VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/10/19
WHO IS “WHO”?
Hello “Who”. You did a terrific job decorating the hollow tree for Easter. Now, if you are the same “Who”, who was the “Who” last year who decorated the hollow tree last year, than I want to tell you I put your rabbit and metal carrot in the tree. When it is time to decorate for Memorial Day, please take your rabbit and carrot back to your home. I have been storing it but can no longer do that. It is so adorable and I enjoyed looking at it for a year. Thank you “Who” for all you do with that hollow tree. I am the one who enjoys it the most because I am just across the street from it. Happy Easter to you and I am all “who-ed” out.
LENTEN LUNCHEONS
Kind Kate called and offered me a ride so I could attend the luncheon in Geraldine. We had a wonderful time and it saddens me to realize that there is only one more luncheon left and if you did not remember it was on Wednesday the 10th, then you missed it.
We had a delicious salad luncheon that complimented the arrival of spring. These luncheons are very inspiring and thank you to all who put together the luncheons and to those who attended. I believe that we have the best cooks in the world.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
My daughter, Jennifer, and I had an absolute great time at the Flea Market. We found too many, treasures that we just could not live without.
Many friends came up to tell me who they were and to say hello. The vendors were anxious to show off their wares and handiwork. They come from far and near and just to set up seems like an impossible chore. I know that they work all year for the flea markets and I am looking forward to next year.
EASTER EGG HUNT
This annual event is just around the corner and as I am a member of the Lions Club I know they have been working on it for several months.
Look for all details in the River Press and let us hope for good weather. We would like to order sunshine, warmth, and a possible rainbow without rain. Wouldn’t that make Easter special?
So, Happy Easter egg hunt and see you there.
KINDNESS AND GENTLENESS
“Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” There is such a beautiful story that the above phrase came from. It was in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book many years ago.
I have mentioned it many times in the years gone by because it brings to mind the many kind things that have been given or said on me. Just a smile and a cherry good morning is what makes my day. Try it…one good deed a day is all you need to feel fantastic.
BOOK READING
Susanna Solomon arrived in Fort Benton on Sunday morning after having a book reading at Barnes and Noble on Saturday. Her book is about Fort Benton and the Missouri River.
We had dinner at the Sunrise Bluffs on Sunday to hear the Accordion Band. (More on the Band below.)
Susanna is from CA so she enjoyed the small town approach to entertainment. Afterward we took a ride to Loma and she climbed the hill at Decision Point in the wind. Then we checked out the Buffalo field. We also took the short ride to check out the Blue Heron nesting place. Susanna counted about 10 nests but did not see any birds. They were probably deep in the nests with their eggs.
On Monday we had lunch at noon and then a hop, skip, and few jumps to the Elementary School for the outreach program of the O Sole Trio. Then a bit later to the Library for her first book reading at 4:30 p.m. and then I was off to the CCPA performance at 7:00 p.m.
I had a great weekend and the weather cooperated very nicely. It is so wonderful to be able to get out and about and especially without a heavy jacket, coat, hat, and gloves.
ACCORDION BAND
This was the best turnout ever to spend a delightful couple of hours listening to old time songs. There were over 20 people there and 6 couples dancing. Also dancing was the Danrather Gramma with three of her grandchildren. The girls kept us entertained with their dancing. The leader of the Band asked for requests and I raised my hand. I asked for “God Bless American” and everyone stood and sang. It was the most heartwarming few minutes of the whole day. Thank you to the Accordion Band and thank you to all of you who showed up.
MEADOWLARK
On my way home last Friday on my GoGo I was just in front of the Little Museum on the new River Road that was recently redone. (It is so nice and smooth with no gravel or rocks to give me a bumpy ride.)
I talked to a man who had just come from walking his dogs up on the hill and he mentioned he saw a Meadowlark. My limited knowledge of these birds is that they do not hang out in town. It was not actually in town but close enough. I cannot remember the man’s name but I want to say hello to his wife, Agnes, who reads the View and told him about me wanting to know who spots the first Meadowlark. Thanks a millon!
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, VOLUNTEER FIREMEN AND WOMEN, AND VOLUNTEER EMT’s.
Showing posts with label loma flea market. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loma flea market. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
View From The Bridge 4/3/19
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/3/19
APRIL MOON
This is the Full Pink Moon. The name came from the herb moss pink or wild ground phlox which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Full Egg Moon, and among the tribes The Full Fish (or Shad) Moon because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn. (I personally like the Full Pink Moon. I’ll bet that all those who fish like the Full Fish Moon best.) The full moon is on Friday the 19th.
I hope that you saw the most beautiful full moon last month. It was a beautiful clear night when I received a phone call about 7:00 p.m. that the moon had just come up. I did not see it until 11:00 p.m. because it has to work its way over the bluffs and homes that block an early view.
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
It has been exactly 10 years since I began writing the VIEW every week. Previously I wrote only when the Visitors Center opened in May until it closed in September.
My friends Connie Jenkins and Sharalee Smith with step-son Randy Morger attended the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. They met with Arnie Fishbaugh who was the Executive Director of The Montana Arts Council. They wanted in some way to spread the “Joys of Fort Benton” to the world. They decided that I should write every week and Sharalee put me on the Fort Benton website. I cannot believe that was 10 years ago. There were several times that I took a “time out.” Some of those times were when I returned to Michigan to be with my sister during her battle with cancer, family illnesses, and when I had my knee replacement. Some day when I have some spare time, I will check back to see just how many weeks I had under my belt.
In June I will have another mark on my calendar because it will be 20 years since I began the View with a small paragraph in the River Press announcing it.
So, the years have flown by and there is so much water under the bridge. They have been wonderful and happy years for me. I am so thankful that circumstances brought me to Montana which I know is the best place on earth.
SHONKIN REUNION
The Upper and Lower Shonkin Class/Friends/Everybody Reunion is being held on Sunday June 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:0o p.m. or later.
Meat dishes and drinks will be provided. Pot luck dishes are welcome.
More information will be coming in the weeks ahead that will include R.S.V.P. phone numbers and questions. Put this on your calendar now to plan for this event.
FORT BENTON BUS RIDE
I took a ride around the Fort Benton route on the Community Bus a couple of weeks ago on a Friday. I had an appointment at 11:30 and was on time for that. I was picked up an hour later and taken to the MRMC to visit a friend who was in the hospital. I was again picked up an hour later and arrived back at my apartment a happy camper. It is such a nice feeling to have someone else do the driving. If ever I become very rich, the first thing I will do is hire a personal driver. To me that would be ultimate luxury. It was also a blessing not to ride on my GoGo. Those rides are absolutely too bumpy except for the newly redone portion on River Drive between the circle and the Sunrise Bluffs. It is so smooth and easy to travel.
I would like here to thank all the drivers in town who are so considerate of me and my scooter. At corners you let me pass and you always wave to me. Please remember that I cannot often see who you are as you go by me. It is so wonderful to be able to get around town on my GoGo and know that you are all watching out for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am so grateful for this Fort Benton and Great Falls Community Bus ride. A lot of work went into getting this project started and my sincere thank you to all those who worked on it. You deserve Angel medals and you are angels for the volunteering that you do.
So, to all of you who were voicing requests that Fort Benton needs bus service…take advantage of these trips. Do not let it go away because of empty buses.
ACCORDION BAND
Please make an effort to come to Sunrise Bluffs on Sunday, April 7th to spend a pleasant few hours listening to the Accordion Band that are coming from Great Falls to entertain us.
Be at the Bluffs shortly before 1:00 p.m. There will be snacks and something to drink for your pleasure. Perhaps you would like to have dinner with the band. Please call in a reservation if you would like to do that. They will have a place all set up for you and it is a reasonable price. (Ladies the bonus is no cooking or having to do dishes. That sure sounds good to me.) For those of you who like to dance, be our guests. We love watching you. See you there.
CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
This performance will be next Monday the 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the Elementary School. The O Sole Trio from New York City has taken the world by storm. They have been together since 2012 when they got together from all parts of the country.
We loved them at Consortium that was held in Fort Benton in January of 2018 and all that attended that event said they must return for a full show.
They will be here next Monday so be sure that you are too. I know there is a conflict of events that evening so please make O Sole Trio.
AUTHOR SUSANNA
Susanna will be visiting Fort Benton again with her book that has now been published. She was here several years ago and she has kept in touch with me by e-mail.
Please read the article about her by Connelly in this weeks River Press. She will be at the Chouteau County Library at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. next Monday evening for a book reading.
I am looking forward to seeing Susanna again and we are having lunch at the Club House at noon if you would like to join us.
