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 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.

View From The Bridge 7/22/09

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”

By Muncie Morger

7/22/09

HOW DID YOU FIND FORT BENTON?

A very enthusiastic young woman moved to Fort Benton about a month ago. I met her a week later on the Visitors Information Center tour of the RV Parks, Guest Houses, Pioneer Lodge, and Grand Union Hotel. She recently purchased the Old River Press Building and that is such a plus for our town. We do not need any more empty storefronts. (This brings up a subject, which is to be discussed later.) Terri Baker moved to Fort Benton from Columbia Falls, was born in Glasgow, raised in Wolf Point on a farm/ranch and lived in Great Falls for twenty years. Her decision to move here was an easy one and had been in the making for four years. She wanted to be on the east side of the mountains in a quieter environment and with people who were “keyed down” unlike the west side. It has been a pleasant move and renovating the old building is keeping her a busy bee. She is a person of many talents and among those are being an artist, an Art Gallery owner and a picture framer. We have in town a contingent of art-minded people who have talked about an Art Coop for years. I think that Terri may be the person who can put that together (with the space she has available.) We have many artists right here in town and I personally would like to see their work displayed. If you happen to meet Terri, let her know how you feel about her proposed plans. She has a genuine interest in people and will be happy to hear your opinions. Welcome Terri and I know you will be an asset to Fort Benton.

FARMERS MARKET

Advertisements for the market have been in the River Press for the last few weeks but in case you missed them, I am reminding you. On the past two Thursdays, the Market has been waiting for you, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., to make your appearance. Be sure to be there on Thursday because there will be a small red item the size of a cherry waiting for you. This product will be fresh picked in the morning in Big Fork and rushed to Fort Benton by 5:00 p.m. by Ron Young Jr. In fact (I got the info first hand,) these people will be here the following two Thursdays also. We were so happy to see the O’Hara’s there with their special breads but we missed out on the scones. A friend just ahead of us purchased the last one. Oh well, we will just have to get there earlier next time. We also purchased the best small beets that reminded me of my childhood and my mother. We prepared them exactly as my mom did by steaming them, removing the skins while hot, cut them in quarters, slathered them with butter and making a meal out of them. Heavenly! During Summer Celebration, Connie and I shared a meal on Sunday afternoon. We met a young man (Patrick O’Brien) who was making chicken skewers (High Plains Concessions) and they were excellent. He will be at the Market as he is from Great Falls and does not mind the ride to Fort Benton. Stop by and say hello. Our most successful Farmer’s Market (Taste of Chouteau County) is a success because of the variety of foods served. We want to encourage these other food vendors, as we want them to keep coming every week. The American Legion, Post #26 will be there also with their bbq sandwiches and dinners.

CELEBRATIONS

There were three celebrations going on this past weekend that we knew about. Ruth and Bert Carlstrom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a huge family reunion in the Old Fort Park. They are great outdoors people and the weather totally cooperated for them.

Our Darcy Morger Grovenstein and her husband Glenn, were celebrating their 30th anniversary and the family was picnicking on the other side of the park from the Carlstroms. Randy Morger and I crashed Ruth’s party (not really, because we would have been invited if we had not had Darcy’s party.) We meet several members of Ruth’s family but felt we knew them because like any mother, Ruth talks about them occasionally. Darcy and Glenn renewed their vows on the Old Bridge. Randy read a very poignant piece about the history of the bridge and the Morger family. All nine of the Morger kids threw white roses into the Missouri in honor of their Mom, Vickie, who was there only in spirit. Darcy’s good friend, her son, and her friend’s mother, drove up from Arizona to attend the festivities. They had never been further north than Yellowstone and their reaction to Fort Benton was a familiar one. “What a beautiful town. Only one stop light? The river is breathtaking. You have a bit of history here, don’t you? I walked from one end of the trail to the other. I just sat on one of those benches and watched the river. Your museums are the best we have ever seen. Fort Benton is the best-kept secret in Montana. You are the first best place.” Please come back again because you made our day.

The third event was the wedding of Marie Connor and Tommy Willson. Connie Jenkins reported that they were married at the Meriwether Campground. They arrived on the Gates of the Mountains “Hilger Rose” boat. When they reached the campground, they found that it was flooded. Fortunately, they found a spot on the beach and winged the ceremony. The newlyweds were an hour late for their reception but all went well. Just like Summer Celebration, there were too many things going on.

ALBINO RED TAIL HAWK

Wayne Loving, on his way home from Kipp, about 15 miles east of Denton, spotted a rare bird that perhaps has never been seen before in Montana. This occurrence was several weeks ago but Wayne did not have his camera with him. He watched for the bird and again spotted it last Wednesday the 15th. He was prepared and took the accompanying pictures. Enjoy, you bird watchers.

SUPPORT BUSINESSES

As we all know (and do not really need to be reminded,) these are tough times especially for small communities. We need to support the businesses in town. Try to “buy in town.” The Lehman Brothers have very competitive prices and I know from experience that their service after the purchase is phenomenal. No matter what my problem with household breakdowns, they solve them. Next door at the pharmacy, Chris Halko and his crew (I just love those female pharmacists) meet all prices on prescriptions with insurance cards. They are compelled to do that. Potential customers drive miles to get a better price on an automobile/truck. I would like to go through every business in town and they would have the same outcome results. Business wise…we would like to see Fort Benton grow. I know that I am impatient but I would like to see it in my lifetime so potential business out there…step it up.

SO LONG FOR NOW

The third line of The Final Analysis is “If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway.” Mother Theresa. God bless American, Montana and Fort Benton.