Out and About – Week of March 7th

I have owned several dogs in my lifetime, and I’ve also had several cats who have owned me. That’s right, I didn’t misspeak. You never own a cat, the cat owns you. Those who have cats know exactly what I’m talking about. The only pet I ever bought was a goldfish or two. The dogs and cats came from animal shelters. A pet can give so much and ask for nothing in return, except for water and some food. A warm place to sleep would be nice. Unfortunately, there are many dogs and cats that don’t have a warm place to sleep, or enough food to keep them healthy. Get Out and About sometime and see for yourself how many dogs are chained up outside without a place to get out of the cold and rain. We have shelters for the homeless humans in our world and fortunately we have the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) for the dogs and cats here in St. Joseph County.

The Animal Rescue Fund is made up of volunteer animal lovers. They provide food and some needed comfort needs for the unwanted dogs and cats. In the past ARF has had fundraisers to help defray the cost of caring for our animal friends. COVID put the skids on a lot of fundraising for many groups not only here, but across the nation. ARF is attempting to get back into raising funds for animal welfare in St. Joe County. It’s a slow process, but things are starting to get up to speed when it comes to fundraising.

Bingo Night, Pizza for Paws and the Dinner/Auction were canceled last year, along with the festivals and fairs. The garage/yard sale was the only fundraiser that ARF was able to pull off, and they are planning to have this event happen again this year. The garage/yard sale is scheduled for June 9-11.

It’s still a little early, but if you do have items to donate, please contact Loralee at (269) 816-0187. She will have arrange for drop-off or pick up. There is not a need for clothing, but I’m sure they can use blankets and towels.

Before you go to bed next Saturday, March 12, you’ll want to move your clocks ahead one hour. It’s time to “spring ahead” one hour and start living on Daylight Savings Time once again. This is also the appropriate time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Someday, someone will make the decision to do away with the twice-a-year time changes.

If you are a runner and have been looking forward to getting outside to do some real running in preparation for those upcoming marathons, you’ll be happy to know that a “Run for the Future” 5K and one mile fun-run will be held Saturday, April 23, at Meyer Broadway Park. The event will start at 9AM. This fundraiser will benefit the Three Rivers Promise, a 501(c)(3) scholarship fund, which will help all graduates of Three Rivers Community Schools achieve their goals by supporting their post-secondary education and training. Cost is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the fun-run. Those interested in participating may sign up at the event.

Congratulations to all Girl Scouts. This Saturday, March 12, is the one hundred tenth anniversary of your founding. That’s a whole bunch of Girl Scout cookies!

If you’re a member of the Commission on Aging (COA), and enjoy Trivia, the COA is looking for teams to compete in a Trivia Night on Friday, March 18 at 7PM. Teams need to register as a team no later than Tuesday, March 15. To register, please contact Marketing Manager Ruth Mancina or Life Enrichment Coordinator Alex Kelley.

The event is sponsored by the Three Rivers DDA and will take place at A Place in Time in Three Rivers. Doors will open at 6PM with Trivia starting at 7PM. Any COA member is welcome to participate.

When cutting whiskers, you don’t need to leave one half of them for seed.” ~ BURMA SHAVE

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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