I enjoy writer’s company because I would like some of their talent to rub off on me. I never had the desire to write a book because I do not have the imagination they must have. Make your plans to attend.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
I’ll see you on Saturday April 6th in our sister city, Loma, for the 48th Annual Flea Market. It begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m.
I have not heard from anyone about the history of the market or if anyone is still around that was here 47 years ago. It must have been a success because it is still around.
Come on up to Loma to support our friends there. I am sure that there will always be something there to add to your furnishings or collections. Enjoy a wonderful lunch. I look forward to those Indian Tacos that Chandee provides for us. So, see you there!
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, VOLUNTEER FIREMEN and WOMEN, AND EMT’s.
By Muncie
4/3/19
APRIL MOON
This is the Full Pink Moon. The name came from the herb moss pink or wild ground phlox which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Full Egg Moon, and among the tribes The Full Fish (or Shad) Moon because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn. (I personally like the Full Pink Moon. I’ll bet that all those who fish like the Full Fish Moon best.) The full moon is on Friday the 19th.
I hope that you saw the most beautiful full moon last month. It was a beautiful clear night when I received a phone call about 7:00 p.m. that the moon had just come up. I did not see it until 11:00 p.m. because it has to work its way over the bluffs and homes that block an early view.
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
It has been exactly 10 years since I began writing the VIEW every week. Previously I wrote only when the Visitors Center opened in May until it closed in September.
My friends Connie Jenkins and Sharalee Smith with step-son Randy Morger attended the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. They met with Arnie Fishbaugh who was the Executive Director of The Montana Arts Council. They wanted in some way to spread the “Joys of Fort Benton” to the world. They decided that I should write every week and Sharalee put me on the Fort Benton website. I cannot believe that was 10 years ago. There were several times that I took a “time out.” Some of those times were when I returned to Michigan to be with my sister during her battle with cancer, family illnesses, and when I had my knee replacement. Some day when I have some spare time, I will check back to see just how many weeks I had under my belt.
In June I will have another mark on my calendar because it will be 20 years since I began the View with a small paragraph in the River Press announcing it.
So, the years have flown by and there is so much water under the bridge. They have been wonderful and happy years for me. I am so thankful that circumstances brought me to Montana which I know is the best place on earth.
SHONKIN REUNION
The Upper and Lower Shonkin Class/Friends/Everybody Reunion is being held on Sunday June 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:0o p.m. or later.
Meat dishes and drinks will be provided. Pot luck dishes are welcome.
More information will be coming in the weeks ahead that will include R.S.V.P. phone numbers and questions. Put this on your calendar now to plan for this event.
FORT BENTON BUS RIDE
I took a ride around the Fort Benton route on the Community Bus a couple of weeks ago on a Friday. I had an appointment at 11:30 and was on time for that. I was picked up an hour later and taken to the MRMC to visit a friend who was in the hospital. I was again picked up an hour later and arrived back at my apartment a happy camper. It is such a nice feeling to have someone else do the driving. If ever I become very rich, the first thing I will do is hire a personal driver. To me that would be ultimate luxury. It was also a blessing not to ride on my GoGo. Those rides are absolutely too bumpy except for the newly redone portion on River Drive between the circle and the Sunrise Bluffs. It is so smooth and easy to travel.
I would like here to thank all the drivers in town who are so considerate of me and my scooter. At corners you let me pass and you always wave to me. Please remember that I cannot often see who you are as you go by me. It is so wonderful to be able to get around town on my GoGo and know that you are all watching out for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am so grateful for this Fort Benton and Great Falls Community Bus ride. A lot of work went into getting this project started and my sincere thank you to all those who worked on it. You deserve Angel medals and you are angels for the volunteering that you do.
So, to all of you who were voicing requests that Fort Benton needs bus service…take advantage of these trips. Do not let it go away because of empty buses.
ACCORDION BAND
Please make an effort to come to Sunrise Bluffs on Sunday, April 7th to spend a pleasant few hours listening to the Accordion Band that are coming from Great Falls to entertain us.
Be at the Bluffs shortly before 1:00 p.m. There will be snacks and something to drink for your pleasure. Perhaps you would like to have dinner with the band. Please call in a reservation if you would like to do that. They will have a place all set up for you and it is a reasonable price. (Ladies the bonus is no cooking or having to do dishes. That sure sounds good to me.) For those of you who like to dance, be our guests. We love watching you. See you there.
CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
This performance will be next Monday the 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the Elementary School. The O Sole Trio from New York City has taken the world by storm. They have been together since 2012 when they got together from all parts of the country.
We loved them at Consortium that was held in Fort Benton in January of 2018 and all that attended that event said they must return for a full show.
They will be here next Monday so be sure that you are too. I know there is a conflict of events that evening so please make O Sole Trio.
AUTHOR SUSANNA
Susanna will be visiting Fort Benton again with her book that has now been published. She was here several years ago and she has kept in touch with me by e-mail.
Please read the article about her by Connelly in this weeks River Press. She will be at the Chouteau County Library at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. next Monday evening for a book reading.
I am looking forward to seeing Susanna again and we are having lunch at the Club House at noon if you would like to join us.
I enjoy writer’s company because I would like some of their talent to rub off on me. I never had the desire to write a book because I do not have the imagination they must have. Make your plans to attend.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
I’ll see you on Saturday April 6th in our sister city, Loma, for the 48th Annual Flea Market. It begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m.
I have not heard from anyone about the history of the market or if anyone is still around that was here 47 years ago. It must have been a success because it is still around.
Come on up to Loma to support our friends there. I am sure that there will always be something there to add to your furnishings or collections. Enjoy a wonderful lunch. I look forward to those Indian Tacos that Chandee provides for us. So, see you there!
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, VOLUNTEER FIREMEN and WOMEN, AND EMT’s.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
View from The Bridge 3/27/19
View FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/27/19
ROBINS GALORE
Judy from Loma called a few weeks ago to report she had spotted robins in her yard. From the reports I received this past week it must have taken the robins some time to get to Fort Benton. Toots Hayden told me last Thursday that she had two robins in her yard. Saturday, Gladys Perez called to report that her son saw at least a dozen robins, at the same time, in her yard. They must have come in on a tour because they did not stay long.
No matter what the sightings or the conditions the robins are here to stay for the spring and summer. I am thrilled about that.
HELLO WHO
How did you get through the piles of snow around the hollow tree to decorate for St. Patty’s day? I actually did not see it until last week when I was able to get out and about on my GoGo for the first time.
Now I have to discuss Easter with you. As you must know, it is time to decorate for that holiday. I have the rabbit and large metal carrot that you did not pick up last year, in my garage. I will gladly put them in the tree if you would pick up your green shamrocks.
Now everyone is asking if you were the one who put the flower on the levee? I heard conversation at the Senior Center that it must have been Nancy Lachepelle? I asked Nancy and she said that the flower is crocheted and she does not crochet. So now the question is it the same WHO, who does the hollow tree decorations or is it a new WHO?
O.K. so what else do we have to pass the time? I know that you will never tell but that is great. I would not if I were you. Too many people would then ask your advice for decorating. I just want to thank you for what you are doing to keep us guessing as to WHO you are?
SPECIAL ATTENTION
Jill Zeren from Humana Insurance will be in Fort Benton next Friday the 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Golden Age Senior Center. (Several of her trips to Fort Benton from Great Falls were cancelled because of the weather.) She will be answering all the questions you have to ask about your insurance coverage.
The COMMUNITY BUS will be making an extra trip that day to pick up those people who need a ride to the Senior Center. If you call Nancy at 868-6210, she will pick up at your home.
REMINDERS
CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
A week from next Monday, the 8th of April, will be the next to the last Chouteau County Performing Arts program. Please do not miss this show featuring the O Sole Trio. They were a huge success at the Consortium that was held in Fort Benton in January of 2018. Everyone who attended that event asked that the Trio came back to Fort Benton. The two Guys and a Gal are from New York City and their performance is outstanding.
Please remember my dream to fill the auditorium at the Elementary School with 400 people. (I know that the weather had much to do with the attendance at the last couple of C.C.P.A. shows but 130 people just does not do it.)
It may be raining but I promise that the snow will be gone. (I am really going out on a limb with this one.) So, see you there. Bring your friends and neighbors. They will love you for it.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
Just a reminder that Loma Flea Market will be on Saturday April the 6th starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.
Can you Old Timers believe that this is the 48th anniversary of this event? I would love to hear from anyone who went to that first Flea Market and what was it called then? I am in the phone book. This is my 25th year of attending. I look forward to it every year. See you there!
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING THAW
I was able to get out and about this past week. The Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce had their annual meeting called Spring Thaw last Saturday night.
Five different eating establishments furnished the buffet tables. The choices were all so delicious. I cannot name them for you because there were too many that I cannot remember. I do remember chicken kabobs, meatballs, pasties, and cheesecake for dessert. I am sorry for those who furnished us with food whose names I cannot come up with.
There was a live and silent auction with fantastic items that were donated. There was a band called Exit 53 who had couples dancing and singing along. (I was never able to find out why the name Exit 53? Where is Exit 53? I will check into that.)
It was a fun evening and got me out of the apartment on a day in March I have sad memories of. I loved the name of your event. It was certainly a Spring Thaw.
SPRING ART FEST
I was able to get out and about again on Sunday. The Spring Art Fest was held at the Ag Center. It was very exciting to watch local artists start their particular art work and have it finished in an hour or so. Then the pieces were auctioned off and there was so much fun to watch.
Most of the artists are involved in the Prairie Rose store. I enjoyed the way the auctioneer told stories about when the autist began painting and how they developed in the art world.
It was noted that the crowd was larger than last year. The word is getting around and that is the best way to get more of an audience.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, AND EMT’S.
By Muncie
3/27/19
ROBINS GALORE
Judy from Loma called a few weeks ago to report she had spotted robins in her yard. From the reports I received this past week it must have taken the robins some time to get to Fort Benton. Toots Hayden told me last Thursday that she had two robins in her yard. Saturday, Gladys Perez called to report that her son saw at least a dozen robins, at the same time, in her yard. They must have come in on a tour because they did not stay long.
No matter what the sightings or the conditions the robins are here to stay for the spring and summer. I am thrilled about that.
HELLO WHO
How did you get through the piles of snow around the hollow tree to decorate for St. Patty’s day? I actually did not see it until last week when I was able to get out and about on my GoGo for the first time.
Now I have to discuss Easter with you. As you must know, it is time to decorate for that holiday. I have the rabbit and large metal carrot that you did not pick up last year, in my garage. I will gladly put them in the tree if you would pick up your green shamrocks.
Now everyone is asking if you were the one who put the flower on the levee? I heard conversation at the Senior Center that it must have been Nancy Lachepelle? I asked Nancy and she said that the flower is crocheted and she does not crochet. So now the question is it the same WHO, who does the hollow tree decorations or is it a new WHO?
O.K. so what else do we have to pass the time? I know that you will never tell but that is great. I would not if I were you. Too many people would then ask your advice for decorating. I just want to thank you for what you are doing to keep us guessing as to WHO you are?
SPECIAL ATTENTION
Jill Zeren from Humana Insurance will be in Fort Benton next Friday the 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Golden Age Senior Center. (Several of her trips to Fort Benton from Great Falls were cancelled because of the weather.) She will be answering all the questions you have to ask about your insurance coverage.
The COMMUNITY BUS will be making an extra trip that day to pick up those people who need a ride to the Senior Center. If you call Nancy at 868-6210, she will pick up at your home.
REMINDERS
CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
A week from next Monday, the 8th of April, will be the next to the last Chouteau County Performing Arts program. Please do not miss this show featuring the O Sole Trio. They were a huge success at the Consortium that was held in Fort Benton in January of 2018. Everyone who attended that event asked that the Trio came back to Fort Benton. The two Guys and a Gal are from New York City and their performance is outstanding.
Please remember my dream to fill the auditorium at the Elementary School with 400 people. (I know that the weather had much to do with the attendance at the last couple of C.C.P.A. shows but 130 people just does not do it.)
It may be raining but I promise that the snow will be gone. (I am really going out on a limb with this one.) So, see you there. Bring your friends and neighbors. They will love you for it.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
Just a reminder that Loma Flea Market will be on Saturday April the 6th starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.
Can you Old Timers believe that this is the 48th anniversary of this event? I would love to hear from anyone who went to that first Flea Market and what was it called then? I am in the phone book. This is my 25th year of attending. I look forward to it every year. See you there!
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING THAW
I was able to get out and about this past week. The Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce had their annual meeting called Spring Thaw last Saturday night.
Five different eating establishments furnished the buffet tables. The choices were all so delicious. I cannot name them for you because there were too many that I cannot remember. I do remember chicken kabobs, meatballs, pasties, and cheesecake for dessert. I am sorry for those who furnished us with food whose names I cannot come up with.
There was a live and silent auction with fantastic items that were donated. There was a band called Exit 53 who had couples dancing and singing along. (I was never able to find out why the name Exit 53? Where is Exit 53? I will check into that.)
It was a fun evening and got me out of the apartment on a day in March I have sad memories of. I loved the name of your event. It was certainly a Spring Thaw.
SPRING ART FEST
I was able to get out and about again on Sunday. The Spring Art Fest was held at the Ag Center. It was very exciting to watch local artists start their particular art work and have it finished in an hour or so. Then the pieces were auctioned off and there was so much fun to watch.
Most of the artists are involved in the Prairie Rose store. I enjoyed the way the auctioneer told stories about when the autist began painting and how they developed in the art world.
It was noted that the crowd was larger than last year. The word is getting around and that is the best way to get more of an audience.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, AND EMT’S.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/6/16
PIE DAY
Since April began on Friday the 1st, Pie Day will be next Friday the 8th at 1:00 p.m. and a Bake Sale. It is supposed to warm up again by the weekend so come on down and enjoy a homemade piece of pie and a cup of coffee or tea. It is my sweet treat of the month and as well as visits with my friends. Make the second Friday of the month a routine part of your life to slow down and relax. (See Observations below.)
PUB NIGHT
(This is a long story but it will connect the dots.) Having a performance by Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 3:00 p.m. was a great success. One of the many things that happen as we grow older is some of us do not go out after dark. Many comments were directed at the Chouteau County Performing Arts (C.C.P.A.,) Board thanking them for arrange a special performance for seniors and families.
As for the performance at 7:00 p.m., it was a toe tappin’, hand clappin’ evening. It was my favorite word, awesome. I had a great time enjoying all the different kinds of music that was played.
And how about those dancers! That is part of the fun evening is those dancing couples who got out on the dance floor and that they did all evening. I was tired just watching. I wish I had just 1/10th of their energy. I counted 7 couples dancing most of the time and there were a few more when waltzes were played. The last song had the dance floor crowded. Thank you to those couples who made Pub Night more fun.
The sponsors were Cindy of the Club House and Chris and Teri of the Benton Pharmacy. Be sure to thank them when you are in their businesses. A very welcome buffet was donated by Shannon and Rod of the Price Rite. It hit the spot as I didn’t have supper. The snacks were great and I really enjoyed those thin pretzels. I’ll look for you Shannon to point them out to me.
All in all it was a really fun evening and I hope we do not have to wait 7 years for Tom and Flambeau to return to Fort Benton.
THE BALLANTYNE BOYS
I first heard the Ballantyne Boys play their violins at the March Tuesday night dinner at the Golden Age Senior Center. The oldest brother, Andrew, played Ashokan Farewell and I was not able to talk to him because he left immediately for basketball practice. I wanted him to know that his performance was the best that I have ever heard.
I first heard Ashokan Farewell in Florida when I visited my Sis and her husband who were snow-birds from Michigan. Her neighbor came over to offer us 2 tickets to see the Calgary Fiddlers that evening. There were 600 people at the concert just from that mobile home park. One of the young women played Ashokan Farewell as a solo and it became a favorite of mine.
Several years later Connie Jenkins and I arranged to have the Fiddlers come to Fort Benton during Summer Celebration. They are based in Calgary and they arrived on a bus just as the Pot Luck was beginning. I billeted (English word for housed,) 8 young ladies ages 13 to 18 years old. Ann Kuehn billeted the 8 young men. (Do any of you remember the Calgary Fiddlers?)
One of the young women played Ashokan Farewell and knew it was a favorite of mine. Every time she saw me she would start to play it.
When the Ballantyne Boys were to be entertaining before Tom Rigby, I finally was able to tell Andrew before the performance how much I enjoyed his playing at the Senior Center. So then what happened! He dedicated the song to me and it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.
I learned a bit more about the Boys that evening. They have been taking lessons for 4 years. They were very enthused about Tom Rigby and his violin. I have never heard a band before that the leader played the violin. It is a beautiful instrument and the Boys deserve a lot of credit for their stick-to-it attitude. You are on the way up in the music world Boys.
I knew that the Ashokan Farewell was the background music from the Ken Burn’s PBS presentation of the Civil War. I checked out the Internet this morning and found that the music was written in 1982. It was written by Jay Ungar and served as a goodnight or farewell waltz at the annual Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp in the Cascades Mountains of New York. It was then titled Waltz of the Wind. It is a song of lament or longing and that is why Burn’s was moved by it when he heard it. He thought of the Civil War that way and used that beautiful music.
