View From The Bridge 12/8/2020

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
12/9/20

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
What a gorgeous day on Saturday for the shoppers to walk around Front Street. I just spoke with Connie and she said there was a good crowd.

I did not awake early enough for the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, but I would have had to get up at the crack of dawn because they were to serve from 8:00 a.m. to 10: a.m.  They ran out of food by 9:00 a.m. Too bad for me. I was really hungry for the breakfast menu.

LUMINARIES
Last Saturday evening after the Christmas Celebration all afternoon, was the most Christmas event in my observation.  It was the Luminary Walk put on by the Cancer Support Group.  It is very hard to describe.  To see those 450 to 500 Luminaries lining the Fort Benton Walking Trial was breathtaking.

In all these years I have only seen the Luminaries from moving vehicles. I decided that I would ride my GoGo at dusk and it was well worth the effort.

I knew that the members of the Cancer Support Group had been working in the Visitor’s Center all afternoon preparing the paper bags by writing names or those loved ones departed and filling them with sand. They were then lined up on the Old Fort Benton Bridge and the Walking Trail when the candles were lit.

I thought that I was in a very special place as I made my way on the Trail to the Old Fort Benton Bridge. Connie wanted to pick me up but I could not then view the trail as I could with the scooter. She warned me not to fall into the river but how could I with the trail lined with lights.

It made Christmas for me. I connected with my Loved Ones who have gone before me. I want to thank the Cancer Support Group for this heart rendering event. You made my Christmas and I will have this memory for rest of my life.

FORT BENTON ROCKS
On Friday I called Tracy Larson whose daughter Olivia started the Fort Benton Rocks program. It was a “God Wink” call as she told me that Fort Benton Rocks would be on Backroads of Montana on Saturday night. I called in the story to Backroads a couple of years ago.

I always watch Backroads on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and last Saturday I recorded it because I wanted to watch the world news. I did notice that there was a second Backroads listed at 5:30 p.m. but I thought it was a rerun so I did not record it. That was a mistake.

About 10:30 p.m. after the news, I decided to watch Backroads. When I record, I get 3 minutes of the show before the one I want to record to 3 minutes after it starts.

I sat happily watching the show I recorded and then 3 minutes of the second one came on. It showed a clip of Tracy and Olivia walking on Front Street and I hear Olivia say that she saw another rock. Then to my disappointment, the recording ended.

The good news is that Tracy called me today, Sunday, and Backroads will be on again with the Rocks on Friday morning at 5:15 a.m. You have plenty of time to record it and I know you will enjoy watching it. Olivia’s Gramma is Theresa Sparks who works at the Lehman Hardware Store. She will be in the Rocks show. Say hello when you see her and tell her you saw her on Backroads.

I have been able to acquire all the Backroads shows and as far as I can remember Fort Benton has been on Backroads at least 4 times. If you remember more than I do, please let me know. 

DON’T FORGET FRIDAY AT 5:15 A.M. TO WATCH AND RECORD BACKROADS OF MONTANA.

ACT OF KINDNESS
On Friday afternoon there was a knock on my door.  There stood a young lady and on the street was a truck filled with children.  I was given a card and a can of cookies.  There was another car behind the truck and 2 or 3 people knocking on my neighbor’s door.  It was like a parade.  

I asked, “Who are you?” She replied that they were MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers. When I opened the door I found that they wanted to wish me happy and heathy holidays.

I am not sure because they quickly disappeared but it looked as if they were seeking out the seniors. Will someone from MOPS please call me? I am in the book.

FLAGS AT THE FRAIRGROUNDS
When MOPS came to the door I was on the phone with Herman Hankins. I had asked him in the View to call me and when he called I had to hang up on him to answer the door. I called him on Saturday but just got his answering machine. 

I just want to tell him again how beautiful the flags look at the Fairgrounds. What a wonderful project to take one and donating the flags. Thanks a million again for making Fort Benton more beautiful than it is already.

CELEBRATIONS

• Friday the 11th is Salespersons Day. (Be nice to them. They are doing their best on these busy days before Christmas.)
• Saturday the 12th has two Christmas Celebrations. They are Gingerbread House Day and Poinsettia Day. It is also Wreaths Across American that Fort Benton was not able to participate this year.  Thank about your Veterans today.
• Sunday the 13th is National Guard Birthday. If you see or know one, tell them how much we appreciate what they do.
• Monday the 14th is Monkey Day. (You can be as silly as you want.)
• Tuesday the 15th is Bill of Rights Day. (Try to read them over and know what your rights are.)
• Wednesday the 16th Chocolate Covered Anything Day. (Whoever did this calendar must have been a chocoholic.)
• Thursday the 17th is Wright Brothers Day. (Just like microwaves, cell phones, and computers, what would we do without airplanes?)

Lots to think about Folks.  

BE KIND AND TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOOPS.

TRY TO DO ONE GOOD DEED A DAY. 

WEAR YOUR MASK, DISTANCE, WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN. (WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT WEARING A MASK.) IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE BUT MORE IMPORTLY IT MAY SAVE SOMEONE ELSES. It is the only thing we can do right now.

MOST OF ALL STAY AT HOME. 

GOD BLESS AMERICA, THE WORLD, AND EVERYONE IN IT.

A View From The Bridge 11/18/20

View From The Bridge
By Muncie
11/18/20

VETERANS DAY
A wonderful celebration was held at the Veteran’s triangle on 11/11/20. The ceremony was not held at the Old Fort Benton Bridge this year.

What I enjoyed the most was when the school bus drove up and the 5th graders joined the celebration.  It was very cold but they didn’t seem to mind. They sang Amazing Grace and they sounded like Angles.  When the ceremony was over, it only lasted a few minutes; one of the students went around with a bucket full of poppies. She gave us each one. (I save mine from year to year.)

Those 5th graders have learned to be patriotic and realize the sacrifice the Veterans gave to their country. 

We love you all and wish we could personally thank each and every one of you. We also remember those who made the supreme sacrifice, their lives.

CELEBRATIONS

• Friday  11/20 is Absurdity Day. (You can have lots of fun with this one.)
• Saturday 11/21 is Stuffing Day. (You can tell it is getting close to Thanksgiving. See tomorrows.)
• Sunday 11/22 is Cranberry Relish Day. (I told you so.)
• Monday 11/23 is Eat a Cranberry Day. (One cranberry is not enough for me. I have a recipe Cranberry Fluff that I can eat the whole bowl at a sitting. Ummmm!)
• Tuesday the 24rd is Sardines Day. (I can’t believe that they would make this a celebration day so close to Thanksgiving.)
• Wednesday the 25th is Shopping Reminder Day. (I’m afraid if you have not shopped for Thanksgiving, it is too late. Your turkey should be thawed out already for tomorrow. Or even better, several people tell me they cook on Wednesday so they won’t have so much to do on the holiday.)
• Thursday the 26th is the big day we have been waiting a year for. Can you believe another year has disappeared?)

VOLLEYBALL AND FOOTBALL
During these dark dreary days, the Volleyball and Football teams gave Fort Benton so much pleasure.

I know how disappointed you all are but it is the life story. Ups and downs are always there. We love all of you for your efforts and there is always next year. I know you are tired of hearing that because for some there won’t be a next year in high school (Perhaps you will go on to play in college.) So long and our best wishes. 

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
It is still Saturday the 16th and I just got the news that there will be a Chouteau County Country

Christmas on Saturday December 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As with all other events there will be big changes. Many of the businesses will host a vender. Let’s hope for good weather because we will have to walk from store to store.

More news about this event will be in next week’s River Press. Hope this piece of news cheered you up as much as it did for me. I am sure that all precautions will be in place to keep you safe.  Be happy as we look forward to this event to get out and about.

