View From The Bridge 3/20/2010

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3/10/10

LISTEN UP
Well Folks, there is no other way to say what I have to say. The EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technician) in Fort Benton need you to be at their fundraiser on Friday. The Fund Raiser is taking place on March 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Ag Center. The donation is $10.00 a person for a pasta buffet, a 50-50 drawing, and a silent auction.

However, these are incidentals. The crucial part is the attendance by members of the community. The EMT’s do not have to pay for this event (understandably) and last year the bulk of the participants were the EMT Volunteers. The community did not whole-heartedly support the event.

This Fund Raiser raises money for equipment and training expenses for the VOLUNTEERS. Yes, they are all VOLUNTEERS. They spend a great deal of their own monies for their training and equipment. Somehow, that does not register with me. They volunteer their time (at all hours of the day and night,) they are paying for their own gas money, and they spend many hours studying and training. They are there for you, your family, your neighbors, your friends, and strangers on the highway. Make an effort to be there for them.

I would like to have heard about this event long before I did. I would like to have contacted some residents that I know who needed help when they called 911. Some testimonials may have influenced you, as to how important these volunteers are to our community. They are vital, they are needed, and they are very special people. They make a difference.

I know from experience that I receive letters and phone almost every day of the year from organizations asking for donations. There comes a point when you have to set priorities. Let the EMT’s be one of your highest priorities. Please be there on Friday evening.

MISSED SOME
In the View two weeks ago, I had a list of “things to do in Fort Benton.” I am happy to see that you were paying attention to the fact that I had missed a couple of groups. I apologize to the 4 H Clubs and the Mah Jongg Players. I appreciate those who told me and I really want you to make additions and corrections to the View. I get an “F” on my report card for that day for failure to report.

CONGRATULATIONS
The Big Sandy Boys Basketball Team is now officially CLASS C STATE CHAMPIONS. What an exciting game it was and even more so for those of you that attended. We listened to the game on the radio. It was very good coverage but not nearly the adrenalin rush as watching. The good feature of listening, at home, is that you can scream as loud as you want. The game brings prestige to Chouteau County in the sports world. I hope that Big Sandy puts up a huge sign announcing to Montana who they are and where they are on the map. Go Pioneers.

ICE
Most of the ice has disappeared but not all. Be extra careful as it melts during the day and the water on top of the ice is more dangerous because it is twice as slippery. I mention it because at times you cannot see the layer of water until you step on it. Use caution and stay safe.

INVITATION

Here is another invitation to come to the Overholser Research Center in the Schwinden Library in the Ag Center on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A young woman came into the Center last week and was very amazed at the historical documents, books, and photos that have accumulated there. She had no idea that there was even anything in that part of the building.

Actually, the area that the Center occupies is very small for the amount of history stored. There has been another storeroom recently finished and some rearranging of books and files which helps somewhat.

One of the volunteers has been working at the library for 22 years and another 20 years. The Center could use more help but actually does not have the space for them. If this interests you, we would absolutely squeeze you in though. Several jobs could use more help soon before it gets too big to handle.

Just come on over and see what is going on. You may want do some research and some reading of Fort Benton, Chouteau County, and Montana history. You may like the Center but visiting would not necessitate volunteering.

If you would bring old photos and historical documentation about your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, it would be very much appreciated. We have vertical files with some family names on them and we can start one with your family name on it. Just do it.

SO LONG FOR NOW
As the weeks fly by, the days getting longer, and the sun shining more, we approach spring. Everyone will be reminding you to “spring ahead” your clocks on the 14th, which is next Sunday. Easter is three and a half weeks away. When I was a kid, Easter was my favorite holiday. How about you? Tell me if you see me out and about around town. I would like very much to hear from you especially if you have a story about the EMT’s. God bless America and our troops overseas and everywhere they are stationed.