Showing posts with label first football game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first football game. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

View From The Bridge 8/28/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
8/28/19

LOCAL NEWS
Hi Readers. I am asking you to please call me with bits of news that is happening around town. I do not do Facebook or texting. I usually report on events after the fact. I learn a lot from the articles in the River Press.

I would like organizations to let me know two weeks in advance of events they are planning. It does not hurt to have the info in two places.

My phone number is in the phone book. I do not put phone numbers in the View any longer because the person, who does the Fort Benton website with the View, doesn’t think it is wise to list phone numbers. Since the View goes international, phone numbers won’t be listed. (I think it protects your privacy but I am not sure about that.)

I would like news about family reunions, your interesting vacation trip, and any other Fort Benton stories.

I do hear from folks who used to live here but had to move for one reason or another. They like to hear about Fort Benton happenings and so let us, (you and me,) make their day when they receive the River Press or view it on the web.

FORT BENTON ROCKS
I found another rock in my yard this past weekend and it says “Be Kind”. That is the whole purpose of starting Fort Benton Rocks.  Remember, “Practice Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty”.

The latest count of participants on Facebook now numbers 193 as of Monday the 26th. It is going by leaps and bounds. “Are you in good hands, or rocks, or paint?” Hiding rocks sure sounds like lots of fun. A lot of that was done last weekend.

The one who has the most fun hiding the rocks that she painted is 5- year- old Olivia who started this whole project. GO OLIVIA!

CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
On Tuesday last week about 10 or 12 volunteers spent several hours doing a mailing for CCPA (Chouteau County Performing Arts).  The mailing was a flyer listing all the programs for the 2018 & 2019 year. Please put it near your calendar to remind you not to miss a single performance.

It is going to be another great year so thank the board members who have worked long and hard on bringing you the best shows possible. You do not want to miss a single one.  If you do not think that you would like one of the programs then loan your ticket to a family member, a friend, or neighbor. You will them have a friend for life. It is a very good way to spread the joy of music to everyone.

Randy will still be at the Farmer’s Market each week to sell seasons tickets. He still thinks that the one who sells the most tickets is going to win a trip to Hawaii. Please do not tell him that is not a true story. He may not work so hard selling tickets and he is the best at it. GO RANDY!

ACCORDION BAND
It is Sunday the 25th and I just returned from the Sunrise Bluffs. The Accordion Band is a group of musicians who volunteer their time and talent to entertain retirement homes, nursing homes, churches, and any other groups that contacts them. They come to the Bluffs a couple of times a year.
       
The notice they were going to be here was received too late to announce it in the River Press or the View however about 20 music lovers were in attendance. There were also 3 couples who took advantage of the dance floor.

It poured rain and was still raining when the music ended. I always have my “Mary Poppins” umbrella and it actually was enjoyable to ride home in the rain.

The bank said they hoped to give us notice earlier next time they plan a trip to Fort Benton. I would like to see twice as many folks there especially dancers. They are such fun to watch and make it a more enjoyable event. GO DANCERS.

FIRST FOOTBALL GAME
Can you believe that school begins this week and the first football game is Friday. Oh, where did the summer go? I know. We actually had a very late summer. Perhaps it will stay warmer for a while longer before you know what happens.

LIONS GARAGE SALE
Have you gathered up all your good “I don’t need anymore” stuff for this upcoming sale. They began last week to picking up your donations.

As the time gets closer there will be more ads in the River Press so watch for time and place. This event for the Lions Club is another successful project for their many projects to benefit the community. Only you can make this a bigger success by your donations.

You all were so generous for the Fair Ground parking project making it a huge success. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I love being a Lioness. I love being with those hardworking volunteers. They are a strong influence on all they come in contact with. Come join us.

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
There have been times lately when I think that I will have to give up writing the View. Just about the time I have made up my mind, I have people come up to me and tell me that they read the View every week. That was so true this past week at the Farmers Market when a Hutterite man told me that he reads the View first every week. I do not think that I thanked me enough but he will read it this week and that it made my day. All of you readers are so kind. You all deserve Fort Benton Rocks.

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

View From The Bridge 8/31/2011

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
8/31/11

“SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS”
The next line of that song is, “Good old-fashioned rule days.” The days, weeks, and months are flying by so quickly that I did not realize that school was starting last Wednesday. I live near the Fort Benton Elementary School. I love waking up in the morning and hearing the youngsters on the playground. I missed it during the summer. Occasionally there would be some youngsters on the playground but they certainly did not make any noise. Welcome back students.

I visited the Elementary School this morning (Monday,) and was introduced to the new principal, Jory Thompson. He came to Fort Benton with his wife Marie on August 11th from Kalispell. They purchased a home and so they are here to stay with a daughter in MT Tech and two children in the Elementary School.

He explained the bus situation and now I have the picture clearly. The busses unload and load the same as they always did on Franklin St. It is the parents who pick-up who park and wait on 14th St. It was a problem to have both the busses and the parents parked on Franklin. The youngsters to be picked up can now walk through the playground to reach their parents. There is no longer the danger of them trying to get across the street to their parents vehicles. That was a very good move to ensure safety. Mr. Thompson said that it is working very well.

