Out and About Blog by Norm Stutesman

Lately, I’ve noticed more and more people with “Jimmy Legs”. The first time I heard of “Jimmy Legs” was on the Seinfeld television show. Evidently, it involves the uncontrollable twitching of the legs. I’ve noticed it while in a restaurant or other venue where people are sitting down. Usually, one leg is in motion as if keeping time with music. …

If you are a history-buff, you’ll be interested in learning that for the first time since December 7, 1941, the Navy will have a USS Arizona serving in its fleet. Popular Mechanics reports the new Arizona is a Virginia-class attack submarine. The sub’s keel was laid recently at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island. Of the …

In the past, Monks have had the reputation of being quite knowledgeable when it comes to giving advice. Here are some helpful hints on what we can all do to protect our valuable energy: It’s okay to cancel a commitment. It’s okay to not answer that call. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to want to be alone. …

The Sixty-Sixth Annual Three Rivers Water Festival is now in the history books, and what a festival it was. The weather cooperated and it seems everyone had a good time. Many thanks to all the sponsors for their support. You’ll want to check the local news and newspaper for information on the other festivals going on this summer. Colon, White …

This week is Water Festival week. Everything starts with the Water Festival Parade, which steps off at 7 PM Thursday evening. The rain date is Friday at the same time. This is the 66th Annual Water Festival and it seems to get better every year. This event started out as the “Water Carnival” and one of the highlights back then …

Wednesday, June 14, is Flag Day, a day when everyone should fly the American flag. Patriotic Americans fly Old Glory everyday, but the fourteenth is extra important. The current fifty star American flag started as a school project. Approved by President Eisenhower, the design of the American flag started as the school project of a high school student named Bob …

This week we celebrate Memorial Day. It’s more a day of remembrance than a day of celebration. On this day we remember those members of our Armed Forces who have passed, whether in an armed conflict or in peacetime. Memorial Day is also recognized as the first day of summer, even though summer doesn’t actually begin until next month. Beginning …

What is the difference between a hurricane, typhoon or a cyclone? There is no difference except for the fact that they are known by a different name depending on where you are in the world. Most of us are familiar with the name hurricane and we know what kind of damage can be done. A hurricane is known as a …

Here are six Rules of Life I wish I had known when I was younger: Always speak less than necessary. Life is a balance between holding on and letting go. What we think, we become. A great man is hard on himself. A small man is hard on others. The future depends on what we do in the present. What …

On Monday, May 1, we had the privilege of attending a superb organ concert featuring Dr. Michael Burkhardt. Thanks to the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, this hour-long concert featured a festival of hymns with audience participation. The concert was held at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 North Main Street, in Three Rivers. This was the …