Arriving at her door, I heard strains of "O Tannenbaum" echo from the backyard. I followed the sound and found my friend with her foot on the spine of her Christmas tree. She cheerfully waved her chain saw.
"You have to cut the tree in half or the county won't recycle it," she explained.
That's true, I thought as I gently extracted the saw from her hand. But they generally expect you to remove the decorations first.
Safely back in her very stark house, I cautiously asked what had prompted her to remove all the holiday decorations by 4 p.m. Christmas day. After all, this is a woman who drives a minivan with a Rudolph head on the grill.
"My husband gave me an iron for a Christmas gift," she said simply.
I recoiled in horror. An iron for Christmas would send any woman over the edge. Speechless, we sat for several moments, sharing her pain.
Just then, her husband nervously entered the room, a gaily wrapped package in his outstretched hands. Excusing myself, I paused only to glare in his direction.
The next day at Giant, I saw my friend proudly displaying her new diamond tennis bracelet to the cashier.
I hope I get an iron next Christmas.
Many happy returns, Glen Burnie.
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Members of VFW Post 160 and their guests are invited to ring in the new year at a dinner-dance starting 9 p.m. New Year's Eve at the post home, 2597 Dorsey Road.
At midnight, 1995 will be welcomed with a champagne toast and party favors.
Breakfast will be served at 2 a.m.
Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance.
Call 766-9802 for more information.
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The new year brings a new schedule of seminars offered by the Parent Involvement Center at Oakwood Elementary School. The free classes give parents a chance to learn how to raise their children. Parents who attend must have students in the county school system.
Registration is being accepted for these classes:
"How To Talk So Kids Will Listen," 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17 and 24. This three-part series offers practical ideas for more effective communication.
"F.A.T. City: Understanding Learning Disabilities," 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Jan. 11. The class includes a video on ways children with learning disabilities can achieve success in school.
"Let's Talk About Talking," 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 12. The class offers suggestions on using conversation to address the concerns of children.
"Infants and Toddlers Parent Support Group For Young Parents," 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Jan. 18. The group is for parents of "special needs" children.
"Pragmatics -- What's It All About?" 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This session involves a discussion on the rules and reasons of positive and negative commands.
"Can You Protect Your Child From Substance Abuse?" 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Jan. 25.
The class will give parents information on how they can help their children avoid drugs and alcohol.
"Parenting Young Children: Part 1," 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 26 through March 2. This series features six sessions dealing with various aspects of raising children under age six.
"Shaking, Hitting and Spanking: What To Do Instead," 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 31. The session will include a video and discussion on alternatives to physical discipline.
The center has satellite classrooms at Northeast High, Bates Middle, and Lothian, High Point and Van Bokkelen Elementary schools.
For registration information, call 222-6429.
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Edward P. Kennedy, president-elect of the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, will be honored at the chamber's annual Presidential Celebration, 7 p.m. to midnight, Jan. 21 at Michael's Eighth Avenue.
The chamber also will review the achievements of current president Daniel Boyd.
Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling the chamber office at 766-8282.
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Looking for something to do when the hustle of the holidays subsides? How about enrolling a a fitness program, line dancing class, or beauty seminar? The Glen Burnie YMCA, 8 Central Ave., is accepting registration for a variety of classes and programs set to begin Tuesday and continue through Feb. 25.
A complete listing of programs, times and registration fees can be obtained by calling 761-1251.
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Anyone with information for the Glen Burnie Neighbor's Column should call Bonita Formwalt at 766-4549.