I have my list started and want all of you readers to plan to shop “til you drop”. It sure sounds good after being cooped up for all these past months.

Be sure to say hello to me and tell me who you are. To all of you who have done that in the past few months, I am forever grateful. I miss all of you and want to say have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Let the only ones who are sad be the turkeys. 

PERSONALS

Please send a letter, note, or card to Pierce Marin, Class of 2020 Fort Benton High School, who joined the service of our Country

I know there are other young men and women who are serving our country but even though I have tried, I cannot get their addresses for security reasons. If you have a son or daughter in the service and they can get mail, please let me know. A good deed for the day would be to send them a card or letter.

I plan to do a big push for Christmas so get those addresses to me a.s.a.p.

BE KIND.

DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

WEAR YOUR MASKS TO PROJECT NOT ONLY YOURSELF BUT THE OTHERS YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH. DO YOUR PART TO STOP THIS VIRUS.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS, EMT’S AND ALL THOSE WONDERFUL TIRELESS MEDICAL WORKERS. 

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
11/11/20

VETERANS DAY
Veterans Day was always a special day in our family. As I told you several times before, my Grandfather was killed in WWI. Then the what-ifs begin…what if my Grandmother had never come to the United States, what if she had more children than my Mom, what if my Dad had not gone to Europe when she was sent back so she could not marry him.

That is all now for my what-ifs. You all have them as it turned out I was born in this wonderful country and was heavily into honoring the Veterans.

It used to be such a special day with the Veterans dinners. All the Services were honored and there were a lot of memories talked about. Each one of our Vets had a story to tell and I loved listening. There were a lot of memories of those who never made it home.

That brings us to the Veterans Walk. Have you purchased a brick yet to honor your loved one? If they are still living it is so wonderful for them to see it now. 

If you have not seen the Walkway, then take a walk on one of the nice days and take a good look. If you already have a brick there, thanks from the bottom of my heart to all you who worked so hard to worked on the project. You are all special people as were your Veteran loved ones.

Perhaps everything will bet back to normal next year and we can celebrate together. 

PERSONALS
In last week’s River Press on page 13 was a photo and a short description of Pierce Marin.  I was so proud to read about him because he was a 2020 graduate of Fort Benton High School and had joined the Army.  He had his address and I wrote him a letter. I know nothing about him except that his Mom and Dad miss him very much.

This is a very special young man who deserves credit for volunteering to protect our country. With Veterans Day being celebrated today, it is important to honor our Vets. Be sure to thank as many of them as you can. 

Alex Trevek
Got the sad news this Sunday morning that Alex had passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer.

He seemed like family to the millions of people who watch his famous Jeopardy show five nights a week. 

I wonder who will take his place or will the show be discontinued. By the time you get the River Press, you will know the answer. So long Alex. We will miss you.

Scott MacKenzie also passed away. He was the man who put together the magnificent Wildlife Museum in Chinook. Quite a few years ago when my oldest son Johnny and his wife Jane were coming to visit, I asked Ken Robinson where I could take them to visit. He suggested Chinook and the Wildlife Museum, the Blair Museum, and Chief Joseph’s Battle Ground. 

The museums were closed but we made a phone call to Scott and he opened up for us. I hope that you readers have had the opportunity to visit those three places. People have said to me that they do not understand how the small town of Chinook could afford such a beautiful museum.

CELEBRATIONS

• Friday November 13th is World Kindness Day. (We need all we can get so let’s try harder.
• Saturday the 14th is Pickle Day. (I can skip this one.)
• Sunday the 15th is Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. (Oh! It’s that time again.)
• Monday the 16th is Fast Food Day. (That makes me think about Summer Celebration and Chouteau County Fair.)
• Tuesday the 17th is Baklava Day. Do you know what that is? It is a very, very rich Greek Dessert. I used to have a Greek Neighbor who would always bring me a piece. It would take me a week to eat it because it was so sweet.)
• It is also Homemade Bread Day. (I used to make bread but I cannot remember the last time I had a loaf.)
• Wednesday the 18th is Mickey Mouse’s Birthday.  He is 93 years old and doesn’t look a day over 12 years old.
• Thursday the 19th is Play Monopoly Day. (How many days did you spend playing that game?)
• It is also Rural Health Day. (Time to get started on a healthier life.)

Be Kind. Let’s make this a better world by treating others as you would like to be treated.

Do a good deed today. This goes along with being kind.

Wear red on Fridays to support our troops and Veterans.

Wear your masks because it seems that only thing to do now. No one else is offering to suggest anything else to stop this Covid from spreading. The only other thing that makes sense to me is, Stay Home. I know this is difficult but it does seem to be spreading in groups of people getting together or large groups.

Do you know anyone who has had a serious case of the virus? I do. A friend of mine, who lives in the southwest part of the state, spent her last two days “streaming" for someone to help her because she could not breathe”. I think of her every day while I make the effort to stay at home.

I know our country is split in half about the masks but I do not see any suggestions as to what else to do. I was always taught that if you complain you should have a solution or don’t complain.

God Bless America, our Troops, our Police Officers, Firemen and Women, Fire Fighters, EMT’s and all those tireless Medical Personnel who are taking care of those thousands of virus victims. 

Have a wonderful week and enjoy your TV without all those commercials. Love you all more.

 

View From The Bridge 11/4/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
11/4/20

NOVEMBER
The full moon this month is on Monday November the 30th. 

Gosh Folks, I completely missed the full moon on Saturday, October 31st. Remember how I said several times that I do not know one day from the other. I didn’t catch that October had 2 full moons. Because I am not out and about every often, I have not had my calendar in front of me all the time. 

Hopefully, because it was Halloween, you saw the full moon when the Trick or Treaters came to your door. 

Well, here we are in the holiday season. This month of November is the Full Beaver Moon. This was the time to set the beaver traps before the swamps froze over. Out Native Americans wanted the supply of warm furs for winter. It is also the time that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter.

Another name for the November moon is the Frosty Moon. (So that is where Frosty the Snowman got his name.) 

HALLOWEEN
I missed seeing any Kiddos that came to my door last Saturday night. I left my box of goodies on the front steps. I attached a note saying to take two because I only had 8 Treat or Treaters last year.

I put the box out about 3:00 p.m. and it was dark by 5:00 p.m. I had a Halloween Angel bring me a box of goodies while it was still light out and my box of goodies had been slightly emptied. 

More visitors came over and about half the box was empty (or half full if you look at it a different way). Around 9:00 p.m. I looked for the full moon and lo and behold, the box was empty. I never saw or heard any of the Kiddos and I am sure they were having a great time of it. I am sorry I didn’t see or talk to the little ones who have come to my house for years. I am sure they came this year again but knew that I did not want to answer the door if they knocked. Perhaps next year I will be able to see now much you have grown. You, of course, will have to tell me who you are.

So, another Halloween has gone by and we look forward to Thanksgiving. I am planning on not going anywhere. I am really getting used to not being out and about. I love my Talking Books and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. It is boring to say the least but situations must be the same for you. 

CELEBRATIONS
Thursday November 5th is a great one for the women readers. It is MEN MAKE DINNER DAY. I certainly would enjoy that because I not a good cook. Enjoy you lucky ladies. (Are you going to choose what you want for dinner?)

Friday November 7th is NACHOS DAY. (The only problem with nachos is the leftovers are not very good warmed over.)

Saturday November 7th is BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS DAY. (Whoever did this calendar must have been a chocoholic.)

Sunday November 8th is PARENTS AS TEACHERS DAY. (I wonder how many parents in the United States are still keeping their kiddos home from school and doing home schooling?) 

