View From The Bridge

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
6-5-13

GREAT NEWS FOR RECYCLING
Beginning this evening, Wednesday the 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Recycling Program will move its location from the Fair Grounds to the Dedman Foundation.  It will be much more convenient location wise and time wise.  It is after dinnertime and before bedtime.  Our No. 1 Recyclist, Shannon Walden, will be there every Wednesday evening. (She not only recycles but she cycles all over town.  (Wave to her the next time you see her riding her cycle out and about.)  In addition to collection recyclable bundled newspapers, office papers, shredded paper, magazines, phone books, and cardboard (broken down,) will be plastic and metal cans.  (Please wash your metal cans, remove the label, take both ends off if possible, and flatten.  It does not take long before it becomes a habit.)

I have not been able to attend the Recycle meetings lately:  however, I know how difficult the journey has been for the committee.  They have worked hard, endless hours, diligently, and devoted to a cause.  When you take advantage of the every Wednesday evening schedule, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

GOLDEN AGE NEWS
Last week I talked about “Meals on Wheels.”  I hoped that information was helpful to the many readers of the River Press.  I received the June Newsletter from the Golden Age Center and am passing on some of the changes in their schedule.  There will be NO TUESDAY ONCE-A-MONTH EVENING MEAL during the summer months.  The Board Members thanked Betty Daniels for the wonderful gourmet meals she provided.  Those Tuesday evening dinners were a great social evening to meet new and old friends.  We wonder where they come up with the fun intellectual games that we play.  For my part, I am not smarter than a 5th grader.  The next evening dinner will be September 17th. 

Also, THERE WILL BE NO PIE DAY during the summer months for obvious reasons.  The pie you buy at the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of Fort Benton Pie Auction will have to last you all summer.  As wonderful summer is, we look forward to evening meals and pie day again in the fall.

VISITORS & INFO CENTER
As of last Tuesday, when I did my shift at the Center, there were only half of the volunteer times filled on the calendar for the month of June.  Come on Folks!  You are needed.  We cannot keep unlocking and locking the door because there are shifts in-between shifts that are filled and not filled.  I know that you are all have busy lives but think over what you do for your community.  Do you do any volunteer time at all?  The commercials on TV about volunteering are reminders of how you could be helping and how rewarding it is.  

NEW ENTERPRENUER
The Artlight Gallery opened last Saturday in what I call, “The Mini Mall,” in the room where the Wake Cup Coffee Shoppe was previously located.  It is in the lower room.  Kathleen Ryan from Geraldine, (a Montana born and raised,) is a sand stonecutter.  You ask, “What is a stone cutter.”  You will have to see for yourself by visiting with Kathleen.  It was a fascinating visit for me as I am a “Rock Hound.”  I love rocks of all kinds but my very favorite is jasper.  We have two rock tumblers and that is easy compared to what Kathleen does.  She creates, each sandstone has a meaning, and each has a story.
I especially liked a piece called “Watchmen.”  Kathleen created it for a nephew who was in Afghanistan.  The scriptures refer many times to Night Watches and Watchmen.  Historically someone has always “stood watch” and would warn people of impending danger.  Each “Watchmen” piece has one, two, or three stones at the top that represents someone watching over us.  I have to have one after hearing that story.

WHERE OH WHERE HAS MY LITTLE DOG GONE
A conversation between a Fort Benton resident and me, was about how she had to call the police because of two dogs running loose.  It seems to be the time again to remind residents about their dogs roaming the neighborhood.  It your dog is picked up by the police and taken to the Dedman, you will have to pay a fine.  I realize that there are times that your dog works its way out of confinement: However, as soon as it is missing…scout around to find it.  There are people and children who are afraid of dogs.  Consider them when your dog is missing.

While I am on the subject of dogs, I was also asked to remind dog owners to please clean up after your dog.  There are doggie mitts all along the Levee Walking Trail put there for your convenience. 
We parked along the Trail last week to enjoy some ice cream and watch the river.  A car parked about a half block ahead of us, a woman let her dog out to do its business.  It was not a case of using a doggie mitt and if it had been, I would have stopped her to tell her about the mitts.  It must be difficult to have to get into your vehicle with your dog, drive to the Levee for a potty break, and then return home.  How many times a day would you have to do that? 

I am not trying to give dog owners lessons on how to take care of your dog.  I am only repeating what I heard at the Sunrise Bluffs a few months ago from a man sent by the Humanities program.  He said that he walks his dog two hours a day.  He also gives his dog real bones from a butcher shop to clew on.  His dog is never sick, never has bad breath, and never has good teeth.  Remember, I am only repeating what I heard.  My question is, “Who has two hours a day to walk their dog?”

PBS MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
What a classic program was presented on Sunday evening before Memorial Day.  It told the story of two brothers and what happened to them in Afghanistan and after their return home.  We have thousands of young men and women who are keeping us safe.  Those of us, who have experienced war first hand, understand the sacrifice our service members and women are putting forth.  The least you can do is to WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS to show that you support them.  You sleep in a warm bed at night.  You eat good warm food.  You live your everyday lives with weapons firing all around you.  Do you think about those who are serving every day? They are our protectors.  The best you can do is “WEAR RED ON FRIDAY” so the world will know that you care and support them.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.