CLINTON COLUMN FOR MAY 20, 2004

            What else is so great as a day in May?  We are definitely all finished with the snow, ice, etc.  Now, we look forward to thunder and lightning, tornados, hail, and the heat.  It’s always something, but I would rather look for these things than the cold.

            On May 13, we were supposed to be able to attend a performance of the Seasoned Players, the senior citizen group who perform every year at Prince George’s Community College.  Seems that the stage they use was taken over by a group doing a Shakespeare play, so their performance has been put off until the 27^th at the Publick Playhouse in Cheverly.  My understanding is that it will be 12:30 pm, as usual, and unless they have had to go up because of where it is being performed, the tickets will still be $2. 

            If the liver is damaged, scars can form.  When the liver has a lot of scar tissue, blood will not easily flow through it.  Cirrhosis is the name for a scarred liver, which keeps the liver from working the way it should.  Cirrhosis can be caused by heavy use of alcohol or by an infection (usually with the hepatitis B or C virus).  Some medicines can also damage the liver.  Diseases that weaken the immune system and some inherited diseases can also cause liver damage.  The veins surrounding the esophagus and stomach provide a pathway for blood to return via the liver to the heart.  In cirrhosis, these veins become larger and develop into varicose ”veins or varices.”  Esophageal varices are enlarged veins located in he lower end of the esophagus.  They develop because cirrhosis blocks blood from flowing freely through the liver.  Once the blood is blocked, it must find another way to return to the heart.  If the pressure within these veins becomes high enough, the veins can rupture, leading to life threatening internal bleeding.  A relatively new procedure known as esophageal banding is now performed at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, according to Dr. Joel Sewchand, a board-certified gastroenterologist on staff.  He says it is a painless method of removing the varices and is a very brief, efficient procedure, performed under mild, local anesthesia on an in and out basis at the hospital  If you are taking medication that may damage your liver, or are having problems that you feel may be connected, check with your doctor, who may refer you to the gastroenterologist for treatment, such as this.  This information came from the latest Civista Medical Center newsletter.

            Our Savior’s School in Forestville, is accepting registration for grads pre-K to 7 for the 2004-2005 year.  The school offers small class sizes.  Call 301-420-5076.

            Encore Thrift Shop, sponsored by Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary, offers women’, men’s, and children’s spring and summer clothing, jewelry, shoes, small appliances, and more.  Hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm.  Donations of items are welcome.  Call 301-776-4656 for more information.

            The Greater Lighthouse Church Bargain Room in Lanham, offers used clothing shoes, household items, furniture, and more from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm.  Item donations are tax deductible.  Call 301-731-5229 for more information.     

Calvert Marine Museum at Solomons, offers a presentation, craft activity, and a snack for ages 4 to 6 pm on two Saturdays a month at 10 am and noon.  Call 410-326-2042, ext. 41 for more information, and to register.

            Holy Spirit Church on Ritchie Road in Forestville, will be holding a flea market on May 22, from 8:30 am to 3 pm.  Call 301-33-2830 or 301-336-3707 for information.

            The Mount Jezreel Baptist Church Singles’ Ministry is holding a Single and Saved Ball on June 18 from 8 pm to midnight in Lanham.  Call 240-568-0643 or go to singles@mtjezreel.net for information and tickets.

            My granddaughter, Christina Ratcliffe, is a long-time participant in the Special Olympics in Charles County.  At the Spring games at Thomas Stone High School this year, she was given an award for her enthusiasm, and at the swimming events at Lackey this past weekend, she brought home two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze medal.  Christie works Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, at the Chik-fila in the Food Court at the St. Charles Mall.  If you are ever there on any of those days between 11 and 2, be sure to say hello to Christie. and let her know you read about her in my column.  I know she will smile back at you and give you a sample!

            The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.