Out and About Blog by Norm Stutesman

In last week’s column, I told about a trip that we made up north to the West Branch area, and I mentioned specifically about visiting the small town of Fairview, which was where many of my aunts, uncles, grandmother, and cousins lived during my childhood years. This trip back affected me in a way that I’ve never been affected before. …

We missed the Annual Color Tour again this year. We spent the weekend of October 13 up north near West Branch and Gaylord. We would have enjoyed the Color Tour, but the colors up north were quite spectacular, plus, we were expected to attend an Appreciation Dinner for one of the governors on my council. We had fun visiting, and …

My father used to ask for my help from time to time. I really became needed during my high school years, when I was usually busy working a part-time job or hanging out with my buddies. I generally made it to the end of the driveway, before I’d hear, “Norman, come here. I need your help.” He really didn’t need …

Summer held on for quite a long time. We are well into October, yet, at times, the temperatures have made it feel like late August. Every time I mow the lawn, I keep wondering if this might be the last time the grass needs to be cut for the season. That’s okay; this nice weather can stick around for another …

For the first time in I don’t know how many years, we missed the annual St. Joseph County Grange Fair. We always manage to make it over to the fair at least one or two times every fall. We were attending a Lions Leadership Forum, along with about 2500 of our best friends, in Overland Park, Kansas. We missed walking …

Here is a reminder to Commission on Aging (COA) riders that, effective Tuesday, October 1, the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority (CTA) will handle your van rides. The only noticeable change is in phone numbers. Instead of calling the COA for a ride, you’ll need to call the County Transportation Authority (CTA). The CTA’s number is 269-273-7808, or you may …

I mentioned last month that I would let everyone know about an open house for the “Five Fabulous Females and Their Art”. The open house is scheduled for this Saturday, September 21, from noon to 2PM, at the Three Rivers Community Center, 103 South Douglas Avenue, in Three Rivers. This is your opportunity to meet Roxanne Barry, Christine Hartzell, Karen …

My office is small. If it were larger, I’d just fill it up with stuff. The late George Carlin once did a bit called, “Stuff”. I can truly relate to this, as can my wife. I think that all of us save, or collect, items that we probably will never use again. At one time, I had a nice set …

I’m afraid this past weekend didn’t start out very well. Once again, I must reflect on the passing of a friend. Lion Bruce Snook passed away this last Thursday after a short illness. I’ve known Bruce for a little over thirteen years, and I can’t think of a gentler, more soft-spoken, and trustworthy individual. He was a man of integrity …

Next Monday, September 2, is Labor Day. Some of you may travel up to the Mackinac Bridge for the annual bridge walk. Others, like me, will prefer to stay home and off the dangerous highways. Be assured that you don’t need to head north to walk a bridge. The Three Rivers Woman’s Club will host their Third Annual Historic Three …