View From The Bridge 8/17/2011

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
8-17-11

CHOUTEAU COUNTY FAIR
It is all about the Fair this week. There is not any additional information I can tell you about the Fair, as there were many ads and features in the River Press. Schedules were printed for you to check off just what you would like to do. I also encourage you to participate by entering your talents for the Fair whether it be agriculture, floriculture, family living (all the goodies,) home arts, art, boy scouts, girl scouts, education, or photography. Encourage your children to participate and encourage community spirit.

I just ask that you support the Fair. Number 9 is my lucky number and for this to be the 99th year of the Fair should prove to be a lucky number for Fair and possibly for me. I wonder if they will have Bingo again. I might win at that.

ANOTHER SHEP STORY
Ruth Carlstrom always seems to be at the Visitors Center when a Shep small world story comes along. Last week a family from Helena visited the Center. Ruth asked the young boy if he knew the story of Shep. He said, “Oh yes, my grandpa gives speeches about important people. He gives speeches about Shep even though he isn’t a real person.”

BING CHERRIES
The question was, “Can you sell l,000 lbs. of bing cherries at the Farmers Market?” Ron Young, the provider of the cherries, sold them to the Farmers Market Committee. Can you believe that as of today, Sunday the 14th, they sold 970 lbs? Now don’t all rush to buy those 30 lbs. because they will be gone by the time you read the River Press?

There will be a Farmer’s Market on Thursday but at this time, they do not know if there will be any cherries. Most of the committee is working at the Chouteau County Fair. They do, however, plan to have more cherries the following Thursday. Ron did not have as large a crop this year and his market has expanded greatly. He enjoys coming to Fort Benton and said it is because the people here have been so good to him.

The cherries are so delicious. Just like potato chips, you cannot eat just one.

THROUGH THE YEARS
This week I will pass on the exploration of the General Characteristics of the generations at a glance. The Traditionalists value dedication, sacrifice, hard work, and patience. They are willing to delay gratification, put duty before pleasure and are frugal and conservative with spending. They like consistency, uniformity, and are past-oriented.

(These are Muncie comments…how many times have you youngsters heard from your grandparents about “The Good Old Days.” They bought an ice cream cone for 5 cents, went to a four hour movie afternoon for 10 or 15 cents, and gasoline was 25 cents a gallon. Yes, those were the good old days. They also talk about that working for $1.00 a day being good wages.)

The Baby Boomers value individuality, are optimistic, and positive. They like a team oriented approach and have been the “stars” since birth, being always cool. They redefined roles and appreciate personalized approaches. (Would appreciate a phone call from a Baby Boomer about these comments.)

The X Generation are collectively pessimistic; individually optimistic. They are self-reliant, strive for balance, and are nontraditional orientation to apace and time. They have a casual approach to authority, are skeptical, especially of big promises, and technologically savvy.

(I wish I had some of that technological savvy. Now I know why I have to wait until my grandchildren come to visit. Only they can reset my computer and explain one more time how to get the VCR and DVD to operate.)

The Millennials value personal freedom, autonomy, and immediacy. They have an optimistic view of the future and believe in success from hard work. They have a global outlook, make decisions based on feelings, and are confident. They want to make a difference and want “change.” They like the X Generation are technologically savvy, are inclusive, seek diversity and multi-cultureless.

Next week we will cover “In the Workplace,” and read the differences between the generations. This Travel Montana class is a revelation into how to deal with not only our visitors but with family and friends.

THE OLD BRIDGE
What a beautiful sight the Old Bridge is at night with the lights lit. I wish those of you who live away from Fort Benton could see it. I will try this week to get a picture and put it on the web site next week. It is especially a stunning sight when you are coming into town from the east on the new bridge.

Perhaps you have not seen it yet because Fort Benton is known to roll up the carpets by 9:00 p.m. The lights will be going on earlier as the days shorten and the nights are longer. Actually, I do not want to think about that right now.

I just want a “Special Appreciation” message to the Committee that worked on the lights. It certainly was a special project for our Old Bridge.

THE FLAG
In a recent column of “Dear Abby,” there was a thank you to the many readers who wrote to inform her that her copy of the Flag Code was outdated. She was unaware that it had been amended and used the one in her files.

A while back, I wrote about the Flag Code being amended and the changes that all Americans should be aware of. I will update you in case you missed the first go round.

Military veterans, as civilians who are no longer in uniform, may choose to solute the flag with the military “hand to the forehead” salute as they did while in the service.

All other persons should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart. If applicable, men should remove their hats with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. This includes the playing of the national anthem.

I have seen a few more flags being flown around town. It is not too late to get one up before Labor Day weekend. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.