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I thought I’d never think that an 80-degree day was a relief, but compared to last week’s temperatures, which ended up in triple digits, 80 degrees feels pretty good. I don’t recall a lot of power outages in the Three Rivers area, but I’m sure there were plenty in southwestern Michigan. A huge round of applause goes out to those utility workers who worked diligently to restore power to those who were left in the dark. During thunderstorms, we often forget those workers up in the cherry pickers reconnecting power lines. They all deserve our gratitude for the work they do. When the opportunity arises, thank them for doing what they do best.
The extreme heat is gone for now, but I’m sure it will make a return visit. This is only July, and we still have a couple of hot months ahead of us. If you don’t already do so, check in on your elderly neighbors from time to time. Make sure they are comfortable, especially if they don’t happen to have air conditioning. Many of them are on fixed incomes and can’t afford air conditioning.
The extreme high temperatures was the main topic of conversation this past week, so I’ll add one more item, in order to stay in the loop of conversation. We must remember to think of our pets during the extreme heat of the season. It’s better to leave them at home, where they are more comfortable, rather than take them with you and leave them in the car. Most of your friends know that you have a cute puppy, so you don’t need to take Fido with you to show as a reminder. Always make sure that your pet has plenty of water available during your absence. A cool treat for your pet is to take their water dish, fill it half way with water, and place it in the freezer. The next morning, prior to leaving for work, take the frozen water dish out and place it next to the regular water bowl. As the ice melts, your dog or cat will have a second bowl of cool water during the day.
Here’s a final tip for your family of humans: Keep a container of cold water in the refrigerator. After you’ve had a drink from that container, top it off with fresh water. This way you always have cold water available for the next person. You don’t need to run the faucet until the water gets refreshingly cold. Water is the best thirst quencher and better for you than carbonated beverages.
The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will host their 5th Annual ARF Golf Outing on Saturday, July 21, at the St. Joe Valley Golf Course, located on M-86 between Centreville and Nottawa. Registration begins at 7:45 A.M., with an 8:30 Shotgun start. Paid registration is underway, so entry is now on a space available status. The cost is $60 per person, or $240 per team in a four-person scramble. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, lunch following, plus various hole events. Registration forms are available at St. Joe Valley Golf Course or may be downloaded at ARFund.org. Proceeds from the outing will benefit the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County.
Is Russian a language with which you’d like to become more familiar? The Riviera Theatre, located in historic downtown Three Rivers, has just the answer for you. The movie Elena will be on the Riviera’s big screen July 17, 18, and 19, at 6 P.M., yhen again Saturday, July 21 at 1 P.M., and finally, July 25, 26, and 28, at 8:30 P.M. The movie is in Russian, with English subtitles. For you wondering, the movie has nothing to do with the Managing Editor of this newspaper.
I’ve mentioned this before, but it deserves a final reminder. The Carnegie Center for the Arts and the Riviera Theatre are joining together to bring to the Riviera stage Three Men and a Tenor. For over twenty years, this group has been singing and laughing all over the world, and this Saturday, July 14, at 7:30 P.M., they’ll grace the stage of the Riviera Theatre just for you. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Riviera box office. For more information, visit the Riviera’s website at www.trriviera.com. You may also give them a call at (269)278-8068.
The state of Texas is awesome. If you don’t believe me, ask any Texan, and s/he’ll back up that statement with a fact or two. If you ever have to go head-to-head with a Texan on bragging, here’s something to remember: Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area, 1194 square miles of inland waters, and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
