CLINTON COLUMN FOR MAY 13, 2004

            For those of you who have read this column for a long time, you may remember when May Whittington was the one who wrote it.  May wrote it for many years, and I always did have a worry that I could not come up to her standards.  Recently, she called me because I put the wrong thing in about the Open House; it is actually at the Firehouse, not the American Legion, but May being the sweetie that she is, she just laughed and told me to change it.  Then, she wanted to let me know that she was given an award for working Bingo fifty years and being Kitchen Chairman for 15 years at St. John’s church in Clinton.  May joined this church on December 4, 1930, and since she just celebrated her 87^th birthday on May 1, with ice cream and cake at the American Legion, she is hoping to celebrate this membership’s 75 years in December.  Father Pollard, at St. John’s, called May Clinton’s sweetheart, and I think this is a very good description of the kind of person she is.

            For Mother’s Day, my local children came to my place on Saturday, with spouses, children, and even a stepchild, to do the thing they do for me every year.  They cleaned up my yard and flower bed, cut the grass, and planted lots and lots of flowers.  One of my sons-in-law even power washed my mobile home.  Even though I am not much help these days, they don’t seem to mind; they just work harder.  I am so grateful and I feel so lucky to have them.  My hope now is that I can keep all of the flowers alive.

            On Saturday evening, I went to a performance of the Maryland Choral Society at North Beach.  Of course, I have heard them before, but this time they did lots of music from different Broadway shows, and it was great.  I was sorry that there were not more people to take advantage of this wonderful group.  The prices are good.

            St. Paul’s Parish in Baden will be having their annual flea market and chicken barbecue on June 5 (rain date June 12) from 9am to 3 pm.  Chicken barbecue will be available from 11am to 4 pm, eat in or carry out, for $7.  If you would be interested in renting a table or a space, call 301-579-2230.  The flea market will have some home-based vendors and a raffle, as well as an Amish bird feeder and other interesting items. 

            Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek will be having their annual flea market on June 5, also.  This is an annual local event that has been happening for many years, and is always a huge event.  If you need more information, call 301-292-9104.

            On May 22 and 23, Surratt House Museum will be having Open House and Historic Children’s Games from noon to 4 pm.  There will be free tours of the historic house, so be sure to bring your cameras for pictures.  Call 301-868-1121 if you need more information.  Surratt House is a facility of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.  Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request, but you need to contact the facility two weeks in advance.

            The Maryland Office of Attorney General has published a booklet titled “A Consumer Guide for Seniors”, which highlights many of the most common scams and crimes aimed at seniors.  It also provides useful information about living trusts, pre-need burial and funeral contracts, lets you know how it can help with medical insurance problems, and advises how to stop telemarketing calls and junk mail.  You may obtain a copy by calling toll-free at 1-888-743-0023 or on the web at www.oag.state.md.us.  Some of the highlights are how to handle identity theft, home improvement scams, arthritis remedies, charities, and what to do if you need home medical equipment.

            Volunteers are being sought for the Chesapeake Bay Floating Theatre of the Black Box Theatre in Indian Head, to assist with grant writing, office work, construction, theatrical production and more.  Call 301-743-3040 or go to www.floatingtheatre.org if you can help.

            The American Lung Association of Maryland is accepting registration for its Camp Superkids, an overnight camp for ages 7-1/2 to 12with asthma, to be held from July 18 to 23 at the Camp Friendship facility in Laytonsville.  To register, call 410-560-2120, ext. 334 or 800-492-7527 or go to www.marylandlung.org.

            First Book Charles County LAB will host a shopping trip to the outlets in Rehoboth Beach on July 24, as a fund raiser.  Call 301-753-5845 or 301-775-4089.

            Charles County Mothers of Multiples meets on the second Thursday of each month at Calvary United Methodist Church in Waldorf.  New members are welcome.  Call 301-392-3480 or 301-705-5648.

            Never buy a car you can’t push.