Out and About – Week of December 3rd

Here are the answers to last week’s Quiz for Bright People:

1. The sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the leader or running score until the contest ends is BOXING.

2. The only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh is LETTUCE.

3. The three words in standard English that begin with “dw” are DWARF, DWELL, and DWINDLE.

Procrastinators, you have twenty-one days left to do your Christmas shopping. That’s providing that you are reading this today, December 4. We have sufficient time to apply knee pads and other body armor before we head out to take on those crazies and their shopping carts. You haven’t lived until you’ve been hit in the posterior with a fully-loaded, cast iron shopping cart, loaded with toys of destruction and a two-year old screaming kid. Ya gotta love ‘em!

We couldn’t celebrate the Christmas season without including the Lights of Love. This annual fundraising project for Three Rivers Health is celebrating its twenty-second year of raising funds for needed equipment. Chairperson Diane Reece says that all proceeds will be used to purchase new equipment for the laboratory. Needed equipment includes a Fisher scientific microscope, a table-top centrifuge with draw chair, and updated statistical software. Each donation of at least $3 will receive a symbolic light to be placed on the Lights of Love Christmas trees, which are located on the grounds of the hospital. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30PM on Saturday, December 8. The Silver Triad Flute Club will perform, along with Lee Hohner playing music of the season.

The temperatures have been seasonal, which means a cup of hot soup can be quite comforting. A cup of soup is sometimes a complete meal for those less fortunate. Trinity Episcopal Church, 321 North Main Street, Three Rivers, continues to have their soup pot steaming with FREE soup every Tuesday and Thursday, from 4 to 5:30PM. Donations are always accepted. Perhaps you’re not in need of soup, but you do have some time, or extra funds, to spare. Contact the church, or just stop by, and see if there might be something you can do to help.

Firefighters for Santa are still looking for donations to help make some families’ Christmas just a little brighter. They are in need of canned goods, dried goods, and, of course, funds. Any donation that you can make can be dropped off at City Hall. The personnel there will see to it that all donations get into the right hands. Our local firefighters are there 24/7 for us. This is one time we can be there for them.

We are immersed the most giving season of the year. The stores are filled with shoppers looking for that special gift for that special someone. As you peruse the aisles of merchandise, why not pick up something for someone you don’t even know? On Christmas Day, our hospitals will still have patients, and our nursing homes will have residents who just might be forgotten, or without families who care. You can only imagine the joy that can be felt by receiving a simple gift from someone. You don’t need to visit a nursing home bearing gifts. Just stop by and visit with several of the residents. To some, a simple conversation can be the best gift ever.

The season for giving should be never-ending, but the Christmas season is very special. Here’s a novel idea. Purchase a pizza, or bake some cookies, and deliver them to someone who must work on a holiday. A nurse at the hospital, or a firefighter at the fire station working Christmas Day, can feel not so alone, knowing that someone appreciates what they do and the sacrifices that are made.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

Out and About – Week of November 26th

I can’t remember a Thanksgiving with such nice weather, as the one we just experienced. It was perfect weather for those who traveled, which in years past, hasn’t been quite as nice. I remember, while working at O’Hare Airport, many folks celebrated Thanksgiving with a turkey sandwich, sitting in the lobby waiting for news on their flight home. I hope everyone was able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends, and appreciated the excellent weather we had here.

We are now in the shopping spirit for Christmas. Fifty years ago we could do all of our shopping right here in Three Rivers. Big Box stores didn’t exist, and you could not shop on the internet, because the internet didn’t exist. Oh, some folks traveled to Kalamazoo for some special items, but even that was a bit of a challenge, because US-131 was a two-lane highway, and it wasn’t as convenient as it is today. I try to do all of my shopping locally, right here in Three Rivers. It’s important to me to keep the money here in our community. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but I’d like to see us all at least try. As I mentioned in a previous column, art and craft shows usually have some great deals.

Talking about craft shows, the Three Rivers Senior Center will host a Holiday Sale Friday, December 7, from 10AM to 5PM. They will have something for everyone, including baked goods, crafts, toys, and even a flea market. If you’d like to join them for lunch, please call the Commission on Aging 24 hours in advance. The COA’s number is 269-279-8083. The Three Rivers Senior Center is in the same building as the Commission on Aging and the Three Rivers Public Library. They are all located at 103 South Douglas Avenue, across the street from Harding’s, in Three Rivers.

Here’s something that will definitely be worth the trip. The Marcellus VFW, located on M-40, just south of Marcellus, will host a prime rib dinner on Saturday, December 8, from 5 to 7PM. The cost is only $14, and it is open to the public. This is a great opportunity to support those veterans of foreign wars.

