Out and About – Week of August 31st

Next Monday is Labor Day, which is a federal holiday. This means that you won’t be getting any mail, the banks will be closed, and you won’t find a single garbage truck on the road. This results in everyone having their trash picked up one day later. It also means that your local refuse Driver will be working the following Saturday.
Harmony Fest happens next Sunday afternoon, with the entertainment beginning around l PM and continuing well into Sunday night. The downtown block of North Main Street will be blocked off so that lovers of music can set up their lawn chairs, grab something to eat and drink, and then enjoy the music that comes from the stage located at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Main Street. Some of the performers this year include New Jerusalem, Groove Platter, Aaron Garcia Band, An Dro, Cousin Avery, Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues. The headliners this year are Third Coast Kings. You might ask, “How much is this going to cost me?” The answer, of course, would be, “It’s all FREE.” There are a few rules we must all abide by, however. You’re not allowed to have any carry-in alcohol, pets, bikes, skateboards, skates, or glass. Be prepared to enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, food and fun.
As usual, school here in St. Joseph County starts the day after Labor Day. Please remember to pay special attention around school zones. Put down the cell phone and watch for the crossing guards on duty. If you’re Out and About in the country, watch for school buses stopping to pick up or drop off students. Watch for those flashing red lights.
The St. Joseph County Grange Fair will be here in a couple of weeks. Make plans now to take the family to Centreville and enjoy this annual event. Don’t forget to visit the exhibit barns. The 4-Hers have been working very hard in preparation for the fair. If you are ready to be impressed, check out the exhibits and see just how much talent our young people have. The St. Joe County Grange Fair has the reputation for being one of the best fairs in the state.
I have a lot of friends who enjoy the game of golf. Playing the game is supposed to be very good for you, because of the exercise you get while playing eighteen holes. I played the game years ago, but it didn’t do much for me. I explained this to my doctor and was told that in order for your body to benefit from the game, you need to “walk” the course, rather than ride it in a golf cart. I was also told by a golfing friend that you must play more often than three times a year in order to better your game. I guess Tiger Woods doesn’t have to worry about me that much.
Golf requires a lot of hand and eye coordination, which leaves me out more than ever. It is a fascinating sport, and I’ve learned quite a bit by observing those who play professionally. Religion also plays an important part in the game. It is by far the ultimate love/hate relationship. Sometimes it seems as though your cup runneth and moveth over. I’ve also come to realize that it takes longer to learn golf than it does brain surgery. On the other hand, you seldom get to ride around on a cart, drink beer and eat hot dogs, while performing brain surgery.
I’ve often wondered why so many golfers play the game on Sunday. Another one of my golfing buddies answered that query by saying, “Golf is the perfect thing to do on Sunday, because you always end up praying a lot. If you decide to play on Saturday, the staff at any course has done their best to remove any guilt feelings. They have placed a rake by every sand trap for those golfers who feel guilty about skipping out on lawn work at home. I feel that’s very thoughtful of them.
My father mentioned more than once that if you don’t learn something new every day, you’re not paying attention. One thing I’ve learned is that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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