I just thought perhaps Andrew and you readers would like to know some of the history or the song and perhaps if the Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp is still going on, he may like to go someday.
ANOTHER STORY
Karen and Jerry Brooke live near the Ballantyne home. They were outside one day picking raspberries in their garden, when young Callum was practicing. Jerry said to Karen, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” (I wish I lived near the Ballantynes.)
ROSIE THE RIVETER
I know this is not a Fort Benton story but I just have to tell it. Last week on the World News there was a story about Rosie the Riveter. It brings back so many memories about WWII. That was my era of being a teenager.
It was the time that women left the home and went out to take on jobs that were needed when the men went to war. They mentioned the song, “Rosie the Riveter,” and they showed photos of women at work in Ypsilanti, Michigan at the Willow Run Aircraft Plant located about 25 miles from our home. The Plant manufactured 1 airplane an hour.
My Mom worked there. My Mom, who had worn house dresses up to that point, bought her first pair of slacks. She had that Rosie bandana around her head. She was in a car pool that picked her up at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. She loved her job and I am sorry that she never told me what she did. She made “Forever Friends.” Her employment lasted 9 months and the war ended.
The women made $1.10 an hour for a paycheck of $44.00 a week. One woman, (a farmer’s wife,) who was interviewed said it helped to pay off their mortgage.
So my Mom worked days and my Dad worked afternoons. He was at the Ford Motor Company, Dearborn MI, located 3 miles from our house. Ford Motor produced armored tanks. I do not know how much he made an hour. When he was hired in 1934 or 1935, he made $5.00 a day which was unheard of at that time. (These are my memories which may or may not be accurate.)
Last year’s Summer Celebration t-shirt had the picture of Rosie on it. The story behind that was not to honor Rosie but to honor the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in MT. We’ve come a long way Baby but still have a long way to go. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Everyone has a story and I know that out there are more. Please let me in on some of them.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
It was very crowded this year and it seemed like many more vendors. My daughter and I had a great time. I saw and visited with many friends. I saw Colleen on her way out and she excitedly showed me a print she bought of “Rosie the Riveter.” She said she really didn’t know what she was going to do with it but just had to buy it. That is what a Flea Market is all about. You see something that brings back memories or the old days. I wish there were more Flea Markets around. I do realize that that is a whole lot of packin’ and unpackin’.
APRIL MOON
This was known as the Full Pink Moon. This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest wild flowers of the spring. (Does Montana have her moss pink or wild ground phlox? Am I missing something?)
Other names of the April Moon are Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Full Fish Moon. Take your choice. The full moon is on Friday the 22nd this month. Enjoy!
QUILT PROJECT
Only one more shirt to go and it may be an impossible one. It is from 1990 and the theme was “Wild, Wild West.” A 2015 was donated last week. That puts us on schedule to start selling raffle tickets about a month before Summer Celebration. I can hardly wait to see the finished quilt. It will be such a treasure.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to check the Community Calendar each week for current events but I will remind you here of this months’ other dates to put on your calendar.
There is Bingo at the Golden Age Senior Center on Thursdays at 1:00. There is also Bingo at the Sunrise Fluffs on Friday evenings. Check the time with them.
The Prom is next Saturday, April 9th. I have not been able to attend the Crowning Ceremony for several years but I hope to do it next Saturday. I really enjoy watching the whole event. (It brings back memories of my Prom days. The Girls were escorted to the Nuns house, next door to the high school, for dress inspections. You could not have strapless dresses or you were sent home. Of course, we always found a way around that by having jackets we could remove except the Nuns chaperoned the whole dance by sitting in the balcony. This is a funny memory. I’ll bet you are wondering if I was ever sent home. Of course not! Do I ever have stories to tell about high school? If you see me out and about, ask me about the time my friends skipped school to see Frank Sinatra. You won’t believe it. Of course, I never skipped school.)
The annual Piatigorsky Concert at the Grand Union will be this coming Sunday the 10th at 3:30 p.m. The last C.C.P.A. performance for this season will be Wednesday the 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Elementary School. It will be a great finale for the season. See you there!
OBSERVATIONS
People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who do not.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and THOSE WHO PROTECT US.
By Muncie
4/6/16
PIE DAY
Since April began on Friday the 1st, Pie Day will be next Friday the 8th at 1:00 p.m. and a Bake Sale. It is supposed to warm up again by the weekend so come on down and enjoy a homemade piece of pie and a cup of coffee or tea. It is my sweet treat of the month and as well as visits with my friends. Make the second Friday of the month a routine part of your life to slow down and relax. (See Observations below.)
PUB NIGHT
(This is a long story but it will connect the dots.) Having a performance by Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 3:00 p.m. was a great success. One of the many things that happen as we grow older is some of us do not go out after dark. Many comments were directed at the Chouteau County Performing Arts (C.C.P.A.,) Board thanking them for arrange a special performance for seniors and families.
As for the performance at 7:00 p.m., it was a toe tappin’, hand clappin’ evening. It was my favorite word, awesome. I had a great time enjoying all the different kinds of music that was played.
And how about those dancers! That is part of the fun evening is those dancing couples who got out on the dance floor and that they did all evening. I was tired just watching. I wish I had just 1/10th of their energy. I counted 7 couples dancing most of the time and there were a few more when waltzes were played. The last song had the dance floor crowded. Thank you to those couples who made Pub Night more fun.
The sponsors were Cindy of the Club House and Chris and Teri of the Benton Pharmacy. Be sure to thank them when you are in their businesses. A very welcome buffet was donated by Shannon and Rod of the Price Rite. It hit the spot as I didn’t have supper. The snacks were great and I really enjoyed those thin pretzels. I’ll look for you Shannon to point them out to me.
All in all it was a really fun evening and I hope we do not have to wait 7 years for Tom and Flambeau to return to Fort Benton.
THE BALLANTYNE BOYS
I first heard the Ballantyne Boys play their violins at the March Tuesday night dinner at the Golden Age Senior Center. The oldest brother, Andrew, played Ashokan Farewell and I was not able to talk to him because he left immediately for basketball practice. I wanted him to know that his performance was the best that I have ever heard.
I first heard Ashokan Farewell in Florida when I visited my Sis and her husband who were snow-birds from Michigan. Her neighbor came over to offer us 2 tickets to see the Calgary Fiddlers that evening. There were 600 people at the concert just from that mobile home park. One of the young women played Ashokan Farewell as a solo and it became a favorite of mine.
Several years later Connie Jenkins and I arranged to have the Fiddlers come to Fort Benton during Summer Celebration. They are based in Calgary and they arrived on a bus just as the Pot Luck was beginning. I billeted (English word for housed,) 8 young ladies ages 13 to 18 years old. Ann Kuehn billeted the 8 young men. (Do any of you remember the Calgary Fiddlers?)
One of the young women played Ashokan Farewell and knew it was a favorite of mine. Every time she saw me she would start to play it.
When the Ballantyne Boys were to be entertaining before Tom Rigby, I finally was able to tell Andrew before the performance how much I enjoyed his playing at the Senior Center. So then what happened! He dedicated the song to me and it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.
I learned a bit more about the Boys that evening. They have been taking lessons for 4 years. They were very enthused about Tom Rigby and his violin. I have never heard a band before that the leader played the violin. It is a beautiful instrument and the Boys deserve a lot of credit for their stick-to-it attitude. You are on the way up in the music world Boys.
I knew that the Ashokan Farewell was the background music from the Ken Burn’s PBS presentation of the Civil War. I checked out the Internet this morning and found that the music was written in 1982. It was written by Jay Ungar and served as a goodnight or farewell waltz at the annual Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp in the Cascades Mountains of New York. It was then titled Waltz of the Wind. It is a song of lament or longing and that is why Burn’s was moved by it when he heard it. He thought of the Civil War that way and used that beautiful music.
I just thought perhaps Andrew and you readers would like to know some of the history or the song and perhaps if the Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp is still going on, he may like to go someday.
ANOTHER STORY
Karen and Jerry Brooke live near the Ballantyne home. They were outside one day picking raspberries in their garden, when young Callum was practicing. Jerry said to Karen, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” (I wish I lived near the Ballantynes.)
ROSIE THE RIVETER
I know this is not a Fort Benton story but I just have to tell it. Last week on the World News there was a story about Rosie the Riveter. It brings back so many memories about WWII. That was my era of being a teenager.
It was the time that women left the home and went out to take on jobs that were needed when the men went to war. They mentioned the song, “Rosie the Riveter,” and they showed photos of women at work in Ypsilanti, Michigan at the Willow Run Aircraft Plant located about 25 miles from our home. The Plant manufactured 1 airplane an hour.
