View From The Bridge 3/14/2012

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3/14/12

DATE        RISE   SET
3/1/12     7:06    6:09
3/8/12     6:52    6:20

We gained another 25 minutes of light and since Daylight Savings time began last Sunday, I am giving up my rise and set time schedule. It has been fun but no longer necessary since most everyone is happy with the longer days. I have not heard from anyone about the cons of daylight savings. Does it affect grain growers? I think it would affect anyone who raises chickens because they do not know about daylight savings. They crow at their regular time.

What could have been more beautiful weather than today? It is Sunday afternoon and the satellite thermometer reads 70 degrees. Taking a stroll along the Levee Trail yesterday and today, there were many enjoying Trail, the warmth of the sun, and the spring-like smell in the air. I am checking my lilacs again to see if they are budding out. Being out and about this past week, there were many residents in their yards raking and puttering in their gardens and flowerbeds. A note to Mother Nature…please be kind to the world this year. We dread picking up the newspaper or tuning in the newscast to see or hear about the latest tragic weather happening. We are anxious about what may be next and where it will happen.

NATIONAL PIE DAY
I should have written this last week because some of you will miss this Wednesday as National Pi Day. Yes, it is 3.14 (March 14th,) which in the mathematical world Pi is used as the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Sounds good to mathematicians as Pi but sounds better to the palate when you think of pie. Instead of our Government working on bills like getting rid of $l.00 bills, ask them to make March 14th National Bake a Pie Day. We could have pie contests and bring communities together in a sweet way. We could say, “Share a Pie with a Friend,” day. If you do not bake pies, Mrs. Marie Callender does a great job. Let’s put a little fun into our lives. Happy National Pi/Pie Day.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
First, I would like to quote George Bernard Shaw: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. Our Heavenly Father: Continue to bless us with the opportunity and the privilege to serve our community. It is through you that all good things come. Continue to open our eyes to the wonders of giving – and giving back. In Your Name – Amen.” I am of the opinion that our Chamber of Commerce adheres to this philosophy. They continuously serve Fort Benton, giving, and giving back. Do we give them enough appreciation? Tell businesses how much you are aware of what they are doing for the community.

The next five Clues to Rural Community Survival are: Realistic Appraisal of Future Opportunities, Awareness of Competitive Positioning, Knowledge of the Physical Environment, Active Economic Development Program, and Deliberate Transition of Power to a Younger Generation of Leaders. I would not even attempt to analyze any of those clues as they are getting way over my head. The only thing that I do know is that we have a Chamber who does understand and acts on them for the betterment of Fort Benton. They consider it a privilege to serve our community and for that, I am grateful. (I like the one about transition of power to a younger generation of leaders. We seniors, see the desperate need for that. I do not know about other organizations but the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs has young women stepping up to very involved events planning and carrying through. Whoever thought of the idea to provide a baby-sitter during the monthly meetings, is a genius. That was the turning point in attendance.)

ST. PATTY’S DAY
It does not matter if you are Irish or not, everyone seems to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. Just a touch of green makes you part Irish. I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Madeline Ragland on March 17th. Steve McSweeney is always trying to steal her birthday from her. He said that it is not fair that he was not born on St. Patty’s Day. They have a lot of fun at the Sunrise Bluffs. No one is lonely there with all the activities that Karla plans for them. Have a great day Folks.

ADOPT-A-PLOT
It is that time of year Gardeners. I have several plots that have never been adopted and they are in sad shape. Please contact me at 899-1380 (after 10:00 a.m.) With visitors coming to town and walking our Levee Trail, we need some sprucing up along the Trail. Remember: Give Back to Your Community. A little goes a long way. Fort Benton is the best kept secret in Montana however, with all the attention we have been getting lately, we are becoming a Destination Place. A D.P. is a place that visitors specifically plan a trip to see what is happening in Fort Benton, MT. Let the Tourist Season begin and let it be the best one yet.

AROUND TOWN
Many plans are being formulated for this year of anniversaries. Summer Celebration will be all about Shep. It has been 70 years since Shep’s funeral and burial up on the station hill. Invite all your family and friends to this special celebration especially the children. I am going to suggest to Connie that children should be in the parade with their dogs. How does that sound to you?

The Grand Union Hotel will be celebrating their 130th anniversary on November 2nd. Can you believe that they have been open for 13 years? Plans for the anniversary are in the works and it is going to be big time. It will be an historical theme from 1882 to 1982, one hundred years of life in the Grand Union. We are looking forward to that exciting time that Cheryl Gagnon is planning for this anniversary. It will be something to remember.

By the way, the Grand Union is holding its bi-yearly Poker Tournament on March 23rd. You have 9 days to sign up. It is such a fun evening with players coming from all over Montana. Who will be the winner this year? My observation is that it is not always the well-known poker players who win, (except last year Larry.) I do not think that there are side bets as to who will win, however it could be a fundraiser. Let’s work on that one. See you there.

GOD BLESS AMERICAN AND OUR TROOPS. PLEASE LET THIS CONFLICT END AND GET OUR TROOPS HOME AGAIN QUICKLY.