CLINTON COLUMN FOR AUGUST 19, 2004

            Perhaps, if you are reading this in the evening, I am enjoying crabs at Ray’s Pier in Benedict with the Ft. Washington/Accokeek Democratic Club.  This is their annual fundraiser, and always a lot of fun.  At this particular event, there is also a painted piece of china raffled off, and this is part of the fundraiser, so I am hoping there is some good money made.

            National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2262 will hold their first meeting of the season on September 2, at Tuckers’s Restaurant in Upper Marlboro.  These meetings are always on the first Thursday of each month except during the summer.  Lunch begins at 12 noon, and the meeting will start at 1 pm.  If you live in the Upper Marlboro area, and are a retired government employees, this is the chapter for you.  Call Lou Perrygo at301-627-2911 for information.

Clinton Presbyterian Church on Brandywine Road, is having their annual yard sale on September 18, from 9 am to 2 pm.  There will be hot dogs, drinks, and a bake sale.  Call Phyllis at 301-868-0724 or Liz at 301-423-5487 for more information.

            Community Support Systems in Baden is having their annual Country Fest on October 16, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Brandywine Lions Park in Cheltenham.  There will be music, food, and festivities.  Clean your attic – auction items are now being accepted.  Cow chip bingo will begin when the cow enters the field at1 pm, and you do not have to be present to win.  Call 301-372-1492 or log on toCSS1995@aol.com to purchase tickets.

            Calvert County Natural Resources Division is looking for volunteers to assist naturalists and park managers with education, photography, landscaping, and research at Kings Landing Park, Flag Ponds Nature Park, and Battle Creek Cyprus Swamp.  Call 410-535-5327 if you are willing and ready.

            Kings Landing Park is offering kayaks for rent to Labor Day. Eco-tours on the Patuxent and other creeks are also available by reservation.  Call 410-286-3663.

            Les Fennell Community College in DC is hosting an overnight trip to Atlantic City on October 31.  There is a fee and reservations are required.  Call 301-423-8275 or 202-722-1643.

            The La Plata Chapter of TOPS, a weight control support groups, meets on Thursdays, at 7 pm, with weigh-in at 6 pm, on Route 488.  Call 301-645-1050 for more information.

            The Laurel Senior Friendship Club is having a trip to Charles Town, WV, on August 25, a casino in Atlantic City, NJ, on September 22, and a theater in Wilmington, DE for a big band concert on October 20.  Call 410-461-9118 to reserve a space.

            Full Gospel Assembly of God is looking for artists and crafters for its annual Arts and Crafts Fair, to be held on November 13 from 9 am to 2 pm.  Refreshments will also be available.  Call 410-535-2446 for more information.

            If you are interested in Christmas in Nashville, the Bon Secours Nursing Alumnae Association is hosting a trip with tours, a dinner cruise, show tickets, and more, from December 2 to 6.  Call 410-265-7818 by August 26, to reserve a space.

            Civista Health Foundation is looking for sponsors for its 7^th annual Autumn Wine Tasting, to be held on September 17 at the Port Tobacco Courthouse.  Call 301-609-4132 or go to www.civista.org.

            Easter Seals Family Friends is seeking volunteers age 55 and older to offer support to families by playing, talking, reading, singing and spending time with children with disabilities.  Call 301-931-8925, ext. 115 for more information.

            The EPA Recreation Association is offering 2004 White House ornaments, and 2005 Entertainment Books as a fundraiser, beginning this month.  Books are available all over the area.  Call 202-566-2090.

            The Internal Revenue Service is offering electronic filing for taxpayers who requested extensions on their federal returns, to October 15.  Call 1-800-829-1040.

            St. Marks Roamin Catholics is hosting a trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada, with a cruise of the falls, a visit to a casino, a tour of Toronto and more, September 13 to 17.  Fee includes transportation.  Call 410-744-7092.

            Zsa Zsa Gabor said “I never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back.