CLINTON COLUMN FOR OCTOBER 14, 2004

This year, the members of our high school class at the “gathering” totaled about 21 out of a class that graduated 338, so after 64 years, I guess that is not too bad.  We had a good time, but it is very sad in my hometown of Connellsville, Pennsylvania.  Last year, we had our gathering at the Golden Corral, which closed a day later.  This year, the restaurant where we had planned to have it closed before we were even able to have it.  The malls on the outside of town seem to still have clientele, but in the town itself, there is only a drug store, and a state liquor store on the main street.  I remember when it used to be buzzing all day and into the evening, but times have surely changed.  On the outside of town, there is more than one camping resort, most of which have skiing in the winter, and hiking, etc. in the summer.  Of course, at my age, neither of these is something I want to do.  Nevertheless, I dearly love to visit the area, and do it as often as I am able.

Happy Birthday in October to Eddie Plotts and Rose Jordan, October 3, Lisa Tinkham and Angelica Gonzalez, October 4, Elaine Flowers, October 5, Margaret Arrington and Ann Car, October 6, my nephew, Dick Keslar, with whom I am blessed to spend my time in Pennsylvania, October 7, Mary Sasscer, Steven Flowers and Mary Garcia, October 8, Betty Hayden, October 11, my grandson, George Lucas, Jr. and Stephen Ratcliffe, October 12, Midge Floyd, Grace Cooksey, Carolyn McKinney, Betty Moore, Ruth Brett and Margaret Buckler, October 15, Bettye Ryan, October 16, Lewis Batty, October 17, Sue Jenkins and Jeffrey Guzman, October 19, Russ Kirk and Janet Brown, October 20, Nancy F. Williams and Dick Foster, October 21, Marie Goslin, October 29, and Dorothy Donley, October 30

Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek will be having their annual roast beef dinner on November 6, from 4 to 7 pm.  Menu will include roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, green beans, candied carrots, salad, biscuits, and beverage, with dessert for sale.  Adult carryouts will be available.  Cost is $12 for adults, and children 6 to 12, $9.  Call me for more information or tickets. 

Remember that their Bazaar is happening October 30, from 9 am to 2 pm and the Thrift Store will be open during that time, also. 

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Southern Prince George’s County Chapter 1260, will meet Thursday, October 21, at 1 pm at the Surratts-Clinton Library on Piscataway Road.  Speakers will be Ms. Julia Wright from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, discussing insurance program changes for 2005, and Mr. Jeffrey Gray of the State’s Attorney Office, discussing domestic violence.  Carl Ruble will present the 11 questions on the upcoming election ballot.

Clinton Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring their annual craft fair on November 13, at St. John’s church hall from 9 am to 2 pm.  Tables are $15.  For more information, call Linda at 301-472-1844 or May at 301-868-1686.

If you would like to be a poll watcher on November 2, call Joyce Dowling at 301-782-9922.  Poll watching is important this year because we need citizens on the ground documenting any problems voters may have.  If you have any problems with the new computer voting machines, contact True Vote Maryland either through TrueVoteMD.org or at 301-270-6150. 

Ages 5 to 7 can learn about the gray wolf on October 19 at 4 pm at the Patuxent Research Refuge National Wildlife Visitor Center on Powder Mill Road.  This is a free program.  Call 301-497-5887 or go to www.patuxent.fws.gov for reservations.

The Southern Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering disaster service training for those interested in volunteering during disaster situations, on October 16.  The topics will be ”Intro to Disaster” at 9 am and ”Damage Assessment” at1 pm.  This is a free program.  Call 410-535-5230 to register.

Christ Episcopal Church on Old Branch Avenue is looking for crafters for its annual craft fair, to be held on November 6 from 9 am to 2 pm.  For information and registration forms, call 301-868-1330.

White Marsh Elementary PTA is looking for crafters for the craft fair to be held on December 4 at the school in Mechanicsville.  For information, call 301-884-4670 or 301-884-9683.

Manpower shortages after the Civil War opened the way for women in the work force.  The Treasury Department and the Government Printing Office were the first government agencies to hire women – at wages lower than their male counterparts.