View From The Bridge

VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3-17-10

E.M.S. FUND RAISER
What a great event this turned out to be. It was a real learning experience. One of the first things I learned was that I referred to the event for several weeks as the E.M.T. Fund Raiser. It should have been E.M.S. and the reason being E.M.T. is Emergency Medical Technician and E.M.S. is Emergency Medical Services. E.M.S. not only are the E.M.T. but includes the Volunteer Fire Fighters. The fundraiser included both volunteer groups.

The dynamic keynote speaker was, Gina Dale, from Fairfield who has been an E.M.T. for 19 years. She did a power point presentation that captured everyone’s attention. I am sure that very few in the audience had any idea what kind of training both E.M.T. and Fire Fighters have to go through. It entails many countless hours of training like administering an I.V. even though they may never have to use it. They have to know how to put their victim on a stretcher, take blood pressure, stop bleeding if necessary, and in general preparing them for the trip to the hospital. They have many rules and regulations to be studied and adhered to. They must be strong, stay calm, and have presence of mind. They are very special people and seldom get a thank you. It does not matter to them though, because they are volunteers and like what they are doing.

There were many awards for hours and years spent at their job. I am leaving it to our editor, Tim Burmeister to report on that. I would just like to say that you would be amazed to know how devoted these volunteers are to what they are doing. Would you write a note or tell them how much you appreciate their work and dedication?

Another amazing revelation was the fact that a 17-year-old young woman, Chandee Bomgardner’s daughter Justina, promoted the whole event. She prepared the pasta buffet because she is a state 4H Jr. Ambassador and they are required to do a community project. She is also a junior EMT and that is why she chose the fundraiser as her project. Her 4H helpers were Jessica Riffel, Matt Riffel, Daniel Bitz, Elizabeth Ayers, Alderic Ayers, Brady Bomgardner, Bailey Bomgardner, Jacquelyn Bomgardner, and Jordee Bomgardner. If I were doing a fundraiser, I would like to know that I had these young people as my back up. The job would be done.

I mentioned last week that the community needed to support our “Life Savers.” The ad in the River Press had asked for an R.S.V.P. but most people missed that. When Justina came to Woman’s Club last Thursday (she is there because she takes care of member’s children while they are at the meeting,) she was presented with a $200.00 check for the EMS fundraiser. She was asked about the R.S.V.P. and said that not many responded. We did a count of members at the meeting who would be there on Friday. Justina expected about 20 or 30 people. What a surprise when about 200 people showed up. It could not have been a better night for all. The food was very appetizing, the Silent Auction well presented, a TV raffled off and a 50/50 drawing. A good time was had by all.

WEATHER STATION
It was up and running last Tuesday but too late to get into the “View.” Previously, Fort Benton’s weather information was coming from Malstrom Air Force Base. We are very appreciative of the John Good Agency for their generous involvement in this project. Now the first thing I do in the morning is check the weather. Check it out for yourself (http://www.fortbenton.com/links.htm and click on Fort Benton Weather) for other interesting facts about our weather here in town. It is updated often and a clock telling you when that is accomplished. It is very informative and I am lov’in my computer more and more each day for what it can provide for me.

WEB CAM
Have you had a problem with getting the Web Cam picture changing every 3 to 4 seconds? Is the clock at the top changing every picture change? If not, give me a call at 622-3217 (after 2:00 p.m.) and I will try to help you fix the problem. This week I was made aware of this problem from one of my Exercise Class friends and we fixed it in a few seconds. The link to the Fort Benton web cam is http://www.fortbentonlivewebcam.com/ .

I then called my grandson, Grayson, in Helena to go to the Web Cam site (with his Dad Greg’s help) and I would wave to him from the Shep Statue. Audra (Grayson’s Mom) called her sister Valerie, she drove to the statue, and we waved together. We ended up in the middle of the street, vehicles went around us, and Gail Good, who was enjoying a walk on the Levee, joined us in the waving process. It was the most fun we have had in ages. Why don’t you give it a try? We agreed with Grayson to be there next Sunday about the same time. You can talk on your cell phone at the same time. Awesome the technology we have today. I think I have finally gotten used to it.

ORGANIZATIONS TO JOIN
Names are coming in fast and furious. How about the Booster Club at the High School and the Swim Team Supporters during the summer. Have you found any of the organizations mentioned today or in previous issues that pique your interest?

PIE DAY
I am not giving up on this one. Pie Day is Friday at the Golden Age Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. until pie is gone. There was one young woman who appeared on that very nasty snowy day last month whose face I had not seen before. All I know is that she lives out of town and said that she has always wanted to support Pie Day but it was her first time. I hope she returns this coming Friday.

As usual, I forgot to tell you last week that today, March 14th is National Pie Day. Why? Because Pi is 3.14. Math teachers could have used that one although they would be stealing my stuff. Actually, I stole it from my math major son who doles out these little tidbits quite often. I have another one coming up in May, so watch for it.

SUNSHINE DAYS
It is that time of year again. Daffodils are on sale to support the Cancer Support Group (I could write a book on the good work they do.) March the 22nd is the deadline for ordering (call any friend of yours who is a member of Woman’s Club for directions.) The beautiful yellow daffodils will be delivered to your home on March 26th. If you have the need to be cheered up, a bundle of two of these precious flowers will do the trick. It is so worth the $8.00 price a bundle. Make arrangements right now before you forget.

PUB NIGHT
The Woman’s Club has a fundraiser in conjunction with Pub Night on the 15th of April. You may win enough to pay your Income Tax. Last year they raffled a gift basket for men, one for women, and one for a child. This year it will be “A Lottery Ticket Tree” and isn’t that a fun idea. For tickets, you can call Hilda Bonilla at 622-3316, Beverly Grass at 622-5909 or Tami Good at 734-5446.

SO LONG FOR NOW
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Did you have a corned beef and cabbage dinner somewhere? It seems it is being served in many places around or close to town. I would like to have been in Butte, as they really know how to put on a St. Pat’s Day party.

GOD BLESS AMERICA and our Protectors overseas. How I pray that this war would be over and all those wonderful young men and women would be back home where they belong. Keep them in your thoughts every day and perhaps in my lifetime, there will be peace.