View From The Bridge

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
7/27/16

SMILE
Smile when you read this story. Reported to me by Gordon Paul at the Golden Age Senior Center was a happening that I wish I could observe every night. Although it doesn’t occur every single night to be seen, it does happen more often than not. It is a sunset late in the evening these summer days. When the last of the suns beams fall upon the bluffs on the east side of the Missouri, it is a fantastic sight.

Do you remember the threatened storm a couple of weeks ago? It was that evening that Paul enjoyed the sunset but an additional phenomenal sight, a rainbow. That in itself was not unusual but the sight of the rainbow was not in a curve but straight up and down. Did any of you readers witness that? If so, please let me know a.s.a.p.

I checked Google and Bing and there is no record of a straight up and down rainbow but there is of an upside down one captured on a picture in Russia. Now I am really anxious to know if anyone else spotted the one that Gordon saw. If he had gotten a picture it could now be on the internet as seen in Fort Benton, MT.

Seeing rainbows has always been a favorite happening for me. It is enhanced by the song “Over the Rainbow” especially when sung by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz. Also, Jack Gladstone does a terrific job of it.

I have seen many rainbows in my lifetime but never one that went up and down. I have seen many double rainbows. These however are quite common. Well, happy rain bowing!

MULLAN STATUE
I am in mourning about the happening to the John Mullan memorial statue. My son Randy and I share a love of the Mullan Trail that was built by John Mullan in the 1860’s. It is almost like a family thing.

My late Sweetheart Wally, Randy, and I attended the Mullan Conference here in Fort Benton 6 years ago.  Then again in 2015 the conference was held in Fort Benton. In 2016, last May, we went to Helena and had a wonderful time at the conference held there. (I reported on the conference and the field trip along the Mullan Road Trail west of Helena. Hope you were able to read it.)

I visited the site where the statue stood and the pine tree stump that was left when the tree was cut down.  It was like seeing the site where a friend was hurt. I look forward to the time when it has been repaired and he is back in place where he belongs.

If you are not interested in history then this incident will not mean much to you. If you are interested and know the John Mullan story, then you must feel my sadness too.

NEWCOMERS TO TOWN
I have met quite a few new comers to Fort Benton either at the Visitors Center or at the Farmers Market.

I am going to list a few things that perhaps they do not yet know about. For instance I’ll tell you about the GOLDEN AGE SENIOR CENTER... You do not have to be a senior to frequent the Center. You can have a cup of coffee there every morning; have a meal at noon on weekdays and 1:00 p.m. on Sundays, for a reasonable price. If you do not cook any more, there are Meals on Wheels delivered right to your home. When September comes along, there will be bingo, once a month Tuesday night dinners, and hopefully Pie Day on the second Friday afternoon. There is a puzzle going constantly and card games.

Usually the 3rd Saturday of the month there are homemade cinnamon buns. Saturdays at the Center are always breakfast at noon. (Sometimes it is the 4th Saturday if the month begins on a Saturday.)

There were 3 tables filled last Saturday because of the cinnamon rolls. The breakfast served is 2 kinds of eggs, scrambled and sunny side, hash browns, bacon or sausage, and toast. It is such a treat because as much baking as I have done, I never mastered cinnamon rolls. Come and join a happy crowd and visit and meet with your friends and neighbors. Walk on over because before you know it, it will be cold and snowy. (Sorry to keep reminding you.)

Another service you may enjoy is the FOOT CLINIC. A nurse, most often Geri, gives you great care of your feet and toe nails. It doesn’t get any better than that. Call the Health Department for an appointment.  It is held at the Sunrise Bluffs and it could not be more convenient.

Our CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS program entertains with 8 professional shows a season. Look for any of the board members to purchase your tickets. Shows begin in October this year.  Watch the River Press for a listing and dates of the performances to write on your calendar.

THE VISITORS INFORMATION CENTER is a wealth of information for new comers about Fort Benton and all other cities in Montana. There are free Montana maps and in fact, all brochures and information are free. Take advantage of this service to learn about where you live, its historical significance, and what is going on around town.

THE FARMER’S MARKET is held every Thursday evening in what I call the Levee Park between the Grand Union Hotel and the Fire House. The vendors are there for 1 hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Come on down and support the farmers, the bakers, and the candle stick makers. (My joke of the week.)  This activity needs more support and would welcome more vendors. The more the merrier.

At this place and time, I am there selling raffle tickets for the Summer Celebration Quilts. I need lots of support.

Randy is there selling tickets for the Chouteau County Performing Arts. Get your tickets early and put all the dates of performances on your calendars.

I was asked if Fort Benton had a Lions Club.  We have many organizations and Churches. They are listed in the Visitors Guide. Every household should have a copy of it near their phone. It is such a help when looking for anything you would like to know about. It’s all about Fort Benton with maps, locations, and times of businesses.  Go for it.
Greet your new neighbors because they are here because they want to be. They have chosen Fort Benton because it is a small community; it is quiet, and a fascinating historical background. Say hello with a Fort Benton smile.

OBSERVATIONS
“Don’t compare your life with others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.”

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and at this time especially our POLICE FORCES.  We need to be observant, cautious, and spread love not hate.