VARSITY FOOTBALL, JV FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, TENNIS
So at last, we have reached the time to ask and answer, “Are you ready for some football.” I am ready for the Longhorns and on Friday, September 2nd I am sure the Varsity Team will be ready for Chinook. See you there. GO LONGHORNS. P.S. You cannot get a better hamburger anywhere.

Middle School Boys Football will be played on September 2nd. The Middle School Girls Volleyball, the High School Volleyball, and the Middle School Tennis have already started. Large schedules at available at the First Security Bank to keep on your frig. Support your school athletics with your attendance. The players are encouraged by those in the stands. It builds community spirit for those kids who do their best.

BBQ BRISKET CONTEST
I owe an apology to “Ragin’ Cajun” of Great Falls and Andrea Rutledge of Big Sandy for putting Charlie Good in first place in last weeks “View.” I was going to check with those in the know, but as always, I was in a hurry to get my article in by required time.

At the contest, by the time the judges made their decisions, there was quite a crowd gathered. It was difficult to hear and I was involved with conversations on sides, front, and back of me. I was not paying complete attention and all I remember is Charlie’s name being called.

What I am wondering is that no one called me on my error. You would be helping me a great deal, if you would correct me. I often am not completely correct and admit to it.

So now, congratulations to “Ragin” Cajun” (whoever you are,) for first place and Andrea for second place. I hope that you had as great a time as we did at the contest. All the folks around me are looking forward to next year. There will be a next year. GO CHOUTEAU COUNTY FAIR.

SADIE’S FORT BENTON RESALE STORE
I stopped in the shop to visit with Vi Cameron, the new energetic entrepreneur of the Thrift Store. She had decided to call the store after her mother, Sadie. It is a very memorable sentiment.

Vi is still sorting, arranging, and rearranging. She told me a humorous story about going through the inventory and finding items that she thinks will never sell. The day I visited, she sold a “Cement Brick Maker” to a woman buyer. I wonder if the woman will ever use it or like myself, think I am going to use it.

Vi has a beautiful size 8 wedding dress that she had dry cleaned and it is ready for the ceremony. Get to Sadie’s quickly before it is gone.

Drop in and visit Vi and give her support. I found several treasures there and one was a birthday present. The recipient said that it was the best present he had ever received. I do not want to mention names so if you want to know, “the rest of the story,” ask me the next time you see me.

THROUGH THE YEARS
In case you have not been in touch with this series, I am passing on generations at a glance that was introduced to a well-attended Travel Montana class presented in Fort Benton last spring.

We have learned that there are four generations, their descriptions, quick stats, and general characteristics. In this issue, we will go to the workplace. The Traditionalists are loyal to their employers and expect loyalty in return. They have effective and warm interpersonal skills. Their work ethic equals timeliness, putting in the hours working hard. They accept “command and control” management style as norm.

The Baby Boomers are driven; work comes first. They are loyal to the function or profession. Their work ethic equals working long hours, hard, and being seen doing it. They believe in champion and evaluate others on their work ethic. Believing in teamwork is important and they are good at building relationships.

The X Generation put personal life first and rejects the super-motivated Boomer work ethic while being independent. Their work ethic equals getting the job done quickly. They value talent, ability over longevity, and working within their own definition of “team.” They look to invest loyalty in a person NOT a company. They rebel against micro managing and seek loose supervision by objectives.

The Millennials look for meaningful and fun work. They are loyal to people they work and play with and communication is direct and instant. They are multi-taskers and technology is a natural part of daily living. They want to learn and grow but want rewards NOW. (I have also heard them called the NOW generation.) However, they need more hand holding.

Next week will end “Through the Years” with To Communicate and Engage. (Do you find that lack of communication is a huge problem these days?) Perhaps there is an answer in next week’s column.

A SURPRISE PHONE CALL
I received a phone call this week from Kelly who lives in Great Falls and is a subscriber to The River Press. Our story is a long one as to how we met; however, I will tell you that it was through the Great Falls International Airport. Kelly was on Gate duty when I called for information about a plane schedule. It was late in the evening and all the airlines had closed down. The operator connected me with the Gate and Kelly was very helpful in checking to see if the vehicle of my friend was still in the parking lot. She went the extra mile to help me.

I have no recollection of taking a box of candy to her but after 18 years, she called to say thank you. She had thought about a note for a long time, however, it is funny how time slips away. She reads the “View” every week and decided at last to give me a jingle. It was a real surprise, Kelly made my day, and most importantly the fact that she subscribes to The River Press. I know that she will be surprised to see her name in print and I wanted to tell her that one person can make a difference.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
It is remarkable how many people I have talked to lately who are having problems remembering names and just about everything else. It does not matter whether they are young, middle aged, or seniors. You can remember people you hardly know and cannot remember your best friend’s name.

Randy and I have been in the process for years of writing a book titled, “What We Would Do as Co-Presidents.” Our first rule would be “Everyone must wear a nametag.” Would you uphold that brilliant piece of legislation?

