View From The Bridge 5/4/16

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
5/4/16

MAY MOON
Of all the descriptions of moons…May is the shortest.  It is called the Full Flower Moon obviously because in all areas flowers are abundant everywhere. May Day is the 1st day of the month and many celebrate by making up May Day baskets or giving friends a flower of some sort. The beautiful day last Sunday also made it the greatest day of the year so far.

May Moon is also called the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Full Milk Moon.  We can understand Full Corn Planting Moon but there was no description of Full Milk Moon. (I cannot figure that one out.  Perhaps it is the color.)

The full moon this month is on Saturday the 21st.

POTLUCK AND CAMPFIRE
I am wondering how long it has been since I sat around a campfire. It has been a long while. We all have an opportunity to do just that plus a potluck supper. The Chouteau County Cancer Support Group has invited us to the Fort Benton Canoe Launch Campground on Friday the 13th at 5:30 pm.

I am willing to bet that 75% of the residents of Fort Benton have never been to the Campground. It is the ultimate in an outdoor site. Whenever I have visitors, I always take them for a tour of the campground. I hope that you take advantage of this invitation by the Support Group because they are anxious to show their appreciation for the community support.

The Fort Benton Cancer Support Group helps anyone that has been touched by cancer. The best part is that you know where your money goes. There are no administrative costs and all donations go directly to cancer patients.

Has your family been affected by cancer and have you contacted the Support Group? Our family has been touched 5 times by cancer and we would not have made it without the support of the Fort Benton Cancer Support Group. Bless you Support Group and let them see a crowded campground on the 13th.

OTHER GOINGS ON
The Visitors Information Center is having a meeting on Friday the 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the Center. In case you are new in town, the Visitors Center is located on Front St. in the Old Fire House next to the Fort Benton Old Walking Bridge.

Even if you think that you can only be a substitute, come to the meeting. See old friends and make new ones. Everyone’s opinions are welcomed. We need 7 more volunteers to make 2 hour shifts. Surely out of 112 waking hours a week, you could spare 2 hours at the Center?

The Visitors Center is my favorite place. I like to compare it to a trip to anywhere in the world. Visitors came in with their stories from all over the United States, Canada, and many foreign countries. I especially enjoy those who were married on the Fort Benton Old Walking Bridge and return for their anniversaries. I love those who return for their class reunions not only at Summer Celebration but at any time during the season. I really love those family reunions when grandparents and parents bring their families to see where they grew up. It makes me feel very safe and secure.

Hope to see you there.

PATRIOTISM
Patriotism isn’t dead. Reading about the VFW contest for art work and about the winners was heart-warming. I am so proud of Marissa, Emma, and Ryan. What a great opportunity for young people to show they care.

I would like to see the entries, when the contest is over, displayed somewhere. Please VFW, keep us posted.

MEMORIAL DAY
That very precious holiday is soon upon us. Perhaps the winners of the above contest plus all those who entered would promote putting a flag on your porch.  Perhaps we could make some sort of a contest about it? I have some ideas so if you are interested please call me at 622-3217.

SINATRA & STREISAND
Last Wednesday evening at the Fort Benton Elementary School, the Chouteau County Performing Arts brought Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand to visit our town. They also sang for us and brought back countless memories.

The show began with a slide presentation of facts about Frank and Barbra, their birthdates, birthplaces, and other interesting facts about their lives. (I am sure that Tim the Editor will fill in all the blanks.)

I want to get to my side of the story. Both Barbra and Frank came into the audience to shake hands with the folks in attendance. I am sitting in my usual seat which is the second row from the front on the left hand side. Randy is sitting directly across the aisle. Frank shakes hands with Randy and then continues up the row. Suddenly he is standing in front of me with his hand out. I shake his hand and say thank you.  Frank says on the mike, “Well it looks as though I have a date for tonight.”

After each performance the artists are in the lobby to converse with the audience. I spoke to Barbra first and asked her how she could belt out those songs for about the hour and a half that she performed. She just said that she had done it for so long she just does it and does not think about it.

Then I got my turn with Frank. I said, “Well, here is your date.” He laughed and said, “I’ll meet you outside.” Then I told him about my experience in high school.  I had a group of 7 girls that I hung out with. We played cards at each other’s homes once a month, ate lunch together, went to football games, and were great friends.  (I am still in touch with 4 of them. The others have gone away.)

We were those screaming “bobby socks-ers” when Frank first came on the scene.  Well, he was appearing in Detroit and 7 of my friends decided to SKIP school to see him. I was too scared to do that daring adventure. They were expelled from school for a week. They decided to make protest signs and picketed in front of the school. I became the liaison between the principal and my friends. I ran between the office and the sidewalk with messages. The story got into the local newspaper.  It was really quite an interesting happening.

Frank thought that this was a very funny story and he put his arms around me and kissed me on the cheek. Now…how lucky am I? Garth Brooks gives me his guitar, I get half of my face and my Fort Benton Charm Trail necklace in the New York Times, a small drum from the Drum Brothers during their stay with me for Consortium, and now I get kissed by Frank Sinatra. I know for sure that you male readers will probably skip right over this story but how about you females? Do you women who remember the hay-day of Frank, feel envious? How lucky can I get? Gosh, I have such fun in Fort Benton and whatever it is cheers up my days.

OBSERVATIONS
Our body gives enough heat in 30 minutes to boil 1.5 litters of water.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and THOSE WHO PROTECT US.