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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR SEPTEMBER 5,2002

Lately, I have found that every day I go out driving becomes an adventure, where I never know what will happen next. Agreeing to volunteer at the Democratic Party booth for the Maryland State Fair in Timonium, I found myself driving around Baltimore, but had no problem getting to the Fair. Driving back, however, was a different story. I missed my turnoff to Route 97, and found myself on the Francis Scotty Key Bridge that seems to go on forever. When I finally got to the tollbooth, I explained what had happened, so I was given directions, and a "turn-around" ticket. As a result, it took me an extra hour (I told the second toll booth person I was sure glad I had started out with a full tank of gas). Didn't I say that every time I go driving, I find it an adventure?

It is so much fun to go out for an evening to a local play put on by local folks, who are just trying to have a good time. This was a play called "A Mighty Fortress" and it was put on at a church, about a church, with some good singing, and fun performing. The man who played the part of Satan was especially great, and had a good voice to sing a song about "pettiness." If you have a local players group, try to attend some of their performances.

If you have never been to the Calvert Marine Museum at Solomons Island, you should check it out. On the last day of August, some friends and I took in a Travis Tritt performance at their new outdoor theatre. As it happened, we had to leave when it started to rain, but it was great while we were there.

Matchbox cars is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. If you happen to have any of the first matchbox cars, they could be worth up to $7000!! These cars were one of the ten most popular toys of the 20thCentury, and, of course, are still available.

Bethany Christian Church on Allentown will be the site for the first of the season rehearsal of the Maryland Choral Society on September 9 at 7:15 pm. James Holloway is the new conductor, and they are looking for new members, so call 301-888-1152 if you need more information, or would like to join this great group.

Gateway Lions Club is having a flea market on September 14, from 8 am to 1 pm, across from McDonalds's, at the corner of Allentown and Temple Hills Roads. Space rental is $10. Call Bonnie at 301-449-0900 or Barbara at 301-843-1953.

Christ Episcopal Church will be the scene of a potluck dinner on September 15 beginning at 5pm. There will be a Bluegrass/Gospel group to entertain and if you need more information, you can call Dottie Russell at 301-868-4476.

September 17, there will be a crab feast and buffet at the B & G Tavern on Livingston Road in Accokeek, put on by the Ft. Washington/Accokeek Democratic Club. Call Bernard Jamison at 301-371-1700 fort his one. This is an annual event, where we also have a raffle for a wonderful hand-painted tray. Join us for a fun evening.

American CancerSociety is offering free information programs for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Call 1-800-843-8114 and ask for extension 37, from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. They will give you information on the latest treatment options, second opinions, handling your emotions, side effects, dealing with diet, and other important issues. Guides are also available for information concerning breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon, and lung cancer. You can call that same number if you would like to make a gift in memory of someone.

If you live in or near Clinton, and you have never visited the Surratt House, this fall would be a good time to do so. September 7 and 21, there will be tours of the John Wilkes Booth escape, a 12-hour fully narrated trip; September 27 will be the annual fall banquet for members and friends of the Surratts Society. October 12 will be the official opening of the James O. Hill Research Center at Surratt House; November 16-17 will be the Fall Open House Weekend with free tours and special gift shop sales from 12 to 4 pm both days, and as always, there will be the Annual Candlelight Tours as a celebration of a Civil War Christmas. Call 301-868-1121 if you need more information.

The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that a man could not beat his wife with anything wider than his thumb!!

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, Aug. 28

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