View From The Bridge 12/18/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
12/18/19

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
On Saturday the 14th the Wreaths Across America event took place early in the morning. What a great program this is. There is no way I could purchase a wreath and take it up to the Riverside graveyard with six or more inches of snow on the ground. I am so grateful that there is a program that will help me remember my Veteran Loved One at Christmas. I can no longer buy him presents and to know that there is a wreath on top of his grave makes the season more of a blessing.

In years past the school children who interviewed the Veterans would read their essays at the cemetery. It was difficult to hear for even those who can hear well. So, the venue was changed and there now is a reception at the Sunrise Bluffs after the Wreaths have been placed. The Kiddos read their essays from several Veterans.

I talked with teacher Renee and River Press editor Bethany and there will be one Veterans story in the River Press each week. Look for it and always thank a Veteran for his or her service.

There were about 100 wreaths laid this morning and that is about average. However, there must be more than 100 Veterans buried up there. I will research that and let you know when I find a figure.

Perhaps next year the number of wreaths will increase. It is such a beautiful sight to see those wreaths lying on top of the snow. Take a ride up there some afternoon.

The other interesting thing about having the reception at the Sunrise Bluffs is to take another look at the Veterans Photo project. There are approximately 250 photos on display. They are in order by the war in which they served and alphabetically. That makes it easier to find your loved one. So, on your way to the cemetery or on your way back, visit the Bluffs and visit with your Veterans photo.

If you turned in your Loved Ones picture and you cannot find it, would you please let me know? I’m in the book.

WINTER
The winter season begins on the 22nd this year. Of course, you would never know that from what has been going on since the last part of September. That longest day of the year will be agony for me but the next day I will be cheered as the days will get longer by approximately a minute a day. Hurray!

Actually, there is so much going on with the Basketball season and Consortium at the end of January. I know the days will fly by. I hope that the weather straightens itself out and we have normal Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Do you all feel the same? Let me know when we meet somewhere soon.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
It was the merriest Christmas Concert ever with a large crowd of 230 in the audience. (That is still short of the 400 that I wished for.) Wylie did a super job of combining Christmas hymns and Cowboy old fashioned songs combined with yodeling. The singalongs were great fun and all in all a good time was had by all.

Good old Santa came in on cue and recited one of his old poems. He had gotten requests that he repeat “Santas Everywhere”. Somehow Santa managed to thank every organization and everyone in the community a tribute by calling them Santas. They truly are. Their devotion continues to make Fort Benton, MT the first best place in the last best place.

Be sure to thank the Elementary School, the sponsors, and the Chouteau County Performing Arts Board for making this holiday season so special.

May you all have the best Christmas ever.

SO LONG, WAYNE HAMPTON
Wayne was the perfect example of a Montanan. He was kind, considerate, caring, hardworking, and loved his community. If you did not know him it was a terrible loss for you. Of course, it you recently moved to this area and did not know Wayne, I am sorry. You missed a lot but remember him anyway or talk to those who did know him.

I can still picture him and lovely Mary Ann riding with a load of visitors driving around town doing a tour. (This was all done on his own time. He volunteered because he loved to do it.) He and Mary Ann had turned a beat up old truck into a trolley. They were in every parade and everyone loved them.

Not only was Wayne a farmer, he managed to collect and restore old automobiles. Mary Ann had also asked him to build a harp and that began another adventure in his life. Those of you who were given a gift of one of his instruments are so fortunate. What a treasure to hand down from generation to generation.

Have you seen the Hampton’s story on Backroads of Montana? It tells the whole story so watch for it on PBS. It turned out to be the most beautiful love story I have ever seen.

Wayne had to leave Fort Benton a few years ago to live in Chester where his daughter Gail resides.  This was after many years of living in Fort Benton. However, he did return to Fort Benton to be buried beside the love of his life Mary Ann at the Riverside graveyard.

So long Wayne! I and many others miss you and will long remember your goodness.

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
These next few days will be very busy for everyone. Last minute shopping, baking, and cooking seem to eat up time very quickly. Since it is Monday and I am supposed to have my article in by 3:00 p.m., to gives me little time to get ready for the Christmas Concert at the High School this evening.

Tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. is the Christmas Tuesday night dinner and party at the Senior Center.

The Christmas party for residents of the Sunrise Bluffs complex will be at noon. We sing, play a white elephant game, and have a really special dinner. I have been able to attend the last three years since I have lived in the Sunset apartments. It was one of the group parties where I have had the most fun. I’ll be there so you had better be there too. Hope you have called in your reservation.

I ONLY KNOW WHAT I KNOW
I know that I talk about my activities much of the time but that is because you, Fort Benton residents, do not call me to tell me about your activities. I would love to hear about your travels because it helps shut-ins to hear about what it going on in the world. Do you go south for the winter and do you have the River Press sent there? Have you had family reunions during the holidays and in the summer? Do you have a wedding planned especially if it is on the Old Bridge? I and I know other would love to hear about it. Please keep in touch.

BE KIND AND DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY.
(I know several people who have gone over and above a good deed every day. They must have a buildup of a few years. I have been the recipient of their good deeds many times in the last few weeks.)

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.