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Last week, the Three Rivers community lost an icon. Phil Halverson passed away and his funeral was last Saturday, which would have been his 90th birthday. Eulogies aren’t normally a feature of this column, but this is one time I must make an exception. Phil, because of the nature of his business, touched almost every family in the Three Rivers community in one way or another. Consoling and caring came easy for Phil. He was a man of integrity and someone you could count on at any time. He always had time to listen and, if asked, would offer sound advice. Phil loved his family, and he loved the Three Rivers people. Phil and Doris were asked to be the Lions Club Citizens of the Year some years back. They refused because they didn’t feel that they had done anything worthy of the award. Phil and Doris have done so much for Three Rivers, and they have never asked anything in return. I thank you, Phil, for your friendship and loyalty. We will miss you, my friend.
We have once again weathered the weather. Last week, we were treated to an abundance of “Lake Effect” snow. I’m hoping we have all learned a few lessons from Mother Nature’s gift. It would be great if everyone would remember to turn on their headlights during snowy conditions. As a driver, I’m sure you are capable of seeing what’s ahead of you, but it’s quite difficult for others to see you coming their way. It’s a good idea when getting Out and About to keep your gas tank at least half full. It can be a long walk to the nearest gas station, should you run out. One thing I try to do is to keep my sidewalk clear for our postal carrier. “No trail, no mail”. Never fear, the days are now getting longer and soon we’ll be mowing our lawns.
Back in November, I mentioned a homeless shelter that is located at the First United Methodist Church here in Three Rivers. I mentioned that they were in need of volunteers to make this shelter work to everyone’s benefit. As a result, they did have volunteers step forward and help out. Open Arms is still in need of volunteers. The shelter is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 7 P.M. until 7 A.M. Every night there are three shifts of four hours each, with a man and a woman covering each shift. This means that every weekend there is a need for 18 volunteers. John Ritter is the man to call if you’d like to give a few hours of your time. He can be reached at (269)432-2701. He’ll be happy to answer all your questions and even happier to fit you into the Open Arms schedule. If you’ve never done any volunteering, you have no idea what you’re missing. Remember to volunteer…..the world is run by those who show up.
If you have no plans for this Friday, January 14, and if you enjoy the Water Festival every summer, and if you want to be a part of this annual event, then plan to attend the first Water Festival Committee meeting at 8 A.M. Friday. It would be advisable to give Deb Herring a call at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce before you show up. Her number is (269)278-8193. She is usually in the office around 9 A.M. She’ll be able to offer suggestions as to how you can help. There is always a need for volunteers, and even if you only have a few hours to spare, your time will be appreciated.
The Riviera Theatre, located in historic downtown Three Rivers, is starting out 2011 with something for just about everyone as far as musical tastes are concerned. If you’re into opera, you’ll definitely want to be in attendance either Wednesday, January 19, or Sunday, January 23 for La Traviata, one of the most popular operas in the canon. The January 19 showing starts at 7 P.M. and on January 23, the showing begins at 5:30 P.M. Tickets are $16. If Bluegrass or Country music is your cup of tea, you’ll want to make arrangements to see the Schlitz Creek Band this Saturday, January 15 at 8:30 P.M. You may purchase your tickets in advance for $10, or you may get them at the door for $12. For more information on what the Riviera Theatre has to offer, visit their website at www.trriviera.com.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
