting the first Thursday, as usual, September 4, at 7:30 pm at the Brandywine Firehouse. We have snacks after the meeting. If you are in Clinton, please plan to join us on September 9 at Mama Stella's at 6:30 pm. If you want to stay for dinner at 7:30, the cost is $11 for the buffet.

Since we mostly hear about the horror stories from nursing homes and hospitals, it is pleasant to read in the latest Southern Maryland Hospital Center newsletter, about The Subacute Care Center receiving a triple A rating from CareScout, which is a company dedicated to empowering Americans with cost savings and quality of care information on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies nationwide. Of the 151 facilities that received ratings this quarter, only four are located in Maryland. They are Hillhaven Nursing Center of Adelphi, Subacute Care Center at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Greater Baltimore Medical Center Subacute Unit in Baltimore, and St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Catonsville. Dr. Phillip Wisotsky, who is the Director of SMHC's Subacute Center, says he is "especially proud of he physicians, many of whom had never worked in a nursing home environment. They have retooled their practices to confirm to nursing home regulations." Dr. Wisotsky congratulated the staff for their good work, as do I.

Southern Maryland Hospital Center is offering swimming lessons, taught by Red Cross instructors, for all ages and skill levels at the fitness center next door at Colony South Hotel. I have recently joined this center and I want to tell everyone it is a great place. All of the people who work there are wonderful. I am right now going to a class on low impact exercises and a class where we use the noodles. It is a lot of fun, and all the people are very friendly. Many other programs are offered at this center. If you want to check on it, call 301-877-4806.

Southern Maryland Hospital Center is in charge of the mall walker program at St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf Mondays to Fridays from 7:30 to 9:30 am, and Forest Village Park Mall in Forestville on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 8 to 9:30 am. This free program offers supervised, all-weather walking, with free blood pressure monitoring for all ages. Registration is required. Call 301-877-5700

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees will be taking part in the Prince George's County Fair this year, which is coming up the first week in September. I plan to be there on Saturday, the 6th, from 5 to 7 pm. Come see me, especially if you are a retired or present federal employee.

In the book "How to Be Alone", Jonathan Franzen says "The first lesson in reading is how to be alone.".

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, April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 16, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 24

2002 Archives: May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 28, Sept. 5, Sept. 12, Sept. 18, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19, Dec. 26

This web page is sponsored by Dowling Web Consulting & Training.

Back to the Brandywine, Maryland web site

Back to the Accokeek, Maryland web site