Monday November 9th is SCRAPPLE DAT. (remember the old days when we played Scrabble every day.)

Tuesday November 10th is a special day for me. It is MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY. (That always meant the yearly annual meeting in other cities in Montana with a fabulous dinner, and seeing other Marines and their wives.)

Thursday November 11th is CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL DAY. (I often refer to that book for stories about “Practice Random of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty.”

That is all for this week. I wonder if any of these celebrations mean anything to you?

FRIENDS OF THE KOTTHOFF’S
I am sure that you all read about Renee and Arnold Kotthoff in Shonkin, whose house burned to the ground. She and her husband got out safely with just the clothes on their backs.

If you would like to connect with them just send a card of support, and use this address. Renee and Arnold Kotthoff, Shonkin, MT 59450

THERE ARE ANGELS AMOUNG US WHO ARE BEING KIND.

TRY TO DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO AVOID THE KOVED-19 VIRUS. I WAS GIVEN THE “3w’s” AS A SUGGESTION. THEY ARE WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN, WEAR A MASK, WALK 6 TO 8 FT. BEHIND OTHERS. I THINK THAT SOUNDS SIMPLE, BUT IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT. JUST DO YOUR BEST. 

Many months ago, on the National World News there was a report that Choteau County, MT did not have a single case of the COVID virus. Last week there was a World News report that Chouteau County had the most COVID cases per capita. Think about that. At that time the only towns that did not have a case of the virus were Carter and Highwood. Think about that. I write about this because I just want you to be safe.

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

As the COVID spreads, please give the Medical Staff, in all the hospitals, the strength to carry on.

View From The Bridge 9/9/20

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
9/9/20

BINGO
Oh, Happy Day!  Bingo is back on October 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Club House. Hurray!

If you read the report from the VFW in last weeks River Press, you probably already know more than I do. I thought it would not hurt to have the announcement in two places. I also spoke to Marty Harvilla and learned that the number of Bingo enthusiasts will be limited.  Don’t know exactly how that is going to be handled. My Bingo crew number 7 and they are not going to be able to put the tables together. 

I am sure that it will all be worked out to everyone’s satisfaction. It will just be so great to see everyone again. It has been a long time.

IKE THE HOLLOW TREE
Ike came around again this week with more dressings for the Hollow Tree.  Another tree Angel named Margie also provided a pumpkin and scarecrows that really make one looking at it, realize it is soon Fall. 

In fact, I was taken to breakfast on Saturday and as we passed the Old Fort Park, even I could see a tree that had turned completely yellow in the past few days. Ouch! Where did our Summer go?           

I am so happy that there are others who love  “Ike” the Hollow Tree. I do not think that it is going to be around much longer due to old age. It is falling apart. I always watch during a lighting storm that may hit Ike and it would be very quick to catch fire. I do not like to think that way but it is a possibility. Besides, there isn’t much else to do but look out the window and wonder.        

I do keep busy though. My “DO” file folder is getting thinner and thinner. However, I know that no one ever gets caught up.              

I only know one person that I know who passed away because of Kovid-19 who lived near Billings. Another relative, who is young, was positive but not very ill. He quarantined for two weeks and is back to work now. He never really became very ill. He said he was just very tired.             

So, as we in Chouteau County are as close to normal as we can get, please continue to take precautions and be safe.

I would like to hear from some of you readers as to the way you are coping. I know several friends who are reading their way through the stay at home time. We will have many well-informed individuals around town when this is all over. (Hopefully it will be all over.)

MAIN STREET
On my ride around town last week, we drove down Main Street. What a beautiful sigh between 14th and 15th Streets.  Three of the old buildings have the fronts restored. It looks much like it did in the old days. When you take a walk to look at it, do it from the other side of the street so you can read the writing. A few more fixer-uppers and it could become the street of Fort Benton. (Just my opinion.)

It just makes me so proud that there are people that want to maintain the historic values in Fort Benton. Thank you to those whose hard work improves our community.

GIRL SCOUT GATHERING
On Wednesday, September 16th there will be a meeting to start a Girl Scout Troop. It will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Elementary School. Girls who are interested please bring along your parents and let’s get this troop started. (I loved my Girl Scout experience. It taught me so much and I still have friends I made from my troop.)

CELEBRATIONS
Friday the 11th is PATRIOT DAY and NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBERANCE.

Saturday the 12th is DAY of ENCOURAGEMENT.(I’ll take all I can get.)

Sunday the 13th is GRANDPARENT’S DAY. (Kiddo’s be sure to give them a call.) It is also UNCLE SAM DAY. (Put on your red, white, and blue shirts and hang your flag on your porch.)

Monday the 14th BOSS/EMPLOYEE EXCHANGE DAY. (Now that sounds interesting.)

Tuesday the 15th DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER DAY. (Now that is an easy one.)

(DO YOU REALIZE THAT SEPTEMBER IS HALF OVER.)

Wednesday the 16th is STEP FAMILY DAY. (I have the best Step Kids in the whole world.)

Thursday the 17th is CONSTITUTION DAY and CITIZENSHIP DAY.

I am sure that there is something in that list that you will celebrate.

THE FREEZE
I did not get the word about the Freeze closing from Laurie herself. It was from one of the employees that the Freeze will be closing on Monday the 28th. I could not reach Laurie to verify but I think the last day will be Sunday the 27th. I’ll check it out for next weeks edition of the River Press. Then we know Summer is over. So long until next year.

BE KIND. (Yes! Be as kind to other as you would have others be kind to you.) WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS to support our Troops. DO a GOOD DEED EVERY DAY. (I personally know that there are many good deeds being done every day. Go Fort Benton.)

GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE WORLD, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN FIRE FIGHTERS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND ALL MEDICAL PERSONNEL FIGHTING THE KOVID-19. 

View From The Bridge 3/4/20

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/4/20

MARCH MOON
It is the FULL WORM MOON. As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw earth worm castings appear heralding the return of the robins. (By the way, Barb, a cashier at the River Market, reported to me that she saw a robin two weeks ago. I asked her if she knew that some robins stay around all winter. She said this was a returning robin at her feeder. Good Job Barb for feeding the birds. (I have to fill my feeder every day.)

March has four names for the moon. Another is the FULL CROW MOON as the cawing of the crows signaled the end of winter. Has anyone out there heard crows cawing?

The FULL CRUST MOON is another name and as the snow cover begins to thaw by day and freezes at night, it forms a crust.

The FULL SAP MOON, making the tapping of maple trees. To the settlers it was called the FULL LENTEN MOON and considered the last full moon of winter.

CELEBRATIONS
Wednesday the 3th is “Hug a G.I. DAY. Since we do not have many G.I.
personnel around town, I suggest you look for a Veteran. It is also GRAMMAR DAY so watch what you are saying.

Thursday the 5th is Hospitalist Day. Call your local hospital and tell them how much you appreciate what they do.

Friday the 6th has several celebrations. It is DENTISTS DAY. Call your dentist and thank him for all the pain and suffering you have received in his chair. JUST KIDDING! No. 2 is “DRESS IN BLUE DAY”. (That’s easy.) No. 3 is EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY. (I suggest some small gift like a rose.)

Saturday the 7th is “BE HEARD DAY.

Sunday the 8th has several days. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. Tell a woman in your town who deserves Kudos for her work in the community about this day. It is also OREGON DAY.

Monday the 9th is “GET OVER IT DAY”. I have a mile-long list of get over its. How about you?

Tuesday March the 10th is Blueberry POPOVER DAY. (I prefer MUFFINS or PIE.)

