“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
2/26/14
FLAG from AFGHANISTAN
As Nancy Lachapell wrote a book titled, “Letters from Afghanistan,” I have a short story about an American Flag from Afghanistan that we received in the mail last Friday. It was from grandson, Morgan, who is the son of Venetta Morger and John Wood.
Perhaps you remember that Wally has had five grandsons in the service of our country. Grandson, Zeke Grovenstein, son of Darcy Morger Grovenstein and Glenn, was in the Marines for four years and received a purple heart while serving in Afghanistan. Whitney and Emory, also Darcy and Glenn’s sons, have already served in Afghanistan and may be deployed again. The fourth is Dashiel Morger, son of our own Randy Morger who also served in Afghanistan.
The story however, is about Morgan who presently is in the war zone flying a helicopter. As a Christmas present he sent his grandfather, Wally, an American Flag that flew on one of his missions. It came with a certificate of authenticity.
The certificate reads as follows. “This certificate acknowledges that this United States Flag was flown for 3.4 hours on combat missions in direct Support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Logar, Wardak, Ghazni, and Paktiy Provinces, Afghanistan January 1st 2014 for Wallace Morger.” How special is that?
Our grandsons, Donald Ruhl who was the only U.S. Marine from Montana to receive the Medal of Honor, Billy Swensgard the only soldier from Fort Benton killed in Vietnam, and every other man/woman who have served our country mean so much to me. That is the reason I ask you to “Support Our Troops and Wear Red on Fridays.” We have comfortable lives because of them.
If you have a military story to share, please get it to me. I and I am sure many others would like to read it.
“HAPPY FOOT” CLINIC
Every two months I have a “Happy Foot” day. You could also have it every other month if it would please you. The Chouteau County Health Department provides the community with foot health care. It is a real blessing for the seniors of our community. As you grow older, (speaking from experience,) your nails become thicker and more brittle. You cannot trim them easily. You cannot bend over the way you used to. In fact, the most popular saying amongst seniors is, “you cannot do anything any more the way you used to.”
This service is offered for a minimal fee and it certainly “makes ones day.” You feel as though you are walking on air. For a delightful treat for yourself, give the Chouteau County Public Health Department a call at 622-3771 and make an appointment.
Nurse Gerri Dostal will greet you at the Sunrise Bluffs usually on the third Thursday (all day,) and Friday mornings. Nurse Gerri was thinking of changing that schedule to the second and third Thursday in stead of Friday mornings. This is yet to be determined.
This Foot Clinic moves to Geraldine every other month. Nurse Gerri is busy but always welcomes new friends. It actually is a social time as Gerri was finishing up with Mary Davison, and you are next to be seated in a new special chair. The next appointment shows up early so come on in and sit down. More introductions to a new acquaintance to query about his/her life, where they came from, do they love Fort Benton? There is a story there somewhere as everyone has a story. Turns out that he reads the View and that made my day.
TRIVIA
There will be two questions today because the second will explain the first. The subject is Sports and Leisure after having been glued to the TV to watch the Olympics. Q. What was the only U.S. ski resort to hold a telemark ski competition in 2000? Q. No. 2 If you were participating in the Pinhead Classic Costume Race at Bridger Bowl, what kind of skiing would you be doing?
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
P.S. The hungry birds were back several times last week. I was disappointed that no one turned in a feral cat trap. They must be out there somewhere. They could not have just disappeared. Check again, would you?
ANSWERS
No. 1 Big Mountain
No. 2 Telemark skiing in which you must dress according to the theme, such as Space Odyssey in 2000 or Medieval Knights
Showing posts with label montana trivia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label montana trivia. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
12/26/13
HAPPY NEW YEAR
What challenges will 2014 bring? Hopefully it will be solutions to not only our own problems but those of the country and the world. A little bit of understanding and kindness would go a long way. I used to write a long while ago, “Do a good deed a day.” Let’s make it a New Year’s resolution. Yes, it is difficult but if it makes one person smile, it is important. Let’s give it a try.
MY FAVORITE DAY
It got past me last week to mention my favorite day. The 22nd of December is a day to celebrate because from now on the days are getting longer. We are in the dead of winter with its snow, ice, and low temperatures, so the thought of the sun being with us a little longer each day makes me happy. I know that many of you feel the same because the subject comes up in conversion often. Each morning it is enjoyable to see how many more minutes the day allows us.
I do realize that there are two more months of hard winter but thoughts of spring take over. With time flying the way it is, I think we can handle whatever Mother Nature hands out. Think Spring.
ROBINS
Thanksgiving week, Dottie Meehan was pulling into her driveway when she saw a robin on her Crabapple tree. She believed her eyes when a second robin flew into the tree. Then again on the coldest day of the year, she stepped onto her porch to retrieve her newspaper when, she heard a robin. Sure enough, there it was in the Crabapple tree. The tree is planted between the sidewalk and the street. On December 19th Dottie saw four robins in the same tree.
The robins seem to be hanging around the 17th and 18th blocks of Franklin. Beverly Grass, who lives a half block from Dottie, witnessed three robins on the ground enjoying bird seed cast off the feeders hanging on her front porch. I also saw a single robin in my lilac tree recently in addition to a baby woodpecker that stayed in the lilac trees for several minutes. I met John Cloepfil, who is a bird expert, and he said that he had not seen any robins. Has anyone else out there seen any robins? Let me know.
