Out and About – Week of April 16th

There is no doubt in my mind that we are living in Michigan. A month ago we experienced temperatures in the eighties. Last week we had below-freezing temps. I can only hope that the frost has not hurt the buds on the fruit trees. Mother Nature can be a major speed bump at times.

I’m sure that most of you are aware that April is “National Heartworm Awareness” month. If this is news to you, here are a few facts that you might be interested in. The signs of Heartworm Disease in dogs might include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, and reduced appetite and weight loss. These symptoms occur mostly in heavily infected dogs, and unfortunately, recently infected dogs may exhibit no signs of the disease.

As far as cats are concerned, they may exhibit clinical signs that are very non-specific, mimicking many other feline diseases. Chronic clinical signs include vomiting, gagging, difficult or rapid breathing, lethargy, and weight loss. The best thing to do is to have your pet checked on a regular basis by a known and respected veterinarian. Heartworm prevention is safe, easy, and inexpensive. Treatment is possible, of course, but can be an expensive process, usually taking weeks for infected animals to recover.

Once Upon a Mattress opens Friday, April 27, at 8 P.M., at the Three Rivers Community Players’ Theatre on Millard Road, directly behind Dairy Queen, in Three Rivers. This production runs April 27, 28, and 29, and May 4, 5, and 6. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 P.M., while the Sunday matinees start at 2 P.M. The Players thank Brewster’s, 601 West Hoffman, Three Rivers, for providing the “Afterglow” party and sponsoring the production. Tickets are available at Beam Sound and Video, phone (269)279-6251, or online at www.trcommunityplayers.org. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will also be available at the door. To avoid the risk of going to the theatre to purchase tickets, and then being told that the performance is sold out, I would advise purchasing tickets in advance.

The Commission on Aging sponsors a meal coupon program that enables our senior citizens to dine out at many local restaurants at a substantial savings. There are five such restaurants in Three Rivers who honor these coupons. They include Mr. B’s Dairy Bar, Main Street Cafe, American Legion Post #170, Matt and Mike’s Eatery, and Goldie’s. When patronizing these restaurants, thank them for taking our senior citizens into consideration.

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will sponsor a Mother’s Day fashion show entitled “My Favorite Things”on Wednesday, May 9, from 10:30 A.M. to noon. The venue is the Three Rivers Community Center, 103 South Douglas, Three Rivers. For reservations and/or to order lunch, call the COA by May 1. Their number is 1-800-641-9899 or (269)279-8083.

I love a good salad, especially during the summer months. I’m not that fond of cucumbers, but after I ran across some interesting facts, I think I might like them a little more. Let me share some of these facts with you:

Rather than consuming a caffeinated soda in the middle of the afternoon, try a cucumber. They are a very good source of “B” vitamins and carbohydrates. A cucumber can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

If you have a problem with your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower, try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

My buddy Vic surely can come up with some winning ideas, and I thank him for sharing them with me and with you. Thanks also to the Commission on Aging for publishing some of Vic’s ideas.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

Check Also

Out and About – Week of March 25th

As much as we all might enjoy getting Out and About, there are some places …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *