CLINTON COLUMN FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2004           

            Of course, I know all of my readers are waiting with bated breath for the results of my latest test – the Colonoscopy.  It was an interesting experience.  I have since talked to quite a few of my friends, seniors all, who have never had one, either.  If you are over 50, you are supposed to have one at least every three years, I believe, so all of you who have never had one, get with it.  It’s not a big deal, really.  The night before the test, I drank a gallon of this cherry flavored stuff.  Everyone had said to be sure and get it cold as it is then easier to drink.  Turned out it was not hard to drink, but my body began to shiver after about half a gallon, so that was really the worst part. Since it is a laxative, and it worked well, I don’t need to tell you the rest.  The doctor said I was clean, and I watched the whole thing on the screen in front of me, so that’s another one done.  As I said before, I am beginning to believe there is nothing wrong with me except age.

            Saturday, August 28, I went to a wonderful 90^th birthday party for Johanna Brennan, who is the mother-in-law of our Gospel Group, Joyful Noise’s leader, Pat.  What a wonderful evening.  There was lots of wonderful music (part of it by Joyful Noise, of course), and a bit of a roast by her son, Dan, as well as much love being shown by all of her sons, and many of her friends. 

            The National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Southern Prince George’s County Chapter 1260,will be meeting Thursday, September 16, at 1 pm at the Surratts-Clinton Library on Piscataway Road.  Our speaker will be Dr. Floyd Johnson with the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, who will be covering senior citizen issues.  Call me if you need further information.

            My daughter, Barbara, recently sent me some interesting information about how people can now grow their own new body parts.  This is done by bypassing the initial bone removal procedure and growing the required bone from stem cells in the patient’s own bone marrow.  A 56-year old German man had cancerous tumors removed from his jawbone in 1997, and since then he was only able to eat soft foods.  Four weeks after the procedure, he was able to eat a meal of sausages and bread.  They created a titanium mesh cage to a three-dimensional shape and fit for his lower jaw, using computer-aided design, based on Ct scans of his face.  The mesh was filled with bone mineral blocks of bovine origin.  The patient is very happy with the results, and can chew food again, as well as being able to talk much clearer.  In a year’s time, when the German patient’s bone density has improved further, they hope to remove the titanium and implant teeth.  They are currently in the process of developing a nose structure for a patient whose nose was lost through cancer, using a resorbable plate mesh, rather than titanium, which needs to be eventually removed.  It is believed that this technique offers huge potential for victims of gunshot or facial tumors.  If you would like to read more of this article, go to www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996333.

            The Park Police Volunteer Association of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police of Prince George’s County, is looking for volunteers to assist with park watch, fingerprinting, the cell phone collection programs, grants, festivals, and shows, and clerical work.  Call 301-429-5623, or go to www.ppva.net.

            St. Mary, Star of the Sea School in Indian Head is looking for volunteers to serve lunch to students from 10:30 am to 1:15 pm, during the school year.  Call 301-283-6151.

            Calvert County Parks and Recreation is offering trips on a murder mystery dinner train, for adults, on October 30 in Western Maryland; to see the “Lion King”, for all ages, on November 10 and the opera “Cinderella” for all ages on November 17, both in New York City.  Call 410-586-1101, for more information, and to register.

            Lakeside United Methodist Church is seeking crafters for its craft fair, to be held on November 6.  Call 301-609-4747, or 301-870-8707.

            St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beltsville, is looking for vendors for its annual yard and bake sale, to be held on October 30,from 8 am to 2 pm.  Space reservations are required by September 30.  Call 301-937-4292.

            Oxon Hill United Methodist Church on Livingston Road, is looking for crafters of hand-made items for its annual Missions Craft Fair, to be held on November 6 from 8 am to 2 pm.  Call 301-702-1255.

            Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Lothian, is seeking crafters for its craft fair, to be held on October 16 from 9 am to 2 pm.  Call 410-867-4035.

            The Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata is seeking vendors for its flea market, to be held on September 25 from 8:30 am to 1 pm, and its craft fair, to be held on November 13 from 9 am to 2 pm.  Tables are available.  Call 301-609-5703.

            The Greenville, South Carolina Department of Social Services sent a letter to a client saying “Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received word that you passed away.  May God bless you.  If your circumstances change, you may re apply.”