Every year when May rolls round, there is a very formal, very proper picture of people in the newspapers. In the center, you see Gov. John Hoeven with a pen in his hand. He and the others are looking directly into the camera. At the top of the picture, it says the governor has proclaimed this first week in May as Drinking Water Week.
It may be noted and quickly forgotten. But I always go to the kitchen, get out a clean glass and run some water from the faucet. It is a ritual. It's something like putting out the flag on June 14 and watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
I have a vision of these water people gathering in Bismarck and perhaps having a tray full of water glasses. But, in the picture, they simply have their hands on the table. The idea, it says in the paper, is that the public should get involved in decisions to promote conservation and protection of drinking water resources in North Dakota. That means around here we should all be kind to the Red and Red Lake rivers.
I used to think you would feel thirsty if you needed water. Now, I read in the Teen Food and Fitness newsletter from East Grand Forks schools that if you wait until you are thirsty, you have waited too long. It says thirst is an early symptom of dehydration. Other signs are a dry or sticky mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps or feeling extremely tired. Active children need plenty to drink, especially on hot summer days. Water is the best beverage ever invented.
Rain, hair, prom
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The weekend arrives with people wondering if the cars will be racing tonight at Red River Speedway and girls from Red River High School getting their hair fixed in up-do styles for the prom Saturday. ... Other people are digging deep in their closets for polyester suits to wear to the annual Polyester Party tonight for the benefit of Prairie Harvest Mental Health. ... "Kimberly Akimbo" is in its second weekend at Fire Hall Theatre. ... And there's a Dance Etc. recital tonight in Chester Fritz. ... A mother and daughter look alike contest is set for Saturday at Columbia Mall. ... Letter carriers will be out collecting donations Saturday for food shelves around the city. ... UND students will be kicking up their heels at the annual Springfest celebration Saturday in University Park. ... The annual Mother's Day Concert will be held Sunday in the Masonic Center. ... Antique to Chic will feature jewelry, soft music and treats Sunday afternoon at North Dakota Museum of Art.
Ask Marilyn
Q. How come they call it Dewey's Duathlon?
A. The fifth-annual Duathlon coming up June 5 in memory of Dewey Kvidt is a duathlon because it sort of rhymes with Dewey and it involves a 5K run followed by a 15K bike race and a 5K run to the finish. This year, they also are adding a 10K run. People are signing up already by e-mail at deweyduathlon@yahoo.com .
Some people just show up to walk. This year the money raised by the walk will be used to buy an exercise unit called "Spider Cage" for the pediatric therapy services at Altru.
Q. Do you remember your date for your high school prom?
A. Yes, it was Buddy H. I remember he couldn't find a date, and neither could I. He was kind of round, and I was too tall. So, friends matched us up. I think we had a good time.
Sarah, Ty, Fran
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Cheerful people of the week: Sarah Raymond, Ty Boyle, Fran Bassett.
Reach Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or by telephone at (701) 772-1055.