DAY LIGHT SAVINGS
Do not forget to set your clocks ahead before you go to bed on Saturday night. I personally enjoy that extra hour of light but have several individuals who do not like it. Several others said they wished it would just be left one way or the other. I think it should be put to a vote.

SLEEPING
I have had several conversations lately concern sleeping. Someone read that women have a harder time sleeping than men.
I am passing this on and hope you find it of interest. By the time you are 80 years old, you will have spent more than 233,600 hours sleeping! That is the equivalent of 26.87 years. (No wonder I don’t get anything done.)

Another trivia is your brain never turns off, or even rests, throughout your entire life. (Enough already. I’m tired just thinking about it.)

BASKETBALL
I was able to go to many of the District and Regional basketball games. They were exciting and although the outcome wasn’t what we hoped it would be, it still thrilled all of us fans. “There is always next year” was the conversation round and about.

I want to say to the Girls team that we love you very much no matter what. In the years to come it will make for lively conversation and happy memories of teammates.

COMMUNITY BUS
Last week Friday was Cinnamon Roll Day at the Golden Age Senior Center. It is always held on the last Friday of the month.

Nancy had one rider who wanted to go to the Center. I met them outside of the Center and Nancy took me and my GoGo home in the bus.

Nancy said to tell you that if you need to ride the bus every other Friday, please call Kelli at 622-3022 Nancy will pick you up at your home and return you there. Nancy will take you anywhere in Fort Benton that you want to go.

So, get going and although I don’t really want to share those Cinnamon Rolls, I am sure there will be enough for everyone.

CCPA
The next performance will be on Wednesday the 11th usual time and place. Featured will be The Wardens.

They are Rangers at Banff National Park in Canada. Their delightful stories and singing will captivate you. When you get this issue of the River Press, it will be the next Wednesday. Put it on your calendar now. You do not want to miss this one.

ROAD CONDITIONS
Last Friday when we headed to Great Falls for the basketball game, we ran into a small section of blowing dirt. I can only imagine how it was a few weeks ago when Highway 87 was closed for that reason.

I have not put my Flag out for over a month now. The wind does a terrible job on it. It actually shreds them. I miss putting the Flag out when I fill the bird feeder. I look forward to that routine soon.

BE KIND. IT DOESN’T TAKE ANY EFFORT. PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS AND SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUT TROOPS.

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

View From The Bridge 2/26/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
2/26/20

SPRING
By the time you read there will only be a few days left in February. Then spring will be upon upon us and I for one am ready to welcome it to Montana. Will it be an early spring or will winter hang on with its snow and zero weather? I am happy for those of you who are lucky enough to ski or have snow mobiles. But for those of us who cannot get out it has been a difficult season. So enough about the weather. I know that I promised I would not write about again and did not keep my promise. We just have to accept what comes along.

Montana and Fort Benton have actually been very fortunate. Watching the weather reports on the East Coast makes me shiver. I have friends and relatives back east and they tell me it has not been as bad as the predictions. So be it! There isn’t anything we can do about it. Here is the same “ol, same ‘ol, so enjoy every minute of every day.

CONGRATULATIONS
How fortunate we are to have in our community a teacher like Renee McDonald. I have a small acquaintance with Renee but just to be with her for a few minutes is enough to give you energy and enthusiasm to get things done. She is what I call a “bubble” full of whatever it takes to get the project finished. She is ready to burst with the energy I talked about.

I never had the patience to consider being a teacher and I envy them. I have two (2) teachers in my family and had six (6) in my extended family. Some are retired now but they all love or loved their jobs. I am always thrilled to talk to anyone who loves their job. There are all too many who do not. So sad! Life is too short.

BINGO 
Just a reminder that there are only two Bingo games put on by the VFW left to participate in this season. They are March 3rd and the 30th. Usually the second game is played on the 2nd Monday of the month but some think ahead person realized it is the night of the Final Four. So, if the Bingo night was held on the 17th which one would you choose? I am not telling which one I would choose as it perhaps creates problems with some individuals that I am related to.

THE CHAMPIONS
Watching the Girls and Boys 18 and 0 Basketball teams play was a thrill of a lifetime. The whole town is so upbeat and it’s no wonder, our teams are #1 in Districts. The games, the scores, and the individual plays are in every conversation wherever you go. It is the most exciting happening in 70 years of basketball.

As I write this View, it is Monday and I do not think that Wednesday can get here fast enough. The schedules are already posted and we are ready to go. Even Mother Nature is giving us some delightful weather to travel to Great Falls. So, make an effort to be there for a fun time no matter what the results. Remember Girls and Boys that we love you.

LIONS NEWS
At the Lions Club meeting last week, the discussion was about our next project. It is the Easter Egg Hunt. Here is the reminder for you Readers to join the Lions to stuff the Easter eggs with candy. It is a lot of work and to lighten the load we are asking you to come to the First Security Bank on Thursday March the 19th at 1:30 p.m. When you all show up, it will only take a short while to get it done. Many hands make little work.

So mark it on your calendar and join the Lions and Lionesses for a fun time stuffing eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt in Fort Benton.

CELEBRATIONS

• Wednesday the 26th is Tell a Fairy Tale Day.
• Thursday the 27th is Chili Day.
• Friday the 28th is Tooth Fairy Day.
• Saturday the 29th is Rare Disease Day. I do not like that idea to celebrate this so I am making it Propose to your Loved One Day Are you listening Gentlemen or are you Ladies bold enough to do it?
• Sunday March 1st has 4 interesting celebrations. They are Fisher Medal Day, Horse Protection Day, Minnesota Day, and last but not least Peanut Butter Lover’s Day.  Peanut Butter has quite a history so look it up. Enjoy!
• March 2nd is Banana Cream Pie Day and for the kiddos it is Dr. Seuss Day. Have your little ones tell the teacher about that day and gain some brownie points.
• Tuesday the 3rd is I Want You To Be Happy Day. Do your good deed for the day and make someone happy.

BE EXTRA KIND TODAY. DO AN EXTRA KIND DEED TODAY.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFIERS, FIREMENT AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
2/19/20

OOPS 
Last week I forgot to put the Celebration Days in the column. It certainly cannot be old age so it must be the weather. Although it is too late, I will mention a couple of interesting celebrations. (Wish I knew if you readers are interested in this part of the View. I did talk with a couple of people and they said that they liked it. Do you?)

• Valentine’s Day was ORGAN DONOR DAY. Are you a donor? There are thousands of people waiting for transplants. 
• Saturday March 15 was WISCONSIN DAY. On Sunday the 16th was DO A GOUCH A FAVOR DAY. (I thought that was very funny since we do not have a single Grouch in Fort Benton.
• Monday the 16th was RANDON ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY. (I have written many times before about Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty. Those few words were graffiti on a wall somewhere in the United States and was in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book. (When you think about it, it really touches your heart.)
• Tuesday the 18th was Battery Day. (I have been told that I should have stock in batteries because I use so many of them.)

THIS WEEKS CELEBRATIONS 

• Wednesday the 19TH had nothing of interest.
• Thursday the 20th is LOVE YOUR PET DAY. I do not have a pet at this time but in my life time I have had a pony, 3 dogs not at the same time, and 2 cats. I think of them often and the good times we had together.
• Friday the 21st is CAREGIVERS DAY. Caregivers are very special people. It is something they choose to do. If you have a Caretaker or there is one taking care of someone you know, tell them over and over how much you appreciate them. It is a 24/7 job so bless them.
• Saturday the 22nd has three good celebrations. It is CALFORNIA DAY. (know there are many residents in Montana that came from California. I hope they get the message. It is also COOK a SWEET POTATO DAY and I will do that. I always have a sweet potato cooked in my frig. (is just the color between a yam and a sweet potato the only difference? I just asked Alexa and she said that they come from 2 different plant families. So now you know.
• Sunday the 23rd is BANANA BREAD DAY and I will take some if I can expect your company. It is also DOG BISCUIT DAY so have some handy if you happen to have company who brings their dog with them. (Did you ever eat a doggie biscuit on a dare? You would never want seconds.)
• On Monday the 24th there was nothing you would want to celebrate.
• On Tuesday the 25th is FAT TUESDAY. It is a religious day that indicates Lent begins the next day.  (I wonder if Lenten Lunches are being planned again?) Easter will be 6 weeks from the following Sunday and that is April 12th (Time flies when you are having fun.)

