CLINTON COLUMN FOR OCTOBER 21, 2004

            The Potomac Harmony Chorus of the Sweet Adelines had a really wonderful show this year.  It was called “The Really Rassamatazz Vaudeville Show” and the women sang up a storm, with some great jokes, and three good quartets.  Along with the Sweet Adelines, there was a group of eight tap dancers, all senior citizens.  They looked very good for a bunch of old ladies, and they never missed a step, doing three numbers.  The main thing that I noticed was how good their legs looked and how I wished mine looked that good.  I guess it has a lot to do with all the exercise they get.

            Get your pet ready for a ride on November 14, to Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek.  That’s the day for the blessing of the animals at 3 pm.  If your pet can’t travel, you can go yourself and take a picture.  All kinds of pets are welcome.  The service will be free, but a basket will be passed for a free will offering.  It is planned for the money to be used for a new Meditation Garden at the church.  Call Marilyn Randall at 301-283-2525 if you need further information.

            Much sympathy is extended to the family of Bea Lea, who died last week.  Bea and her husband, Bob, who preceded her in death, were members of Faith United Methodist Church for many years, and were both active and well loved.  There are two boys, John and Bob, who will be missing them both now, as well as two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.  I wish Bob and Bea a happy eternity together.

            On November 13, from noon until 4 pm, historian Michael Kauffman, a Calvert County resident, will sign copies of his new biography of John Wilkes Booth at Surratt House Museum on Brandywine Road.  This new book, entitled “American Brutus: John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies” examines Booth’s real motivation in killing President Lincoln, while stripping away a century of accumulated folklore.  Mr. Kauffman will speak at 2:30 pm.  For further information, call 301-868-1121 or go to www.surratt.org.

            The Black Box Theatre in Indian Head is now showing “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” through October 24^th.  For only $30, you can enjoy a show ticket and a three-course meal from the Citrus Café’s Pre-Theatre Dinner Menu.  This is a saving of almost 15%.  General Admission is $15, seniors and groups of 10 or more, $12.  December 13 starts the showing of “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”  This is another Neil Simon play about a family before the outbreak of World War II.  Call 301-743-3040 for tickets.

            The Maryland Choral Society is practicing their Christmas concert to be performed at Corkran United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 6, at 8 pm, and at Christ Church in Port Tobacco on November 7 at 5 pm.  Call 301-961-7131 for more information.

            If you live in the North Clinton area, be sure to check out the North Clinton Citizens Association.  At this time, the Association is trying to help the Police Department recruit new officers.  If you are over 21, have no criminal record, and have a high school diploma or GED, you could qualify to become a Police Officer for the county.  The association meets the second Wednesday of the month in January, April, June and October.  Their new president, Clinton Burnham, will welcome you.  Call him at 301-297-8914 if you are interested, or want more information about this very active group. 

            National Night Out on August 3 was again a successful evening, held at District V Headquarters.  To those who made it to the celebration, it was a chance to meet and welcome new Captain Everett Sesker to the District.

            The NAACP is offering rides to the polls if you have no other way.  Call them at 301-883-4191.

            On Wednesday, November 3, the Sons of the American Legion are sponsoring a bus trip to Midway Slots.  The bus will leave the Post on Piscataway Road at 9 am, arriving at Midway at 11 am.  It will then depart Midway at 3 pm, arriving back at the Post at 5 pm.  This trip costs $15 and includes the buffet at Midway.  Sign up at the bar at the Post, or call May at 301-868-1686 for more information.  The Post is also offering a beef and pork roast on November 6.  Advanced tickets for this event are $8 and can be purchased until October 31^st.  After that, the tickets will be $11.

            An understanding friend is better than a therapist – and cheaper, too!