WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The community theatre world has lost a very dedicated thespian. Last week, Karen Ruhlig was killed in an auto accident near Kalamazoo. A lot of the details were made public, but I thought I’d add a few more facts that most people may not know. Karen was a rather private person; there were only a few who knew her really well. They are the fortunate ones. Karen loved anything and everything that had to do with theatre, especially community theatre. I worked with her a couple of times with the Three Rivers Community Players. My wife worked with her during the Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz quite a few years ago, when the production was performed at the Three Rivers Middle School. Karen did most of the designing for the set, but my wife remembers Karen as the one who applied her makeup, so that she could convincingly portray the Cowardly Lion. It took her forty-five minutes to do her makeup. The result was perfection. That was the only way Karen did things when it came to things of the theatre. My wife and I were married five years ago at the Community Players Theatre here in Three Rivers. Karen designed and built the set for our wedding, and the end result was a perfect creation. Karen passed way too early in her life, and to say that she will be missed is putting it lightly. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had her as a part of my theatrical life. The curtain has descended on Karen’s theatrical production, but somehow the lights will never dim.
Memorial Day is still several weeks away. I love the holiday for its true meaning. The parade is always fun to watch, or better yet, to be in. The ceremony at the cemetery is always quite moving. If you remember, last year’s ceremony was cut short because of rain. This year’s ceremony will hopefully come off without the unwelcome bad weather. Melissa Ash has been the one responsible for the flower displays near the entrance to Riverside Cemetery, and this year she could really use some financial assistance to help insure that the flower arrangements are picturesque indeed. If you would like to contribute to the floral arrangements, please send your monetary donation to Friends of Riverside, c/o Melissa Ash, 333 West Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
While at the cemetery for the Memorial Day ceremony, please take a few minutes to visit Oakdale Chapel. You’ll also want to hear about the plans for the Armstrong Memorial. Learn how you can be a contributing part of this beautiful section of Riverside Cemetery. Perhaps you’ll want to invest in a memorial brick or one of the unique benches that will make Riverside Cemetery a definite place of interest in the Three Rivers area.
This Saturday, May 14, the Ninth Street United Methodist Church will have their “1st Annual Vendor/Blender and Bake Sale” from 9 A.M. until 2 P.M. They already have over ten popular vendors ready to show you their wares, and they are still taking reservations for more vendors and crafters, as well. If you are interested in reserving a table for vending, or if you have any questions, please contact Steph Hightree at shightree@comcast.net, or call her at (269)858-3594. Please note that everything that you make at the sale is 100% your profit. Ninth Street United Methodist Church is located at 700 Ninth Street in Three Rivers.
Every year at about this time, the residents of the Tamarac Subdivision, north of Three Rivers, have a huge neighborhood garage sale. This year the sale takes place Saturday, May 21, so you still have a about a week and one-half to plan your weekend. As in the past, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 56050 Buckhorn Road, Three Rivers, will provide refreshments and rest rooms during this sale. St. John’s will provide this oasis from 8 A.M. until 2 P.M. St. John’s will not only be featuring a bake sale, but also a very tasty lunch menu consisting of sloppy joes, chips, lemonade, coffee, tea, and an assortment of ice cold drinks. This definitely has the makings of a great family outing.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
