View From The Bridge 11/7/12

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
11/7/12

VETERANS DAY DINNER
The V.F.W. (Veterans of Foreign Wars,) and Ladies Auxiliary invites all Veterans and their spouses to a Veterans Day Dinner.  It will be on Sunday, November 11th at the Club House and dinner will be served from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  How appropriate this dinner is being held on Veterans Day.  They would like to see all Veterans from the surrounding area there to enjoy dinner and conversation with your fellow Veterans. 

This dinner is an annual affair and as numbers dwindle, it is more important than ever that Veterans know how much they are appreciated.  If it were not for them, we might not be here, speaking Vietnamese, Japanese, German, or Arabic.  It was that close many times and the Veterans put their lives on the line without hesitation. 

Speaking personally, remembering WWII, we owe them so much and it can never be repaid.  However, respect and a well-meaning thank you for your service will do.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.  WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS to let them know that you support them. 

HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
I receive a newsletter spring and fall from the high school back in Michigan from which I graduated.  One of my classmates wrote to the newsletter that touched me deeply.  This week instead of writing another paragraph from the “Red Friday” flyer, I am going to share Dorothy’s letter.  (She is also an accomplished artist and her husband is a United States Marine.)

“I have a prayer request.  There’s a lady I’ve known forever.  She’s very sick.  On top of that, she’s being abused by those to whom she has given everything.  Lies about her abound, and seem to come from all sides.  Just breaks my heart.  Seem there’s nothing I can do alone but maybe, if we all join in and lift her up together, He can heal her.  She’s well over 236 years old, but way too young to die.  Her name is “AMERICA,” and I love her and have always been proud of her.  Please take time to say a prayer for her, even if it is short and simple.  A prayer like, “Lord, please heal our land, Amen.”  Thanks!    

GRAND UNION CELEBRATION
Awesome!  I was one of the lucky ones who had a ticket to the luncheon on Friday due to a sponsor who filled a table.  Both rooms were filled to capacity.  I saw a van outside marked Cambridge Court from Great Falls and as I looked around, I realized that many women were not from Fort Benton.  I had talked to several Fort Benton women who said that by the time they called for a reservation, there were no tickets available.

The luncheon meal was food that would have been served when the hotel was opened.  After we had our Pumpkin Soup, the Fashion Show began with models showing clothes from the 90’s, 80’s, and 70’s.  After our salad, the models showed clothes from the 60’s and 50’s as they went from room to room.  After dessert, the best of show were clothes from the 30’s, 20’s, and back to 1882.  Many were wedding dresses and actually worn by grandmothers of women who live in Fort Benton.  Many of the clothes came from private collections and some were from the Ag Museum.  A dress from 1882, loaned by the Ag Museum, was one worn the evening of the grand opening of the Grand Union Hotel.  Historic!

There was a group of women from Big Sandy who were also dressed in clothing worn as if they were on the Titanic.  They were very excited to be included in the festivities and to put together their costumes.  They were adorable.  They were really “into it.”

We all sat there in awe of what we were seeing.  We would never see another fashion show like the one we had just witnessed.  In addition, the models were fabulous.  Most of us were thinking that our figures were like theirs B.M.  (That is “before motherhood.”)  Most of us have bosomed out a bit and will never wear a size 6, or 8, or even a 10 ever again.  It was just enjoyable however, being in the Grand Union, being waited on and enjoying a special afternoon with special friends.

SHONKIN DINNER
My dear friend, Walleyne Flanagan, reported in her story about the Shonkin Hall fundraiser that the Morgers were the big spenders (perhaps she included Randy’s purchases.).  I would like to set the story a little straighter by saying that my name is Muncie Morger and I approve this message.  First, you did not have to be a big spender at the Auction because most of the items went for a dollar.  I bid and was the highest bidder on three items and Wally was highest bidder on one item.  We spent the enormous amount of $13.00.  Our items were all small ones except for Wally’s clothes rack, which now resides in the garage, as it was too large to fit in the house.

Ms. Flanagan, on the other hand, purchased large items and I am sure that she was just as big a spender as we were.  In observing Ms. Flanagan at the auction, I would venture to say that she is an “auction addict.”  I have seen her around town since that day and warned her that I would be defending our family’s name in this issue of the River Press.  I just hope that Cindy Lenington does not get a hold of this information because she always accuses me of being the only one who votes for the White Elephant Sale at the Friends of the Library Christmas meeting.  I get enough grief from her.

Well Folks, I know you must realize that this is all in jest and we all had a great time in Shonkin.  I have given away everything that I brought home except the clothes rack.  No one wants that monstrosity.  It will be at the next Friends of the Library Christmas White Elephant Sale.  I invite you all to be there for the time of your life as far as White Elephants go. They say that you should always be laughing for a longer life.  Well, you will spend a special laughing session at that meeting.  See you there in December.

DIANE
Again today (Sunday) we have lost a most beautiful woman from our lives.  We have to believe that Diane Lehman is in a better place.  I have missed her, as you must have too, as the Cheerleader’s coach.  She never missed a game and her lifestyle of discipline was passed on to her girls.  All of our loving thoughts go out to you Ed and know that we will never forget her

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.  WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.