My Mom worked there. My Mom, who had worn house dresses up to that point, bought her first pair of slacks. She had that Rosie bandana around her head. She was in a car pool that picked her up at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. She loved her job and I am sorry that she never told me what she did. She made “Forever Friends.” Her employment lasted 9 months and the war ended.
The women made $1.10 an hour for a paycheck of $44.00 a week. One woman, (a farmer’s wife,) who was interviewed said it helped to pay off their mortgage.
So my Mom worked days and my Dad worked afternoons. He was at the Ford Motor Company, Dearborn MI, located 3 miles from our house. Ford Motor produced armored tanks. I do not know how much he made an hour. When he was hired in 1934 or 1935, he made $5.00 a day which was unheard of at that time. (These are my memories which may or may not be accurate.)
Last year’s Summer Celebration t-shirt had the picture of Rosie on it. The story behind that was not to honor Rosie but to honor the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in MT. We’ve come a long way Baby but still have a long way to go. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Everyone has a story and I know that out there are more. Please let me in on some of them.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
It was very crowded this year and it seemed like many more vendors. My daughter and I had a great time. I saw and visited with many friends. I saw Colleen on her way out and she excitedly showed me a print she bought of “Rosie the Riveter.” She said she really didn’t know what she was going to do with it but just had to buy it. That is what a Flea Market is all about. You see something that brings back memories or the old days. I wish there were more Flea Markets around. I do realize that that is a whole lot of packin’ and unpackin’.
APRIL MOON
This was known as the Full Pink Moon. This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest wild flowers of the spring. (Does Montana have her moss pink or wild ground phlox? Am I missing something?)
Other names of the April Moon are Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Full Fish Moon. Take your choice. The full moon is on Friday the 22nd this month. Enjoy!
QUILT PROJECT
Only one more shirt to go and it may be an impossible one. It is from 1990 and the theme was “Wild, Wild West.” A 2015 was donated last week. That puts us on schedule to start selling raffle tickets about a month before Summer Celebration. I can hardly wait to see the finished quilt. It will be such a treasure.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to check the Community Calendar each week for current events but I will remind you here of this months’ other dates to put on your calendar.
There is Bingo at the Golden Age Senior Center on Thursdays at 1:00. There is also Bingo at the Sunrise Fluffs on Friday evenings. Check the time with them.
The Prom is next Saturday, April 9th. I have not been able to attend the Crowning Ceremony for several years but I hope to do it next Saturday. I really enjoy watching the whole event. (It brings back memories of my Prom days. The Girls were escorted to the Nuns house, next door to the high school, for dress inspections. You could not have strapless dresses or you were sent home. Of course, we always found a way around that by having jackets we could remove except the Nuns chaperoned the whole dance by sitting in the balcony. This is a funny memory. I’ll bet you are wondering if I was ever sent home. Of course not! Do I ever have stories to tell about high school? If you see me out and about, ask me about the time my friends skipped school to see Frank Sinatra. You won’t believe it. Of course, I never skipped school.)
The annual Piatigorsky Concert at the Grand Union will be this coming Sunday the 10th at 3:30 p.m. The last C.C.P.A. performance for this season will be Wednesday the 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Elementary School. It will be a great finale for the season. See you there!
OBSERVATIONS
People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who do not.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and THOSE WHO PROTECT US.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
View From The Bridge 3/25/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/25/15
SHREDDING TIME
Do you remember the last couple of years of having a shredding truck here for the spring cleanup? It was in conjunction with regular recycling and electronics recycling. I learned too late that there was shredding being done and I missed it.
I called Karen Giles, (Mrs. Recycler,) and she said that the plans had not yet been made for the shredding company to come to Fort Benton. It may be this spring or it may be in the fall.
Karen gave me the phone number for a man named Steve. We played telephone tag for about 2 months before we finally spoke. He did not know the schedule either and said that if I brought my three boxes of papers, he could meet me and do what needed to be done.
I had my Income Tax appointment last week and I phones Steve that I would be in Great Falls. He said to call him when I was finished with my appointment. I was near Albertson’s on the Northwest bypass and he said he would meet me there in about 15 minutes. I asked how I would know him and he said that he would be in a big white truck with a sign on it.
He pulled up in this huge truck and told me to park on the other side. As I went around, there was a huge door at the back. On the other side there was a much smaller door. He pushed a button and the door opened. He took out a large plastic wastepaper type container. Then he pushed another button and a ramp came out. He placed the container on the ramp, dumped my papers from the boxes into the container, and pushed another button. The top of the truck opened and the ramp rose very high in the air, and dumped into the shredder. I could hear it shredding.
What a great experience to see how the system worked first hand. The whole time Steve is smiling as if it were a commercial. What a happy-go-lucky guy he was. He said he enjoyed his job and was happy that I enjoyed the experience. Keep smiling and enjoy every minute of every day. (Do you remember when I used to end the View with that statement?) So, save your papers to be shredded and I will certainly let you know when Steve will be in Fort Benton again.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
I checked with Scotty Peters several months ago, at the Post Office, the date of the Flea Market. When he said March 28th, the weekend before Easter, it seemed like such a long wait. As everything other occasion, the time just flew by.
My daughter, Jennifer, comes up from Great Falls every year not only for the fun of the Flea Market but for the donuts and Indian Tacos. My Sweetheart Wally also loved it because he collected many of his Louis Lamoure books. See you there.
Next thing you know it will be C.C.P.A. on April 16th, the Mullen Road Conference, opening of the Museums and the Old Fort, and Summer Celebration. Time flies when you are having fun!
EASTER
What a gorgeous day, Sunday, was. A week from next Sunday that cute little bunny will be hopping around town just like Santa does. I am sure there is a Santa and sure there is an Easter Bunny but I am absolutely positive there are Angels. I personally know several of them and they have been the best guardians in the world.
So color those eggs, get all your eggs in a basket, plan dinner with family and friends, and may the weather be as great as today.
I believe that Easter is not celebrated today as it was in “the dark ages. Perhaps it is because I did not live in a rural area. I know that we did not have the Park Easter Egg Hunts. (We did not have any parks.) I remember a new outfit and hat to match. I remember not having to do the dishes after dinner but given money for the movie show that we could walk to. We also were given 10 cents, 5 cents for popcorn and 5 cents for a candy bar. I like the rural egg hunt much better than my recollections.
I am going to do some surveying this week and learn about how you spend Easter. I’ll let you know next week.
AROUND TOWN
This is going to be a quiet week for me as there is nothing on my calendar to get me out and about. Income tax was taken care of last week and that was a big load off my mind.
I chatted with Chris Halko and he is planning his Jimmy Buffet open house for some time after Income Tax Day. We are all missing Pharmacist Erin Hazen. She arrived safely in Minnesota and is settling down to being a farm wife.
I love to talk “farm talk” with women are or were in that life style. I never would have had the strength of those women. Just thinking about making dinner for a crowd at harvest time, scares me. They worked long and hard not only their daily household duties but helping in the field with everything having to do with farming or ranching. The only part I would have enjoyed was having a horse of my own and riding every day. (Actually, I do not think they would have time to do that.)
Now, how did I get off on that subject? I think about it often and this was my opportunity to let those women know how devoted they are. I appreciate you and being a city girl, I had no idea of what you were all about. Note: that all goes for the farmers and ranchers too.
WALKING
I am still walking at the high school and still have those hallways to myself. I have not yet adjusted to walking the Levee Walking Trail. I’m waiting until it is a little warmer because I would then be walking earlier in the morning. It is nice to know that I will always have the high school to use if the weather gets too hot like it did last summer. At least it was too hot for me.
Spring is here. Do you need the exercise? Have you been doing a lot of sitting and watching TV this past winter? Just do it!
SENIOR MOMENT
I don’t trip over things. I do random gravity checks!
(I know that these moments are geared toward seniors but just remember someday you will be down that road.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
By Muncie
3/25/15
SHREDDING TIME
Do you remember the last couple of years of having a shredding truck here for the spring cleanup? It was in conjunction with regular recycling and electronics recycling. I learned too late that there was shredding being done and I missed it.
I called Karen Giles, (Mrs. Recycler,) and she said that the plans had not yet been made for the shredding company to come to Fort Benton. It may be this spring or it may be in the fall.
Karen gave me the phone number for a man named Steve. We played telephone tag for about 2 months before we finally spoke. He did not know the schedule either and said that if I brought my three boxes of papers, he could meet me and do what needed to be done.
I had my Income Tax appointment last week and I phones Steve that I would be in Great Falls. He said to call him when I was finished with my appointment. I was near Albertson’s on the Northwest bypass and he said he would meet me there in about 15 minutes. I asked how I would know him and he said that he would be in a big white truck with a sign on it.
He pulled up in this huge truck and told me to park on the other side. As I went around, there was a huge door at the back. On the other side there was a much smaller door. He pushed a button and the door opened. He took out a large plastic wastepaper type container. Then he pushed another button and a ramp came out. He placed the container on the ramp, dumped my papers from the boxes into the container, and pushed another button. The top of the truck opened and the ramp rose very high in the air, and dumped into the shredder. I could hear it shredding.
What a great experience to see how the system worked first hand. The whole time Steve is smiling as if it were a commercial. What a happy-go-lucky guy he was. He said he enjoyed his job and was happy that I enjoyed the experience. Keep smiling and enjoy every minute of every day. (Do you remember when I used to end the View with that statement?) So, save your papers to be shredded and I will certainly let you know when Steve will be in Fort Benton again.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
I checked with Scotty Peters several months ago, at the Post Office, the date of the Flea Market. When he said March 28th, the weekend before Easter, it seemed like such a long wait. As everything other occasion, the time just flew by.
My daughter, Jennifer, comes up from Great Falls every year not only for the fun of the Flea Market but for the donuts and Indian Tacos. My Sweetheart Wally also loved it because he collected many of his Louis Lamoure books. See you there.
Next thing you know it will be C.C.P.A. on April 16th, the Mullen Road Conference, opening of the Museums and the Old Fort, and Summer Celebration. Time flies when you are having fun!
EASTER
What a gorgeous day, Sunday, was. A week from next Sunday that cute little bunny will be hopping around town just like Santa does. I am sure there is a Santa and sure there is an Easter Bunny but I am absolutely positive there are Angels. I personally know several of them and they have been the best guardians in the world.
So color those eggs, get all your eggs in a basket, plan dinner with family and friends, and may the weather be as great as today.
I believe that Easter is not celebrated today as it was in “the dark ages. Perhaps it is because I did not live in a rural area. I know that we did not have the Park Easter Egg Hunts. (We did not have any parks.) I remember a new outfit and hat to match. I remember not having to do the dishes after dinner but given money for the movie show that we could walk to. We also were given 10 cents, 5 cents for popcorn and 5 cents for a candy bar. I like the rural egg hunt much better than my recollections.
I am going to do some surveying this week and learn about how you spend Easter. I’ll let you know next week.
AROUND TOWN
This is going to be a quiet week for me as there is nothing on my calendar to get me out and about. Income tax was taken care of last week and that was a big load off my mind.
I chatted with Chris Halko and he is planning his Jimmy Buffet open house for some time after Income Tax Day. We are all missing Pharmacist Erin Hazen. She arrived safely in Minnesota and is settling down to being a farm wife.
I love to talk “farm talk” with women are or were in that life style. I never would have had the strength of those women. Just thinking about making dinner for a crowd at harvest time, scares me. They worked long and hard not only their daily household duties but helping in the field with everything having to do with farming or ranching. The only part I would have enjoyed was having a horse of my own and riding every day. (Actually, I do not think they would have time to do that.)
Now, how did I get off on that subject? I think about it often and this was my opportunity to let those women know how devoted they are. I appreciate you and being a city girl, I had no idea of what you were all about. Note: that all goes for the farmers and ranchers too.
WALKING
I am still walking at the high school and still have those hallways to myself. I have not yet adjusted to walking the Levee Walking Trail. I’m waiting until it is a little warmer because I would then be walking earlier in the morning. It is nice to know that I will always have the high school to use if the weather gets too hot like it did last summer. At least it was too hot for me.
Spring is here. Do you need the exercise? Have you been doing a lot of sitting and watching TV this past winter? Just do it!
SENIOR MOMENT
I don’t trip over things. I do random gravity checks!
(I know that these moments are geared toward seniors but just remember someday you will be down that road.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
View From The Bridge 4/10/13
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
4/10/13
JIMMY BUFFETT DAY
The Benton Pharmacy is again this year hosting a party on Friday the 19th to help soothe our “Income Tax Day Blues.” Chris Halko puts on a fun party and invites all of you to come in and enjoy some Hawaiian drinks and snacks. He has Jimmy Buffett music in the background playing all day long. This is a Fort Benton tradition, as are all the other free lunch offers by various businesses, so come on down and enjoy. Hope to see you there.
RECYCLE REPORT
On the Saturday March 30th Recycling Day, the results were very good. Even though it was a holiday weekend, 25 donors took the time to deliver their recyclables. Nest Saturday the 13th will be the next drop-off day. They had a lot of volunteer support on the 30th and are looking forward to more of that volunteer help. It is about one and a half hours of your time and the Committee hopes that you can find the time to squeeze into your busy schedules.
Next week there will be more information about the “Dump Day” collection on the 27th of April. Watch for a possible change of plans as to the collection points.
PHONE BOOKS
Phone books are important income for the Elementary School. Triangle Telephone Co. gives the school .50 cents per book through a grant. Try always to save your books to either wait until a collection time is designated or take them to the school yourself. It is a great deal for the school, the landfill, and the environment.
AROUND TOWN
On Wednesday the 10th, the Alley Cats will be entertaining at the Elementary School. You may read The River Press in time to attend if you did not already know about it. The performance should brighten up your evening so come on over.
On Wednesday, The Friends of the Library will be very interesting to all because we all know someone who needs, “Talking Books.” Nancy Hanford, the president of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of Montana, took Talking Books on as a $10,000.00 fundraiser during her term. She will be speaking as well as Adina Fox, (General Federation of Woman’s Clubs) state budget and finance chairperson. A beautiful quilt, make by Donna Albers, is being raffled to raise the money. The entire Woman’s Clubs in Montana will sell tickets. Contact any Fort Benton Woman’s Club member for raffle tickets and she will be happy to oblige.
I have been enjoying these books for over 30 years. I purchased a special machine for listening while walking, (like a Walkman.) The Talking Books are two different speeds on one tape and there are four sides. I have listened to hundreds of books in those 30 years that I otherwise would not have been able to read. All this happened with the Talking Books because when I had cataract surgery those many years ago, implanted lens were not placed in my eyes. I wear contacts to take the place of the lens and glasses to correct my vision. Following two retinal detachment operations, I had a wrinkled macula and double vision. My glasses have prisms in them and that makes it difficult to read. I remember a nurse in the hospital when I had the cataract surgery, suggesting I get “Talking Books.” That was one of the best things that have happened in my life.
If you want to talk eye operations and Talking Books, give me a call at 622-3217 after 2:00 pm.
PIATIGORSKY
On Friday evening the 12th, the Piatigorsky Foundations will be performing their yearly offering at the Grand Union Hotel. Soprano Katharine Dain and pianist Jeffrey Grossman will be our entertainers of classical music. That evening, as guest bartender, will be Philip Aaberg. It would be great if you could help him out with his favorite charity.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
I always report after the fact; however, I forgot to mention it last week. My daughter, Jennifer, came up from Great Falls because the weather was beautiful. At least it started out to be beautiful but did have a good downpour in Loma. Fort Benton did not get that particular storm. We have gone to Loma every year and Jennifer did also when the driving was safe. We had a great time and enjoyed our Indian Taco Salad that is a must every year. We met many friends and visited with them. We found some treasures that we could not live without. One of mine was a pair of Sports Binoculars that I can carry in my purse. I wish that the Loma Flea Market Committee would consider have a market in the fall. However, I realize that it is a lot of work and I appreciate what you do at least one a year.
BLUE HERONS
We took a ride after the market to see the blue herons. They were there and several were sitting up in their nests. Jennifer took pictures to send to family on e-mail because she had never seen anything like it before. The best part was after we turned around and headed back toward the nests, a bald eagle flew over. What a thrill and a sign of good luck. Love those eagles.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Please call me if you, your family, your organization, or other is having a special event. I did talk to the person in charge of the Bingo games at the Club House. The games are over now but will resume in the fall. I will bet you Bingo fans do not know what to do with yourselves.
GOD BLESS AMERICA and OUR TROOPS. WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. LET US SEE A SEA OF RED. FOLKS, THEY ARE PROTECTING US. LET THEM KNOW WE FEEL SAFE, FEEL PROTECTED, AND THAT WE SUPPORT THEM.
By Muncie
4/10/13
JIMMY BUFFETT DAY
The Benton Pharmacy is again this year hosting a party on Friday the 19th to help soothe our “Income Tax Day Blues.” Chris Halko puts on a fun party and invites all of you to come in and enjoy some Hawaiian drinks and snacks. He has Jimmy Buffett music in the background playing all day long. This is a Fort Benton tradition, as are all the other free lunch offers by various businesses, so come on down and enjoy. Hope to see you there.