MUCH TO CELEBRATE
Wow! Our Fort Benton Girls and Boys Basketball are both 18 and 0. They go to districts next Wednesday the 19th through the 22nd in Havre. So, my week is planned and my hopes are high. (What is so exciting for me is that many of both teams are those who were in my grandson Grayson’s class before he moved to Helena. I have known them since Kindergarten and enjoyed watching them grow into the great athletes they have become. GO LONGHORNS!

BINGO
The games now advance to March and there will be only 2 games left on March 2nd and the 30th. Note that the 30th is the 5th Monday of the month.

It will be 6 month or so before the games begin again. I wish it would gun a little longer because It filled a gap of not being with other friends and other bingo lovers. Honestly VFW, I realize how much work it is and know that I sure would need a break.

HOLLYWOOD OF MONTANA
We have Hollywood in Geraldine Folks. Right here in our sister city, Geraldine. Last Saturday a table of 8 from Fort Benton enjoyed the presentation of “Root of all Evil”. We gave it the Academy award for best story line. We gave Robyn the best actress award and best supporting awards to everyone else. Simply put…it was great.

I don’t know how Robyn could memorize all those lines. How did Fort Benton let Geraldine steal back JoAlice? I remember years ago when she wrote scripts for ploys that were put on in the Library lower floor. Then we have Lila who is the director. I am afraid that some film producing company will steal her away.

This performance was the 10th year in Geraldine and may there be many more.

We attended the Saturday noon performance and there were many Fort Benton people there. It is a good thing to support Geraldine’s fund raisers as they attend Fort Benton’s.

For those of you who are new in town or know nothing of what I am writing about, I will explain. These plays are written by a local person and all the characters are played by local people. The stage settings are built or put together by local people. It is such a wonderful way to pull a community together. They are very much like family.

I would also like to mention and commend the 4H’ers who served us and kept water and coffee on the tables. I seem to remember that last year the servers were high school students but memory does fail me often. No matter who served us, they did a splendid job. We all had a wonderful time. (I was told that there were many Fort Benton people there.) I am looking forward to next year.

CCPA
On February 25th at the Elementary School come enjoy Jason Farnham playing his grand and little piano. You won’t want to miss this one. There are only two more CCPA shows left this season. How quickly the time goes. We are hoping for good weather as Mother Nature has not been kind about being nice for several of shows. Fortunately, a show has never been cancelled because the artist couldn’t make it. It has been difficult for several though. So, come on down and enjoy the evening.

DO A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS AND MAKE IT YOUR GOOD DEED OF THE DAY.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. (PLEASE COME HOME SOON.)

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

View From The Bridge 2/12/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
2/12/20

LOCAL WEATHER REPORT
Many people I know have great memories. I got this report from one of them and found it very interesting so I thought I would pass it along.

Last week I wrote that February was the Full Snow Moon. I would like to rename it as the full snow and cold moon. On February 2 the temperature at noon was 60 degrees. Four hours later it was 20 degrees. The temp had dropped 40 degrees. From that date on for the next 34 days the temperature was never above freezing. I remember it now as my heating bill sky-rocketed.
February is almost half over. Are you all aware of that as I am? I am so ready for warmer weather, green grass, and flowers.

In the meanwhile, keep warm and think about spring and summer. How will our summer be? Perhaps we complainers will find it too hot, (I confess to being one of them). Mother Nature loves pulling her little tricks on us. Grin and bear it!

VALENTINES DAY
Are you prepared? Friday is the big day for renewal. It should actually be every day of the year but Valentine’s Day seems to be the special one. I hope that you have a wonderful day to remember all year long.

ENTERTAINMENT
There are many meetings going on all the time although I do not know if they are entertaining for you. There are also many sporting events so check the Community Calendar.

Next Friday and Saturday will be “Root of All Evil” play in Geraldine. Hope you have your tickets yet?

On Tuesday the 25th the CCPA presentation of Jason Farnham is on tap. He is back by popular demand. If you love piano music then this is for you. He is one of the best.

Chouteau County Performing Arts has had a great schedule this past season and the next few performances will knock your socks off (so to speak). The “Wardens” will be back, also by popular demand.

On April 15th Stringfever from England (yes the United Kingdom) will be on the stage at the Elementary. I just want you to put it on your calendar. I am really looking forward to all of these special programs.

THE HOLLOW TREE
I learned Monday that the Hollow Tree was decorated by WHO #2. I have never heard from WHO #1.

The tree doesn’t look so lonely now especially since the wind storm blew the blue snowflakes and the snowman away.

I do not know why I am so attached to that hollow tree. Perhaps it is because it is old and stands up tall and straight in all kinds of weather. I am sure that one of these days it will give in to old age and I hope not to see that day. Trees are very precious to me.

SO LONG JOANIE
Joan and Eddie Albers were longtime friends of ours. Eddie came to visit often and we talked endlessly about rocks and artifacts. He had quite a collection. We also discussed WWII and I always thanked him for his service.

Joanie, during her last few years living in Fort Benton, had dinner on Sundays at the Golden Age Senior Center. She sat at the table of 8 women who were widows and no longer cooked.

She and Joyce Cassette ate slowly as I did and there were times we were the only ones left in the dining area. We enjoyed our dessert and coffee. She was sorely missed when she went to Spokane.

BE KIND. (Not always easy to do but work on it.)

DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY. (I tried this past week to do a good deed but it backfired on me. I need to thank Roxie, Fort Benton High School students, Dawn, and Nancy for taking over when I needed to go to Great Falls for an appointment I could not cancel. GO LONGHORNS.

ANOTHER THANK YOU
Residents in the area of 22nd and Front St. are grateful to Gary Stevens who lives in Loma.  He purchased the property on that corner, trimming the trees, and tearing down the old house. It improved the area so it is no longer an eyesore and a haven for feral cats.

It was also a dangerous corner because if you were going east on 22nd it was difficult to see if traffic was going north on Front St. The over growth of the bushes on that corner obstructed the view. So, thank you again for making our little part of Fort Benton more beautiful.

Wear red on Friday to support our troops.

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

View From The Bridge 2/5/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
2/5/20

FEBRUARY MOON
February is the Full Snow Moon, since the heaviest snow falls during this month. This morning, Sunday the 2nd, I watched Face the State. A panel of four mentioned the terrible weather we had last February. Do you remember last February’s terrible weather?

It is also called the Full Hunger Moon because the bad weather made hunting more difficult. The full moon is on Sunday the 9th.

LIGHTS OUT
The loss of electricity this weekend made me appreciate how grateful I am to Thomas Edison and to wonder where the two lanterns with batteries are now. I did have three huge flashlights but did not have anything in my pantry to make a sandwich. I was already hungry.

In a few hours I became chilled. I had my front door open all morning until the lights went out, because the sun was shining and warmth came into the apartment. When the lights went out, I decided to take a nap because there was nothing I could do. When I woke an hour later, I had to put on a heavy jacket to warm up. I would have given any one of my treasurers for a cup of hot soup.