An article, I read recently, said that robins do stay in Montana during cold weather. It seems they have adapted to the cold and like staying in our beautiful state.
KIDDO’S CHRISTMAS LETTERS
What fun reading all those Christmas letters from the children. Our River Press does such a great job not only with those letters but the Veterans supplement, all sports coverage, City Council, County Commissioners meetings, and on and on. It is one of our small town treasurers. Kudos to you River Press.
Have you been by the new location yet? I know that they would be happy to see you. Their “new digs,” are so much like a newspaper office should look like. Do drop in and say hello.
TRIVIA
Last week I chose a question about Makoshika State Park? Several people asked me where the park is because they have never heard of it. I checked my Montana map and found it is in a badlands area east of Glendive and consists of 8,834 acres. (When I checked on the inter-net, it said that there were over 11,000 acres.) There is a campground there and a dinosaur museum. Sounds like a great place to check out if you are one of those persons who “Gets Lost in Montana.”
Today’s Q. “How many people visit Makoshika State Park every year? A. Below.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. 40,000 people visit the park every year. (That is a whole lot of people. I’d like to invite them to Fort Benton.)
By Muncie
12/26/13
HAPPY NEW YEAR
What challenges will 2014 bring? Hopefully it will be solutions to not only our own problems but those of the country and the world. A little bit of understanding and kindness would go a long way. I used to write a long while ago, “Do a good deed a day.” Let’s make it a New Year’s resolution. Yes, it is difficult but if it makes one person smile, it is important. Let’s give it a try.
MY FAVORITE DAY
It got past me last week to mention my favorite day. The 22nd of December is a day to celebrate because from now on the days are getting longer. We are in the dead of winter with its snow, ice, and low temperatures, so the thought of the sun being with us a little longer each day makes me happy. I know that many of you feel the same because the subject comes up in conversion often. Each morning it is enjoyable to see how many more minutes the day allows us.
I do realize that there are two more months of hard winter but thoughts of spring take over. With time flying the way it is, I think we can handle whatever Mother Nature hands out. Think Spring.
ROBINS
Thanksgiving week, Dottie Meehan was pulling into her driveway when she saw a robin on her Crabapple tree. She believed her eyes when a second robin flew into the tree. Then again on the coldest day of the year, she stepped onto her porch to retrieve her newspaper when, she heard a robin. Sure enough, there it was in the Crabapple tree. The tree is planted between the sidewalk and the street. On December 19th Dottie saw four robins in the same tree.
The robins seem to be hanging around the 17th and 18th blocks of Franklin. Beverly Grass, who lives a half block from Dottie, witnessed three robins on the ground enjoying bird seed cast off the feeders hanging on her front porch. I also saw a single robin in my lilac tree recently in addition to a baby woodpecker that stayed in the lilac trees for several minutes. I met John Cloepfil, who is a bird expert, and he said that he had not seen any robins. Has anyone else out there seen any robins? Let me know.
An article, I read recently, said that robins do stay in Montana during cold weather. It seems they have adapted to the cold and like staying in our beautiful state.
KIDDO’S CHRISTMAS LETTERS
What fun reading all those Christmas letters from the children. Our River Press does such a great job not only with those letters but the Veterans supplement, all sports coverage, City Council, County Commissioners meetings, and on and on. It is one of our small town treasurers. Kudos to you River Press.
Have you been by the new location yet? I know that they would be happy to see you. Their “new digs,” are so much like a newspaper office should look like. Do drop in and say hello.
TRIVIA
Last week I chose a question about Makoshika State Park? Several people asked me where the park is because they have never heard of it. I checked my Montana map and found it is in a badlands area east of Glendive and consists of 8,834 acres. (When I checked on the inter-net, it said that there were over 11,000 acres.) There is a campground there and a dinosaur museum. Sounds like a great place to check out if you are one of those persons who “Gets Lost in Montana.”
Today’s Q. “How many people visit Makoshika State Park every year? A. Below.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. 40,000 people visit the park every year. (That is a whole lot of people. I’d like to invite them to Fort Benton.)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
View From The Bridge 11/13/13
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
11/13/13
VETERANS DINNER
We just returned on Monday evening from the Sunrise Bluffs. The Veterans Day Dinner was held there for the first time and will most likely be the place from now on. I know how hard the committee worked to put up decorations, set tables, arrange the centerpieces, put up pictures on that huge wall inside the dining room ,and arrange entertainment. They worked all day Sunday. I was there only for about three hours watching B.J. McIntyre hang more Veterans pictures. A very heart warming idea was to put poppies on those Veterans who have passed away
B.J. estimates that there are over 300 Veterans photos hanging in the Bluffs hallway. There is also a classic picture of the American flag and a large poster of the 2nd Honor Guard started in 1946 that were hung Sunday. There are many old-timers in those pictures and perhaps many of you saw yourselves. The other picture belongs to Connie Jenkins whose father is in the picture. It is of his squadron at Malstrom in the ‘40’s. I’ll have more information about that picture next week because it is all on the back of the picture at the Bluffs. We will mark Connie’s father’s face somehow as there are about a hundred men on the photo.
A count of those who enjoyed dinner was about 120 Veterans and their families. It amazes me how they can judge how many people are going to show up. Somehow, they had it right tonight. There were tables of eight and every one seemed to be filled.
There were many well deserved “thank you for your service,” conversations. They were well deserved and we would have liked to hear every one of their stories. All the visitors viewed the Veterans Photo Wall and read the bios of their loved ones. What a book that bio book would make.
THINK SNOW
I have a floppy clown about 2 ft. in length that holds a sign that reads, “Think Snow.” Each fall I put him on top of our newspaper box in the entry way. When I leave or enter the house, there he is with his message. Every time I enter or leave, someone has turned the sign around. Well, guess what! This year I am not even putting him up because I do not do snow-man building, skiing, sledding, snow boarding, shoveling, or anything to do with snow. Besides, I am tired of turning the sign around.
Today, (Sunday) I had to clean snow off our vehicle because I needed to watch B.J. put up more Veterans pictures at the Bluffs before the Veterans dinner Monday evening. It was not too bad when I went out about 1:00 p.m. or so, but when I left the Bluffs about 4:30 p.m. I had to scrape ice and snow from the windows of the vehicle. It is an awful thought that we have at least three more months of this kind of activity. Woe is me! Why can’t we hibernate like the bear? It would be so wonderful to wake up to spring.
NORTH POLE OUTLET
The Santa North Pole Outlet Mall for Children is under new management this coming season. Give them a helping hand to make this year as successful as previous years. If you do not know what the Mall is all about, here is the scoop. Private donations and a grant provide Christmas gifts for just Children to purchase at a small fee for their parents and siblings. It is held at the same location as always and that is the Northwest Physician Building, ll10 Front Street. The date to remember is December 7th, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Children from ages K through 6th grade are invited to participate. Prices start at .25 cents to $3.00, greeters are available to help the children to make decisions, and wrapping is available. What a deal and what a bargain. Donations are made from many of the Fort Benton merchants. Also, private donations are welcome and please take them over anytime soon to the Northwest Physician Building.
If you want to have a fun time, show up at the building to help out or just watch. The kids are so much fun and a delight to work with. That is what Christmas is all about. Happy Holidays for a warm, fuzzy feeling.
INDIAN RELAYS
On next Monday, November 18th PBS will show nationally the film “Indian Relays.” Please try to watch it and spread the word to your family and friends in other parts of the country about the program. Have them check their TV schedules because different PBS stations may show it at different times. Local Montana PBS it will air at 9:00 p.m. Mountain Time and again on Wednesday the 20th at 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
OTHER EVENTS
Friends of the Library and General Federation of Woman’s Clubs meet on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. You will have missed Friends by the time you get your River Press. I should have mentioned it last week. Sorry about that.
Friday is Pie Day. No kidding! Because November began on a Friday, it will be this week. Call your friends and come on down to the Senior Center on Front Street for homemade pie and a hot cup of coffee. Nothing could be finer. Give lots of support to those women who work so hard and a plus is that they are the best pie bakers around. Don’t miss Friday Pie Day at 2:00 p.m.
RANDY’S BEARD
I know for certain that Randy growing a beard it is why the Red Sox won the World Series and why Carroll College won the Frontier Conference title last Saturday. I am begging him not to shave it off until Carroll wins three more playoff games and the final National Conference game. Wait a minute, I just had a money making idea. It will be called “Rent a Randy Beard.” I will rent Randy out to hang out at any contests you have going. I’ll offer him 10% and I’ll keep 90%. Do you think he would go for that?
TRIVIA
I have missed this item the last few weeks because of 911 calls being made from our home. I think I am back on track now and here is the next trivia.
Sports and Leisure Q. How many state parks in Montana? A. Below
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. 43, totaling almost 28, 000 acres.
By Muncie
11/13/13
VETERANS DINNER
We just returned on Monday evening from the Sunrise Bluffs. The Veterans Day Dinner was held there for the first time and will most likely be the place from now on. I know how hard the committee worked to put up decorations, set tables, arrange the centerpieces, put up pictures on that huge wall inside the dining room ,and arrange entertainment. They worked all day Sunday. I was there only for about three hours watching B.J. McIntyre hang more Veterans pictures. A very heart warming idea was to put poppies on those Veterans who have passed away
B.J. estimates that there are over 300 Veterans photos hanging in the Bluffs hallway. There is also a classic picture of the American flag and a large poster of the 2nd Honor Guard started in 1946 that were hung Sunday. There are many old-timers in those pictures and perhaps many of you saw yourselves. The other picture belongs to Connie Jenkins whose father is in the picture. It is of his squadron at Malstrom in the ‘40’s. I’ll have more information about that picture next week because it is all on the back of the picture at the Bluffs. We will mark Connie’s father’s face somehow as there are about a hundred men on the photo.
A count of those who enjoyed dinner was about 120 Veterans and their families. It amazes me how they can judge how many people are going to show up. Somehow, they had it right tonight. There were tables of eight and every one seemed to be filled.
There were many well deserved “thank you for your service,” conversations. They were well deserved and we would have liked to hear every one of their stories. All the visitors viewed the Veterans Photo Wall and read the bios of their loved ones. What a book that bio book would make.
THINK SNOW
I have a floppy clown about 2 ft. in length that holds a sign that reads, “Think Snow.” Each fall I put him on top of our newspaper box in the entry way. When I leave or enter the house, there he is with his message. Every time I enter or leave, someone has turned the sign around. Well, guess what! This year I am not even putting him up because I do not do snow-man building, skiing, sledding, snow boarding, shoveling, or anything to do with snow. Besides, I am tired of turning the sign around.
Today, (Sunday) I had to clean snow off our vehicle because I needed to watch B.J. put up more Veterans pictures at the Bluffs before the Veterans dinner Monday evening. It was not too bad when I went out about 1:00 p.m. or so, but when I left the Bluffs about 4:30 p.m. I had to scrape ice and snow from the windows of the vehicle. It is an awful thought that we have at least three more months of this kind of activity. Woe is me! Why can’t we hibernate like the bear? It would be so wonderful to wake up to spring.
NORTH POLE OUTLET
The Santa North Pole Outlet Mall for Children is under new management this coming season. Give them a helping hand to make this year as successful as previous years. If you do not know what the Mall is all about, here is the scoop. Private donations and a grant provide Christmas gifts for just Children to purchase at a small fee for their parents and siblings. It is held at the same location as always and that is the Northwest Physician Building, ll10 Front Street. The date to remember is December 7th, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Children from ages K through 6th grade are invited to participate. Prices start at .25 cents to $3.00, greeters are available to help the children to make decisions, and wrapping is available. What a deal and what a bargain. Donations are made from many of the Fort Benton merchants. Also, private donations are welcome and please take them over anytime soon to the Northwest Physician Building.
If you want to have a fun time, show up at the building to help out or just watch. The kids are so much fun and a delight to work with. That is what Christmas is all about. Happy Holidays for a warm, fuzzy feeling.
INDIAN RELAYS
On next Monday, November 18th PBS will show nationally the film “Indian Relays.” Please try to watch it and spread the word to your family and friends in other parts of the country about the program. Have them check their TV schedules because different PBS stations may show it at different times. Local Montana PBS it will air at 9:00 p.m. Mountain Time and again on Wednesday the 20th at 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
OTHER EVENTS
Friends of the Library and General Federation of Woman’s Clubs meet on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. You will have missed Friends by the time you get your River Press. I should have mentioned it last week. Sorry about that.
Friday is Pie Day. No kidding! Because November began on a Friday, it will be this week. Call your friends and come on down to the Senior Center on Front Street for homemade pie and a hot cup of coffee. Nothing could be finer. Give lots of support to those women who work so hard and a plus is that they are the best pie bakers around. Don’t miss Friday Pie Day at 2:00 p.m.
RANDY’S BEARD
I know for certain that Randy growing a beard it is why the Red Sox won the World Series and why Carroll College won the Frontier Conference title last Saturday. I am begging him not to shave it off until Carroll wins three more playoff games and the final National Conference game. Wait a minute, I just had a money making idea. It will be called “Rent a Randy Beard.” I will rent Randy out to hang out at any contests you have going. I’ll offer him 10% and I’ll keep 90%. Do you think he would go for that?
TRIVIA
I have missed this item the last few weeks because of 911 calls being made from our home. I think I am back on track now and here is the next trivia.
Sports and Leisure Q. How many state parks in Montana? A. Below
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. 43, totaling almost 28, 000 acres.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
View From The Bridge 10/23/13
“VIEW from the BRIDGE
by Muncie
10/23/13
CUTEST STORY EVER
I just have to pass this on because I think that it is the cutest story ever. I hope that it cheers up your day.
My daughter Jennifer’s friend has a grandson, Kameron, (yes, with a K) who is a precious 4-year-old. His Mom and Dad do not like video games for kids. “That is why we have acreage so they can run anywhere and use that crazy thing called “imagination.” Kameron wanted to play a video game and we told him, “NO.” He got mad at us and told us, “If I knew the number to 911, I would call it and trade you in for new parents.”
Are you laughing until tears come?
VETERANS PHOTOS
Photos were put on the back burner while I, (and other volunteers at the Joel Overholser Research Center,) worked on Bob Doerk’s books, notebooks, and vertical files.
I had a phone call last week that there were some Veterans coming to visit Fort Benton and they were going to the Sunrise Bluffs to see the Photo Display.
My partner in this project, B.J. McIntyre had previously had the pictures scanned but they needed to be framed. Since I had a very hectic week with my Sweetheart in the hospital and my son’s family visiting from Michigan, I called B.J. and she came over immediately and got the job done. She also typed the bios and put them into the album.
The walls have really filled up this past year and if you still have not seen it please do before Veterans Day on November 11th. We owe them so much and they can never be thanked enough. A visit to the Bluffs and signing of the Guest Book is a sign that you care.
RECYCLING
Since I did not write a View last week, I failed to tell you that Recycle Day was on Saturday the 19th at the Fairgrounds. The next Recycle Day will be November 2nd at the Faorgrpimds frp, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m./ I’ll have quite a load in my truck by then. I am so grateful for what the Recycle Committee is doing for our community. Please volunteer some time to help if you possibly can.
NEW WALKING TRAIL
I received this information first hand from a person who walked the new Levee Walking Trail. There are now solar lights along the trail which adds a safety feature for those of you who walk at night. Thanks again to the City as they must have been the installers.
Do remember that there is a need for a couple of cement benches along that trail. Perhaps during the winter months a need will come up for a table. Picnic tables would be much enjoyed next summer. Also remember that if you have a need for wood, there is a good supply available.
UNDERPASS
Last Saturday morning, I was leaving town about 8:00 a.m. There was a car ahead of me and another behind me going up the hill toward the Underpass. A white truck came through the Underpass without yielding. It was a close call.
