View From The Bridge 7/29/15

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
7/29/15

BRAVE
Yes, one has to be brave in a small community to speak out. I commend Ken Knudson, John Luff, and John Watson for their comments to Readers of the River Press. They took the time to write their opinions and it would be a credit to the community if more readers would do that.

I quote President Lincoln, “You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot please all of the people all of the time.”

You have to be tough and I would not last five minutes. I want all of the people to like me all of the time.

DOUBLE YELLOW LINE
I received several thank you “slap on the back” for mentioning reminders about STOP signs and the double yellow lines. I had a man seek me out at the Farmers Market about the article. He said he liked it when, “I gave it to them.” I wonder what he meant about that.

On Monday the 20th I had to go to the River Press at 9:00 a.m. to deliver an article about Warren Siebenaler’s birthday party. A vehicle was traveling north on Front St., crossed the double yellow line, and parked. He had a canoe on the roof so I knew he was a stranger in town. I approached him and with a very Fort Benton like welcome asked him if he was new in town. He said yes and that he was canoeing down the Missouri in the morning.

I told him about the double yellow lines and he said that he had never heard that before. I told him that I just wanted to inform him so he would not be in that situation again and perhaps a police officer would see him. He seemed grateful and I sent him on his merry way.

That afternoon I had to return to the River Press because my computer had died the week before. Tim said I was welcome to use their computer to write the View.

I went over on my Go-Go and parked it in front of Vielleux Insurance because it has a cover. The seat of the Go-Go gets very hot. (I should be used to the hot seat.) Of course I asked permission to park there. They are so accommodating and said it was free of charge.

As I walked back toward the River Press a vehicle going south crossed the double yellow lines and parked in front of the Shep bronze. I crossed the street; he did not get out of his vehicle, and was waiting to pick up a passenger. I knocked on his window and he rolled it down. I went into my, now familiar, speech about crossing the line. He said, “I know I am a bad boy.”  I felt as though I did not get through to him and he was going to do it again. Oh well, I can’t win them all.

FARMERS MARKET
I look forward to the Market after Summer Celebration is over. I really enjoy Susanna’s Egg Rolls, the Arnst Girl’s baked goods, the Hutterites fresh veggies, and this past week the Bing cherries from Young’s orchards. I had heard on TV that this year’s crop was early, very large, and very sweet. That was the case and I hope they are back this week. I try to limit myself to a dozen cherries a day but it is difficult when they are soooooo good.

Thanks to Connie and Chandee for putting the Farmer’s Market together every week. I can only imagine how difficult it is to get vendors to set up each week not knowing what the weather will be. I like the 1 hour time because one gets to see many friends and neighbors.

AROUND TOWN
You know that many people talk to me about things that need to be done around town.  Heaven knows that I am a thorn in Skip Ross’ telephone ear. I appreciate him and his crew so much because he gets whatever fixed for me.

I had a conversation with a couple who asked about the Historic Signs along the Levee.  Yes, the River and Plains knows that several need replacing. The problem is that like every project, MONEY.

When I came to Fort Benton 22 years ago I took pictures of all of the signs. They were in bad shape and I cannot remember when they were replaced. They were expensive but were much better quality. Unfortunately, I believe that the sprinkling system with its hard water caused the damage to the signs. (Perhaps it is old age too.) If you remember, the sprinkling system is causing the discoloration of the cement benches and tables but I like the colors and patterns.

Obviously, we cannot get rid of the sprinkling system as the watering of the Levee along the Trail is necessary. It is a highpoint of Visitors “Things to do in Fort Benton.” So, unless someone can come up with a solution, the Historic Signs will stay as they are. We need a “someone with a million $” to come along and love Fort Benton. Actually, the fact is that even a million $ would not be enough. (These are all my opinions Readers. I would like to hear some of yours.)
If you are interested in a donation, please drop your check at the Joel Overholser Research Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Research Team is there on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

It would also be a good time to drop off any of your family’s history and old pictures. You can also do research to see what information the files have on your family. You are most welcome.

50’S HOME SCHOOLED
My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you are in an accident.”

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