I was getting very concerned about how I was going to handle my routine when it was completely dark. I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of milk because I had skipped lunch earlier. It was not very satisfactory and I sat looking out the living room window as it got darker and darker.

I began thinking about what I could do that involved batteries. I cannot read and my Talking Books need electricity. I could not do the filing I had put off for weeks because I could not see. I lamented because I was not going to be able to watch “Backroads of Montana” or the 8:00 p.m. movie on PBS.

As I sat there feeling sorry for myself the lights came on. I then enjoyed a very thankful and happy evening after about four hours of darkness. Now all I had to do was to reset all the clocks. I have three weather stations and the plugs have to be pulled out and reinserted. I cannot reach one of them and had to switch one of the working ones so I could have one in the living room. Not much work involved.

I have not yet heard why the electricity went out but I would like to thank Northwest Energy for the fast service considering how hard the wind was blowing. I am guessing that power lines were damaged by perhaps branches from branches falling over them. 

Another advantage was my cell phone that I do not use often because the numbers are too small for me to see and I cannot hear well on it. However, in an emergency it was good because the land phone did not work. Also, my Alert does not work well. It does work on a battery but unless you have a cell phone to call 911 my Alert is useless.

CABIN FEVER
Not last week, but the week before, I had some where to go every day. Last week there was nothing going on for me except Friday when I went to Cinnamon Roll Day Lunch at the Senior Center and the Basketball game that evening. It was a welcome break.

This week there are many sporting events and Bingo will have taken place on Monday evening. The next week’s edition of the River Press will be on the 12th and February will be almost half over. Hurray! I am so ready for spring and the days getting longer.

VALENTINE’S DAY
Do not forget to remember your loved one on Friday the 14th. You never can say enough “I Love You” to your very special person. A hand written letter or card means a lot. Being a female, I always enjoyed a love note and perhaps a rose. I have done some inquiries to males and they were easy to please. A special dinner or dessert is all they ask for.

One of the most requested Valentine gifts was going out for dinner. Use this special day to renew how much you mean to each other. It only takes a few minutes but lasts a lifetime.

PLAY IN GERALDINE
Here it is again. The annual play written by JoAlice and directed by Lila will be presented Valentine weekend. A little bird told me that this is the best play ever. I have no doubt because they have always been the best.

Check your River Press for days, times, and get your reservations in. Our sister-city is so hospitable when we visit for presentations such as this yearly play. Let’s hope for decent weather and a very enjoyable day or evening depending on when you get your tickets. Enjoy!

CCPA
The next Chouteau County Performing Arts presentation will be on Tuesday the 25th, same time and place. The piano playing artist is Jason Farnam. Jason has appeared in Fort Benton before and was very much loved. If you remember, he plays the little piano while sitting on the floor.

We welcome back those artists we’ve enjoyed so much over the years. Jason is also happy to return to Fort Benton. Fort Benton has the reputation of being a favorite place for artists to perform. They express love for our town and enjoy it even in the winter weather. So, come on over to the Elementary School at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy an evening or beautiful music.

CELEBRATION DAYS
Wednesday the 5th is GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY.

Fort Benton certainly has a lot to celebrate these days with our fantastic Girls Basketball team. As I said earlier, I was able to attend the game last Friday and to say I was impressed is putting it mildly. They are such fun to watch and even though I do not see well, I can see their colors racing up and down the court. They won, of course, as they have not lost yet this season. I do not expect that they will. I admire every single girl on the Lady Longhorns team. Please know how much you are loved and no matter what occurs, we will always love you.

Thursday the 6th is FROZEN YOGURT DAY. (Oh, how I love frozen yogurt.)
Friday the 7th has two celebrations that I want to share with you. The first is FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY. (I love Fettuccine Alfredo even though I am not Italian.) The second celebration is Send a CARD to a FRIEND. (Have the friends of Norma Shaw sent her a card yet?)

Saturday the 8th is BOY SCOUTS DAY.

Sunday the 9th is PIZZA DAY. (Woe is me! I love Pizza more than Fettuccine Alfredo. Do I have to choose?

Monday the 10th is CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER DAY. (Get busy!)
Tuesday the 11th is MAKE a FRIEND DAY.

Be kind and respect is of the highest priority. Wear red on Fridays to honor our troops.

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

View From The Bridge 1/29/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/29/20

HAPPY, HAPPY, WEEK
Isn’t it amazing what a little warmer weather can do for cabin fever. I was out and about every day either on a planned event or one of my own making. The week flew by and now here it is Sunday and I am able to work on the View with plenty of material.

WHO (WHERE ARE YOU?)
Please come and get your Snowman and snowflakes from the hollow tree. I have Valentine decorations and would like to put them up by February 1st. That is, unless you will do it before then. It was a year ago that I first got involved with Valentine decorations. You seemed to have disappeared. Make yourself known again by decorating for Sweetheart’s Day and you will make me very happy.

VETERANS PHOTO PROGRAM
I got several responses to my request for help in doing some catch-up with the program. It involved broken frames/glass and new labels. Thanks to Cindy and Rita and the job will be done before Memorial Day. Also, thanks to Judy who offered help.

CONSORTIUM
Friday was the big day for the beginning of the Consortium. The 17 groups who were showcasing arrived in town throughout the all day and registration began at 4:00 p.m. Setting up the Ag Center kept the crew busy and hard at work for several days. Dinner was served at 6:30 p.m. and by that time most everyone had gotten acquainted.

I was up early on Saturday and off to the Elementary School for the first Showcase at 10:30 a.m. There was a good crowd and quite a few Fort Bentonites were there to enjoy the free show. A break for lunch and more people showed up for the second showcase. Break again and then the final showcases. The Ag was buzzing with the opinions about which artists would be invited back for next year’s Performing Arts program from all over the State of Montana.

The evening ended with a Jam Session at the Club House but this old woman was taken home. It was a long day.

Now the work begins on getting the programs organized as to when and where. Just remember that all of this work is done by volunteers. I am not on the CCPA Board but I do know the work hours they put in to put on the eight shows a year that we have in Fort Benton. Remember that when the 2020-2021 season tickets go on sale and support the Arts.

SHOP LOCAL
My project this week is to write about shopping local. In the River Press issue of January 22nd, the Over the River article written by Robyn Scribner, told about experiences with Walmart.

I hope that you all read it. So, I offer this suggestion. Come from Geraldine and the surrounding area, to Fort Benton to do your shopping. It is only 34 miles away compared to the 70 miles you are traveling.

I spoke with Ted, the owner of the River Market, and he said that he can get you anything you want stocked in the grocery store. In fact, he has done that for me.

He said that his prices are comparable and the service is just like family. Cashiers will get to know you when you come in and they greet you by name.

The River Market is open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. They are not open all night but hours are enough to satisfy everyone. They are open on Sunday until 6:00 p.m. and they are open on holidays for a few hours.

I also spoke with Chris at the Pharmacy and his prices are the same as Walmart’s or any other place your prescriptions filled.

The brothers, Ed and Mike, who own the True Value, can also get any items you would need that they do not carry. They are a total hardware store. Just call them a few days in advance. They order on Thursday and it comes in on Monday. That is a whole lot better than driving 70 miles and you cannot find what you want.

This SHOP LOCAL push pertains to all business in Fort Benton, so come on over and check out the shopping. I cannot go into all the shops that we have but check out the River Press for the ads. Most all shops advertise.

Small businesses in rural Montana are being lost in the shuffle. I have seen many stories on TV news about that subject. I also watch Face the State on Sundays and just today they talked about growth and economy in Montana. Spend your money in small business rather that big business. When you shop local it will be your good deed for the day.

NATIONAL DAY CALENDAR
I think that by writing about daily celebrations is making the View a bit too long. I have only heard from a few people if they liked that part of the article.

