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Hopefully, you’ve noticed a slight change in this column. I’ve tried to make it a little more personal, without telling it all. You won’t find as many listings of coming events. Oh, I’ll mention some of course, but there won’t be as many as before. I’ll do my best to keep this column upbeat and more positive. I’d like it to be a column you look forward to reading every week. I’m a lover of humor, although my wife says that I’m funnier when I don’t try so hard. I hope you enjoy this column, and I’m always open to a few ideas. My address is at the bottom of this column, but in case you forget to look, it’s P.O. Box 103, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
A couple of weeks ago, fifteen of us from the Three Rivers Lions Club attended the final home game for the Three Rivers High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team. The girls had helped the Lions with our Annual Food Basket Project in December, and we thought it would be a great idea to attend one of their games and cheer them on, as a token of our appreciation.Along with a detachment of Marines, who had helped out with the Food Basket Project, we were all there wearing our Lion vests. The girls were totally surprised as we welcomed them onto the court. A great time was had by all of us, especially when the girls trounced the Paw Paw Redskins. The only sad thing about this event was that attendance for the game was extremely low. I have a feeling that if more adults attended events such as this, they might understand our young people better. I’m sure that I should follow my own advice. Thank you, girls. You make me proud to be a Wildcat.
The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) is one of my favorite groups here in St. Joseph County. The reason is because it is made up of volunteers, whose main goal is to provide care to the forgotten dogs and cats that seem to be abundant here. ARF continues to have fundraisers so that they can continue to provide food and shelter for the unwanted animals. This Saturday, February 23, they will hold such a fundraiser in White Pigeon, at the Country Table Restaurant. “Pizza for Paws” runs from 4 to 7 PM and consists of an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. This is a very worthwhile cause, and adults may participate for $10; if you’re a child age 12 or younger, your cost is just $8. You may purchase tickets in advance at Beam Sound and Video on West Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers, or you may purchase them at the door. If you love animals and pizza, you’ll want to be there.
One of the reasons I returned to Three Rivers in 1996 was to be closer to family and friends. I was raised here and always considered it my hometown. I returned to spend my remaining years and be closer to those people who have made an impact on my life. If I hadn’t returned, I never would have experienced Mr. Edmund Blank telling me that it was okay to call him “Ed”. You just couldn’t do that, and I never did. It was great to have lunch with E. Suzette Warner. She knew everything about Three Rivers and was proud and happy to share her experiences. It was easy to call her “Suzy”. Three Rivers is the perfect size. It’s easy to know the mayor, chief of police, and fire chief. It’s more difficult in a city the size of Chicago or Detroit. Even in Kalamazoo, it might be difficult. If you really want to appreciate what we have here, live someplace else for a while. I did just that.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
