“Do you have company?” she asked. “If you have guests I can come back later.”
Shaking my head, I ushered her in.
“I saw the strange car outside in the driveway. . . .” She stopped as it began to add up. “No guests. Strange, clean car. No oil slick. EPA warnings have been removed from the garage.”
Rushing to the window she gasped, “Where’s the Buick?”
Gone, I replied calmly. Twelve years, two transmissions and an odometer that’s read 76,123 miles since 1989 — all gone.
And with it’s demise, an era in my driving career ended:
* No more special attention at traffic signals, where passing motorists who saw the steam spewing from assorted radiator leaks would frantically call out, “You’re car is on fire!”
* No more rainy afternoons nonchalantly hanging out the driver’s window with a squeegee in hand while the windshield wipers take a nap.
* No more standing ovations from the staff at Pep Boys.
Beep, beep, Glen Burnie.
*
For anyone in need of a new car, $1 buys a chance to win a 1994 Plymouth Neon at the Big Glen Burnie Carnival sponsored by the Glen Burnie Improvement Association.
The winning ticket will be drawn at the carnival’s closing Saturday night.
Ride all night for $7. Pay 25 cents for soft drinks and 50 cents for hot dogs. The carnival provides an affordable evening of entertainment for the entire family.
Located on the association’s carnival grounds off Post 40 Road, the fun continues from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. Weekend hours are 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
*
They’re preparing for another carnival of sorts at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Plans are in the works for the church’s annual autumn fair Saturday, Oct. 1.
Artisans may rent tables to display and sell their crafts. Tables are $20.
To reserve a table call the church office, 766-2283.
*
Forget the new backpacks and spiral notebooks. Children aren’t ready for school unless they’ve received all the necessary immunizations.
The Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A St., S.W., offers immunization services for area residents. Appointments may be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Although no fee is charged for immunizations, donations up to $5 are welcome.
An immunization clinic has been scheduled from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at Marley Middle School. Parents must bring their children’s immunization records.
Maryland requires all students enrolled in school to provide proof of immunization.
Students entering kindergarten, first, second, sixth, seventh and eighth grades are required to have two doses of measles vaccine and one dose of mumps.
These vaccines are in addition to the immunizations required for all students.
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Daphne Selph from the county sheriff’s office will discuss crime against senior citizens at the Glen Burnie Block Watch meeting, 7 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Glen Lutheran Church hall, 106 Carroll Road. A representative from the county Police Department also will address the group.
Seniors who need transportation to the meeting can make arrangements by contacting Ida Hilditch, 761-6845, by Aug. 8.
The Block Watch is actively soliciting volunteers to commit one hour a month to participate in security patrols. While patrol people don’t confront anyone, they do report suspicious activities and problems.
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The Chavers Family will present a concert of Christian music at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Temple Baptist Church, 15 Old Stage Road.
Dr. Nicky Chavers and his wife Sheri will be joined by members of their family as they present their “Silver Anniversary” concert.
For information, call the church office, 761-4309.