So, I am going to change the format myself. I am going to pick and choose one item each day. This is a change from previous articles where I wrote a week ahead of time. It would be nice to know if you like or dislike the calendar celebrations.

• Wednesday January 29th – Puzzle Day
• Thursday the 30th – Croissant Day
• Friday the 31st – Inspire your heart with Art
• Saturday February 1st – Freedom Day
• Sunday the 2nd - Ground hog Day
• Monday the 3rd. – Women Physicians Day
• Tuesday the 4th – Thank your Mail Carrier Day 

BE KIND AND HONOR DIGNITY. I am adding Dignity from a Martin Luther King speech. DO A KIND DEED EVERY DAY. WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS. (I do not see much red around town. Please Folks. Show that you support our Troops.)

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

View From The Bridge 1/22/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/22/20

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC
Yes, it is all music in town this coming weekend. The musical artists will be showing up on Friday evening. All the CCPA Board Members have been hard at work for a long time. Actually, their work began last January, 2019, when the Consortium ended in Great Falls.

It looks as though the weather is going to be kind to us. The warming up period is supposed to be Sunday the 20thd and stay warmer for about 10 days. I do not know if we can trust the weather reporters because the warm up was supposed to begin on Thursday the 16th. It was then changed to the 17th, then the 18th, and finally the 20th. Since I am starting this View on Saturday the 18th, I am not holding my breath until it happens.

So, I will be enjoying the first showcase at 9:00 a.m. next Saturday and hope you will be joining me. Everyone who has attended the free entertainment day has really enjoyed it and looks forward to it each year. They even show up in Great Falls every other year. Happy Consortium Day in Fort Benton.

SO PROUD
Our Fort Benton Elementary School has once again won a National Recognition Award (again.) What an honor for a small rural school and town. Why are our Kiddos so smart? Because they work hard at it. From the few students that I am in touch with, I have learned that they have homework to do every night. They read a lot and frequent the Library. Whatever the reasons the fact remains that they are the greatest and make the rest of us very proud.

BASKETBALL
Here we are again with the best Girls and Boys Basketball teams in the area. Fort Benton came so close last year at the State Meet. We, the Fans, have big hopes for this year. So, GO LONGHORNS. We love you.

HELP! HELP! HELP!
I need help from someone with a little spare time and good eyesight. The Veterans Photo Program has some work to be done. At least a dozen picture frames were broken and needed new frames and some just needed new glass.

The gold stickers identifying the Veteran were sometime salvaged but many needed replacing. I also found that there are some out of alphabetical order. I need help with that and the making of a list of those photos that need a new gold sticker. The stickers will then by retyped and applied to the correct Veteran.

Since my eyesight has failed me, I can no longer do these projects. If you can help me, perhaps when it gets warmer but before Memorial Day, please call me. I will appreciate any help I can get.

In case you do not know about the Veterans Photo program, there are about 250 Veterans photo on display at the Sunrise Bluffs. They are in order by wars beginning with the Civil War of Fort Benton Veterans and others related to residents of our town.

The program originated quite a few years ago and was ended when the hallway wall was filled. Also, the two women who were very involved in the program passed away.

It was such an honor to work on this program. You can at any time go to Sunrise Bluffs to see your loved one’s photo, (if you had sent it in.) There are also biographies to be read about each Veterans service. There is a lot of history to be read. You are most welcome to take visitors to the Bluffs because it is worth the time as the display honors Veterans.

WHAT’S UP THESE DAYS

Wednesday January 29th
CORN CHIP DAY (I like any kind of chips.)
PUZZLE DAY (The Senior Center always has a puzzle being worked on.)

Thursday the 30th
CROISSANT DAY (Food Service pay attention.

Friday the 31st
BACKWARD DAY (The calendar suggests silly things like easting dessert first, eating breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast. I always seem to be going backwards.)
INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY (Prairie Rose take note.)

Saturday February 1st 
BAKED ALASKA DAY (Yummy) FREEDOM DAY (We are so thankful for.) GET UP DAY (Sorry, I am not getting up early. Saturday is my day to sleep in.)
SERPENT DAY (Who likes and celebrates snakes?)
TEXAS DAY (I have come across many people who are from Texas. How about having a Hoe-Down?)

Sunday the 2nd
HEAVENLY HASH DAY (Is there really a Heavenly Hash?)
TATOR TOT DAY (Now these are heavenly.)
GROUND HOG DAY (Do you really believe that ground hog from PA?)

Monday the 3rd
CARROT CAKE DAY (Now you are getting into the good stuff.) DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY (My Kids played this song over and over and over.)
MISSING PERSONS DAY (I researched this and found that every day in the United States there are 2,300 missing persons.)
WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY (If you have a female doctor, call her to let her know how much you appreciate her.)

Tuesday the 4th
HEMP DAY.
HOMEADE SOUP DAY (I do not cook but if you include making soup, then I do cook. I make soup every week during the weather months. Yummy!)
SAFER INTERNET DAY (I do not like dealing with that.)
THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY (Perhaps you could call the Post Office and thank them if you have a Post Office Box. Otherwise, those on the rural routes could thank their mail carrier. When I helped Wally with his mail route for 6 years, people often left treats for us in the mail boxes. We were also invited for lunch. Virginia Bailey invited us in for chicken soup. “Those were the days my friend, I thought they’d never end”.

That makes for a busy week and I hope that you are enjoying and using these suggestions to make for a happier day.

Be kind and do a good deed today.  Volunteer if possible. Wear red on Fridays to support our troops.

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

View From The Bridge

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
BY Muncie
1/15/20

SO LONG MARY
Many old friends and her family said so long to Mary Davison last Saturday morning. She was one of the longest Fort Benton residents and raised seven children by herself after the tragic death of her husband in a railroad crossing accident.

Mary was the kindest person I have ever known. What little I knew of Mary she was to be held as an example of goodness.

All that knew her will miss her and be comforted by their beautiful memories. So long Mary for now.

COMMUNITY BUS
The Community Bus to Great Falls will run every Tuesday during the months of January and February. The time is 8:00 a.m. and the place is the Health Department on 13th St. Last Tuesday there was only one (1) rider. Come on Folks! Where are all those people who requested that Fort Benton needed public transportation?

If you have a solution, please call Janelle at 622-3022 and have a conversation. I have asked if perhaps the bus could leave a little later than 8:00 a.m.

Other information I learned in talking with Kelli and volunteer bus driver Jeff that you can be picked up at your home in Fort Benton. Also, the bus will not run if there is a snow storm or the temperature is below zero. In both cases I am sure that your appointments can be cancelled with no problem.

Fort Benton has such a wonderful program going on with the Community Bus. However, the funding for the program, as far as donations are concerned, is not paying for itself in gas costs. Please, keep this foremost in your thoughts and come up with a solution a.s.a.p.

MORE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
I see by the calendar Saturday the 11th was Arkansas Day. Did anyone in Fort Benton come from Arkansas? I have heard from Diane who is from Michigan and we are going to plan something for Michigan Day. It was a very welcome phone call.

It was also Milk Day and of course there was no school that day. I do hope that you celebrated on Friday. 

Sunday the 1st was Pharmacist Day. Since the Pharmacy is closed on Sunday, I was not able to talk to Chris Halco. I hope that you get this message Chris that I was I was wishing you a happy day and thank you for all you do for our community.

Sunday the 12th was also Kiss a Ginger Day was meant to kiss someone with red hair. I did not because I could not find someone with red hair. Are there any redheads out there who would like to volunteer? (Not joking!)

Now onto another week ahead of time.

