View From The Bridge

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
10-10-12

HELP!
I did not hear from anyone this past week about the missing plaque on a memorial table.  As of now, it will have to be reordered and reattached.  It will be in the spring because when the weather turns colder, it is difficult to attach a plaque to cold cement.  I am still in hopes that the plaque will show up and the someone who called me about the missing plaque has not yet had time to read the River Press.  It would also help if it would be mentioned at organizational meetings and gathering of residents (like coffee morning get-togethers.)  Spread the word around and maybe, just maybe, the request will get to the right person. 

SPORTS SECTION
Homecoming seemed to make the Volleyball game and the Football game more exciting.  The bleachers and stands were full and the singing of the school song seemed to be louder.  Again, the Lady Longhorns were at the football game and they show their enthusiasm.  The Cheerleaders know their craft well and the half time show was very entertaining.  I realize their talents require a lot of practice however; I would like to see the half time show at every game.  I want to mention what a great job the coaches are doing with all the teams.  I remember checking out and writing about the hours that the cheerleaders put into their routines.  They practice as many hours as the sports teams practice.  Go Lady Longhorns, Longhorns, and Longhorn Cheerleaders.  You all make our attendance at the games a lot of fun.

PANDEMIC RESULTS
I received an e-mail forwarded from Linda Williams about a Workshop Summary of the opinions of the presenters of the influenza pandemic.  If you remember, in May of 2012, Fort Benton was selected as the rural area from all over the United States to participate. 

You can learn more about the differences between Workshop Summaries and Consensus Reports by going on the inter-net.  Go to httn://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Public-Engagement-on-Facilitating-Access-to-Antiviral

I could not reach Linda today because of the Columbus Day holiday.  I would have asked her to arrange another Pandemic Explanation evening.  That would take care of all the explanations and questions.  A question for those of you who attended…would that be something you would like to see happen?  Let me know.

VISIONS AND VOICES
I had a busy e-mail week.  I also heard from Charlotte Caldwell, the author of Visions and Voices: Montana’s One-Room Schoolhouses. 
I have a story to tell you about the book that I found fascinating.  Ivan Doig, well-known author of Montana books, wrote the foreword in her book.  Charlotte did not know Mr. Doig but sent him a letter about her book and a chapter.  He wanted more, she sent him half the book, and he said, “YES!”  She said it was an honor for her.

At the annual Humanities Montana Conference the Festival of the Book, the first part of October, Charlotte met Ivan Doig for the first time.  He was a presenter that evening and Charlotte presented the next day.  It was quite a thrill for her to meet an author whose books she had read for years.  It was her “15 Minutes of Fame.”  By the way, the book is now available at the Chouteau County Free Library.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS
As I said earlier, I had an interesting week of e-mail.  I feel that I must pass this on because there is no way I can forward it to all readers of the River Press.  It shows the importance of supporting our Troops.

Your cell phone is in your pocket.  You’re looking at all the pretty girls.
HE/SHE PATROLS THE STREETS, SEARCHING FOR INSURGENTS AND TERRORISTS.  HE’S TOLD HE WILL BE HELD OVER EXTRA TIME.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
HE WAITS FOR THE MAIL TO SEE IF THERE IS A LETTER FROM HOME.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend every day.
HE HOLDS HIS LETTER CLOSE AND SMELLS HER PERFUME.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
HE GETS A LETTER WITH PICTURES OF HIS NEW CHILD, AND WONDERS IF THEY’LL EVER MEET.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
HE SEES THE INNOCENT TORTURED AND KILLED BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND REMEMBERS WHY HE IS FIGHTING.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
HE HEARS THE GUNFIRE, BOMBS AND SCREAMS OF THE WOUNDED
You see only what the media wants you to see
HE SEES THE BROKEN BODIES LYING AROUND HIM.
You are asked to do something by your parents.  You don’t.
HE DOES EXACTLY WHAT HE IS TOLD EVEN IF IT PUTS HIS LIFE IN DANGER.
You stay at home and watch TV.
HE TAKES WHATEVER TIME HE IS GIVEN TO CALL, WRITE HOME, SLEEP, AND EAT.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
HE TRIES TO SLEEP BUT GETS AWAKENED BY MORTARS AND HELICOPTERS ALL NIGHT LONG.

REMEMBER TO WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SHOW THEM YOU MEAN IT.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.