View From The Bridge 1/9/13

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
1/9/13

LIGHTS ON THE F.B.
It’s Monday and at a Recycling meeting early this afternoon, Ali Nardinger told me that she drove past the F.B. hill last evening and the lights were on.  The last few sunny days must have done its work and recharged the lights.  That was such good news on this dreary, overcast Monday.  I have wanted to take a ride each evening to see what was going on but by most evenings, I am not ready to go out. 

Another reason for no lights was suggested to me.  Perhaps the 8” snowfall we had may have covered the lights as they are close to the ground.  Whatever happened, the outcome is favorable and much to my delight.  I appreciate your interest.

SHUTTLE VAN
I finally was able to reach Jim Lyons who operates the Shuttle Bus that could be available in Fort Benton.  His route begins in Fort Belnap to Havre, a regular stop in Big Sandy and on to Great Falls.  This operation has been effect for three (3) years.  A visit to Fort Benton three years ago showed no interest.

The Shuttle would run on Tuesday and Thursday.  Its drop-off points in Great Falls would be the Bus Station, Benefis East and West, and the Airport.  Pickup points would be the opposite.  If you are interested, call Jim Lyons at 1-406-945-1258 and discuss your situation with him.  He is most accommodating and would like to make Fort Benton one of his stops on a regular basis.

Jim is also willing to return to Fort Benton to talk with City Council, the Golden Age Senior Center, and the Sunrise Bluffs.  This depends on interest shown from phone calls to Jim.  If this Shuttle Bus would work for you, please call Jim now.  Meetings could then be set up for explanation of how the system works and if it would work for you.

BINGO
Just a reminder that “Bingo Night” at The Club House will resume on January the 14th and the 28th.  You can remember the dates by checking the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.  Help support the Veterans of Foreign Wars and have a fun evening at the same time.

C.C.P.A.
Chouteau County Performing Arts will present the Bottomline Duo on January the 24th.  That performance will surely brighten your winter doldrums.  This group appeared in Fort Benton in March of 2006 and the C.C.P.A. Board is excited to welcome them back.  I can assure you that you will enjoy the evening so be there with all your friends.  If you have not yet used your “Buddy” ticket, this is a great time to do so.  Those of us, who enjoyed the Bottomline Duo before, can assure you a great time.

BASKETBALL
The heart of all small towns across the United States is the sports activities.  What better way to spend an evening during the winter, watching your hometown competes in sports events?  What better place to get a great hamburger and a soft drink.  No other than at the concessions at the high school.  The games are usually over by 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. and you are home to watch the 10:00 p.m. newscast.  The boys and girls work very hard at practice and I am told that it is the crowd that keeps them going.  We really enjoy the games and win or lose; we love the Longhorns and Lady Longhorns.  There are 7 weeks left including the District and Divisional Tournaments in the season so enjoy as many as you can. 

PLEASE READ – IMPORTANT
RECYLING is going full-speed ahead.  NEXT MONDAY the 14th at 7:00 there will be a meeting at the City Hall with Headwaters.  They are a recycling company whose business is handling recyclable materials.  Please make an effort to attend, as they will explain just what they do to aid in such a program.

ACTUAL RECYLING Drop-Off for CARDBOARD and NEWSPAPER will begin on SATURDAY the 19th at the Fairgrounds from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p. m.  Please tie your newspapers in bundles, (if possible,) and break down your cardboard boxes, (if possible.)  There will be an attendant there to cut down the boxes if you cannot.

LARGE PUBLIC FEEDBACK MEETING will be THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7th at 7:00 p.m.  The place it is to be held is yet to be determined.  You will know as soon as it is arranged.  In my humble opinion, this meeting is crucial to the success of this program.  The Committee needs to know how the public feels about recycling.  Everyone will participate about your opinion, ideas, and actions.

You have read all the articles about the fact that we are burying ourselves in garbage.  The oceans are full of plastic bottles and landfills are filling up at an alarming rate.  We can do something about it.  Yes, recycling costs money but is not that better than destroying our environment.  Yes, it takes time of which most of us have little to spare.  Just think about all the good it accomplishes and perhaps that could be your good deed of the day.  Save the environment.  No one can do it for us.  We have to take the responsibility for our own actions.  There are those people who will do and those who will not.  Be a doer.

Read Bethany’s article in this week’s River Press for more details.

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