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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR AUGUST 28, 2002
     It's time for the children to start back to school,so I hope that all of you will be extra careful on the roads. You never know what the kids are going to do. Sometimes, they don't stop to think about where they are, and the dangers that might confront them, so we grownups have to be the ones to take care.
     Many yard sales will be happening this month, so look for them in your neighborhood. Clinton Presbyterian Church will be the site for one on September 7, from 9 am to 2 pm. Reserve a table for $10, space $8. Call Phyllis Ruble, at 301-868-0724 if you need more information, or want to have a table.
     National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2262 in Upper Marlboro will be having a meeting on September 5 at 12 noon at Tucker's Restaurant on Marlboro Pike. On July 18, the chapter officers met to discuss future plans for the chapter, but they would like to have your suggestions, so it would be a good idea for you to come to the September meeting. At the October meeting, the plans are to have Julia Neal from the Maryland Department of Aging to discuss Senior programs. Many handbooks are available to give seniors information concerning Medicare Benefits, Long Term Care, etc. Website for this is <http://www.federalhandbooks.com/>www.federalhandbooks.com. If you want to know more about this chapter, call Bob Jacobs at 301-753-4382.
     On September 11, there will be an outdoor patriotic service at the County Administration Building near the lake in Upper Marlboro at 7:45 pm. Several churches will be participating.
     Steak night starts again at the Clinton American Legion Post 259, beginning tonight and every 4th Thursday, from 5:30 to 7:30. Price is $7.50 for steak, salad, baked potato, and vegetables.
     Clinton American Legion is having a crab feast on September 21 from 2 to 5 pm. Price is $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Price also includes hot dogs, potato salad, and other items. Call 301-868-2550 for more information.
     This past week, I was privileged to attend the retirement party for Clinton Turner, who is Roslyn's husband. Clint is retiring for the second time, this time from the Capitol Police Force. After spending 23 years in the Navy, he received an honorable discharge in 1981. He then joined the Capitol Police, where he has been working mainly on the night shift, which gave him the opportunity to do community work, and continue his education. He received a Master's Degree in Psychology from Bowie State University, and sometimes he lectures kids about the benefits of learning and doing the right thing. Knowing Clint as I do since working on Roslyn's campaign for County Council, I believe he will continue to be active in the community, but the folks at the Capitol will miss him.
     If you have never enjoyed a tour of the Kennedy Center, free tours are being offered at this time Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1pm. There is also a free daily performance at 7 pm on the Millennium Stage. Call 202-416-8340 for more information.
     When it comes time for an election, and I know of so many women who do not vote, it amazes me when I think how hard our female ancestors fought for us to have that right. August 26 was the 82nd anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony was jailed for attempting to vote and when she refused to pay the fine, she said she was prepared to go to jail rather than lower her expectation of being given the right to vote. Sadly, Ms. Anthony died before the 19th amendment could become law, but there were other women who took up the cause, such as Alice Paul, even going on a hunger strike and being subjected to force feedings. The jailers were mean and hateful to the women, and the feeding tubes were made of metal, not rubber like they are today. They suffered harsh treatment to support the cause. Many prejudices had to be overcome, such as men insisting that having the ballot would "degrade women" and "they should be home taking care of the babies." Women, please remember how hard these women fought to get us the right to vote, and take advantage of this right on September 10 and November 5.
     An old law in Bellingham, Washington, made it illegal for a woman to take more than three steps backwards while dancing.   (What about Ginger Rogers??)

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, Aug. 15, Aug. 22

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

Back to the Brandywine, Maryland web site

Back to the Accokeek, Maryland web site