WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The Three Rivers High School production of GREASE closed this past weekend. The cast, crew, and production staff put in a lot of hours to make this show one to remember. One shouldn’t compare it to PHANTOM, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, or SOUTH PACIFIC. Every show that is put on by the students at Three Rivers High School turns out to be fantastic in its own way. GREASE had its moments that will stand out as being memorable. The choreography was top notch, and the energy was outstanding. The cast remained in character whenever they were onstage. The Performing Arts Center has a capacity of close to one thousand. It’s a shame that each audience had an average attendance of around three hundred. The production was well advertised, yet attendance was down. It’s too bad that so much support is shown for athletic events, yet when it comes to the fine arts, everyone feels they must go to Kalamazoo to find them. We keep hearing that we should shop locally, and keep the money here in St. Joseph County. It’s time to wake up and support the talent that abounds right here in Three Rivers, when it comes to the “Arts”. You have the Three Rivers Community Players’ Theatre, and you have the students here in the Three Rivers Community Schools. If we don’t nurture and support the “Arts”, they may, someday, just go away, and that would be a shame.
Speaking of shopping locally, the merchants in Three Rivers have a rough going of it. They must constantly come up with ideas in order to keep the patrons coming back for more. If customers are not made to feel welcome, they’ll travel north to Portage or Kalamazoo, where they will be as welcome as long-lost cousins. Tom Toole, of “Belle Epoque”, formally “A Place in Time”, has the right idea. Three Rivers has quite a few places to eat, but a fine dining experience is difficult to find, unless you head north. “Belle Epoque” is not a regular restaurant, but it is the place to go if you’re looking for a banquet facility. It is also the place to go for a Sunday brunch. I won’t go into detail, because that would be considered free advertising, and I am not a restaurant critic. I do, however, know what I enjoy eating, and how I like to be treated as a patron. In my mind, “Belle Epoque” is worth checking out. We already have reservations for Easter Sunday. The food will be excellent, and they will be happy to see us come through the door. “Belle Epoque” is located just north of the rear entrance to the Riviera Theatre, on Railroad Drive, Three Rivers.
It’s still a week or so away, but this one requires reservations, so I’m mentioning it now, so that everyone will have time to make plans. The First United Methodist Church, 215 North Main Street, Three Rivers, will hold their Annual Lenten Breakfast Thursday, April 5, at 10 A.M. at the church. Music and message will be provided by Reverend Dan Lane. The cost for the breakfast is $5., and reservations may be made by contacting Barbara Lawson at (269)279-5515.
I spend 80% of my time volunteering in one way or another. “Volunteer…the world is run by those who show up” is considered my motto. I have a warm spot in my heart for volunteers because, without them, life would be more difficult than it is already. Hospice is made up of volunteers who are there to help during one of life’s most difficult times, the time of passing from life into eternity. Three Rivers Health Homecare and Hospice is in need of volunteers to help make a difference in the lives of others. Each volunteer is trained to support hospice patients and their families. If this is something you might be interested in, please contact the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at (269)278-6108.
The Three Rivers Health Auxiliary at TR Health is sponsoring the Silvique Sterling Silver Jewelry sale in the main lobby of TR Health this Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30. The hours for Thursday are from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M., and the Friday hours are from 7 A.M. until 4 P.M. There will be plenty of gift ideas available, and everything on display is 50% off retail. There is a huge selection of items available, so allow yourself plenty of time to check out the many gift suggestions.
The weather continues to be better than expected for this time of the year, so gather the family and get outside and take in the many activities available here in Three Rivers.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