RECYCLE REPORT
On the Saturday March 30th Recycling Day, the results were very good. Even though it was a holiday weekend, 25 donors took the time to deliver their recyclables. Nest Saturday the 13th will be the next drop-off day. They had a lot of volunteer support on the 30th and are looking forward to more of that volunteer help. It is about one and a half hours of your time and the Committee hopes that you can find the time to squeeze into your busy schedules.
Next week there will be more information about the “Dump Day” collection on the 27th of April. Watch for a possible change of plans as to the collection points.
PHONE BOOKS
Phone books are important income for the Elementary School. Triangle Telephone Co. gives the school .50 cents per book through a grant. Try always to save your books to either wait until a collection time is designated or take them to the school yourself. It is a great deal for the school, the landfill, and the environment.
AROUND TOWN
On Wednesday the 10th, the Alley Cats will be entertaining at the Elementary School. You may read The River Press in time to attend if you did not already know about it. The performance should brighten up your evening so come on over.
On Wednesday, The Friends of the Library will be very interesting to all because we all know someone who needs, “Talking Books.” Nancy Hanford, the president of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of Montana, took Talking Books on as a $10,000.00 fundraiser during her term. She will be speaking as well as Adina Fox, (General Federation of Woman’s Clubs) state budget and finance chairperson. A beautiful quilt, make by Donna Albers, is being raffled to raise the money. The entire Woman’s Clubs in Montana will sell tickets. Contact any Fort Benton Woman’s Club member for raffle tickets and she will be happy to oblige.
I have been enjoying these books for over 30 years. I purchased a special machine for listening while walking, (like a Walkman.) The Talking Books are two different speeds on one tape and there are four sides. I have listened to hundreds of books in those 30 years that I otherwise would not have been able to read. All this happened with the Talking Books because when I had cataract surgery those many years ago, implanted lens were not placed in my eyes. I wear contacts to take the place of the lens and glasses to correct my vision. Following two retinal detachment operations, I had a wrinkled macula and double vision. My glasses have prisms in them and that makes it difficult to read. I remember a nurse in the hospital when I had the cataract surgery, suggesting I get “Talking Books.” That was one of the best things that have happened in my life.
If you want to talk eye operations and Talking Books, give me a call at 622-3217 after 2:00 pm.
PIATIGORSKY
On Friday evening the 12th, the Piatigorsky Foundations will be performing their yearly offering at the Grand Union Hotel. Soprano Katharine Dain and pianist Jeffrey Grossman will be our entertainers of classical music. That evening, as guest bartender, will be Philip Aaberg. It would be great if you could help him out with his favorite charity.
LOMA FLEA MARKET
I always report after the fact; however, I forgot to mention it last week. My daughter, Jennifer, came up from Great Falls because the weather was beautiful. At least it started out to be beautiful but did have a good downpour in Loma. Fort Benton did not get that particular storm. We have gone to Loma every year and Jennifer did also when the driving was safe. We had a great time and enjoyed our Indian Taco Salad that is a must every year. We met many friends and visited with them. We found some treasures that we could not live without. One of mine was a pair of Sports Binoculars that I can carry in my purse. I wish that the Loma Flea Market Committee would consider have a market in the fall. However, I realize that it is a lot of work and I appreciate what you do at least one a year.
BLUE HERONS
We took a ride after the market to see the blue herons. They were there and several were sitting up in their nests. Jennifer took pictures to send to family on e-mail because she had never seen anything like it before. The best part was after we turned around and headed back toward the nests, a bald eagle flew over. What a thrill and a sign of good luck. Love those eagles.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Please call me if you, your family, your organization, or other is having a special event. I did talk to the person in charge of the Bingo games at the Club House. The games are over now but will resume in the fall. I will bet you Bingo fans do not know what to do with yourselves.
GOD BLESS AMERICA and OUR TROOPS. WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. LET US SEE A SEA OF RED. FOLKS, THEY ARE PROTECTING US. LET THEM KNOW WE FEEL SAFE, FEEL PROTECTED, AND THAT WE SUPPORT THEM.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
View From The Bridge 4/6/11
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
4/6/11
LOMA FLEA MARKET
What a fun time we had. My friend in Loma (Chandee) saved a dozen donuts for me and they were quickly consumed. How good can it get? A cup of coffee and a fresh donut cannot be beaten by any other breakfast dessert. We shopped until we almost dropped, (I got some great buys,) and then we had a roast beef dinner. That is the second Sunday in a row that I did not have to cook. I wish Loma would have the Flea Market more than once a year.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
Do any of you readers watch “The Antiques Roadshow” on PBS Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.? The show was in Billings, Montana last summer and will be airing the first of three shows on April 11th. The second and third shows will be aired on April 18th, and 25th.
On April 25th at 8:00 p.m., our PBS guide reads to join them during this encore broadcast of the first episode in Billings and we will visit with people who were at the event and have fun stories to share.
The guide also listed some of the antiques that were brought to the show. Those that I thought were interesting were two Montana antiques. They were a long lost 19th century Arthur Brown watercolor scene of Yellowstone National Park, and an 1843 artillery sword and belt.
It should be interesting to watch, especially the one at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday the 25th. We enjoy the Roadshow, and have been looking forward to these episodes. We did not realize that there would be three shows and it was quite a surprise to read the schedules. Try to remember to tune in. You may see someone you know. If anyone from Fort Benton was there, please let me know.
MUSIC AT THE BLUFFS
The musical talent in our extended family is Greg Bonilla (the other grandfather to grandson Grayson.) He plays a mean guitar and on Sunday past, he played with his band (from Great Falls,) at the Sunrise Bluffs. It consists of three accordion players, a pianist, and two guitar players. They play old songs (from the dark ages as my kids used to call it,) and it calls for dancing and singing along.
We had a great time just listening and watching the dancers. Look for a picture in the River Press as I did see Tim there with his camera. I will ask Greg to let us know the next time they have a gig at the Bluffs. Perhaps you would like to join us and I know that you will enjoy yourselves.
We remember when Bonnie and Ken Morrow did a regular song and dance time at the Bluffs. I met Bonnie in Great Falls last week and she would like to find someone to accompany her organ music. I suggested that she call Greg to see what could be worked out with the group he belongs to. It would be wonderful to see her at the Bluffs again as she is a very entertaining performer. I am sure you all remember her.
The Bluffs are quite a swinging place since the new company took it over and hired Karla Ayers as manager. She keeps everyone on his or her toes with fun activities. If you have friends that live there, you can have lunch or dinner with them. It is a very small fee and do not forget to call in ahead of time. They love to have visitors and the atmosphere is so pleasant. If you have wanted to visit there, do not put it off any longer. Just do it.
GOODBYE HUNTERS
From the Bluffs, I went directly to say so long to Janice and Pastor Hunter. It was also a very nice get-together at the Methodist Church. I visited with many old friends and we all lamented about the loss of the Hunters.
I cannot blame them for wanting to retire and move to be near their family. However, it is very difficult to see them go. They will be in Fort Benton until the end of May and Billings is not that far away.
GOODBYE TODDS
I received a phone call this morning, (Monday,) that Pastor Todd and his wife Teresa are also leaving Fort Benton. At the moment, I was confused, thinking that Toni was talking about the Hunters. No, not at all. She was talking about the Todd’s. Their last service will be on Easter Sunday and they will start a missionary assignment.
You can get more details at a farewell get-together on Sunday the 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church. This is surely a double whammy for Fort Benton. The Todd’s, as well as the Hunters, will be sorely missed.
Lives in our community are taking many turns and twists these days. Change is very difficult to accept especially when you grow older. Young people adapt more easily and quickly. However, no matter what age we are, change affects each of our lives in different ways. We will look forward to the next turn in the road and wish the best for the Todd’s. They walk the Lord’s road of acceptance and change.
THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN
Fort Benton has had many great Chouteau County Performing Arts program, but The Perfect Gentlemen (no contest,) was the best in the opinion of the many people that voiced their views. What great talent and the whole show was totally entertaining.
I was at the Price Rite late on Monday evening and on my way to the register, I heard barbershop singing. There at the register were The Perfect Gentlemen checking out with their breakfast for morning. I said, “Hello Perfect Gentlemen and welcome to Fort Benton.” They asked how I knew them and I said I knew a lot about them. The cashier said, “She is a reporter for The River Press, our local newspaper.” Now, how great is that. I have been promoted to reporter status. I wonder what Tim thinks about that.