SO LONG FOR NOW
Its chokecherry time and a great time of year to make a trip to the mountains. Be careful what roads you travel because there isn’t much cell service. You can find helpful neighbors but they are few and far between. If you have any adventures that are worth telling…let me know. Good stories are always worth listening to or writing about.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.


Monday, August 10, 2009

View From The Bridge 8/12/09

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
by Muncie Morger
8/12/09

FIRST FOOTBALL GAME
I know this is the news that you all have been waiting for…the first 8-man football game of the new ’09 season. It will be at Centerville on Saturday, August 29th and that isn’t a long way to travel. On Monday, the 31st the J.V. will play Centerville here in Fort Benton. On Friday, the 4th of September, there will be a home game with Chinook. Go Horns. We all support you. Everyone in town will be rootin’ for you because we know that the team is a powerhouse. You are the best entertainment in town. Mark your calendars.

RUTH’S IN COSTA RICA
Grandmother, Ruth Carlstrom, has taken her grandchildren on a trip to Costa Rica. Those of us at the Visitors Information Center miss her and although we know she is having a grand time, we will be happy to see her back in Fort Benton. Stella Scott, president of the Chamber of Commerce, has been covering for Ruth and that is a huge shoe to fit. The best part about going away, for whatever reason, is the coming back home. There is no place like home.

THE FAIR
Having come from the “big city”, the sound of the County Fair is exciting to me. I loved all the “entries contests,” including the Art Exhibit, the Flower Exhibit, the Garden Exhibit, and the Elementary School Exhibit of last year. The Pig Wrestling was hysterical although I thought the little and younger kiddos should get a little more time. Then it is time to eat and we come to the food vendors. We cover them all in three days and you are at liberty to eat anything you want with no thought about if it is good for you or not. It is not that it is not good because it is all too good to the taste buds. Go at it friends.

The Rodeo is drawing more participants and more audience each year. Go, enjoy, and be glad you are not on that bucking horse. We finally get to Sunday evening (so happy that changed it back from Saturday) to the Demolition Derby. When I moved to Fort Benton sixteen years ago in June, the Fair was as usual in August, and Wally said we were going to the Derby. I had never in my life had seen one or even heard of one. I tagged along unwillingly because I could not think of a reason to get out of it. Well, guess who yelled the loudest and continues to do that every year. I actually have a sore throat from the event. Well, see you at the Fair and “don’t tell me the lights are shining anywhere but there.” (I just watched “Meet me in St. Louis” last weekend with Judy Garland.)



COTTONWOODS
When the Memorial Bench program began a few years ago, I mentioned that another idea would be to purchase a cottonwood tree. I was on the Tree Board at the time but the idea did
not seem to catch on as the benches did. A couple of years ago I asked again at a Council meeting if money could be appropriated in the next budget to replace about five (5) spaces where the trees were needed. Nothing transpired and this past week I talked with a member of the Tree Board and asked again about the cottonwoods. I was told that because of the pine beetle a great deal of money was used to either protect trees or cut them down.

Therefore, my original thought about a tree for a Memorial has come back to mind and I offer it as a suggestion once again. We are working on a price that would include the tree, the planting, and a plaque of some sort. Just think about it and if the time comes that you would consider it, contact me.

WEEK IN THE KNEES
Do you remember Connie Wood Thompson who used to write the above article for the River Press? We went to Conrad last week for a funeral and afterward tried to locate Connie. We found her residence but in conversing with a neighbor, we were informed she was at the nursing home caring for her husband. Connie very faithfully went to the home every day when Vernon (Wally’s classmate from Class of ’41) was there. Now she, having remarried, is going every day to do what she can to take care of Roland Thompson who is 100 years old, and has been in the home for nine (9) months.

We tried to call Connie that evening but the number is disconnected. If any one knows how we can get in touch with her, (she may have a cell phone now) please call 622-3217 after 1:00 p.m. (I am hoping that Kippy Schuler gets the River Press because she would know. We miss hearing about you too Kippy.)

SO LONG FOR NOW
As most of you know, Audra, Greg, and Grayson Bonilla are moving to Helena next weekend. If ever there was anyone in Fort Benton who loves our town…it is this family. Audra was raised in Fort Benton, graduated from Fort Benton High School, and graduated from the University of Montana where she realized her ambition to teach English. She and Greg moved to Berkley, CA while he attended law school. They returned to Fort Benton and settled down to raise a family. Grayson was born in 2001 and made life very exciting not only for our family but for the “other grandparents.” Hilda and Greg Bonilla moved to Fort Benton in 2003 and we share Grayson’s adventures. Audra and Greg love Fort Benton very much. Who would not when six hundred and seventy people showed up at the Ag Center for Audra’s cancer fundraiser? Only in Montana and only in Fort Benton.

Grayson wanted me to tell all of his friends from the First Christian Church Pre-school and Fort Benton Elementary that he will miss them. He would like to keep in touch by phone or e-mail (I will let you know the number and address later.) He will come to visit often (Audra promised at least once a month,) and if you are in the Helena area give them a call. They will be happy to hear from you but you will have to get in line after the grandmothers.

THE FINAL ANALYSIS
The sixth line is, “If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.” Mother Theresa.

God Bless American, Montana, and Fort Benton.