Wednesday the 22nd 
Blondie Brownie Day - dates back to the 1940’s. Brownies are baked with brown sugar and use white chocolate chips. Sounds like fun for Bakers to use their imagination. Surprise your family.

Library Shelf Day - I have no idea what that means. Check it out at the Chouteau County Library the best library anywhere.

Thursday the 23rd 
Handwriting Day - Does that mean that everyone should begin writing letters like they used to do in the dark ages?

Pie Day - This speaks for itself. Pies date back 9,500 years. So, bake or buy your favorite kind and enjoy. I will make you a pie, Mark, since your  name is spelled Pyrak and pronounced Pie-rack. He is the #1 lover of pies in the world.

Friday the 24th
Beer Can Appreciation Day - Attention all Bar Owners or let your bar know about it. Be sure to recycle the aluminum cans.

Compliment Day - It will get you a lot of brownie points all over town.

Peanut Butter Day - Which way do you like it, creamy or crunchy?  Which-ever, just enjoy a peanut butter sandwich today.

Saturday the 25th
Florida Day - This would also include those Snow Birds who go south for the winter. I envy you as I get older and colder. I would love to know if you get together although many of you have already gone south.

Irish Coffee Day - I have never had any Irish coffee but I do love Irish Creamer.

Opposite Day - This is an interesting day. Most people are opposites in one way or another. Perhaps it is discussed with the attitude of agreeing to disagree peacefully.

Seed Swap Day - This should be in the spring time when the plant exchange happens during the fishing derby.

Sunday the 26th 
Green Juice Day - I have no idea what that means.

Peanut Brittle Day - I have a wonderful cookie recipe called Kookie Brittle. You bake it in a cookie sheet and when it cools you break it apart like peanut brittle. It was my Kids favorite cookie. If you want the recipe let me know. It is quick and easy.

Spouses Day - Now this is an important one. Most married couples take each other for granted. Take this day to tell your loved one, I love you more.

Monday the 27th
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day - I love to snap those bubbles.

Chocolate Cake Day - If I knew that you were coming over, I would make you a chocolate cake.

Tuesday the 28th 
Blueberry Pancake - Who is offering to make Blueberry Pancakes that day? Sounds wonderful if someone else does it.

Date Privacy Day - My life is an open book and I do not have much to be private about. If you do, then if you have a computer, you have a lot to worry about these days.

Fun At Work Day - Play some simple, not mean, tricks on your boss and fellow workers. Make them laugh.

Kazoo Day - I just happened to get a kazoo at the Senior Center Christmas party White Elephant game. I’ll play it for you if you want a good laugh.

Plan For A Vacation Day - I’ll bet by this time of year you are ready for a vacation. The problem may be where to go? There are problems everywhere with fires, floods, tornados, and hurricanes. Check the weather forecasters everywhere before you decide.

ON YOUR CALENDAR
The Montana Performing Arts Consortium begins on Friday the 24th.     The artist showcases will take place on Saturday the 25th at the Elementary Auditorium .  The first round begins at 10:30am, the second round at 2:15pm, and the third round at 5:45pm.   The best part is it is all FREE. Yes, that is the truth. FREE, FREE, FREE. You cannot do better than that.

May Mother Nature bless us with a little warmer weather and not a snow storm. It would not be so bad for those of us who live in Fort Benton but it would affect the others who travel from all over the State of Montana.

Please say hello and tell me who you are when you see me that day.

Be kind and do a good deed every day.  Please wear red on Fridays to show support for our troops. It is especially needed these days. Purchase an American flag and hang it on your porch every day.

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

View From The Bridge 1/8/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/8/20

OOPS (Again)
The Tuesday night dinner at the Golden Age Senior Center is on the 21st and not on the 14th as I reported last week. Sorry about that if you had already made plans. Switch your calendar now so my info doesn’t mess up your schedule. 

IF YOU KNOW NORMA
Norma Shaw has been around Fort Benton for many years and many of your readers know her. She is my neighbor at the Sunrise Apartments.

She is in the Missouri River Manor and I think it would be nice to send her a get-well card. The address is 1130 11th Ave. S, Room 514, Great Falls, MT 59405.

I have no further information as to how long she will be there. I do know that she is doing well healing some broken bones. I know she would love hearing from you.

THE FULL MOON
Be sure to watch it on Friday the 10th. Hopefully it is a nice, clear night because I really enjoy checking it out. I watch from the first finger nail moon about two weeks before the full moon.

It is still hard to believe that astronauts have walked on the moon. Would you like to go to moon if you could afford it? It is a great subject for conversation. I would not consider that a priority in my life. I do not like to travel by airplane anymore. Never did like heights. I do not frequent Ferris Wheels or roller Coasters. When I went through St. Louis, I did not go up in the Arch. I spent the afternoon in the basement museum about Louis and Clark.

Have any of you had experiences similar to mine? Let’s talk about it.

HEART WARMING STORY
The story about Justin Roudebush and his service dog Tango was inspiring. There have been several Hallmark movies about Veterans and their service dogs. One was a female Veteran and her dog’s name was Christmas.

Back to Dustin and Tango.  I would like to know how the dog got the name Tango. Justin, I do not know how much you get out and about? If you ever come to Fort Benton, would you please come and visit me? Have you ever seen the Veterans Photo program at the Sunrise Bluffs? I know that your picture is there. Your Mom was off great help with getting your picture to me.

Do you remember years ago when Audra Morger Bonilla rented the building across from the Post Office. There were 5 large windows in entrance hallway. I hung an American Flag in the middle window and pictures of men in the service of our country. The pictures were on large poster size boards. You were one of those men.

After a few years the posters were taken down because they were ruined by the wet windows. (I wish I still had those pictures today.)

So, please know Justin, how proud everyone is about your Marine Corps service and we wish you a happy life after wheat you have been through.

CELEBRATIONS
(Please note that the comments in parenthesis are my mine.)

Wednesday the 15th: 
Hat Day - (Look in your closet for your funniest hat and wear it all day.)
Strawberry Ice Cream - Yummy! (Actually, Raspberry is my favorite but Strawberry is a close to first.)

Thursday the 16th
Fig Newton Day
Get to Know Your Customer’s Day
Nothing Day (The Calendar said that is was intentionally filled with nothing.)
Religious Freedom Day
Bootlegger’s Day
Hot Butter Rum Day
Friday the 17th
Bootlegger’s Day (Look for and interesting history story on Al Capone and Bootlegging.)
Hot Butter Rum Day (Sounds like party day.)

Saturday the 18th
Michigan Day - (Since I migrated from Michigan 27 years ago. I am going to ask you Michiganders to a get-together. I only know one other person in town from Michigan; however, there must be others I do not know. Please call me and I will arrange a get-together. Let’s make it a happy time that we are now in Montana.)
Peking Duck Day - (I do not know any Peking Ducks but perhaps you do. Let me know.)
Thesaurus Day (What would writers do without it?)
Winnie the Pooh Day - (It has been a long time since I have heard anything about you Winnie. Are you still around somewhere?)

Sunday the 19th
Popcorn Day (My family’s day for popcorn was always Friday night with a movie.)
World Quirk Day - (I looked this up in the dictionary. There were several meanings and the first was a trick or evasion. The second seemed more likely to means something to me. It was a flourish as in writing. Actually, what does it mean to my View?)

Monday the 20th
Butter Crunch Day
Cheese Lover’s Day
Disk Jockey Day
Martin Luther King Day

Tuesday the 21st
Granola Bar Day
Hugging Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day

Surely there is a day that you can celebrate. Whatever it may be, have a great time and enjoy every minute of every day.

BE KIND, KINDER, AND MORE KIND.
WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMENT AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’s.