Out and About – Week of August 6th

It’s still a week away, but it’s not too early to arrange for your tickets to attend the Three Rivers Community Players’ production of MURDER’S IN THE HEIR. The show opens Friday, August 17, and runs August 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 P.M., and the two Sunday matinees start at 2 P.M. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students. Tickets are available at Beam Sound and Video, West Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers, or you may purchase them at the door. Phone Beam Sound and Video at (269) 279-6251. You may also purchase your tickets online. Simply go to www.trcommunityplayers.org, and follow the instructions.

The month of August has the reputation as being the hottest month of the year. I’m a firm believer in tradition, so I’m ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. During the extreme heat of summer, we all enjoy relaxing with something cool to eat or drink. Your pet cat or dog is no different. They get thirsty and can get overheated. It has always puzzled me,how a cat can lie in the sun on a warm day. Anyway, if you’re interested in providing your dog with a cool treat, it’s very simple. Pour chicken or beef broth into ice cube trays. When frozen, place a few of the cubes in the food bowl with your dog’s dry food. You may also just place the frozen cubes in the water bowl, for a flavored beverage.

I add this next item only because of the neglect that has recently been shown to our dogs and cats. Again, with the hot weather we are experiencing, we should all be aware of the warning signs of feline heat stroke. Here are some signs in increasing order of severity:

Fast and frantic noisy breathing.

A bright red tongue.

Vomiting.

Unsteady walking or staggering.

Diarrhea, possibly with blood.

Pale blue or gray lips.

Coma

Death

I have never been much of a pet lover, but since being the “parent” of a cat or two, it bothers me if they are not feeling well or are uncomfortable. A pet dog or cat adds so much to our lives, and they ask for so little.

You might ask, “What the heck is Zumba?” Zumba is a low-impact, Latin dance-inspired fitness program. It involves dance and aerobic elements. It helps build strength and improves motion and posture. It’s fun and is available at the Three Rivers Community Center through October 27. The instructor is Gloria Riley, and she’ll hold classes Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Tuesday classes in August are from 5:30 to 6 P.M. Tuesday classes in September and October are in the morning from 8:30 to 9:00. Thursday classes for September and October are also morning classes from 10 to 10:30. Saturday classes in September and October are from 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. Please note that Saturday classes will be canceled if the building is rented on that day. Please register at the Commission on Aging (COA). Each class requires a minimum of three students, and the cost is $3 per class, if you’re a senior citizen. If you’re under sixty, your cost would be $4 per class. Get out and Zumba, and have fun.

We are fortunate to have the Emergency Care Network (ECN) here in Three Rivers. ECN distributes food each week on Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 AM until noon. They are located on Railroad Drive, under Lowry’s Books, in Three Rivers. The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) does the same thing for the unwanted pets at St. Joseph County Animal Control. If you’d like to help these needy pets, visit TSC, in Three Rivers, buy an eight pound bag of pet food at a reduced rate and donate to ARF. Bags of pet food can be dropped off at Beam Sound & Video, 1125 West Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers, during normal business hours.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman