VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
9/25/19
GOODBYE SUMMER
By the time you read this it will be fall. The days are getting shorter, the nights are cooler, the trees are beginning to turn colors and some leaves are falling. In general we know that it is no longer summer.
It is time to wear heavier jackets, coats, possibly gloves and scarfs. However, I refuse to get my boots out of storage. I do not even want to think about that.
I have been told that the Almanac says if we thought last winter was bad, it is going to be even worse this coming season. Woe is me! There will be weeks at a time when I am confined to the apartment. Cabin fever will be at a high point.
I think all of my family and friends know that I celebrate the day in December when the days began to get longer. I am unhappiest in June when the days began getting shorter. (You can’t please everyone all the time.) Oh well, that’s what makes the world go round.
KEEP BUSY
Through this time of season change there is much going on to keep you busy and amused. We have Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to celebrate. It is only 3 months left to do your Christmas shopping.
There is also Chouteau County Performing Arts almost every month. Be sure to get your seasons tickets and do not miss the first show on October 8th. It is a tribute to Abba from the 60’s and 70’s. Even today’s kids will enjoy songs like Dancing Queen and Honey, Honey. See you there.
In addition, the annual Chouteau County Country Christmas event is being planned so save some shopping until you see what they have to offer. I love those homemade items and they make such wonderful gifts. I am really looking forward to this event. See you here, there and everywhere!
C.I.A. AND BAKER HOUSE
Have you seen the new roof on the Baker House? The tin roof is shiny and bright and will keep the leaks at bay inside the house. (More on this next week.)
I attended the C.I.A. (Community Improvement Association) meeting last week. It was the meeting when all applicants for the Lippard-Clawiter grants were being discussed. The applicants come to the meeting to request their grants. They relate what they need funds for, how much they need, how much they have ever been awarded before, and what they did with the money.
The results of the L & C grants will be listed in the River Press in a few months. Read it carefully because many of the requests involve every town in Chouteau County.
All the volunteer hours and hard work are little known to the residents of the county. Without these volunteers there never would be any improvements ever started or finished.
The C.I.A. has been in existence for many years. They are non-profit and most of the time are never acknowledged or thanked for their work. C.I.A. is a community organization and your support is what keeps them existing. Be supportive and pat them on the back for what they do.
HELLO “WHO”
I have been waiting, since I took down the red, white, and blue decorations from the Hollow Tree, for you to decorate for Halloween and the Fall season.
In the meanwhile, another “Who” (that I know,) has put up some decorations. (It was not me.) I hope this does not discourage you from adding your wonderful touches.
Please try to get it done by the end of the month or the beginning of October. The tree told me the other day that it is lonely and would really like to get dressier. (This is a true story as I do not lie. I learned early in life that you always get caught when you do not tell the truth.) However, that is too long a story to tell here since I have a story about the Hollow Tree to tell.
HOLLOW TREE STORY
I was told this story from a reliable contact who lived at the corner of 21st and Franklin over 50 years ago. The tree was then alive and did already have a small hole in it. It was thought that owls made a home in it.
As the years went by the Hollow Tree grew very old and began to show its age and the hole became larger and larger. The rest of the story comes from Judy and Herb Hazen who lived in the apartment I am now in, across the street from the Tree. There was a severe rain storm one summer and the tree came crashing down all the way across 21st St. to take out a tree and bushes in front of the apartment.
That was about 10 years ago and soon there will be nothing left. If anyone out there has more to add to this story, please call me.
I love that old tree and I really enjoy seeing it decorated. End of story.
FRIDAY THE 27th
There will be a presentation on Medicare at the Sunrise Bluffs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by Jill from Humana. This is a great opportunity to get all your questions answered.
CINNAMON ROLLS
Friday the 27th is also Cinnamon Roll Day at the Senior Center. Lunch is always breakfast that day with two kinds of eggs, bacon, sausage, has browns, toast, and of course cinnamon rolls.
So, come on down and have lunch with family and friends. I heard from a little bird that there were many Meals on Wheels delivered last month. Frankly, I do not know how the above meal would taste warmed over but do know for sure that it is very difficult for many to get a ride downtown. Forgive me if I said something I shouldn’t have.
VISITORS CENTER THANK YOU
Last week the Chamber of Commerce had a very welcome get-together at the Center. The weather was as kind as Montana can give us and we all sat on the beautiful deck in back of the Center. We were served a very tasteful and filling food and dessert. It was a social hour and most of the volunteers showed up.
I was not able to volunteer for the first time in 20 years but was invited anyway. I enjoyed seeing people whose names were all I saw for many years because of the different schedules.
Every volunteer there talked about how much they loved the Center because of the Visitors who came in from all over the United States, Canada, and the world. We heard many great stories, and a good time was had by all. Thank you, Chamber of Commerce and especially Stacey who does a tremendous job of coordinating.
LIONS CLUB
Look for the View next week when I will give a report on the Lions Club. At our meeting last week, we were asked what we did with the donations we collected. I do not have enough space left this week so be sure to tune in next week.
SO LONG, SKIP
I and everyone else in the City of Fort Benton will miss you Skip. You are an Icon because you were here, there, and everywhere around town. The years that you gave our City were often not recognized because they were behind the scenes. Much of it was unnoticed. We hope that you enjoy your retirement fishing and playing golf, although talking with you I sense that it will be awhile.
Don’t be a stranger and Happy Retirement.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
I saw on a TV newscast this past week to Love Thy Neighbor. Go knock on their door to say hello or if you have never met them say hello. Give it a try and let me know what happens.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS (WEAR RED ON FRIDAY FOR THAT REASON,) POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.
Showing posts with label goodbye summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goodbye summer. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
View From The Bridge 9/15/12
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
9/15/12
ITEM OF THE WEEK
Well at last, The Old Bridge side railings painting project has been completed. It now looks like an old bridge should look minus the yellow paint, the rust, and the not-so-well done maintenance look. It may pose a problem for all those artists and photographers who have done their thing involving The Old Bridge. They may have to return and do it over again in black. Perhaps painters can just repaint their work but it is not possible for photographs.
The first contact of the F.B.I. (Fort Benton Idealists,) about The Old Bridge was with the Montana Historical Society Preservation Office in Helena. It was with Mark Baumter, PhD and he is the State Historic Preservation Officer. He introduced us to Pete Brown who is the Historic Architecture Specialist. Pete was a wealth of information about our Old Bridge. We all know that the Bridge was build in 1888 originally, however did you know it was the oldest and first iron bridge across the Missouri in Montana. I did not know that fact.
Pete said that since the replacement, (the original first idea concerning the railings,) of the Old Bridge wood railings, could not meet current codes. He continued that replacement could be done in a way that would be in character with the bridge. After getting bids from several local contractors, the F.B.I. decided that it was not financially ready to replace the rails at that time.
The painting of the side rails came as a band-aid solution to bring the Old Bridge more into character. Black paint was suggested, (by the Historic Society,) to keep in character of the bridge color. At no time was it a question of painting the bridge itself. That question had been asked of one of the B.F.I. members.
Other, what I consider good news, is documentation that the Montana Historical Society Historic Preservation Office, in spring of 2011, that they are in the process of nominating all the bridges to the National Register of Historic Places. This was another questions brought up to a member of the F.B.I. Our County Commissioners may be considering whether to approve or disapprove the nomination of the Old Bridge. I will, as soon as possible, check in at a Commissioners meeting and see if anything has be done in that direction in the last year and a half. I will keep you posted.
LIGHT UP THE FB
An anonymous person, (who said I had to die if I told,) purchased 100 solar lights and placed them around the B on the hillside several months ago. I mentioned it in the View but most residents I spoke with about the FB lights had never seen them.
Mr. Anonymous recently, (in the last two weeks,) noticed that the bottom half of the B no longer was lit. No, it could not be true. Yes, it was. Someone had stolen the lights. Why would anyone do a thing like that? I never will understand people who steal or destroy other peoples property. If anyone knows any details of the stolen solar lights, please notify the Police Department. There is a reward.
And now, the rest of the story. The Fort Benton High School students not only replaced the bottom of the B and they also completed the F too. It really looks spectacular. I am calling it, “The 9th Wonder of Fort Benton.” Why the 9th? Fort Benton has so many great wonders within our city and 9 is one of my lucky numbers.
Now I know that you are all going to take a ride after dark to see this wonder. I have arranged for Police Traffic Control for the crowded Highwood Rd. There will also be a parking area and there will be a $3.00 parking donation for three nights. The donation will go to the High School students who purchased the solar lights. I realize that someone had complained at the Chouteau County Fair gate, that he/she had paid a $6.00 fee when they paid their car registration, to park on state land. I will check tomorrow to see if that area is state land and if it is then, forget about the parking donation. You could then park there for three nights free. It that adeal or what? (I DO HOPE THAT YOU READERS REALIZE THIS IS A JOKE.)
It is now Monday afternoon and I just returned from a meeting with the Commissioners. The FB is on private property and you will not be able to park to view the FB. However, with traffic control, you can drive slowly, go to the top of the hill, turn around and return to Fort Benton having a second look. Another option is to drive on River Street although you will not be able to park there. Just drive slow and when you get to the end of the street and turn around, let someone else drive so you can get a better view. Let me know what you think.
P.S. I think Tim will have to take another picture of both the F and B lit up. He had a picture in the August 15th edition of The River Press of the B only.
SOCIAL EVENT OF THE WEEK
Pie Day is Friday the 21st at 2:00 p.m. Take a break from your chore obligations, your business obligations, and enjoy a homemade piece of the best pies in Fort Benton. It not only satisfies your sweet tooth but it is a fund raiser for the Golden Age Senior Center. I have nothing but admirations for those ambitious women who get up early on Friday morning to bake. They did not bake during the hot summer months, (and wasn’t it hot,) so this is a real treat coming up.\ for this fall season. Invite just one other person to come with you so you not only enjoy pie but conversation with each other. You may not have seen much of your friends and neighbors during the summer because of the heat, so let us see you on Friday.
SOCIAL EVENT OF NEXT WEEK
The first of this seasons C.C.P.A. (Chouteau County Performing Arts,) entertainment evenings will be on Wednesday the 26th of September. I am reminding you this week because you may not pick up the 26th edition of the River Press in time for you to read about the pe4formance. Put it on your calendar now and we will see you there.
MY HOME’S IS IN MONTANA
The members of The Friends of the Library enjoyed a real treat last Wednesday when Kareen Swensgard Bratt was our guest and speaker. She grew up in Fort Benton and wrote a book about growing up on a wheat farm in Chouteau County. Her book, “My Home’s in Montana,” was her subject, of course, and it was a most enjoyable hour listening to her talk about her bringing up. Everyone at the meeting (there was quite a crowd,) enjoyed her book and having her tell us some background stories. She was most informative about self-publishing.
That should interest several people I know who have written books and would like to publish them. You can get in touch with Kareen about her book by contacting me. If you are a farm family, it is a “must read” book. It will bring back many memories for you too. This meeting was another good reason to join “Friends of the Library.” As Cindy always says, “Be a friend and bring a friend to Friends of the Library.
GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO FALL
Friday is our last day of summer. Where did it disappear? Saturday will be the first day of fall and it is certainly in evidence. The trees across the Missouri are turning yellow and the smell of fall is in the air, (that is when you cannot smell smoke.) On my way to Helena last Saturday, there were also many trees that were half yellow and half green. I had to turn the furnace on two morning this past week because the house temperature was at 50 degrees. I really do not mind what Mother Nature is handing out these days but I do mind the days getting shorter. Several people have voiced that complaint to me. I will just have to look forward to 3 months from now when the days get longer again. In the meanwhile just enjoy every minute of every day.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS. WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
By Muncie
9/15/12
ITEM OF THE WEEK
Well at last, The Old Bridge side railings painting project has been completed. It now looks like an old bridge should look minus the yellow paint, the rust, and the not-so-well done maintenance look. It may pose a problem for all those artists and photographers who have done their thing involving The Old Bridge. They may have to return and do it over again in black. Perhaps painters can just repaint their work but it is not possible for photographs.
The first contact of the F.B.I. (Fort Benton Idealists,) about The Old Bridge was with the Montana Historical Society Preservation Office in Helena. It was with Mark Baumter, PhD and he is the State Historic Preservation Officer. He introduced us to Pete Brown who is the Historic Architecture Specialist. Pete was a wealth of information about our Old Bridge. We all know that the Bridge was build in 1888 originally, however did you know it was the oldest and first iron bridge across the Missouri in Montana. I did not know that fact.
Pete said that since the replacement, (the original first idea concerning the railings,) of the Old Bridge wood railings, could not meet current codes. He continued that replacement could be done in a way that would be in character with the bridge. After getting bids from several local contractors, the F.B.I. decided that it was not financially ready to replace the rails at that time.
The painting of the side rails came as a band-aid solution to bring the Old Bridge more into character. Black paint was suggested, (by the Historic Society,) to keep in character of the bridge color. At no time was it a question of painting the bridge itself. That question had been asked of one of the B.F.I. members.
Other, what I consider good news, is documentation that the Montana Historical Society Historic Preservation Office, in spring of 2011, that they are in the process of nominating all the bridges to the National Register of Historic Places. This was another questions brought up to a member of the F.B.I. Our County Commissioners may be considering whether to approve or disapprove the nomination of the Old Bridge. I will, as soon as possible, check in at a Commissioners meeting and see if anything has be done in that direction in the last year and a half. I will keep you posted.
LIGHT UP THE FB
An anonymous person, (who said I had to die if I told,) purchased 100 solar lights and placed them around the B on the hillside several months ago. I mentioned it in the View but most residents I spoke with about the FB lights had never seen them.
Mr. Anonymous recently, (in the last two weeks,) noticed that the bottom half of the B no longer was lit. No, it could not be true. Yes, it was. Someone had stolen the lights. Why would anyone do a thing like that? I never will understand people who steal or destroy other peoples property. If anyone knows any details of the stolen solar lights, please notify the Police Department. There is a reward.
And now, the rest of the story. The Fort Benton High School students not only replaced the bottom of the B and they also completed the F too. It really looks spectacular. I am calling it, “The 9th Wonder of Fort Benton.” Why the 9th? Fort Benton has so many great wonders within our city and 9 is one of my lucky numbers.
Now I know that you are all going to take a ride after dark to see this wonder. I have arranged for Police Traffic Control for the crowded Highwood Rd. There will also be a parking area and there will be a $3.00 parking donation for three nights. The donation will go to the High School students who purchased the solar lights. I realize that someone had complained at the Chouteau County Fair gate, that he/she had paid a $6.00 fee when they paid their car registration, to park on state land. I will check tomorrow to see if that area is state land and if it is then, forget about the parking donation. You could then park there for three nights free. It that adeal or what? (I DO HOPE THAT YOU READERS REALIZE THIS IS A JOKE.)
It is now Monday afternoon and I just returned from a meeting with the Commissioners. The FB is on private property and you will not be able to park to view the FB. However, with traffic control, you can drive slowly, go to the top of the hill, turn around and return to Fort Benton having a second look. Another option is to drive on River Street although you will not be able to park there. Just drive slow and when you get to the end of the street and turn around, let someone else drive so you can get a better view. Let me know what you think.
P.S. I think Tim will have to take another picture of both the F and B lit up. He had a picture in the August 15th edition of The River Press of the B only.
SOCIAL EVENT OF THE WEEK
Pie Day is Friday the 21st at 2:00 p.m. Take a break from your chore obligations, your business obligations, and enjoy a homemade piece of the best pies in Fort Benton. It not only satisfies your sweet tooth but it is a fund raiser for the Golden Age Senior Center. I have nothing but admirations for those ambitious women who get up early on Friday morning to bake. They did not bake during the hot summer months, (and wasn’t it hot,) so this is a real treat coming up.\ for this fall season. Invite just one other person to come with you so you not only enjoy pie but conversation with each other. You may not have seen much of your friends and neighbors during the summer because of the heat, so let us see you on Friday.
SOCIAL EVENT OF NEXT WEEK
The first of this seasons C.C.P.A. (Chouteau County Performing Arts,) entertainment evenings will be on Wednesday the 26th of September. I am reminding you this week because you may not pick up the 26th edition of the River Press in time for you to read about the pe4formance. Put it on your calendar now and we will see you there.
MY HOME’S IS IN MONTANA
The members of The Friends of the Library enjoyed a real treat last Wednesday when Kareen Swensgard Bratt was our guest and speaker. She grew up in Fort Benton and wrote a book about growing up on a wheat farm in Chouteau County. Her book, “My Home’s in Montana,” was her subject, of course, and it was a most enjoyable hour listening to her talk about her bringing up. Everyone at the meeting (there was quite a crowd,) enjoyed her book and having her tell us some background stories. She was most informative about self-publishing.
That should interest several people I know who have written books and would like to publish them. You can get in touch with Kareen about her book by contacting me. If you are a farm family, it is a “must read” book. It will bring back many memories for you too. This meeting was another good reason to join “Friends of the Library.” As Cindy always says, “Be a friend and bring a friend to Friends of the Library.
GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO FALL
Friday is our last day of summer. Where did it disappear? Saturday will be the first day of fall and it is certainly in evidence. The trees across the Missouri are turning yellow and the smell of fall is in the air, (that is when you cannot smell smoke.) On my way to Helena last Saturday, there were also many trees that were half yellow and half green. I had to turn the furnace on two morning this past week because the house temperature was at 50 degrees. I really do not mind what Mother Nature is handing out these days but I do mind the days getting shorter. Several people have voiced that complaint to me. I will just have to look forward to 3 months from now when the days get longer again. In the meanwhile just enjoy every minute of every day.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS. WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)