PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

July 17, 2022

CULVER’S

Plymouth finally has its own Culver’s.  We no longer need to drive to South Bend, Indiana, for a concrete mixer.  The restaurant opened June27, just in time for the Independence Weekend.  Every time I have driven by the store there has been a line at the drive thru, and most of the spaces in the parking lot taken.

Diane and  I celebrated Independence Day by making our first trip to Culver’s.   While it is walking distance from our home, we drove to avoid the heat.  The restaurant was well staffed and we were graciously welcomed.  I had a small concrete mixer with blackberries and pecans.  Several staff stopped by our table to make us feel welcome.

When I think of Culver’s, I am reminded of Jim Rimel.  Jim was a local, well known, and loved doctor and surgeon.  In his 70s, Jim took up the flute for a second time.  He provided special music for worship services at the church I attend and joined a community orchestra.  Every so often, he would stand up on Sunday morning at church, announce that the orchestra was going to have a concert, and extend an invitation to join him at the South Bend Culver’s afterwards.  The ice cream was his treat.

Several times throughout the gospels, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and Sadducees for not being able to read the signs of the time. “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:2b-3).

I think that the opening of Culver’s here in Plymouth is a sign of our time.  It replaces a Ponderosa which did not survive the pandemic shutdown.  The opening of Culver’s is a reminder of how our world has changed over the last several years.  Many businesses that were thriving at the start of 2020 are gone as a result of the restrictions placed upon them.

Second, close by the new Culver’s there is a McDonalds and a Burger King.  For several months the two fast food restaurants have been advertising for employees.  They have gone from $12/hour to $16/hour.  Plymouth is experiencing a shortage of workers, even for entry level jobs.  I was surprised by the number of employees working at Culver’s the day I visited.  Made me wonder what they were paying and what benefits they were offering.

Third, the opening of Culver’s is a reminder of how many people do not eat the majority of their meals at home anymore.  Diane and I may eat out two or three times a month.  We have friends who will do this weekly.  When not eating out, many people just open a package, heat the contents, and serve.  Are we losing the fine art of cooking?

Fourth, two of Culver’s neighbors are auto parts stores.  They are indication that many people in Plymouth are financially not able to buy a car, thus, they fix the one they have.  Not far from the Culver’s is a Dollar General.  We have five in Plymouth.  These stores are an indication that Plymouth is made up of primarily middle and lower income people.

I am sure that the opening of a Culver’s here in Plymouth is an indication of other signs of the changing times in which we live.  Do you have any suggestions?  Let me know at davidh15503@embarqmail.com.