CLINTON COLUMN FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2004

            Most of us like the fact that Thanksgiving time is once again upon us.  When I was working, I remember being glad to have another reason to be off work and I am always happy to have another opportunity to spend time with my family.  I hope that all of my readers have a wonderful day, and that you find many reasons to be thankful, as do I.

            On Friday, my daughter, Judy, two of my friends, and I traveled to Lancaster to the Millenium Theatre to see the “Miracle of Christmas.”  As usual, it was a fantastic show.  Anyone who has ever been there knows how special these shows are.  They use some real animals, and some are animatronic.  The music is always excellent, and usually loud.  Even so, I always manage to fall asleep for a few minutes, and am sorry to miss any of it.  If you are within my age group, I know you will understand.  By the time the show is on its last part, I am usually in tears, it is so moving.  They combine the birth of Christ with what will happen in the future, and it never fails to make me feel emotional.

            If we Democrats want to take back the governor seat, we need to get to work.  Come to the Brandywine Democratic Club Christmas meeting on December 2 at 7:30 pm at the Brandywine Firehouse.  We will be having our election and Christmas party, with a raffle and gift exchange.  If you need any more information, call me.

            In the newsletter from Southern Maryland Hospital Center this month, there is an article about kidney stones that may be of interest to some of my readers.  The first sign of a kidney stone usually is a sudden cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen.  Other symptoms include:  nausea and vomiting; blood in the urine; an increased need to urinate; or burning during urination.  Sometimes the stones will pass with a doctor’s help, but call your doctor right away if you have fever and chills along with the above symptoms.  Also, in this newsletter is an article about knee replacement, one about asthma, another about effective alternatives to Hysterectomy, and some information about diabetes.  There is also a listing of the continual programs that are a part of the services provided by SMHC.  If you would like any information about any of these, please give me a call.

            On December 9, Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek will have Life Line Screening from 9 am to 4 pm.  They will screen for stroke by looking at the carotid artery, check for Aortic Aneurysm, and screen for peripheral arterial disease, which is linked to coronary artery disease.  Also, they will identify your risk for osteoporosis in 60 seconds.  Visit the website www.lifelinescreening.com and call 1-800-324-1851 to preregister for this event.

            Colony South Hotel has lots of good stuff going on.  On Sunday, they have a 10-foot TV screen for you to watch sports.  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, there is Happy Hour from 4 to 7 pm, with a free buffet, and $1.50 for a draft.  Karaoke takes place on Wednesday and this week, there will be Karaoke on Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.  These events all take place in the Decoy Lounge.

            On December 7, enjoy a grand full-day excursion visiting four of the best of Washington’s rich collection of historic hotels, all decorated for the holidays.  Career travel writer and photojournalist Trish Foxwell leads the tour of hotels and suites, and imparts intriguing stories about the architecture of the historic properties and the famous personalities associated with them.  The tour begins at the Willard (this is where the Battle Hymn of the Republic was written).  At the St. Regis Hotel, there will be tea, coffee and pastries.  At the Mayflower Hotel, you will be treated to a delicious three-course private luncheon in the Senate Room with slide presentation and book signing by Ms. Foxwell.  The day will end at the Jefferson Hotel with Christmas tea and cookies, plus viewings of two special suites. Cost for this special day is $145 if you are not a member of the Corcoran Gallery of Art.  If you are interested in this, or any other happening at the Corcoran, call them at 202-639-1770

            More people walk to work in Alaska than in any other state.