Out and About – Week of June 20th

Probably one of the most popular words used today is “change”. “Change” is inevitable. We can’t move forward without “change”. I’ve never been a big fan of change, especially when it’s big. One of the obstacles that members of a civic organization must face is when a new member joins the group and comes up with an idea that involves some sort of change. “We’ve always done it this way, so forget your idea”, is a commonly heard statement. One thing I’ve learned in my involvement with several civic groups is that it’s to everyone’s advantage to listen to the new members, discuss the pros and cons of their idea, then make a decision that benefits the majority.

There are some things that we, the people, cannot change. The rise in the price of gasoline is the one thing that comes to mind. I can be in the best of moods, then pass a gas station only to notice that the price per gallon has jumped twenty cents. Why? Was there a fire at a refinery? Have the refineries switched over from producing winter grade to summer grade? Has there been an increase in the greens fees at country clubs where oil barons have membership? Why do they always raise the price of gasoline around holiday weekends? You would think that the powers that be would want us to get out and see the USA in our Chevrolet. I apologize if I’ve caused you to be upset. I’m working hard to “change” my attitude. Probably the happiest moment I’ll ever experience is when I find the courage to let go of what I can’t change. Wish me luck.

On a more positive note, I’d like to thank the citizens of this community for their generosity. This is the time of the year when the American Legion, Marine Corps League, and the Lions Club seek donations for their various fundraisers. I’ve had the privilege of being one of those helping to gather donations, and I’m amazed at how generous everyone has been. It restores my faith in humanity, and I’d like to think that we are finally getting away from this being a “ME, ME” world. It’s about time we start caring for each other and forget the idea that our government will be there for us. The citizens of Kalamazoo are perfect examples of people coming together to help each other out in time of crisis. The same can be said of the citizens of Orlando, Florida.

Thanks to my friend, Vic, here’s some more trivia about that great lake known as Superior:

• If you stretched the shoreline of Lake Superior out to a straight line, it would be long enough to reach from Duluth to the Bahamas.
• Lake Superior was formed during the last glacial retreat, making it one of the earth’s youngest major features at only about 10,000 years old.
• There are 78 different species of fish that call the big lake home.

If you can afford the price of gasoline, take the family and explore some of the Great Lakes. They’re all around us.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman