Out and About – Week of April 13

   I’m a week late, but better late than never, as the saying goes. This month, and every April from now on, is somewhat special to me. In April 2006, the first “Out and About” column appeared in the Commercial News. If your math is as good as mine is, it means that I am starting my fourth year as the author of “Out and About”. Time does pass quickly, if you’re having a good time, and I am definitely having a good time. Again, I thank all you readers who have expressed your appreciation of the column. The column is for you, and I’m happy knowing that you receive some enjoyment in reading it. I thank Elena and her staff at the newspaper for making the space every Tuesday for the column, and I especially thank my best friend for double-checking the column for me before I send it through cyberspace to the Commercial News. Finally, I’d like to thank WLKM Radio for including “Out and About” on their website.

    In case you’ve forgotten, next Saturday, April 18, the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will hold a Mostaccioli Dinner and Auction at the Three Rivers High School cafeteria beginning at 5:30. Cost for adults is $8 and children $4 for the all-you-can-eat dinner;   the auction will start at 6:30. Tickets are not required for the auction. Local businesses have donated the items going up for bid, and for that, ARF is most appreciative. Need more information? Phone 496-7249, 279-6251, or 659-4567. Those with computers may check out www.ARFund.org.

    The Three Rivers Lions Club invites everyone to their open house Friday evening, April 17, at the Service Center across from Armstrong Field.  Stop in and help them celebrate 60 years of service to Three Rivers. Doors will open promptly at 4 P.M., and guests will be informed of the many Lions activities until 8 P.M.  Refreshments will be available, as well as display tables highlighting the many projects in which Lions participate. Are you missing the satisfaction of helping others? Lions membership is very easy to acquire, and it can be one of the best things you’ve ever done. Someone will be very happy to share the many benefits of Lion membership.

   Speaking of Lions, when you get new glasses, donate your old glasses to the Three Rivers Lions. They will see to it that they are put to good use. After sorting, doing minor repairs and checking the prescription, the Lions give the glasses to people throughout the world. Sight preservation is just one of the many things the Lions do for those less fortunate. Drop boxes for used glasses are located at City Hall, L.A.’s Coffee Cafe, Lowry’s Books and More, Fred’s Pharmacy, Commission on Aging/Library and on the TR Health campus, inside the Specialty Clinic

    The 46^th Annual Old Car Dust Off is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the Mendon High School parking lot, located at North Nottawa Street at Kirby Road. Public admission is $3 at the gate, and those 12 and under are admitted free. All proceeds will be used for community service. I’ll mention more next week, but I must say something about the food now. A pancake breakfast will be served in the high school cafeteria from 7:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M., and food, drinks, and snacks will be available until 3 P.M. at concession stands on site. If you are a vendor, 10’x20′ spaces are available for $15 each. You must reserve early to insure availability. You’ll be able to set up your space Saturday afternoon, May 2, from 3 to 6 P.M. and Sunday morning from 7 A.M. For more information, call Jerry and Mary Bennett at (269)649-1335. This promises to be a fun day for the entire family.

     See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman