WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A week from Saturday is Christmas. I still have plenty of time to shop for those unique gifts that will, hopefully, make someone’s Christmas merry. I’ll never understand why so many people make such a fuss over “Black Friday”. I’m sure that special gift will still be in the store and I’ll have no trouble, because on Christmas Eve, everyone else will have already done all their shopping, and I’ll be the only one who has waited until the last minute to shop.
Christmas Eve is also a very special time. On December 24, Firefighters For Santa will make their rounds to various homes around Three Rivers and brighten the holiday for the families they visit. They will deliver boxes of food, as well as gifts for the children. No one will be happier than the firefighters making the deliveries, for they know firsthand that it is much better and more satisfying to give than it is to receive. Everyone can do their part in helping make Christmas Eve a night to remember. Take time and gather some non-perishable food and a few gifts and deliver them to the Three Rivers City Hall. Someone there will direct you to where these items are being collected. The local firefighters will see that these items are put to good use. Oh yes, monetary donations are also graciously accepted.
‘Tis the season to embellish. Allow me to explain further. Embellish, the premiere hand bell ensemble of West Michigan will make a special trip to Three Rivers from Grand Rapids to perform their “Tis the Season to Embellish” concert. They’ll perform at the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville this Saturday, December 18 at 7 P.M. The church is located at 320 North Main Street in Three Rivers. Under the direction of Stephanie Wiltse, Embellish will perform a variety of music to delight the eyes and ears of audience members of all ages. Musical selections include “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”and “Overture” from “The Nutcracker”, plus a few other Christmas holiday selections including “We Three Kings” and “Sleigh Ride”. One of the ringers of Embellish, Julie (Kruse) Hayes, is from Three Rivers, so this concert is especially meaningful to her. Bell choirs are quite unique in that one receives as much enjoyment in watching the ringers perform as in hearing the ringing of the bells. This will be another enjoyable way to spend a winter evening: listening to seasonal music performed with bells and doing it as a family. Oh yes, this concert is absolutely FREE, so you really don’t have an excuse not to attend. Feel the spirit of Christmas with music, family, and friends.
The Riviera Theatre, in historic downtown Three Rivers, has plenty to offer this holiday season, whether it’s movies or ballet/opera in cinema. If you’re a lover of traditional Christmas movies, you’ll want to make sure to take the time to see “White Christmas” this Saturday, December 18, at 7 P.M. If ballet is your cup of tea, then take in “The Nutcracker”. You have a choice of either tomorrow evening, December 15, at 7 P.M., or next Sunday, December 19, at 3 P.M. The cost for “The Nutcracker” is $12. The performance you’ll see was recorded live at the Royal Opera House in London in November and December of 2009. For any questions or information on any events, or to purchase tickets, please call (269)278-8068, or you may visit the Riviera online anytime at www.trriviera.com.
Besides Thanksgiving, I’m pretty sure that the Christmas holiday season is a time when we all have a tendency to overeat. Like everyone else, I try to consume food in moderation. My doctor has told me numerous times that moderation is very important with just about everything. Here are some facts that might help us all when it comes to eating and cholesterol: five foods that “FIGHT” cholesterol include almonds, oatmeal, fish, red wine, and soy. Five foods that “FEED” cholesterol include whole-milk dairy products, processed meats, fast-food fries, tropical oils, and baked goods. With these facts in mind, eat in moderation.
All this writing has made me hungry. See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