My motto is “Volunteer…..the world is run by those who show up.” Another great quote about volunteering is “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer!” If you’re a volunteer and still have a little room on your plate, the Commission on Aging can use your help. They are in need of volunteer drivers, instructors, coordinators, class leaders, and people to answer the phone. If you are a frequent rider of the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority, they might even have a place for you on the Authority’s Advisory Committee. Contact the COA at 269-279-8083 for more information.

Football season is finished for this year. Local high school basketball is now coming on the scene. If you enjoy basketball, you just can’t beat watching the sport on the high school level. The Three Rivers Wildcats know the game, especially the high school girls. Check the newspaper for the dates and times, then catch the games on WRCI-FM, 74.1 on your radio dial. Better yet, you just can’t beat watching the game from the stands at Three Rivers High School.

I haven’t done this for a while, so here’s a short quiz for bright people. I’ll have the answers for you in next week’s column.

1) Name the sport in which neither the spectators, nor the participants, know the leader, or running score until the contest ends.

2) Name the only vegetable, or fruit, that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or any other form except fresh.

3) Only three words in standard English begin with the letters “dw”, and they are all common words. Name two of them.

Have fun with your holiday shopping. Be kind and considerate to your fellow shoppers, and thank those customer service people for putting up with you.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

Out and About – Week of November 19th

This has been a great autumn. Just about all the leaves are on the ground, my lawn mower is put away, and the snow blower is ready for action. This Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving. For most of us, this is the time to count our many blessings. Unfortunately, there are some still looking for their next meal or a warm place to keep warm during the cold nights.Every year I like to remind everyone that there are folks out there who will not be sitting down to a hot meal with loving friends and relatives. If you know someone in this situation, invite them to join you, or prepare a plate with all of the trimmings and take it to them. In doing so, your bountiful meal will taste that much better.

There are also several organizations in the Three Rivers area that are offering a FREE dinner to those in need. If you’d like that warm fuzzy feeling, volunteer to help out at one of these dining establishments. One such organization is the Trinity Episcopal Church, 321 North Main Street, Three Rivers. The church will host their 21st Annual FREE Thanksgiving Eve Dinner this Wednesday, November 21, from 4 to 6 PM. Volunteers from several area churches are working together to put on this project. The dinner is FREE, and all are welcome. There will be a donation box available for those wishing to contribute. The menu will consist of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, corn, pickled beets, cranberry relish, rolls, and, of course, pie. The volunteers want to stress to the community that this dinner isn’t just for the less fortunate. It is for anyone who wishes to enjoy a good meal and socialize with neighbors and friends. For more information, call the church at 269-273-3795.

The Three Rivers community has many outstanding citizens. If you’re lucky, you know them as friends. Most of these friends do phenomenal things without standing in the spotlight. Earl Stark was such a friend. Raised in Colon, he eventually made his home here in Three Rivers. He was a police officer( I don’t care for the term “Cop”) for many years and eventually rose to the position of Police Chief. After retiring from the police force, he sought the position of City Commissioner, and he won. He served the community well and never sought the spotlight. That’s just the way he was. I knew him best as a fellow Lion member. He was always a joy to be with, and his sense of humor was unique. To use a familiar saying, “He’d give you the shirt off his back” would probably best describe Earl. My condolences go out to Fran and the rest of the Stark family. He loved his family and was extremely proud of his sons and grandchildren. He loved them all, and they knew that. We loved Earl, too, and I’m pretty sure he knew that as well.

Next weekend the seasonal festivities begin. On Saturday in historic downtown Three Rivers, everyone is invited to stop by for the “Holiday Hunt” at Lowry’s Books and More, enjoy delicious food and beverages at Belle Epoque, have your face painted at The Downtown Dog, greet and visit with Santa at the Riviera Theatre, participate in cookie decorating at World Fare, be entertained by carolers, and witness the tree lighting at Mural Mall. The activities start around 10AM, with the tree lighting finale at 5:15.

The fun continues Sunday, November 25. Start out the day with a delicious brunch at Belle Epoque from 10:30AM to 2:30PM, followed by another chance to visit with Santa at the Riviera from noon to 4PM. FREE photos will be provided by Walgreens. Wrap up your Sunday afternoon with a visit to Ridgeway Floral, where you’ll be able to enjoy their Annual Holiday Open House from noon until 4PM.

There’s always something fun and entertaining going on in the Three Rivers community. All you need to do is get off that couch and seek out the adventure.

I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. May you be thankful for your many blessings and share them with those less fortunate.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

Out and About – Week of November 12th

The election is over, which means that the campaigning is over, which means no more mudslinging via the news media. Someone made a lot of money during the campaigning, and I’m sure it wasn’t me or any others more deserving. What a waste of dollars. What will they talk about next on Facebook or Twitter?

The next event to plan for is Thanksgiving. I really like Thanksgiving, because it involves food. I also try to reflect on the many things that I’m thankful for, and I’m pretty sure that’s the true meaning of this November holiday. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a popular day for merchants, a day made up of shoppers showing love and respect for each other, as they scramble to grab that one item that would be perfect for a loved one. I have no desire to Christmas shop on Black Friday. Some of those shoppers take no prisoners.

In the summer there are yard and garage sales. In the fall we have bazaars and craft shows. All of these events are filled with bargains. This time of the year, we are in the market for gifts for the holidays. My friends at the Ninth Street United Methodist Church invite all bargain hunters to stop by the church this Saturday, November 17, for their annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale. From 9AM to 2PM, you may peruse the many crafts, gifts, quilts, Christmas decorations, toys, and ceramics on display. Be there in time to have lunch from 11AM to 2PM. The church is located at 700 Ninth Street, in Three Rivers.

Saturday, November 17, is another busy Saturday in the Three Rivers area. There’s even a blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross, which is being held at the UAW Local 2093 Union Hall, 15802 Hoffman Road, Three Rivers. Find time during your day of shopping, and stop by the hall between the hours of noon and 5:45. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated, and you’ll feel better about yourself.

While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by Light and Life Wesleyan Church’s Annual Craft and Bake Sale. The sale begins at 9AM and runs until 4PM. It’s a great opportunity to sit down, enjoy some FREE coffee and fresh-baked cookies, and look over all kinds of home crafted items for holiday fare. If you’re not a baker, you’ll find plenty of delicious baked items prepared for you. If nothing else, you’ll have the opportunity to sit, relax, and visit with neighbors and friends. Light and Life Wesleyan is just across the street from the union hall, so it’s very easy to find. If you’re in favor of spending your money locally and avoiding the big crowds, this is the place for you.

The Immaculate Conception School Vendor Expo also happens this Saturday. It will be held in the school gym from 9AM to 1PM, and the admission is FREE. Immaculate Conception is located at 601 South Douglas, in Three Rivers.

Everyone has heard of at least several Elvis impersonators. They are very entertaining to watch, and most of them are quite good. Some months ago, we were entertained by a John Wayne impersonator. I felt that I was only a few feet away from “The Duke” himself. Singer/Songwriter John Denver will perform Friday, November 30, at 8PM, at the Riviera Theatre, located in historic downtown Three Rivers. You’re right, John Denver passed away years ago, but Ted Vigil brings his image and songs back to life for your entertainment. Ted Vigil was adopted out of Colorado and was raised in the Seattle area. He has been performing since the age of ten. Tickets to see Ted Vigil are $15, and may be purchased at the Riviera box office.

As you start your holiday shopping, please don’t leave your manners at home. Have patience with the sales staff and with other shoppers. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

Out and About – Week of November 5th

We are now into November. By the time some of you read this, we’ll know who our President will be for the next four years. Some of us will be elated, and some of us will be packing our bags and making plans to relocate out of country. I will be extremely elated, because I won’t have to put up with all of the false political ads that we were all bombarded with prior to the election. The money spent on campaigning could have been put to better use. Why can’t we all just get along?

Next Sunday is Veterans Day. Most will probably forget to recognize the day, because it falls on a Sunday, and there are football games on Sunday. Hopefully, some network will have a flyover prior to the game. That would be the appropriate thing to do. We won’t see it, of course, because the professional commentators will be forecasting the outcome of the game, or they’ll break for a commercial. I’ll do my best to reflect on those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Too many have given too much for so little recognition.

This Thursday, November 8, Riverview Manor, 55378 Wilbur Road, Three Rivers, will host an open house from 4 to 6 PM. Everyone is invited to check out their new Secure Memory Unit and the new Rehabilitation Unit. Riverview Manor is just one of many facilities in St. Joseph County that many senior citizens call “home”. If you know someone living in such a facility, be sure to pay them a visit on a regular basis. The gesture means a lot and is greatly appreciated.

This is the season for bazaars. They provide a perfect venue to do your holiday shopping. The Three Rivers Health Auxiliary will host their Holiday Bazaar this Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10, in the hospital lobby. Friday hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM, and the hours for Saturday are from 8 AM to 2 PM. All proceeds will benefit patient services.

Another local bazaar is still a week away. It’s great to have them spread out a little. Heartland Health Care will host their annual bazaar a week from Saturday, on November 17. The fun begins at 9 AM and runs until 3 PM. If you’re in the market for gift baskets, grab bags, stocking stuffers, homemade items, or baked goods, then you won’t want to miss this pre-holiday event. Oh yes, there will be a Sloppy Joe lunch available. Heartland is located off South Douglas Avenue, north of Immaculate Conception Church, at 517 South Erie Street, in Three Rivers. For more information, please call 269-273-8661.

Blood donors, be advised that the American Red Cross will sponsor their next blood drive in White Pigeon, at White Pigeon High School, 410 East Prairie. Monday, November 12, is the date, and the blood will flow from 8 AM until l:45PM. Kudos to you donors! What you do means so much.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 56050 Buckhorn Road, Three Rivers, invites everyone to their annual spaghetti dinner, this Saturday, November 10, from 5 to 7:30 PM. We’ve been there, and believe me when I say that you can’t find a better meal for the price. Adults can enjoy the dinner, which includes a salad and beverage, for $7. Children ages 4 to 7 may dine for $3.50, and if you’re under the age of 4, your meal is FREE. Proceeds from this feast will go to help senior citizens in adult care facilities.

“Wine for Whiskers”? Let me explain this one. The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will host a wine sampling at the Riviera Theatre, Three Rivers, this Saturday, November 10, from 6 to 8 PM. Attendees will share the unique pleasure of learning the history of wine, with stories by Master of Ceremonies Bill Pattee, resident wine expert. Live music and food pairings will be provided. There will also be a silent auction. A variety of wines will be available for sampling and purchase. Tickets are $25 per person, of which $12.50 is tax deductible. Tickets may be purchased at Beam Sound & Video, West Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers, and at the door. You may also purchase them via the Riviera website: www.trriviera.com. Proceeds will benefit animal welfare needs here in St. Joseph County.

Please remember to thank a vet, not just next Sunday, but every day.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

Out and About – Week of October 29th

This Saturday, November 3, is the date for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church’s Christmas Bazaar. From 9AM until 6 PM, you’ll be able to look over and purchase all sorts of Christmas crafts and baked goods. A special event this year is the School Afghan raffle. The five afghans are crocheted in Granny Squares and each has a block in the middle with the name of a school. The schools represented are Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, and Three Rivers High School. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase on Saturday, November 3, and the raffle drawing will be Sunday, November 4, around noon at the church. Raffle tickets will sell for $1 each, or six for $5. Please note the change in the date of the raffle. I gave the wrong date in a previous column. Immaculate Conception Church is located on South Douglas Avenue, just north of Hill Street. Questions may be directed to Mary Warren at 269-273-8860.

This Saturday, November 3, must be the day for bazaars. Another takes place about six miles east of Three Rivers, in Centreville. It’s worth the ten minute drive over to check things out. The bazaar is hosted by the Centreville Elementary School from 9 to 3 PM, with lunch being served from 11 AM to 2 PM. Pollyanna’s Sweet Shoppe will be open, along with plenty of fine arts and crafts. A bazaar wouldn’t be the same without specialty baskets, a kids’ “Make and Take” table, a few vendors, and much more. A good bazaar is the perfect place to do some early Christmas shopping. You benefit by finding some great bargains, the craftsperson benefits by earning some extra money, and the community benefits by keeping the money in the local community. It’s a win-win situation.

The First Presbyterian Church, 320 North Main Street, Three Rivers, will host a “Trunk or Treat” party for the kids this Wednesday, October 31, beginning at 5 PM, in the church’s parking lot. This is considered a “Safe Zone”, which makes it all the more fun.

With Halloween in everyone’s mind, please be cautious and extra alert when driving. Children will be Out and About, and they might have other things on their mind other than traffic in the streets. If your children are planning to go trick or treating, it would be a great idea to go with them. You’d be amazed as to how much fun you might have. Remind your little ones to say “Thank You” after receiving a treat. It’s just good manners.

Here’s a special idea for senior citizens. It has been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet it is a meal that a lot of folks ignore. It’s not fun eating breakfast alone, so you’re invited to join the Monthly Breakfast Club. The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 27, at the Country Table in White Pigeon, from 9 to 10 AM. They’d love to have you join them for good humor, an update on current events, and good conversation. The coordinators for the Breakfast Club are Twila Jones and Sandy Williams. All you need to do is contact the Commission on Aging (COA) to RSVP. Their number is 269-279-8083. For a ride to White Pigeon, contact the Transit Authority. Their phone number is 269-273-7808.

If you’re a grandparent with way too much time on your hands, you’ll be happy to know that Shippy Head Start is in need of your help. They are looking for grandparents who would be willing to spend a little time rocking babies at their center, located at 1000 East Broadway in Three Rivers. They would love to have you become a part of their Volunteer Grandparent Program.

I don’t know of any pet owners who don’t consider their pet a very important member of the family. When it comes to medical care, money usually isn’t a concern. Like medications for adults, there are also generic pet meds. You can get many for only $4 (for a 30-day supply) from the pharmacies of some “big-box”. A veterinarian’s prescription is usually required. A family pet gives unconditional love and asks for so little.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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