WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The 2010 St. Joseph County Grange Fair is now in the history books. As of this writing, I’m not sure how successful the fair was, but I was a part of the crowd for four out of the seven days, and from what I observed, everyone seemed to be having a grand time. For the most part, the weather cooperated about as well as could be expected.
The fair is more than just the Midway. You’ve got to get out to the “Back Forty” to see everything. As an example, I ventured out beyond barn #53 and watched the kids in the pony carts going through the routines. I was impressed with their handling of their pony, or ponies, as well as their attire. I could tell that they were having fun and were proud of their performance. I was happy to see the support of those in the stands, as they walked or trotted past. I thank those who showed their support with the applause that was rendered after each competition. These youngsters are our future leaders and they need to sometimes be reminded that we are proud of them.
Passing through Centreville last Sunday morning, we watched as the last of the campers and vendors left the fairgrounds. It was sort of sad in a way, knowing that the fair is over, but happy in knowing that it will return in a little over fifty weeks. If you missed the fair this year, try your best to attend next year’s event. It’s just one of the things in life that will keep you young. Thank you Centreville for being such gracious hosts. The citizens of St. Joseph County thank you for giving us all a place and a time to get Out and About.
Next Sunday, October 3, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Three Rivers will host a Blessing of the Animals at 2 P.M. All pets and their owners are welcome to come. I’m not sure if there are any limitations as far as what kind of pet you have, but I would highly recommend that you take a small cage with you, or at least a strong leash. Taking a few cleanup items would also be recommended. St. John’s Lutheran Church is located at 56050 Buckhorn Road, just north of Three Rivers.
The hot days of summer are pretty much behind us now. We have at least a good month to get ourselves winterized. As I mentioned in this column recently, it’s the perfect opportunity for the teenagers, and even those as young as nine or ten, to earn a little extra spending money. Raking leaves doesn’t require an awful lot of energy, but it is something that our senior citizens might find a bit too tiring. If you are part of the younger generation, check with your older neighbors to see if there might be something that you could help them with around the outside of their home. If you’re a senior citizen, ask the children in your neighborhood if they are interested in helping you with some of the seasonal chores. You all might be surprised as to the outcome. If you are capable of doing your own fall cleanup, get some of those chores done as early as you can. This is Michigan, and we’ve been known to get snow as early as Halloween. I’m planning to checkout my snow blower to make sure it’s ready to go.
It’s not too early to register for the upcoming AARP Certified Driver Safety Training class, which will be held at the Three Rivers Senior Center Tuesday, October 19 from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. The cost is $12 for a member or $14 for non-members. There is also a $2 suggested donation for lunch that day. By taking this class, you may be eligible to obtain discounted auto insurance from some of the agencies in this area. The Three Rivers Senior Center is located at 103 S. Douglas in Three Rivers. To register or obtain more information, please call the center at 279-8083 or 1-800-641-9899.
Christmas is still a few months away, but Firefighters for Santa are always ready to accept your donation. If you have food items, gifts, or money to donate to this worthy cause, please stop by the city hall in Three Rivers and ask someone what you can do to help. On Christmas Eve, the local firefighters will deliver these gifts to families who are in need of a joyous Christmas. Just as you are the only one who can prevent forest fires, you are the only one who can insure that some less fortunate child has a Christmas they’ll never forget.
It’s always the season to give someone a hug. As you give, you also receive.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
