Out and About – Week of July 23rd

Just returned from the Frankenmuth area. Talk about getting Out and About. We were there to welcome Mark and Deb Mansell. Mark started out in Portland, Oregon, on June 16, and is on his way to Portland, Maine. He is riding his bicycle across the United States to raise funds for Leader Dogs for the Blind, which is headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He stopped there this past Saturday for a brief stay and welcome celebration. He still has a way to go but is planning to reach Portland, Maine, in a couple of weeks. On a good day, he can bike a little over 100 miles. So far he has raised over $44,000. A well-trained leader dog for the blind is worth around $40,000.

We are now in the second half of the baseball season. The parents of Little League players spend most of their spare time either transporting a player or watching a game, a very rewarding experience. I’d like to share something that everyone should keep in mind while attending a game:

HE’S JUST A LITTLE BOY

He stands at the plate with his heart pounding fast; the bases are loaded; the die has been cast.

Mom and Dad cannot help him; he stands all alone. A hit at this moment would send the team home.

The ball nears the plate; he swings and he misses. There’s a groan from the crowd, with some boos

and hisses. A thoughtless voice cries, “Strike out the bum!” Tears fill his eyes; the game’s no longer

fun. Remember – he’s just a boy, who stands all alone. So open your heart and give him a break. For

it’s moments like this a man you can make. Keep this in mind, when you hear someone forget. He’s

just a little boy, not a man yet.

Here’s a heads-up on the 52nd Annual St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association Show that will be held August 3, 4, and 5, at Boot Hill Ranch, located one and one-half miles east of Jones, on Bair Lake Street. Word has it that Massey Harris-Ferguson equipment will be featured this year.

Prior to the show, on Thursday, August 2, at 9 A.M., the Seventh Annual Tractor Tour will leave the show grouds for a road trip. If you’d like to participate, contact Duane Hollister at (269)683-9537. I’ll have more information next week. Until then, for more information, contact Steve Ammer at (269)651-8478, or Brenda Bickel at (269)435-8288.

This Saturday, July 28, the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will hold a “Doggy Wash” in the parking lot of the Three Rivers Fire Department, located on West Michigan Avenue, across the street from Scidmore Park in Three Rivers. The washing and scrubbing begin at 10 A.M. and will continue until 3 P.M. Nail clipping will also be done. All of this is for the price of a donation of your choice.

ARF would like to make everyone aware of their ARF’s Reward Project. ARF is launching this new program to encourage citizens to report animal abuse in St. Joseph County. Citizens who witness animal abuse are asked to call (269)389-0329 to report the case. ARF volunteers will document the facts, assign a file number for ARF’s use in tracking, and then inform the caller to immediately contact their law enforcement in order to file a formal complaint and begin the process of investigation. Those who report animal abuse may be eligible to collect up to $1000 upon arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

Thanks to the Riviera Theatre, opera enthusiasts have the opportunity to see two more operas before the end of July. The Sleeping Beauty, the pinnacle of classical ballet, will be shown this evening, Tuesday, July 24, at 6 P.M. The price of admission is $12. Boris Godunov will appear on the big screen Sunday, July 29, at 3 P.M., and once again Tuesday, July 31, at 6 P.M. This opera runs for 147 minutes, with one intermission. It is presented in Russian, with English subtitles. Admission is $16.

Are you happy with your car? The rule of thumb for trading in a car for a newer model used to be 60,000 miles. Cars are better made these days. Competition among manufacturers, anti-corrosiion protection, and better lubricants all help to make the car good for 250,000 miles or more.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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