The Gentlemen said that this was their last show and they had been on the road for four months. They had performed in Helena the night before and there were actually people that came from Helena to see them again. There was also a couple from Calgary that sat in front of us. They had been at the Governor’s conference and talked to the Fort Benton delegation about The Perfect Gentlemen. They decided to take in the show on their way home and they stayed overnight at the Grand Union.
Another interesting item is that about 240 seats in the auditorium were filled. That was one of the best turnouts ever. It is all about getting the word out how great the C.C.P.A. presentations are. Invite everyone you know to come to the next and last performance of the season on Wednesday April the 27th. Tim Ryan with Rob Quist and Christian Johnson will be performing. See you there.
GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE
I will have to postpone this report until next week. I found I could not call seven people who attended from Fort Benton on Monday and expect them to give me a report. I have only reached three out of the seven and so I will report next week. From the three that I spoke with, it was an exciting conference.
The Montana Office of Tourism's marketing plan for the next several years is “Geotourism", which the speaker from National Geographic, Jonathon Tourtellot who visited Fort Benton, said that Fort Benton had been doing all along. I will explain more next week about what Geotourism is all about.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Saturday evening at the Elementary School will appear the Missoula Children’s Theatre. This is always such a fun thing even if you do not have children at the school. Please plan on attending and show your support of their efforts.
No other events have been reported to me. You will have to find your own entertainment this week. Next week many meetings will take place. I will just mention Friends of the Library because it will be held on Wednesday the 13th at noon and you will not have gotten your River Press yet.
Friends is a great group of people and their motto is, “Be a friend and bring a friend.” If you enjoy reading, you will enjoy The Friends. Just show up and you will be welcomed. (An incentive is that they have great treats and snacks.)
SO LONG FOR NOW
As I was looking at my last year’s calendar, (I copy birthdays and other important dates from last years to this year,) I saw that on April 15th our apricot trees bloomed. The bees were hard at work and we had a bumper crop of apricots last summer. On April the 17th, the blossoms began falling off. I do not believe that is going to happen this year. I asked Mother Nature for a break but obviously, she did not hear me. I am going to try to keep busy and not think about it.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OUR TROOPS.
By Muncie
4/6/11
LOMA FLEA MARKET
What a fun time we had. My friend in Loma (Chandee) saved a dozen donuts for me and they were quickly consumed. How good can it get? A cup of coffee and a fresh donut cannot be beaten by any other breakfast dessert. We shopped until we almost dropped, (I got some great buys,) and then we had a roast beef dinner. That is the second Sunday in a row that I did not have to cook. I wish Loma would have the Flea Market more than once a year.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
Do any of you readers watch “The Antiques Roadshow” on PBS Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.? The show was in Billings, Montana last summer and will be airing the first of three shows on April 11th. The second and third shows will be aired on April 18th, and 25th.
On April 25th at 8:00 p.m., our PBS guide reads to join them during this encore broadcast of the first episode in Billings and we will visit with people who were at the event and have fun stories to share.
The guide also listed some of the antiques that were brought to the show. Those that I thought were interesting were two Montana antiques. They were a long lost 19th century Arthur Brown watercolor scene of Yellowstone National Park, and an 1843 artillery sword and belt.
It should be interesting to watch, especially the one at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday the 25th. We enjoy the Roadshow, and have been looking forward to these episodes. We did not realize that there would be three shows and it was quite a surprise to read the schedules. Try to remember to tune in. You may see someone you know. If anyone from Fort Benton was there, please let me know.
MUSIC AT THE BLUFFS
The musical talent in our extended family is Greg Bonilla (the other grandfather to grandson Grayson.) He plays a mean guitar and on Sunday past, he played with his band (from Great Falls,) at the Sunrise Bluffs. It consists of three accordion players, a pianist, and two guitar players. They play old songs (from the dark ages as my kids used to call it,) and it calls for dancing and singing along.
We had a great time just listening and watching the dancers. Look for a picture in the River Press as I did see Tim there with his camera. I will ask Greg to let us know the next time they have a gig at the Bluffs. Perhaps you would like to join us and I know that you will enjoy yourselves.
We remember when Bonnie and Ken Morrow did a regular song and dance time at the Bluffs. I met Bonnie in Great Falls last week and she would like to find someone to accompany her organ music. I suggested that she call Greg to see what could be worked out with the group he belongs to. It would be wonderful to see her at the Bluffs again as she is a very entertaining performer. I am sure you all remember her.
The Bluffs are quite a swinging place since the new company took it over and hired Karla Ayers as manager. She keeps everyone on his or her toes with fun activities. If you have friends that live there, you can have lunch or dinner with them. It is a very small fee and do not forget to call in ahead of time. They love to have visitors and the atmosphere is so pleasant. If you have wanted to visit there, do not put it off any longer. Just do it.
GOODBYE HUNTERS
From the Bluffs, I went directly to say so long to Janice and Pastor Hunter. It was also a very nice get-together at the Methodist Church. I visited with many old friends and we all lamented about the loss of the Hunters.
I cannot blame them for wanting to retire and move to be near their family. However, it is very difficult to see them go. They will be in Fort Benton until the end of May and Billings is not that far away.
GOODBYE TODDS
I received a phone call this morning, (Monday,) that Pastor Todd and his wife Teresa are also leaving Fort Benton. At the moment, I was confused, thinking that Toni was talking about the Hunters. No, not at all. She was talking about the Todd’s. Their last service will be on Easter Sunday and they will start a missionary assignment.
You can get more details at a farewell get-together on Sunday the 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church. This is surely a double whammy for Fort Benton. The Todd’s, as well as the Hunters, will be sorely missed.
Lives in our community are taking many turns and twists these days. Change is very difficult to accept especially when you grow older. Young people adapt more easily and quickly. However, no matter what age we are, change affects each of our lives in different ways. We will look forward to the next turn in the road and wish the best for the Todd’s. They walk the Lord’s road of acceptance and change.
THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN
Fort Benton has had many great Chouteau County Performing Arts program, but The Perfect Gentlemen (no contest,) was the best in the opinion of the many people that voiced their views. What great talent and the whole show was totally entertaining.
I was at the Price Rite late on Monday evening and on my way to the register, I heard barbershop singing. There at the register were The Perfect Gentlemen checking out with their breakfast for morning. I said, “Hello Perfect Gentlemen and welcome to Fort Benton.” They asked how I knew them and I said I knew a lot about them. The cashier said, “She is a reporter for The River Press, our local newspaper.” Now, how great is that. I have been promoted to reporter status. I wonder what Tim thinks about that.
The Gentlemen said that this was their last show and they had been on the road for four months. They had performed in Helena the night before and there were actually people that came from Helena to see them again. There was also a couple from Calgary that sat in front of us. They had been at the Governor’s conference and talked to the Fort Benton delegation about The Perfect Gentlemen. They decided to take in the show on their way home and they stayed overnight at the Grand Union.
Another interesting item is that about 240 seats in the auditorium were filled. That was one of the best turnouts ever. It is all about getting the word out how great the C.C.P.A. presentations are. Invite everyone you know to come to the next and last performance of the season on Wednesday April the 27th. Tim Ryan with Rob Quist and Christian Johnson will be performing. See you there.
GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE
I will have to postpone this report until next week. I found I could not call seven people who attended from Fort Benton on Monday and expect them to give me a report. I have only reached three out of the seven and so I will report next week. From the three that I spoke with, it was an exciting conference.
The Montana Office of Tourism's marketing plan for the next several years is “Geotourism", which the speaker from National Geographic, Jonathon Tourtellot who visited Fort Benton, said that Fort Benton had been doing all along. I will explain more next week about what Geotourism is all about.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Saturday evening at the Elementary School will appear the Missoula Children’s Theatre. This is always such a fun thing even if you do not have children at the school. Please plan on attending and show your support of their efforts.
No other events have been reported to me. You will have to find your own entertainment this week. Next week many meetings will take place. I will just mention Friends of the Library because it will be held on Wednesday the 13th at noon and you will not have gotten your River Press yet.
Friends is a great group of people and their motto is, “Be a friend and bring a friend.” If you enjoy reading, you will enjoy The Friends. Just show up and you will be welcomed. (An incentive is that they have great treats and snacks.)
SO LONG FOR NOW
As I was looking at my last year’s calendar, (I copy birthdays and other important dates from last years to this year,) I saw that on April 15th our apricot trees bloomed. The bees were hard at work and we had a bumper crop of apricots last summer. On April the 17th, the blossoms began falling off. I do not believe that is going to happen this year. I asked Mother Nature for a break but obviously, she did not hear me. I am going to try to keep busy and not think about it.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OUR TROOPS.
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