View From The Bridge 8/25/10

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
8/25/10

98th COUNTY FAIR
“This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy ate roast beef, and this little piggy was scared by a bear, so this little piggy didn’t show up for the Fair.”

I am sure that Tim (our Editor) will have the story of what happened to the pigs and I just could not resist doing my piggy thing. The word is that even as late as Sunday evening (as I start this week’s article,) a solution to the pigs’ disappearance has not been solved. There are so many theories floating around that you can have your pick. I like the one that grizzly tracks were found even though that is unfounded. It makes a great story to add to the other grizzly stories that have happened in the last few months.

If only the grizzlies did not do any damage, I would feel sorry for them. They only want to come back to the place that was theirs before the settlers came. The plains are so much easier to live on than the mountains. On the other hand, I am selfish enough not to want to give the plains back to them. I love the plains and am too comfortable where I am. I do not know what the happy median is but do feel that the grizzlies are not going to win this situation.

ORDINANCE MEETING
When I first walked into the Council meeting, the one that covered the ordinances about messy lots and junk cars, I was disappointed that there were only seven (7) attendees. In a few moments I found that four (4) of them were there to discuss the City Hall renovations and they left immediately after their business was taken care of. There remained three (3) of us and a shortly afterward, a fourth person arrived. Four people out of a city of 1,500 inhabitants? I do not know how many children to deduct from that figure but regardless, there was not a good attendance for this important meeting.

One person pleaded against passage of the ordinances (and that person does not live in Fort Benton,) and one person was for it. One person did not say anything one way or the other. The fourth questioned the time limits and the availability of the person whose property was messy or who had junk cars on their property. The Mayor said that he would work with these people but that he wanted a clean town.

I am sure that everyone know those are my sentiments exactly and that the motto, “Appearance is Everything,” is one to follow especially is you are in business. A well-organized retail store that has a place for everything and everything in place is one that you frequent. Well, at least I do

The Volunteers at the Information Center hear repeatedly from the Visitors, how beautiful our town is. Yes, our Front Street is beautiful with the businesses facing the Missouri. From the Sunrise Bluffs to the Lewis and Clark Statue is a pure history walk. From the statue to the Grand Union Hotel is breathtaking beyond description. From the Grand Union to the B.L.M. Interpretive Center is another trail of scenery that defies description with the Bluffs across the River and the landscaping full grown now.

In addition, the rest of the story is that our Visitors do not ride up and down our residential streets unless they are looking for a home. Our ordinances tell the rest of the story. Why do we have to have ordinances for changes that only are common sense? If one looks at the country above us, Canada, it is spotless. One does not see trash thrown out of vehicles along the road. One does not see a lawn where the grass has grown a foot high. Every homeowner takes pride in the appearance of his or her property.

Well, I am lecturing again and giving many of my opinions. If you agree or disagree, I would like to know. There are always two sides to every story and I always like to hear the other side. That is what our public letterbox and letters to the editor is all about. Use your freedom of speech to improve and enlighten others to accept responsibility for their actions. Enough already!

VOLUNTEERS FIELD TRIP
I just returned from a meeting called by Ruth Carlstrom (12:30 p.m. Monday.) The group of 14 Volunteers decided on a date to visit Philipsburg on Wednesday, September 1st. Although details have not yet been permanently set, the bus will leave at 7:30 a.m. and return sometime about 8:00 p.m. that evening.

There will be a cost for transportation and treating yourself to lunch or other purchases like CANDY. Philipsburg is famous for its Sweet Palace #3 Candy Store, which started the whole “face lift” of the town about 13 years ago. A lot of paint (yes, I said paint) and determination (a national contest sponsored by a paint company in Philadelphia, PA.) made this small town a destination place. A street lightening project also enhanced the business strip and took ten years to complete.

If you were not at the meeting and would like to make the trip, please contact Ruth at 799-3638 to sign up. She will have more details by the time the River Press reaches your mailbox. It should be a fun and informative trip.

RECYCLING
We saw an ad on TV this past week that said if you recycled two aluminum cans, you would be generating 5 ½ hours of TV service. You are recycling aluminum cans aren’t you?

I received a brochure from the World Wildlife Fund with “10 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth!” I am going to pass them along one at a time. The first one is, “PUT ON A SWEATER.” “Remember, when you turn up the heat in wintertime, your furnace is probably burning fossil fuels. A sweater or a nice warm robe will keep you even warmer, will help conserve resources, and reduce climate change.”

I am sure that you are aware of the above but it does not hurt to be reminded again now that the cooler season is coming closer. (I do not want to say that summer is ending because there just was not enough of it this year.) On the positive side is that September and October are usually beautiful weather months and most are ready for football. Go Horns!

SO LONG FOR NOW
Please enjoy every minute of every day, be kind, and do one good deed a day. Little things mean a lot…a phone call to ask how a friend is feeling or sending a get-well card. You will make a difference.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OF OUR TROOPS