View From The Bridge

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
6/26/13

RECYCLE
There are several things to remind Recyclers that would aid the program.  When it is rainy weather and there is not a volunteer at the Dedman Foundation, please do not leave your recyclables.  The rain and wind cause havoc. Wednesday the 19th was a good example.  Since collection is every Wednesday, it should not be too difficult to keep your recyclables for another week. 

The other problem that has arisen is the contaminates that are showing up in the plastics.  Sour cream, butter/oleo, and cottage cheese containers are not acceptable.  #1 or 2 on the bottom of bottles are the only items that can be recycled. 

Just a reminder, please tie your newspapers, magazines, and cardboard if it is not too big to handle.  The committee is very appreciative for all of your cooperation.  They always thank me for bringing my recyclables and I always say “No, thank you for making it possible.”  Otherwise, my trash bags would increase to three bags again instead of one.

SUMMER CELEBRATION
Our awesome weekend is here at last.  Schedules and contest forms are available all over town.  The weatherman tells us that it will be 90 degrees on Saturday so be sure to find your sun screen.  As a matter of fact, the Chouteau County Cancer Support Group will be handing out sun screen at the Parade.  How good is that?  Many months of planning have been in progress which will make a great time for everyone. 

The Lions Organization, (they will be identified by their vests,) will be collecting for the fireworks during the Parade and on the Levee before the fireworks.  Please be generous, (Parade watchers usually are.)  What is your favorite event of Summer Celebration?  I vote for the Fireworks Show.

SHEP MEMORIAL
A great deal of labor was applied to the Shep Memorial this past week.  The entire surrounding area was almost completely dug up by the City Crew because of a sprinkler problem.  Emma (Gidget) Huntsman from Loma was hired by the Community Improvement Association to trim the shrubs, remove the leaves, and a general clean up the area.  The City then replaced and added more rocks to the border.  It looks fantastic.

Also in progress was the cleaning, (with Brillo,) of the wrought iron fence at the Baker House by Boy Scout Troop #47. Ruth Carlstrom then painted the fence.  The Boy Scout Troop #47 has been very busy lately and had recently cleaned up the area around the Fort Benton entrance triangle.

The Lewis and Clark Memorial statue area was, at the same time, being tidied and trimmed by the Lions Club. 

Another area that does not need much attention, the planter in front of The Old Bridge, has bloomed out in beautiful Montana style.

Please take notice of all these beautifications of our visitor/tourist town.  If by chance, you are in contact with someone from the Boy Scout Troop, the Community Improvement Association, the Lions Club, the City Crew, or Ruth Carlstrom, tell them that you have noticed.  It is easy to take such things for granted:  however, I am reminding you. 

SOFT SHELLED TURTLES
We attended the lecture on Soft Shelled Turtles last Saturday evening at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center.  Now we know, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Soft Shelled Turtles.”  Brian Tornabene is a very interesting young man who became enamored with those particular turtles.  Isn’t it great that we have such a variety of subjects in which to take an interest?  Brian has been studying these species for several years now and his primary findings are very fascinating.  Be sure to attend his final studies when he returns to Fort Benton.

My only dealings with a soft shelled turtle was the day Wally took me to the Teton to fish.  I snagged a soft shell and had quite a battle with it.  I should have brought it up slowly but I was excited and yanked a bit too hard.  The line broke and away the female went.  I say female because they are larger than the male and my turtle was large.  I really would not have kept it but would have liked to remove the hook.  So much for my turtle story.

LONGEST DAY and LARGEST MOON
My favorite day of the year, the longest day, came and went with much attention from me.  I remember the weatherman on the news station saying to the other announcer that it was 10:00 p.m. and still light out. 

Last Saturday evening after the program at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center, we went for a long ride all around town, up around Signal Point past the lagoon, the branch/wood dump, the gravel pit road, and back to Signal Point At that time we saw the largest/closest moon rise.  What a viewing spot and what a sight of that snow white moon.  It was almost like you could reach out and touch it.  When we arrived home, it was another 10 minutes or so before the noon rose above the Grand Union.  It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA and OUR TROOPS. 
We are so thankful that this weekend will also mark our grandson, Emory Grovenstein, son of Darcy Morger and Glenn, stepping onto American soil again.  He has served in Afghanistan since last October.  Did you read the article about him and his two brothers, Whitney and Zeke, in The River Press a few weeks ago?

I would so welcome some news about others who are serving in the military in Chouteau County or that are related to residents from the county.  I know that they are remembered in the prayers and thoughts of our bless our troops but it would be great to put names to them.
WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.