If it was a local resident…shame on you. If it was a stranger, then perhaps they did not understand the procedure. Please advise everyone that you know the way I was taught. You pull over as far to the right as you can on the upper side of the underpass, count to 5 and if no vehicles are in sight, drive through.
There has always been a lot of talk about making the road a one way. Plan B would put a stop light where you are supposed to stop, and Plan C putting a light down the hill which would turn a light on the top to let you know if a vehicle is coming up the hill. Somehow the talk dies down. Must we wait until some serious accident happens? Must we wonder if it would be someone near and dear to us?
In the meanwhile, please be careful. Pay attention to your driving, don’t talk on your cell phone, and DO NOT text. I wish that the whole state of Montana would ban texting while driving.
HIGHWAY 87
Here is another dangerous situation with cars pulling out to pass and meeting head-on with a vehicle coming in the other direction. There was a very serious accident last week to a local resident. It has recently happened to us while son Randy was driving. A car pulled out from behind a truck and there we were. Fortunately, the other driver drove into the ditch. I still remember the look on his face when he saw us.
By both elevators, Kershaw and Tunis, there is a dip in the road. We tested it a few years ago by driving a quarter of a mile behind our friend’s vehicle. At those two grain elevators, the car ahead of us disappeared into the dip of the road. If you were passing at those points, you would meet another vehicle head on.
I called the Department of Transportation and asked if double yellow lines could be painted in those two spots. It has been over 10 years since I called and memory is short. I do remember that they came out and checked it out. They told me that there had not been an accident in those areas for at least 10 years. Yellow lines are still not there and the same situation occurred to us several times since.
I would like to hear from anyone who has had a dangerous situation happen to them on Highway 87.
MONTANA TRIVIA
Today’s question is a history one. “How many forts were built in Montana between 1807 and 1885?” See answer below.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. 99 and that is more than one a year.
by Muncie
10/23/13
CUTEST STORY EVER
I just have to pass this on because I think that it is the cutest story ever. I hope that it cheers up your day.
My daughter Jennifer’s friend has a grandson, Kameron, (yes, with a K) who is a precious 4-year-old. His Mom and Dad do not like video games for kids. “That is why we have acreage so they can run anywhere and use that crazy thing called “imagination.” Kameron wanted to play a video game and we told him, “NO.” He got mad at us and told us, “If I knew the number to 911, I would call it and trade you in for new parents.”
Are you laughing until tears come?
VETERANS PHOTOS
Photos were put on the back burner while I, (and other volunteers at the Joel Overholser Research Center,) worked on Bob Doerk’s books, notebooks, and vertical files.
I had a phone call last week that there were some Veterans coming to visit Fort Benton and they were going to the Sunrise Bluffs to see the Photo Display.
My partner in this project, B.J. McIntyre had previously had the pictures scanned but they needed to be framed. Since I had a very hectic week with my Sweetheart in the hospital and my son’s family visiting from Michigan, I called B.J. and she came over immediately and got the job done. She also typed the bios and put them into the album.
The walls have really filled up this past year and if you still have not seen it please do before Veterans Day on November 11th. We owe them so much and they can never be thanked enough. A visit to the Bluffs and signing of the Guest Book is a sign that you care.
RECYCLING
Since I did not write a View last week, I failed to tell you that Recycle Day was on Saturday the 19th at the Fairgrounds. The next Recycle Day will be November 2nd at the Faorgrpimds frp, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m./ I’ll have quite a load in my truck by then. I am so grateful for what the Recycle Committee is doing for our community. Please volunteer some time to help if you possibly can.
NEW WALKING TRAIL
I received this information first hand from a person who walked the new Levee Walking Trail. There are now solar lights along the trail which adds a safety feature for those of you who walk at night. Thanks again to the City as they must have been the installers.
Do remember that there is a need for a couple of cement benches along that trail. Perhaps during the winter months a need will come up for a table. Picnic tables would be much enjoyed next summer. Also remember that if you have a need for wood, there is a good supply available.
UNDERPASS
Last Saturday morning, I was leaving town about 8:00 a.m. There was a car ahead of me and another behind me going up the hill toward the Underpass. A white truck came through the Underpass without yielding. It was a close call.
If it was a local resident…shame on you. If it was a stranger, then perhaps they did not understand the procedure. Please advise everyone that you know the way I was taught. You pull over as far to the right as you can on the upper side of the underpass, count to 5 and if no vehicles are in sight, drive through.
There has always been a lot of talk about making the road a one way. Plan B would put a stop light where you are supposed to stop, and Plan C putting a light down the hill which would turn a light on the top to let you know if a vehicle is coming up the hill. Somehow the talk dies down. Must we wait until some serious accident happens? Must we wonder if it would be someone near and dear to us?
In the meanwhile, please be careful. Pay attention to your driving, don’t talk on your cell phone, and DO NOT text. I wish that the whole state of Montana would ban texting while driving.
HIGHWAY 87
Here is another dangerous situation with cars pulling out to pass and meeting head-on with a vehicle coming in the other direction. There was a very serious accident last week to a local resident. It has recently happened to us while son Randy was driving. A car pulled out from behind a truck and there we were. Fortunately, the other driver drove into the ditch. I still remember the look on his face when he saw us.
By both elevators, Kershaw and Tunis, there is a dip in the road. We tested it a few years ago by driving a quarter of a mile behind our friend’s vehicle. At those two grain elevators, the car ahead of us disappeared into the dip of the road. If you were passing at those points, you would meet another vehicle head on.
I called the Department of Transportation and asked if double yellow lines could be painted in those two spots. It has been over 10 years since I called and memory is short. I do remember that they came out and checked it out. They told me that there had not been an accident in those areas for at least 10 years. Yellow lines are still not there and the same situation occurred to us several times since.
I would like to hear from anyone who has had a dangerous situation happen to them on Highway 87.
MONTANA TRIVIA
Today’s question is a history one. “How many forts were built in Montana between 1807 and 1885?” See answer below.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. 99 and that is more than one a year.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
“VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
10/9/13
VIETNAM WALL
Since I returned from Whitefish, after seeing the Vietnam Wall and becoming interested in William Swensgard, I have planned on trying to get the Wall to Fort Benton. I spent an afternoon with Diane Jones at a fund raiser and we discussed possibilities. This past week, Diane was able to connect with the Vietnam Wall coordinators to secure a commitment. The Vietnam Wall will be in Fort Benton next summer on July 16th through the 24th.
The Wall usually is in one location for five days. The first day would be set-up and the last day break-down. We are giving you a heads-up for your plans to help us. The American Legions and the V.F.W’s are vital to the program. All inquiries will be answered in time when all those involved are notified and can commit to volunteer. Our surrounding area will be canvassed because this is a huge project.
Great Falls hosted the Wall 10 years or f15 years ago, no one remembers the exact time. I would like to speak to someone who remembers how that event played out, because it would be helpful to know the details. If you have any information, please contact me.
It should be a very exciting time in Fort Benton and will be a community project. Let us make it a very special time for remembering those that died for us. We will have more details about our program as we acquire it and will keep you informed.
GOLDEN AGE DINNER
For those of you who attend the Tuesday night dinners at the Golden Age Senior Center, here is some important information. On Tuesday the 15th of October, if you attend, you are to wear HALLOWEEN COSTUMES. How long has it been since you dressed up for Halloween? Do not let the idea of dressing up for the occasion scare you. If you cannot see yourself at age over 55 dressing up for the holiday, you are welcomed anyway. It should be loads of fun and I am sure there will be a prize for the best costume.
This message goes out to you in this week’s River Press because the following week would be too late. See you there.
NEW TRAIL
One of my readers met me at the grocery store this morning and asked that I tell you about snakes on the new Levee Trail. She had just walked it and found it as great as I did. Alas, the rest of the story is that she did see a bull snake and said that if there were bull snakes around, there would be rattlers. She suggested that you carry a stick of some sort. Do not try to dispatch bull snakes because they actually are enemies of rattlers. Good hunting bull snakes!
That conversation reminded me to check with Police Station for report on rattlers on the Levee this past summer. Police Chief John Turner said that there were about 5 rattlers in various locations but this was a low count compared to other years. Just be cautious on the trail and actually in everything you do.
Another suggestion about the Trail is that I checked with Skip Ross and if you use wood to heat your home, garage or storage building, you can cut down all the dead wood that you can use. The only set-back is that you cannot drive on the Trail. You would have to haul it up in a wheelbarrow. It would be a great accomplishment to clean up the area of all dead debris. One more addition to the Trail would be a couple of cement benches that could be placed there according to Skip. If there is anyone out there who would like a memorial bench on the New Trail, please discuss it with Skip or me. The only backside of that would be that the benches would have to be removed for the winter season. They could be brought up on the Levee for that time period without a problem. I have had to refuse several requests for memorial cement benches because there wasn’t a location to place them. I hope to see some benches there next summer.
Oops, forgot about another suggestion. It would be the prettiest thing anyone could do if you have some wild flower seeds to dispose of them along the New Trail. If you can do that, please let me know. What a beautiful sight that would be in the spring.
MONTANA TRIVIA
This week’s question will be about Science and Nature. Q. How many states have a greater number of mammal species than the 109 that live in Montana? See answer below.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
A. None
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
View From The Bridge 9/25/13
“VIEW from the BRIDEGE”
BY Muncie
9/25/13
FALL
Summer was very long wasn’t it? The two and a half months of extremely hot weather almost did me in. After you read this View, there will be only five more days of September left (my favorite month,) and then we are into full time fall. I love fall and the only thing I do not like is that it is getting dark sooner and sooner each evening. I love being outdoors and the early darkness ends any puttering in the garden or flower beds.
This coming week will mean the turning off of the sprinkling system. It means having to deal with falling leaves. It means watching the trees across the Missouri turning yellow. It means the first frost will be coming on soon and jackets and sweatshirts will replace sweaters and t-skirts. It means changing the clothes closets from spring/summer to fall/winter clothing. It means putting on the beds your heavier blankets or electric blankets/sheets. What it boils down to is actually a lot of extra work and with the thought that we have to deal with another winter.
Try to enjoy the smell of the cool, crisp air, football games, the harvest moon, and all the holidays. Once we reach Valentines Day, it is all downhill to spring. Hang in there and as sure as the sun rises every day, there will be green leaves on the trees before you know it.
My daughter, Jennifer, often deals with out of state people in her job. Their first question about Montana is usually, “Isn’t it really cold in the winter.” (That question is also asked at the Fort Benton Visitors Information Center.) Her reply is, “Well, you can hardly tell the difference between 20 below and 30 below.”
HOBBIES
Our hobbyist this week is Mrs. Crafty Hobby herself, Edna McSweeny. She actually began her craft making seriously about a year ago when she moved from the Sunrise Bluffs to the Missouri River Medical Center. She had done crafts for years but used them herself or gave them away.
When you walk into her room you are greeted by an array of colors never seen before at MRMC. I am sure that she has the prettiest room and it is all done with her beautiful colorful wreaths. She has other crafts like small bird houses and other small items but for the most part, the wreaths dominate.
They come in every color imaginable and mostly for the holiday closest at hand. Edna is now working on a Christmas collection and will be having a “Christmas Craft Show,” as soon as she completes her schedule of the number of pieces to show. Edna has held several Craft Shows at various locations. Those would be at the Sunrise Bluffs and at the MRMC activities room.
One of Edna’s Red, White, and Blue wreaths has hung on my entry door since Memorial Day until Labor Day. I think of her every day and know how much she loves doing her crafts. She pours a lot of love into them. “Keep Busy,” is her motto and her work shows it. We’ll see you sometime in December Edna and watch this column for the date and time.
MONTANA TRIVIA
On a recent trip to Spokane, I purchased a fascinating paperback for Wally for a little something as a remembrance gift. A remembrance gift is something you buy so someone knows that you were thinking about them while you were having a great time away. It is sort of a, “Sorry you couldn’t be with me,” present.
It was written by Janet Spencer and somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember going to a restaurant somewhere, and the book was on every table. Perhaps one of you readers can remember where that was in Montana. I am going to do a trivia a week and I hope you enjoy them as much as we have been.
Entertainment question: The building that now houses the Myrna Loy Performing Arts Center in Helena formerly housed what? (Answer at the bottom)
SPOKANE
Thinking about my trip to Spokane in the trivia above, made me remember to ask if anyone is driving to Spokane, please let me know. My number is in the book.
MEMORIAL BENCHES/TABLES
The other day when I walked, I again stopped at every bench and table to read the plaques. What a wonderful tribute we have to the loved ones of people that lived in Fort Benton and Chouteau
County. I hope that you do the same when you are on the Levee Walking Trail.
It is also exciting news that was in the River Press last week about the Levee Trail being extended. Congratulations to the Mayor and Council for the work they did to get that job done. It will be such a beautiful addition to our now very popular trail.
WM. SWENSGARD
A beautiful story came into the River Press this past week intended for me. Tim forwarded it and I am going to pass it on to you.
“Bill was in my class in high school. He was a nice kid: lots of energy and a good athlete. We sometimes ran around together. In those days he was smaller than the rest of us.
In the fall of 1963, after football practice, several of us went to Hankin’s reservoir to swim and water ski. Water skiing was accomplished by hooking the ski rope to a car bumper (my Chevy on that day,) and speeding along the reservoir bank while towing the skier. It was lots of fun and no one got (badly) hurt. I remember that Tom Tope, (also deceased,) and Don Kelly were there that day too.
After pulling them all on skis (and getting my turn,) I decided to accept a dare to swim across Hankin’s reservoir. Now, not having seen Hankin’s Reservoir in almost 50 ears, back then we thought it was approximately the size as Holter Lake and swimming across it was not for sissies. Well, halfway across I got a let cramp and was in trouble…real trouble. I yelled for help and the smallest guy in the group, Bill Swensgard, swam out to save me. It turned out that Bill was trained in water safety and hauled me to the bank without any trouble at all. The others thought that I was just joking about needing help; but I surely wasn’t. It was a close call. I remember I bought Bill a milkshake at the Taste Freeze that evening.
I was so sorry when I heard he’d been killed in Vietnam. I owed him!” Larry Krumwiede.
FALL SOCIAL
There will be a fun time for Fort Benton Woman’s Club members just to get-together as a social gathering... It will be next Tuesday, October 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 at the Ag Center. There will be hor’doeurves, drinks, and a short meeting about Woman’s Club activities. There will be childcare for those two hours for moms in need.
Please RSVP to Jenna Giese at 868-6866 a.s.a.p. and if you have any questions. If you can bring along a new member, please do so. The Woman’s Club meetings are generally business meetings and we women do not have much time to interact. Now is the time that we can meet new members and socialize with our old friends. See you there.
POW/MIA FLAGS
I want to thank all who either rented or purchased POW/MIA flags. It is very much appreciated and is a National Observance. It was a rude reminder to see them flying last Wednesday and will continue to remind us until the 30th of September. My heart aches for those families and loved ones left behind. It seems to me that there is never any closure. Keep remembering them even when the flags are no longer flying.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUT TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
The answer is, "A. Prisoners--it was the county jail.
BY Muncie
9/25/13
FALL
Summer was very long wasn’t it? The two and a half months of extremely hot weather almost did me in. After you read this View, there will be only five more days of September left (my favorite month,) and then we are into full time fall. I love fall and the only thing I do not like is that it is getting dark sooner and sooner each evening. I love being outdoors and the early darkness ends any puttering in the garden or flower beds.
This coming week will mean the turning off of the sprinkling system. It means having to deal with falling leaves. It means watching the trees across the Missouri turning yellow. It means the first frost will be coming on soon and jackets and sweatshirts will replace sweaters and t-skirts. It means changing the clothes closets from spring/summer to fall/winter clothing. It means putting on the beds your heavier blankets or electric blankets/sheets. What it boils down to is actually a lot of extra work and with the thought that we have to deal with another winter.
Try to enjoy the smell of the cool, crisp air, football games, the harvest moon, and all the holidays. Once we reach Valentines Day, it is all downhill to spring. Hang in there and as sure as the sun rises every day, there will be green leaves on the trees before you know it.
My daughter, Jennifer, often deals with out of state people in her job. Their first question about Montana is usually, “Isn’t it really cold in the winter.” (That question is also asked at the Fort Benton Visitors Information Center.) Her reply is, “Well, you can hardly tell the difference between 20 below and 30 below.”
HOBBIES
Our hobbyist this week is Mrs. Crafty Hobby herself, Edna McSweeny. She actually began her craft making seriously about a year ago when she moved from the Sunrise Bluffs to the Missouri River Medical Center. She had done crafts for years but used them herself or gave them away.
When you walk into her room you are greeted by an array of colors never seen before at MRMC. I am sure that she has the prettiest room and it is all done with her beautiful colorful wreaths. She has other crafts like small bird houses and other small items but for the most part, the wreaths dominate.
They come in every color imaginable and mostly for the holiday closest at hand. Edna is now working on a Christmas collection and will be having a “Christmas Craft Show,” as soon as she completes her schedule of the number of pieces to show. Edna has held several Craft Shows at various locations. Those would be at the Sunrise Bluffs and at the MRMC activities room.
One of Edna’s Red, White, and Blue wreaths has hung on my entry door since Memorial Day until Labor Day. I think of her every day and know how much she loves doing her crafts. She pours a lot of love into them. “Keep Busy,” is her motto and her work shows it. We’ll see you sometime in December Edna and watch this column for the date and time.
MONTANA TRIVIA
On a recent trip to Spokane, I purchased a fascinating paperback for Wally for a little something as a remembrance gift. A remembrance gift is something you buy so someone knows that you were thinking about them while you were having a great time away. It is sort of a, “Sorry you couldn’t be with me,” present.
It was written by Janet Spencer and somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember going to a restaurant somewhere, and the book was on every table. Perhaps one of you readers can remember where that was in Montana. I am going to do a trivia a week and I hope you enjoy them as much as we have been.
Entertainment question: The building that now houses the Myrna Loy Performing Arts Center in Helena formerly housed what? (Answer at the bottom)
SPOKANE
Thinking about my trip to Spokane in the trivia above, made me remember to ask if anyone is driving to Spokane, please let me know. My number is in the book.
MEMORIAL BENCHES/TABLES
The other day when I walked, I again stopped at every bench and table to read the plaques. What a wonderful tribute we have to the loved ones of people that lived in Fort Benton and Chouteau
County. I hope that you do the same when you are on the Levee Walking Trail.
It is also exciting news that was in the River Press last week about the Levee Trail being extended. Congratulations to the Mayor and Council for the work they did to get that job done. It will be such a beautiful addition to our now very popular trail.
WM. SWENSGARD
A beautiful story came into the River Press this past week intended for me. Tim forwarded it and I am going to pass it on to you.
“Bill was in my class in high school. He was a nice kid: lots of energy and a good athlete. We sometimes ran around together. In those days he was smaller than the rest of us.
In the fall of 1963, after football practice, several of us went to Hankin’s reservoir to swim and water ski. Water skiing was accomplished by hooking the ski rope to a car bumper (my Chevy on that day,) and speeding along the reservoir bank while towing the skier. It was lots of fun and no one got (badly) hurt. I remember that Tom Tope, (also deceased,) and Don Kelly were there that day too.
After pulling them all on skis (and getting my turn,) I decided to accept a dare to swim across Hankin’s reservoir. Now, not having seen Hankin’s Reservoir in almost 50 ears, back then we thought it was approximately the size as Holter Lake and swimming across it was not for sissies. Well, halfway across I got a let cramp and was in trouble…real trouble. I yelled for help and the smallest guy in the group, Bill Swensgard, swam out to save me. It turned out that Bill was trained in water safety and hauled me to the bank without any trouble at all. The others thought that I was just joking about needing help; but I surely wasn’t. It was a close call. I remember I bought Bill a milkshake at the Taste Freeze that evening.
I was so sorry when I heard he’d been killed in Vietnam. I owed him!” Larry Krumwiede.
FALL SOCIAL
There will be a fun time for Fort Benton Woman’s Club members just to get-together as a social gathering... It will be next Tuesday, October 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 at the Ag Center. There will be hor’doeurves, drinks, and a short meeting about Woman’s Club activities. There will be childcare for those two hours for moms in need.
Please RSVP to Jenna Giese at 868-6866 a.s.a.p. and if you have any questions. If you can bring along a new member, please do so. The Woman’s Club meetings are generally business meetings and we women do not have much time to interact. Now is the time that we can meet new members and socialize with our old friends. See you there.
POW/MIA FLAGS
I want to thank all who either rented or purchased POW/MIA flags. It is very much appreciated and is a National Observance. It was a rude reminder to see them flying last Wednesday and will continue to remind us until the 30th of September. My heart aches for those families and loved ones left behind. It seems to me that there is never any closure. Keep remembering them even when the flags are no longer flying.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUT TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
The answer is, "A. Prisoners--it was the county jail.
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