Out and About – Week of March 7

One of the reasons I enjoy this time of the year is that the weather changes for the better. Oh we still get days when it’s easier to roll over and get more sleep rather than get out of bed and get on with the business of the day, but the days are getting longer, and the sun seems to come around more often. An event that takes place twice a year is the resetting of our clocks and, along with the arrival of spring, comes resetting our clocks. This Saturday night, before you go to bed, you’ll need to set your clocks ahead one hour. The magic happens at two o’clock Sunday morning, March 13. I’m never awake to witness the event, but your computer, cellphone, and many other high-tech devices set the time automatically.

Until now, I was unaware of the fact that dogs and cats enjoy pizza. Evidently they do, because the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will hold their annual “Pizza for Paws” fundraiser this Saturday, March 12, at the Country Table Restaurant, 714 West Chicago Road in White Pigeon. The all-you-can-eat pizza buffet runs from 4 until 7 P.M. The cost is $10 per person and includes a beverage. Tickets will be available at the door, or you may purchase them in advance at Beam Sound & Video, 1115 West Michigan Avenue in Three Rivers. ARF was founded in 1998 for the purpose of raising funds for animal welfare needs in St. Joseph County. Over $137,000 has been raised and re-invested back into the area for animal related issues. The Animal Rescue Fund is made up of volunteers who have your pet’s best interest in mind.

The members of the Bethel Baptist Church extend an invitation to the Three Rivers area church families, friends, and community neighbors to join them for their “Fifty-Eighth Annual Lenten Breakfast” on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 9:30 A.M. There is a donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under, for the breakfast. Senator Bruce Caswell will be the guest speaker after the breakfast. The Bethel Baptist Church is located at 17852 River Road, just east of Three Rivers. For additional information and to reserve your ticket, please call the church office at (269)273-7915, or visit their website at www.bethelthreerivers.com.

If you know someone who is a resident, or has been a resident of Riverview Manor in Three Rivers, and if you enjoy shopping or browsing through the many aisles at Lowry’s Books and More, then you’ll definitely want to stop in at Lowry’s this Saturday, March 12. When you purchase books on this day, Lowry’s will donate book credits to the residents of Riverview Manor. Riverview Manor will then use these credits to build a library of large-print and illustrated books for the residents. Working together, we can all build a library and strengthen our community.

Kadant-Johnson is organizing the first annual Hoops for Hope, a 3-on-3 Corporate basketball tournament, whose purpose is to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The tournament will be held Saturday, March 26, in the Three Rivers High School gym. 100% of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information, please contact Chad Corte at (269)244-0872 or chad.corte@kadant.com.

A word or two from my soapbox. Safety has always been the most important factor in our everyday lives. Whether at work, at home, or at play, safety is always at the top of our list. I recently checked the downtown business district, and the winter weather has not removed “NO BIKE RIDING ALLOWED” from the sidewalk. I still see bike riders riding their bicycles on the sidewalk without any regard for the pedestrians. It is everyone’s responsibility to remind these people about how unsafe and rude it is to invade a pedestrian’s space. Hopefully, no one will need to do this while lying on their back. Get out of the house and get Out and About, but please take others into consideration while you’re enjoying our community.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman