VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
6/10/15
POST OFFICE DOOR
Most everyone is asking when the back door of the Post Office is going to be fixed. Have you asked? I have and it was explained to me that the building does not belong to the Postal Service. It is a private owner who is responsible for repairs. It has been months since the door was broken and it is very inconvenient for those whose mailboxes are near the back of the room.
I do not know who the building belongs to and I am not going to inquire. Please do not complain to the Postmistress or the employees because there is nothing they can do. Perhaps this notice will be seen by the owner and they will realize what a problem it has become. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and they may be snowbirds who went south for the winter. It is almost summer and they may be back in town or wherever they live. Like my mother used to say, “It’s always something.”
SUMMER CELEBRATION
This 39th celebration is a special one because it is the 150th anniversary of Chouteau County and will be labeled “Footsteps in Time.” Can you even imagine being here 150 years ago? It would have been 1865? Many of your grandfathers/grandmothers, great grandfathers/grandmothers would have landed on the Missouri banks in the following years. Where to go from here was the question? If they stayed in the area they should have a plaque at the Ag Center for Homesteaders. (If you are not sure about this, contact the Joel Overholser Research Center on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
There will be more information about this 150th birthday celebration t in the weeks to come for you history buffs.
HIGH HEELED RACE
This new and exciting race will begin at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Pioneer Lodge. It will be 1 block long to end at The Freeze. It is a challenge and I want to report on who wins prizes and awards. (Muncie note: Reconsider Tim.)
There are sign-up sheets all over town and if you have questions, contact Mike Birkeland. The forms will explain all about the contest. It is open to everyone over 18 years of age. Bring your own shoes with at least 2” heels. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for both men and woman. Muncie note: I would think women would have an advantage because they are now wearing 3” and 4” heels.) See you there!
ACTS OF KINDNESS
In a “Chicken Soup” book I read a quote many years ago and have it printed on my business cards. It said, “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.”
A story was told to me while at the Post Office last week that warmed my heart. An elderly woman was mowing her 3 lots of grass when a man approached her. He said that she should not be out in that day’s heat mowing her lawn. He finished mowing it for her. She did not know him. How kind was that and without anyone knowing what he had done or who he was. I hope that he reads this column because I want him to know how much he is appreciated.
I know that you all have stories and I would really like it if you would tell them to me.
SENIOR MOMENT
Chocolate comes from cocoa which is a tree…that makes it a plant which means…chocolate is salad!!!
This is the last of the Senior Moments that was sent to me on the internet. Next week will begin the “Most of our generation of 50+ were Home Schooled in many ways.” I read them and I feel that the 50- will enjoy them as well because the 50+ taught what they had learned.
I will give you one because I cannot wait and let me know if you enjoy it. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. “If you’re going to beat each other up, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
At the last Tuesday 5:00 dinner at the Golden Age Senior Center for the season, our speaker and entertainer, Valerie Morger, related a few of the Home Schooled quotes. She also told us what A.A.R.P. stood for. I wish all of you could have heard it. It made the last dinner very enjoyable.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICE FORCES and WEAR RED ON FRIDAY.
Showing posts with label senior moment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label senior moment. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
View From The Bridge 6/3/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
6/3/15
NEW YORK TIMES
Yes! Yes! Yes! It is a true story. My “Fort Benton Charm Trail” necklace appeared in the New York Times on Memorial Day. What a great advertisement for the Charm Trail charms and necklace program. Ruth Carlstrom was thrilled because that is her project.
I have a necklace with an extender on it that holds all the historic charms. I also have a two strand necklace that holds the other charms from businesses and various events. (My Sweetheart, Wally, used to tell me not to go near the Missouri with both necklaces on because if I fell in the river, I would never be found.)
Because the two necklaces are so heavy I only wore the historic one on the Mullen Road bus ride on the Sunday road trip. I also had on my Fort Benton charm earrings that Ruth made for me. The free-lance photographer from the New York Times, Jane Osbourne, caught up with me at the gas station stop on the way to Fort Shaw. She admired the earrings and asked if she could take a picture of them. Of course, I agreed. Well, she must have taken what I thought was about 100 pictures. She had me turn this way and that way, of just the earrings, holding the necklace with my fingers every which way, and she finally said thank you very much. I saw her throughout the trip here, there and everywhere. She was a little tiny mite of a girl and you could not miss her carrying that heavy camera.
So, much to my complete surprise, on Monday morning as I walked up to the Old Bridge for the Memorial Wreath program, that I was greeted with, “Your picture is in the New York Times.” My son, Randy, had in the wee hours of the morning, brought up the site and there was the necklace, my hands, and half of my face. He showed it to me on his Smart phone.
I did not see the article until later that afternoon after the Memorial Day services at the Old Bridge, the Riverside Cemetery service, and the dedication in memory of the B-29 airplane that crashed in 1943 when 10 airmen were killed.
I was so surprised that with all of the pictures Jane took; only three were printed in the paper. (Now my Witness Protection program is blown and I may be moved. They did use my name but it is my 4th alias. That would make a great story if ever you would want to hear it…about the name and not the Witness Protection Program. JUST KIDDING READERS.)
RECYCLE DAY
I sure accumulate a lot of recycling in a month. I will be able to take advantage next Saturday, the 6th of June to do my share of trying to save the earth. Thank goodness for those faithful volunteers who are collecting no matter what the weather. Spring and summer seem to have more recyclables than fall and winter. Tie up your bundles of newspaper, magazines, and cardboard with string. Then flatten those plastic bottles and aluminum cans to tidy up wherever you store them and feel good about what you are doing. Mother earth loves you.
FUND RAISER
I went up to the airport last Saturday for the Larry Lambott fund raiser. It was mind boggling to see the turnout, the live auction, the 50/50, the Kiddies buckets, and the food because it was all donated. I know that Chouteau County has the most generous people in the country.
I believe that everyone knows Larry and his wife, Pam who works at the First Security Bank. However, even if no one knew them, there would have been a great turnout because of the generosity of just people who want to help.
Such was the case for the Shiners fund raiser. Last year and this year were total successes as the organizers were surprised by the funds raised. Thank you, Chouteau County, for your support of all the organizations, the Churches, fund raisers, and those who need help.
SUMMER CELEBRATION
The dates are Friday, June 26th, Saturday the 27th, and Sunday the 28th. Schedules will be around town soon so invite all your family and friends to come on up or come on down for a great time.
I am making an announcement that there will be a “WATERFALL” included in the Fireworks Show this year. When it didn’t happen last year, there were disappointed visitors and townspeople. I was sitting alongside the Levee Walking Trail and overheard a man repeatedly telling his kids to “Just wait until the waterfall.” Many viewers reported incidents that were much the same and the Celebration Committee decided that it was something that everyone looked forward to. See you there for sure.
Another first time event will be the HIGH HEEL RACE. Look for the View next week for details. In the meanwhile, think about a High Heeled Race. It should be a hoot. (I know that Chris Halko will be the first one in line to sign up and how about Tim Burmeister?
SENIOR MOMENT
“At my age “Getting Lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICE FORCES, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS please.
By Muncie
6/3/15
NEW YORK TIMES
Yes! Yes! Yes! It is a true story. My “Fort Benton Charm Trail” necklace appeared in the New York Times on Memorial Day. What a great advertisement for the Charm Trail charms and necklace program. Ruth Carlstrom was thrilled because that is her project.
I have a necklace with an extender on it that holds all the historic charms. I also have a two strand necklace that holds the other charms from businesses and various events. (My Sweetheart, Wally, used to tell me not to go near the Missouri with both necklaces on because if I fell in the river, I would never be found.)
Because the two necklaces are so heavy I only wore the historic one on the Mullen Road bus ride on the Sunday road trip. I also had on my Fort Benton charm earrings that Ruth made for me. The free-lance photographer from the New York Times, Jane Osbourne, caught up with me at the gas station stop on the way to Fort Shaw. She admired the earrings and asked if she could take a picture of them. Of course, I agreed. Well, she must have taken what I thought was about 100 pictures. She had me turn this way and that way, of just the earrings, holding the necklace with my fingers every which way, and she finally said thank you very much. I saw her throughout the trip here, there and everywhere. She was a little tiny mite of a girl and you could not miss her carrying that heavy camera.
So, much to my complete surprise, on Monday morning as I walked up to the Old Bridge for the Memorial Wreath program, that I was greeted with, “Your picture is in the New York Times.” My son, Randy, had in the wee hours of the morning, brought up the site and there was the necklace, my hands, and half of my face. He showed it to me on his Smart phone.
I did not see the article until later that afternoon after the Memorial Day services at the Old Bridge, the Riverside Cemetery service, and the dedication in memory of the B-29 airplane that crashed in 1943 when 10 airmen were killed.
I was so surprised that with all of the pictures Jane took; only three were printed in the paper. (Now my Witness Protection program is blown and I may be moved. They did use my name but it is my 4th alias. That would make a great story if ever you would want to hear it…about the name and not the Witness Protection Program. JUST KIDDING READERS.)
RECYCLE DAY
I sure accumulate a lot of recycling in a month. I will be able to take advantage next Saturday, the 6th of June to do my share of trying to save the earth. Thank goodness for those faithful volunteers who are collecting no matter what the weather. Spring and summer seem to have more recyclables than fall and winter. Tie up your bundles of newspaper, magazines, and cardboard with string. Then flatten those plastic bottles and aluminum cans to tidy up wherever you store them and feel good about what you are doing. Mother earth loves you.
FUND RAISER
I went up to the airport last Saturday for the Larry Lambott fund raiser. It was mind boggling to see the turnout, the live auction, the 50/50, the Kiddies buckets, and the food because it was all donated. I know that Chouteau County has the most generous people in the country.
I believe that everyone knows Larry and his wife, Pam who works at the First Security Bank. However, even if no one knew them, there would have been a great turnout because of the generosity of just people who want to help.
Such was the case for the Shiners fund raiser. Last year and this year were total successes as the organizers were surprised by the funds raised. Thank you, Chouteau County, for your support of all the organizations, the Churches, fund raisers, and those who need help.
SUMMER CELEBRATION
The dates are Friday, June 26th, Saturday the 27th, and Sunday the 28th. Schedules will be around town soon so invite all your family and friends to come on up or come on down for a great time.
I am making an announcement that there will be a “WATERFALL” included in the Fireworks Show this year. When it didn’t happen last year, there were disappointed visitors and townspeople. I was sitting alongside the Levee Walking Trail and overheard a man repeatedly telling his kids to “Just wait until the waterfall.” Many viewers reported incidents that were much the same and the Celebration Committee decided that it was something that everyone looked forward to. See you there for sure.
Another first time event will be the HIGH HEEL RACE. Look for the View next week for details. In the meanwhile, think about a High Heeled Race. It should be a hoot. (I know that Chris Halko will be the first one in line to sign up and how about Tim Burmeister?
SENIOR MOMENT
“At my age “Getting Lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICE FORCES, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS please.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
View From The Bridge 5/13/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
5/13/15
WHITE CLIFFS
Of all the adventurers I have had in Fort Benton, this is now No. 1 in the Top 10. It was Tuesday, May 5th when 9 Visitors Information Center Volunteers and I boarded jet boats for a trip to the White Cliffs. A photo of the group was in last week’s River Press on the last page under the View.
I have talked about the Cliffs at the Visitors Center, I have seen videos, and gazed at the photos hanging in the Center. None of them do justice to actually seeing them and being on the Missouri River that Lewis and Clark traveled over 200 years ago. It is said that they saw the same scenes we were looking at. I kept turning my head from one side to the other and never saw a scene that was the same.
We traveled 28 river miles from river mile marker 41 to 68. River travel is down from 6,034 in 2003 to a count of 4,000 to 5,000 in 2014. Another interesting happening was the 6 MT Conservation Corps young people who are building a fence at the Big Sandy Campgrounds. They waved happily to us as we went by and the other boat stopped to treat them to donuts. The fence is being built to keep out the cattle. They were littering the campground, if you know what I mean. It was the same reason that signs were put up about the dogs at the Old Fort Park during Summer Celebration. (The dogs and cattle do not seem to know where the restrooms are. That was just my sense of humor getting the best of me again.)
We stopped at the Eagle Creek Campground for lunch. We sat on fallen tree logs to eat the lunches we had packed for ourselves. My sandwich was the best I have ever tasted. As I looked around at the river and my surroundings, I remembered how I always wanted to be a nurse. Now I have changed my mind and I want to be a River Ranger.
There were two boats with 5 Information Center Volunteers on each. Our guide was Mark Schaefer who has been with the B.L.M. here in Fort Benton for 15 years. I enjoyed his many captivating stories. On board also was Chelsea Keenan a River Ranger who is from Pennsylvania and has been in Fort Benton for 2 years.
The history lessons were very informative as we floated in the different areas. On the other boat were Dan (the man) DeWitz and Brian Wolf. (I was not able to chat with them because they were in the other boat and I do not know much about them. I’ll make a trip to the M.B.I.C. soon and interrogate their lives. (This is us another joke although I have been told that people do not converse with me because it may end up in the River Press. Honestly, I would never do that and I always ask if I can use their names.)
It was my first trip down the Missouri to the White Cliffs. Years ago Fultz and Arnst had a Van Trip and you viewed the Cliffs from above. It also was a great trip but not as surreal as being on the river.
Oh! I just remembered that I was on the maiden trip of the Keelboat built by Mike Nottingham. We entered the boat in Fort Benton and went down river as far as Coal Banks Landing.
I urge you to make your next vacation a trip to the White Cliffs. Stories were told about making the trip by canoe. It is certainly a wilderness and you are in awe of Louis and Clark making that trip without a map. They tramped those bluffs, coulees, and rocks. How disappointed they must have been to not find a passage to the Pacific.
The sites we saw were at Eagle Creek the U.S.S. Mandan engraved on a cliff, Citadel Rock, Hole in the Wall, and Dark Butte. There were hundreds of rock formations that we used our imaginations as to what they looked like.
The whole trip took 6 hours. We met at the Missouri Breaks Int. Center at 9:00 and were driven to Coal Banks. Our lunch at Eagle Creek took about an hour. We boarded the boats again at 12:15, continued down river, turned around, returned to Coal Banks, were driven to Fort Benton, and it was 3:00. It was a wonderful appreciation trip for 10 volunteers and we will never forget it or those who took such good care of us.
INVITATION
Karl Bodmer, in 1830, did landscapes of the White Cliffs. You have an opportunity to visit the Old Fort (for no charge,) on and the Starr Gallery of Western Art in the Bourgeois House to see the Bodmer landscapes the evening of May 22nd.
A public presentation by musicians Peter and Molly from Highwood and on The Old Fort History by the Fort Historical Committee will take place at 7:00 p.m. What an opportunity for a family “togetherness” outing. Please take advantage of this occasion as it may not come along again for another year. It is special educational opportunity for the children to learn about Fort Benton. See you there!
LONGHORN DAY
I did not have room last week to write about Longhorn Day. What a great job the high school students did. The Levee Walking Trail was cleared of many dead leaves, bushes, and branches. I hope that the Longhorns enjoyed their work as much as we enjoyed seeing what they had accomplished. Go Horns!
POPS CONCERT
I really enjoyed the Fort Benton High School Spring Pops Concert. I told several of the vocalists that they should be on America Has Talent TV show. What a pleasure it was to watch Eric Lenington conduct. I felt as though I was in Carnegie Hall. Kudos to Joellyn Clark for all her volunteering to be an accompanist for the many programs she does. I appreciate the pleasant evening of entertainment.
SENIOR MOMENTS
In a senior moment last week I forgot to share a senior moment. Here are two this week to make up for it.
“I’m going to retire and live off my savings. Not sure what I will do the second week.”
“Even duct tape can’ fix stupid…but it can muffle the sound.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
By Muncie
5/13/15
WHITE CLIFFS
Of all the adventurers I have had in Fort Benton, this is now No. 1 in the Top 10. It was Tuesday, May 5th when 9 Visitors Information Center Volunteers and I boarded jet boats for a trip to the White Cliffs. A photo of the group was in last week’s River Press on the last page under the View.
I have talked about the Cliffs at the Visitors Center, I have seen videos, and gazed at the photos hanging in the Center. None of them do justice to actually seeing them and being on the Missouri River that Lewis and Clark traveled over 200 years ago. It is said that they saw the same scenes we were looking at. I kept turning my head from one side to the other and never saw a scene that was the same.
We traveled 28 river miles from river mile marker 41 to 68. River travel is down from 6,034 in 2003 to a count of 4,000 to 5,000 in 2014. Another interesting happening was the 6 MT Conservation Corps young people who are building a fence at the Big Sandy Campgrounds. They waved happily to us as we went by and the other boat stopped to treat them to donuts. The fence is being built to keep out the cattle. They were littering the campground, if you know what I mean. It was the same reason that signs were put up about the dogs at the Old Fort Park during Summer Celebration. (The dogs and cattle do not seem to know where the restrooms are. That was just my sense of humor getting the best of me again.)
We stopped at the Eagle Creek Campground for lunch. We sat on fallen tree logs to eat the lunches we had packed for ourselves. My sandwich was the best I have ever tasted. As I looked around at the river and my surroundings, I remembered how I always wanted to be a nurse. Now I have changed my mind and I want to be a River Ranger.
There were two boats with 5 Information Center Volunteers on each. Our guide was Mark Schaefer who has been with the B.L.M. here in Fort Benton for 15 years. I enjoyed his many captivating stories. On board also was Chelsea Keenan a River Ranger who is from Pennsylvania and has been in Fort Benton for 2 years.
The history lessons were very informative as we floated in the different areas. On the other boat were Dan (the man) DeWitz and Brian Wolf. (I was not able to chat with them because they were in the other boat and I do not know much about them. I’ll make a trip to the M.B.I.C. soon and interrogate their lives. (This is us another joke although I have been told that people do not converse with me because it may end up in the River Press. Honestly, I would never do that and I always ask if I can use their names.)
It was my first trip down the Missouri to the White Cliffs. Years ago Fultz and Arnst had a Van Trip and you viewed the Cliffs from above. It also was a great trip but not as surreal as being on the river.
Oh! I just remembered that I was on the maiden trip of the Keelboat built by Mike Nottingham. We entered the boat in Fort Benton and went down river as far as Coal Banks Landing.
I urge you to make your next vacation a trip to the White Cliffs. Stories were told about making the trip by canoe. It is certainly a wilderness and you are in awe of Louis and Clark making that trip without a map. They tramped those bluffs, coulees, and rocks. How disappointed they must have been to not find a passage to the Pacific.
The sites we saw were at Eagle Creek the U.S.S. Mandan engraved on a cliff, Citadel Rock, Hole in the Wall, and Dark Butte. There were hundreds of rock formations that we used our imaginations as to what they looked like.
The whole trip took 6 hours. We met at the Missouri Breaks Int. Center at 9:00 and were driven to Coal Banks. Our lunch at Eagle Creek took about an hour. We boarded the boats again at 12:15, continued down river, turned around, returned to Coal Banks, were driven to Fort Benton, and it was 3:00. It was a wonderful appreciation trip for 10 volunteers and we will never forget it or those who took such good care of us.
INVITATION
Karl Bodmer, in 1830, did landscapes of the White Cliffs. You have an opportunity to visit the Old Fort (for no charge,) on and the Starr Gallery of Western Art in the Bourgeois House to see the Bodmer landscapes the evening of May 22nd.
A public presentation by musicians Peter and Molly from Highwood and on The Old Fort History by the Fort Historical Committee will take place at 7:00 p.m. What an opportunity for a family “togetherness” outing. Please take advantage of this occasion as it may not come along again for another year. It is special educational opportunity for the children to learn about Fort Benton. See you there!
LONGHORN DAY
I did not have room last week to write about Longhorn Day. What a great job the high school students did. The Levee Walking Trail was cleared of many dead leaves, bushes, and branches. I hope that the Longhorns enjoyed their work as much as we enjoyed seeing what they had accomplished. Go Horns!
POPS CONCERT
I really enjoyed the Fort Benton High School Spring Pops Concert. I told several of the vocalists that they should be on America Has Talent TV show. What a pleasure it was to watch Eric Lenington conduct. I felt as though I was in Carnegie Hall. Kudos to Joellyn Clark for all her volunteering to be an accompanist for the many programs she does. I appreciate the pleasant evening of entertainment.
SENIOR MOMENTS
In a senior moment last week I forgot to share a senior moment. Here are two this week to make up for it.
“I’m going to retire and live off my savings. Not sure what I will do the second week.”
“Even duct tape can’ fix stupid…but it can muffle the sound.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
View From The Bridge 4/29/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/29/15
RIVER TRIP MAY 5th
A meeting was held this morning Monday April 27th for the Visitor Information Center Volunteers were invited to travel the Missouri River by a jet boat to the White Cliffs. Since the volunteers talk about, answer questions about, and encourages visitors to see the White Cliffs; most of them have never had the opportunity.
This trip will be on Tuesday the 5th of May. Those who signed up will be at the Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center at 9:00 a.m. They will then be driven to Coal Banks where they will board the boat for a ride down stream to the Cliffs.
BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH AND DRINK. WATER WILL BE PROVIDED.
As of today, there were 9 people signed up and there is 1 opening. If you would like to sign up please call in Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 622-4000. You will be put on a waiting list and confirmation for those signed up, will be May 4th. You may be called that afternoon if there is a cancellation. You may be able to go on this trip in 2 years as the Missouri River Breaks Center will again do a trip for Visitor Information Center Volunteers. Last year the trip was offered to the River and Plains and will be again next year.
VISITORS INFO CENTER
There will be more information in the View next week about the opening of the Visitors Information Center with opening day and hours. There will also be information about the opening of the Ag Center Museum, the Upper Missouri Museum, and the Old Fort Benton. Another added attraction is “The Mullen Road Conference.” What an exciting month our town has to look forward to.
PIATIGORSKY - MAY3rd
This presentation of classical music will be presented at the Grand Union Hotel on Sunday, May 3rd at 4:00 p.m. This program is free to the public.
The weather is supposed to be in the high 70”s. If you are within walking distance, it would be a pleasant walk along the Levee Walking Trail to the Grand Union. It would end a beautiful weekend. See you there.
APPRECIATION
The annual Appreciation Luncheon/Dinner was the most fun ever. I have always enjoyed the food, being waited on, served by the 6th Graders, and the decorations. Most of all I looked forward to the entertainment. Last Thursday not only met my expectations but far exceeded them.
The program listed it as a “Hoe Down,” and that it was. K thru 4th grade began with Old Joe Clark. (How could they memorize all those words?) K then sang “Red River Valley,” and I am sure that everyone there sang along. The 1st Graders then flapped their wings to “Turkey in the Straw.” The 2nd Grade did a terrific rendition of “My Home is Montana,” followed by the 3rd Grade being on “Rocky Top.”
Then the auditorium got Hoe Down when the 4th Graders danced to the Virginia reel. (For years I have tried to get a Square Dance Fundraiser started. It never took off but I know from overheard conversations that most all in attendance would participate in that dancing program. Once a month would be wonderful. I am not a dancer but if someone is calling out instructions…why not? If there any organization that would be willing to get it started?)
The finale was the icing on the cake. Principal Jory announced that the Kiddos would go into the audience and find a parent or grandparent. The “Tennessee Waltz” began filling the air and there were dancing couples all over the gym. It was a most heartwarming and memorable time. That dance will remain as one of the memories that will be hashed over and over for many years to come.
I know that I speak for all of the Senior Citizens that we appreciate and look forward to that day every year. We love each and every one of you.
“50 THINGS ABOUT MT”
I wrote two or three interesting things that you (nor I) knew about Montana each week for many weeks. I received a note from Bonnie Anderson who left Fort Benton to move to Helena. She wanted me to know that the 50th thing was her great grandfather who was Walther H. Peck.
I went to my files and found #50 and it read like this…“Roy, Montana (pop. 108) owes its name to a typing mistake. When Walter H. Peck established a post office on his ranch in 1892, he requested that the name be Ray in honor of a friend. However, someone in Washington, D.C. misread the name and returned it with the name Roy.”
I appreciate that you read the View, Bonnie, and that interesting tid-bit of a story. I would like to know more about your great grandfather.
MAY MOON
It is obvious why the May Moon is called the Flower Moon. Its’ other names are the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon. Look forward to the May Full Moon on next Monday, the 4th.
SENIOR CENTER
I believe that everyone in town knows Idella Singer. Her late husband used to be in the River Guide business. The first bench was placed on the Levee by the Lewis and Clark Bronze Memorial Statue by his family in memory of him.
I have known Idella for a long while and in the last few years we became more acquainted because of the Billy Swensgard Memorial project. Billy was Idella’s grandson and a very important part of the memorial service/program we held last Veteran’s Day.
Now to get to the story of Idella and me. She told me several weeks ago that two people had called her Muncie. A third person was added to the list last week. A woman sitting next to me at the Tuesday night monthly dinner said that she saw Idella walking on her street and thought it was me. Folks, I know that our hair is about the same color, we both wear glasses, so how can you confuse us when she is so much prettier than I am?
SENIOR MOMENT
The kid’s text me “plz” which is shorter than please. I text back “no” which is shorter than “yes.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
By Muncie
4/29/15
RIVER TRIP MAY 5th
A meeting was held this morning Monday April 27th for the Visitor Information Center Volunteers were invited to travel the Missouri River by a jet boat to the White Cliffs. Since the volunteers talk about, answer questions about, and encourages visitors to see the White Cliffs; most of them have never had the opportunity.
This trip will be on Tuesday the 5th of May. Those who signed up will be at the Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center at 9:00 a.m. They will then be driven to Coal Banks where they will board the boat for a ride down stream to the Cliffs.
BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH AND DRINK. WATER WILL BE PROVIDED.
As of today, there were 9 people signed up and there is 1 opening. If you would like to sign up please call in Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 622-4000. You will be put on a waiting list and confirmation for those signed up, will be May 4th. You may be called that afternoon if there is a cancellation. You may be able to go on this trip in 2 years as the Missouri River Breaks Center will again do a trip for Visitor Information Center Volunteers. Last year the trip was offered to the River and Plains and will be again next year.
VISITORS INFO CENTER
There will be more information in the View next week about the opening of the Visitors Information Center with opening day and hours. There will also be information about the opening of the Ag Center Museum, the Upper Missouri Museum, and the Old Fort Benton. Another added attraction is “The Mullen Road Conference.” What an exciting month our town has to look forward to.
PIATIGORSKY - MAY3rd
This presentation of classical music will be presented at the Grand Union Hotel on Sunday, May 3rd at 4:00 p.m. This program is free to the public.
The weather is supposed to be in the high 70”s. If you are within walking distance, it would be a pleasant walk along the Levee Walking Trail to the Grand Union. It would end a beautiful weekend. See you there.
APPRECIATION
The annual Appreciation Luncheon/Dinner was the most fun ever. I have always enjoyed the food, being waited on, served by the 6th Graders, and the decorations. Most of all I looked forward to the entertainment. Last Thursday not only met my expectations but far exceeded them.
The program listed it as a “Hoe Down,” and that it was. K thru 4th grade began with Old Joe Clark. (How could they memorize all those words?) K then sang “Red River Valley,” and I am sure that everyone there sang along. The 1st Graders then flapped their wings to “Turkey in the Straw.” The 2nd Grade did a terrific rendition of “My Home is Montana,” followed by the 3rd Grade being on “Rocky Top.”
Then the auditorium got Hoe Down when the 4th Graders danced to the Virginia reel. (For years I have tried to get a Square Dance Fundraiser started. It never took off but I know from overheard conversations that most all in attendance would participate in that dancing program. Once a month would be wonderful. I am not a dancer but if someone is calling out instructions…why not? If there any organization that would be willing to get it started?)
The finale was the icing on the cake. Principal Jory announced that the Kiddos would go into the audience and find a parent or grandparent. The “Tennessee Waltz” began filling the air and there were dancing couples all over the gym. It was a most heartwarming and memorable time. That dance will remain as one of the memories that will be hashed over and over for many years to come.
I know that I speak for all of the Senior Citizens that we appreciate and look forward to that day every year. We love each and every one of you.
“50 THINGS ABOUT MT”
I wrote two or three interesting things that you (nor I) knew about Montana each week for many weeks. I received a note from Bonnie Anderson who left Fort Benton to move to Helena. She wanted me to know that the 50th thing was her great grandfather who was Walther H. Peck.
I went to my files and found #50 and it read like this…“Roy, Montana (pop. 108) owes its name to a typing mistake. When Walter H. Peck established a post office on his ranch in 1892, he requested that the name be Ray in honor of a friend. However, someone in Washington, D.C. misread the name and returned it with the name Roy.”
I appreciate that you read the View, Bonnie, and that interesting tid-bit of a story. I would like to know more about your great grandfather.
MAY MOON
It is obvious why the May Moon is called the Flower Moon. Its’ other names are the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon. Look forward to the May Full Moon on next Monday, the 4th.
SENIOR CENTER
I believe that everyone in town knows Idella Singer. Her late husband used to be in the River Guide business. The first bench was placed on the Levee by the Lewis and Clark Bronze Memorial Statue by his family in memory of him.
I have known Idella for a long while and in the last few years we became more acquainted because of the Billy Swensgard Memorial project. Billy was Idella’s grandson and a very important part of the memorial service/program we held last Veteran’s Day.
Now to get to the story of Idella and me. She told me several weeks ago that two people had called her Muncie. A third person was added to the list last week. A woman sitting next to me at the Tuesday night monthly dinner said that she saw Idella walking on her street and thought it was me. Folks, I know that our hair is about the same color, we both wear glasses, so how can you confuse us when she is so much prettier than I am?
SENIOR MOMENT
The kid’s text me “plz” which is shorter than please. I text back “no” which is shorter than “yes.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
View From The Bridge 4/22/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/22/15
SCAM
This past week my computer was attacked by a SCAM. I am passing this on to make you aware because I know two friends who had the same thing happen. I was working on the View last week when the computer screen froze. I could not do could not do anything including shutting it off. There was a phone number and I called it. I listened to instructions for an hour. When we reached the end of the instructions, (which we did at least a half dozen times,) and the final key was to be pressed…nothing would happen. I was totally washed out, told him I was just going to hang up, and shut my computer off manually. He said that I should not do that because the hackers could still get into my computer.
He then said that he could get me out of it for $99.95. I said absolutely not. He then said that he could do it for one year for $49.95. I hung up on him. I then called Its Triangle Phone Company and was told it was a SCAM. Their instructions were to just shut the modem off and everything would be back to normal and it was. Confusion reigned and because I believe that everyone is honest and above board, I am easily blind- sided. (I learned that term from a commercial on TV.)
CONTRACTS
Here is another suggestion to anyone hiring work done around their home. A handshake or just because we are friends does not cut it any longer. Get a written contract or bid on exactly what is to be done and how much it will cost. Both parties should sign it and the date. Just use caution because it is not like the old days any longer.
C.C.P.A.
Last Thursday evening I walked over to the Elementary School for the evening’s performance of the Chouteau County Performing Arts. I sat in my usual spot that is the second row from the front, middle section, and the first seat.
There was a young boy sitting in the middle seat and he was alone. Since we had about 20 minutes to show time, I called to him and asked him to join me. I had questions to ask of him. I asked how old he was. He said he was 11 years old and in the 6th grade. His name is Sean and he is a Fort Benton native.
I asked why he was alone and he said that his parents were working. He rode his bike to the school. He loves music and plays the saxophone in the school band. (Sean, I hope that I remembered your info correctly.)
Sean, I am sure that the C.C.P.A. Board of Directors are apperceive of your attendance and that you will be an “always patron,” of the Arts programs.
CORRECTION
Last week I reported that the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs had contributed the Las Vegas trip raffle ticket money to the Fort Benton Cancer Support Group. I should have said that the Daffodil revenue went to the Cancer Support instead of the raffle ticket money. This report is just for the records. Sorry about that.
AUTHORS, AUTHORS, AUTHORS
Do you remember a long while ago when I wrote about how fortunate I have been to meet authors at the Visitors Information Center, the Research Center, and actually on the Levee Walking Trail?
Last week was a rough one for me but Sunday made up for it with two happenings. My routine on Sundays is to have dinner at the Senior Center, take a ride to the cemetery, take out the trash for pick-up on Monday morning, and feed the birds.
I was headed across the yard to the house when I was finished with the chores and I heard a voice call, “Muncie.” There was a man on the sidewalk and I walked over to the block fence. He introduced himself as Bob Jefferson and that he was an author with questions about Fort Benton. He has already written and published a book and is writing a second one about his grandmother coming to Fort Benton on a steamboat.
He stopped in to the Senior Center and two women there had ancestors dating way back. They said to ask Muncie about historical questions. (Little did he know how little I retain about history?) That is the reason he knew my name. We sat on the fence until it became too warm and then retreated to the deck. (All this info for the next story.)
I could answer several of his questions and invited him to come to the Joel Overholser Research Center, JORC, on Tuesday when the historians would be there. Bob said that he would like to have his wife Fran meet me. They live in Washington State and are touring in a motor home. They are both retired teachers.
He went to get her and Fran and I chatted for about a half an hour. I asked her to come to the Center on Tuesday to see our Schwinden Library and JORC. Bob will be excited about the pictures that he is looking for. Hank Armstrong has been a volunteer for years caring for and handling indexing of photos. We will look forward to Bob’s book.
SECOND HAPPENING
I wrote an article not long ago about checking on your neighbor. It was concerning checking your friends or neighbors if you did not see them out and about, their garage door may be open for some time, and anything amiss in their yard.
On Sunday afternoon, while I am visiting with Bob and Fran, on the 14th St. side entrance to the deck, Jim Cummins appears. He was doing a “neighborhood watch” check. He saw Bob in front of the house with what looked like a map. Then Bob disappeared, later reappeared with woman in tow, and disappearing again behind the house. We had a great laugh about that and I felt much protected to think that Jim was so observant. I love that small town feeling with older folks making it more of a retirement community. “Be a good neighbor, your neighbor is there for you”…not State Farm.
IMPORTANT MEETING
The former volunteers at the Visitors Information Center will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the VIC next Monday, April 27th. Stacy Bronec will be the co-coordinator this year. I am not certain, because I did not ask her, that the VIC will open the same day as the Museums and the Old Fort at the end of May.
This is an important meeting to sign up for a shift at the Center. It will save Stacy having to make many phone calls to fill vacancies. It is also a great time to meet friends you may not have seen all winter.
If you have not volunteered at the VIC, consider it. It is so enjoyable and interesting. You will meet Visitors from all over the world and everyone has a story. Just do it and see you at the meeting.
SENIOR MOMENT
“If God had wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
By Muncie
4/22/15
SCAM
This past week my computer was attacked by a SCAM. I am passing this on to make you aware because I know two friends who had the same thing happen. I was working on the View last week when the computer screen froze. I could not do could not do anything including shutting it off. There was a phone number and I called it. I listened to instructions for an hour. When we reached the end of the instructions, (which we did at least a half dozen times,) and the final key was to be pressed…nothing would happen. I was totally washed out, told him I was just going to hang up, and shut my computer off manually. He said that I should not do that because the hackers could still get into my computer.
He then said that he could get me out of it for $99.95. I said absolutely not. He then said that he could do it for one year for $49.95. I hung up on him. I then called Its Triangle Phone Company and was told it was a SCAM. Their instructions were to just shut the modem off and everything would be back to normal and it was. Confusion reigned and because I believe that everyone is honest and above board, I am easily blind- sided. (I learned that term from a commercial on TV.)
CONTRACTS
Here is another suggestion to anyone hiring work done around their home. A handshake or just because we are friends does not cut it any longer. Get a written contract or bid on exactly what is to be done and how much it will cost. Both parties should sign it and the date. Just use caution because it is not like the old days any longer.
C.C.P.A.
Last Thursday evening I walked over to the Elementary School for the evening’s performance of the Chouteau County Performing Arts. I sat in my usual spot that is the second row from the front, middle section, and the first seat.
There was a young boy sitting in the middle seat and he was alone. Since we had about 20 minutes to show time, I called to him and asked him to join me. I had questions to ask of him. I asked how old he was. He said he was 11 years old and in the 6th grade. His name is Sean and he is a Fort Benton native.
I asked why he was alone and he said that his parents were working. He rode his bike to the school. He loves music and plays the saxophone in the school band. (Sean, I hope that I remembered your info correctly.)
Sean, I am sure that the C.C.P.A. Board of Directors are apperceive of your attendance and that you will be an “always patron,” of the Arts programs.
CORRECTION
Last week I reported that the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs had contributed the Las Vegas trip raffle ticket money to the Fort Benton Cancer Support Group. I should have said that the Daffodil revenue went to the Cancer Support instead of the raffle ticket money. This report is just for the records. Sorry about that.
AUTHORS, AUTHORS, AUTHORS
Do you remember a long while ago when I wrote about how fortunate I have been to meet authors at the Visitors Information Center, the Research Center, and actually on the Levee Walking Trail?
Last week was a rough one for me but Sunday made up for it with two happenings. My routine on Sundays is to have dinner at the Senior Center, take a ride to the cemetery, take out the trash for pick-up on Monday morning, and feed the birds.
I was headed across the yard to the house when I was finished with the chores and I heard a voice call, “Muncie.” There was a man on the sidewalk and I walked over to the block fence. He introduced himself as Bob Jefferson and that he was an author with questions about Fort Benton. He has already written and published a book and is writing a second one about his grandmother coming to Fort Benton on a steamboat.
He stopped in to the Senior Center and two women there had ancestors dating way back. They said to ask Muncie about historical questions. (Little did he know how little I retain about history?) That is the reason he knew my name. We sat on the fence until it became too warm and then retreated to the deck. (All this info for the next story.)
I could answer several of his questions and invited him to come to the Joel Overholser Research Center, JORC, on Tuesday when the historians would be there. Bob said that he would like to have his wife Fran meet me. They live in Washington State and are touring in a motor home. They are both retired teachers.
He went to get her and Fran and I chatted for about a half an hour. I asked her to come to the Center on Tuesday to see our Schwinden Library and JORC. Bob will be excited about the pictures that he is looking for. Hank Armstrong has been a volunteer for years caring for and handling indexing of photos. We will look forward to Bob’s book.
SECOND HAPPENING
I wrote an article not long ago about checking on your neighbor. It was concerning checking your friends or neighbors if you did not see them out and about, their garage door may be open for some time, and anything amiss in their yard.
On Sunday afternoon, while I am visiting with Bob and Fran, on the 14th St. side entrance to the deck, Jim Cummins appears. He was doing a “neighborhood watch” check. He saw Bob in front of the house with what looked like a map. Then Bob disappeared, later reappeared with woman in tow, and disappearing again behind the house. We had a great laugh about that and I felt much protected to think that Jim was so observant. I love that small town feeling with older folks making it more of a retirement community. “Be a good neighbor, your neighbor is there for you”…not State Farm.
IMPORTANT MEETING
The former volunteers at the Visitors Information Center will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the VIC next Monday, April 27th. Stacy Bronec will be the co-coordinator this year. I am not certain, because I did not ask her, that the VIC will open the same day as the Museums and the Old Fort at the end of May.
This is an important meeting to sign up for a shift at the Center. It will save Stacy having to make many phone calls to fill vacancies. It is also a great time to meet friends you may not have seen all winter.
If you have not volunteered at the VIC, consider it. It is so enjoyable and interesting. You will meet Visitors from all over the world and everyone has a story. Just do it and see you at the meeting.
SENIOR MOMENT
“If God had wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/8/15
AWESOME DAY
I wrote last week that before the next River Press issue was published, I would see the second floor of the Benton Pharmacy building. On Monday the 30th I called Chris Halko and asked if I could have a tour of the area where the World Championship Fort Show Indian Girls Basketball Team in 1904 had once played a game. Chris said to come over any time.
Tuesdays are my volunteer time at the Joel Overholser Research Center and most often several of us have lunch at the Golden Age Senior Center. I invited my son Randy and volunteer Marge to walk over to the Pharmacy with me after lunch. When we approached Chris at the back of the store, he said that “Scoop” had already been there earlier and had toured the upstairs.
The meaning of “Scoop’ meant that Tim Burmeister, the editor of the River Press, had read my story when I had turned it in by 3:00 p.m. on Monday and he tried to scoop me. I am sure that you understand what that means but just in case you do not, I will explain. Tim, in newspaper talk, had tried to get the story first. When I visited him later, I told him I wanted double my wages and to stop stealing my stories, or I was going to quit. (Now Folks, this is all in fun and we all got a good laugh out of it.)
Now back to the story of my visit upstairs. Chris had to use a flashlight because there isn’t any lighting up the stairs or when you reach the top floor. We went a few steps to a hallway and at the end of the hall there was light. There are four large windows and you can see them when you are on Front Street.
The room is huge and that answered my question as to how they could play basketball there. It is in very good condition considering that it was built the same year as the Grand Union, 1882. The ceiling was tin at one time but was removed to be put in other historic places. (If you have never seen a tin ceiling, check out the U.S. Bank ceiling. There is a great story there too, but for another time.)
The wood ceiling boards are in very good condition and there are stencils on the wall near the ceiling. I could close my eyes and imagine a basketball game going on. I know that the Fort Shaw girl’s spirits were hanging out there.
It was an awesome experience and hopefully, someday, I can see the room restored and it would be available to everyone.
Back at the Research Center, I excitedly discussed my experience with Ken Robison, our local historian; along with Hank Armstrong know everything there is to know about Fort Benton. He added to the historical story, the fact that the second floor of the Benton Pharmacy building is the only place left in Montana where the Fort Show Girls played a basketball game. That is amazing considering the games were played in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s. What a remarkable fact that the Fort Show Team won the world championship.
If your interest is piqued, there is a book written by Peavey and Smith at the library. It is one that you will not be able to put down. There is also a PBS documentary, without commercials, that you will not want to leave the TV screen even for a drink of water.
I called Montana PBS today to inquire if it is on the schedule to be shown soon. It is not scheduled at this time but I will check with them regularly. In the meanwhile, if you are interested, you can get the DVD at the Chouteau County Free Library. It is titled, “Playing for the World.” Enjoy!
LIBRARY
Next week is National Library Week from the 13th to the 17th. One event on their schedule will be the annual Tea on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our Library has so much to offer. I hope you are taking advantage of it.
DISCLAIMER
I rarely read the View after it appears in the River Press but for some reason, I took the time to check how the story about my visit to the top floor of the Benton Pharmacy building had looked in newspaper print. I am disclaiming the information about Chris Halko telling PBS that they had to clean up after the filming. I knew nothing about that and I must have a mystery writer, (could it be Mr. Scoop?)
The reason I am explaining this is because I called Chris immediately to deny and proclaim my innocence. Chris said it was a good thing that I called because he was going to “rag” me about it and would never let me forget. Another reason is that I know how sensitive Chris is about cleaning up the second floor which he has done countless times. It is a losing battle because of the ceiling missing, dirt coming through the roof, and birds finding refuge in a dry and warm place.
On the other hand, I am going to tell that Chris is a jokester and he makes everything humorous. I am now finished with this subject for a while.
PIE DAY…NO!
There will be no Pie Day this month or perhaps ever again. A long tradition is going to fall by the wayside. The Pie Eaters were almost non-existent last month limited to my table of five women. This is another good example of what is happening in rural America. Can anyone explain it? Is it the economy? Is $3.00 a person too much once a month? Was it the weather that kept people away? Is Friday a busy day for you? Just not interested? Do you just not want to socialize with your friends and neighbors? I realize that there are many people employed but just guessing I would go out on a limb and say there are 500 people out of 1,500 that stay at home.
The Golden Age Senior Center committee decided to change the time to 11:00 a.m. and have a Bake Sale instead. There may be some pies but as far as the social hour we used to have at 2:00 p.m. will be eliminated. The regulars that eat at the Center every day start showing up at 11:30 a.m. to have their dinner at promptly noon.
I do not know what the schedule will be for next month and May would have been the last Pie Day until September. Perhaps there will be other decisions made after the Bake Sale on Friday.
C.C.P.A.
I am giving you a week notice ahead of time for the Chouteau County Performing Arts program on Thursday April 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary School Auditorium. The evening entertainment will be Alice Tan Ridley who was on America’s Got Talent. She sang “At Last” and was in the final judging in Hollywood.
If Alice sings “At Last” or any familiar song here in Fort Benton, I will forever be a fan. The last two performances of PC.C.P.A. were well attended because our Kids were involved playing their stringed instruments. Make it a great night out and fill the auditorium. If you have not seen the newly upholstered seats, then you have a treat in store. Enjoy, with your season tickets, a Broadway type show for $5.00 a show. Remember what I have said about attending a play or symphony elsewhere and it would cost you $40.00.
Don’t forget to drop a $1.00 or $2.00 into the donation container on the coffee/tea/cookie table. It will be much appreciated. At today’s prices, you cannot even buy one cookie for a $1.00.
SENIOR MOMENT
This Senior Moment could apply to anyone. “God grand me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the friends to put up with me when I finally snap.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
By Muncie
4/8/15
AWESOME DAY
I wrote last week that before the next River Press issue was published, I would see the second floor of the Benton Pharmacy building. On Monday the 30th I called Chris Halko and asked if I could have a tour of the area where the World Championship Fort Show Indian Girls Basketball Team in 1904 had once played a game. Chris said to come over any time.
Tuesdays are my volunteer time at the Joel Overholser Research Center and most often several of us have lunch at the Golden Age Senior Center. I invited my son Randy and volunteer Marge to walk over to the Pharmacy with me after lunch. When we approached Chris at the back of the store, he said that “Scoop” had already been there earlier and had toured the upstairs.
The meaning of “Scoop’ meant that Tim Burmeister, the editor of the River Press, had read my story when I had turned it in by 3:00 p.m. on Monday and he tried to scoop me. I am sure that you understand what that means but just in case you do not, I will explain. Tim, in newspaper talk, had tried to get the story first. When I visited him later, I told him I wanted double my wages and to stop stealing my stories, or I was going to quit. (Now Folks, this is all in fun and we all got a good laugh out of it.)
Now back to the story of my visit upstairs. Chris had to use a flashlight because there isn’t any lighting up the stairs or when you reach the top floor. We went a few steps to a hallway and at the end of the hall there was light. There are four large windows and you can see them when you are on Front Street.
The room is huge and that answered my question as to how they could play basketball there. It is in very good condition considering that it was built the same year as the Grand Union, 1882. The ceiling was tin at one time but was removed to be put in other historic places. (If you have never seen a tin ceiling, check out the U.S. Bank ceiling. There is a great story there too, but for another time.)
The wood ceiling boards are in very good condition and there are stencils on the wall near the ceiling. I could close my eyes and imagine a basketball game going on. I know that the Fort Shaw girl’s spirits were hanging out there.
It was an awesome experience and hopefully, someday, I can see the room restored and it would be available to everyone.
Back at the Research Center, I excitedly discussed my experience with Ken Robison, our local historian; along with Hank Armstrong know everything there is to know about Fort Benton. He added to the historical story, the fact that the second floor of the Benton Pharmacy building is the only place left in Montana where the Fort Show Girls played a basketball game. That is amazing considering the games were played in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s. What a remarkable fact that the Fort Show Team won the world championship.
If your interest is piqued, there is a book written by Peavey and Smith at the library. It is one that you will not be able to put down. There is also a PBS documentary, without commercials, that you will not want to leave the TV screen even for a drink of water.
I called Montana PBS today to inquire if it is on the schedule to be shown soon. It is not scheduled at this time but I will check with them regularly. In the meanwhile, if you are interested, you can get the DVD at the Chouteau County Free Library. It is titled, “Playing for the World.” Enjoy!
LIBRARY
Next week is National Library Week from the 13th to the 17th. One event on their schedule will be the annual Tea on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our Library has so much to offer. I hope you are taking advantage of it.
DISCLAIMER
I rarely read the View after it appears in the River Press but for some reason, I took the time to check how the story about my visit to the top floor of the Benton Pharmacy building had looked in newspaper print. I am disclaiming the information about Chris Halko telling PBS that they had to clean up after the filming. I knew nothing about that and I must have a mystery writer, (could it be Mr. Scoop?)
The reason I am explaining this is because I called Chris immediately to deny and proclaim my innocence. Chris said it was a good thing that I called because he was going to “rag” me about it and would never let me forget. Another reason is that I know how sensitive Chris is about cleaning up the second floor which he has done countless times. It is a losing battle because of the ceiling missing, dirt coming through the roof, and birds finding refuge in a dry and warm place.
On the other hand, I am going to tell that Chris is a jokester and he makes everything humorous. I am now finished with this subject for a while.
PIE DAY…NO!
There will be no Pie Day this month or perhaps ever again. A long tradition is going to fall by the wayside. The Pie Eaters were almost non-existent last month limited to my table of five women. This is another good example of what is happening in rural America. Can anyone explain it? Is it the economy? Is $3.00 a person too much once a month? Was it the weather that kept people away? Is Friday a busy day for you? Just not interested? Do you just not want to socialize with your friends and neighbors? I realize that there are many people employed but just guessing I would go out on a limb and say there are 500 people out of 1,500 that stay at home.
The Golden Age Senior Center committee decided to change the time to 11:00 a.m. and have a Bake Sale instead. There may be some pies but as far as the social hour we used to have at 2:00 p.m. will be eliminated. The regulars that eat at the Center every day start showing up at 11:30 a.m. to have their dinner at promptly noon.
I do not know what the schedule will be for next month and May would have been the last Pie Day until September. Perhaps there will be other decisions made after the Bake Sale on Friday.
C.C.P.A.
I am giving you a week notice ahead of time for the Chouteau County Performing Arts program on Thursday April 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary School Auditorium. The evening entertainment will be Alice Tan Ridley who was on America’s Got Talent. She sang “At Last” and was in the final judging in Hollywood.
If Alice sings “At Last” or any familiar song here in Fort Benton, I will forever be a fan. The last two performances of PC.C.P.A. were well attended because our Kids were involved playing their stringed instruments. Make it a great night out and fill the auditorium. If you have not seen the newly upholstered seats, then you have a treat in store. Enjoy, with your season tickets, a Broadway type show for $5.00 a show. Remember what I have said about attending a play or symphony elsewhere and it would cost you $40.00.
Don’t forget to drop a $1.00 or $2.00 into the donation container on the coffee/tea/cookie table. It will be much appreciated. At today’s prices, you cannot even buy one cookie for a $1.00.
SENIOR MOMENT
This Senior Moment could apply to anyone. “God grand me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the friends to put up with me when I finally snap.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
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, March 10, 2015
View From The Bridge 3/11/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/11/15
DAY LIGHT
Did you remember to change your clocks? I remembered but I went to bed at the same time I always do after I changed the clocks and lost an hour of sleep. Oh well, it didn’t outweigh that it is now 7:45 p.m. Sunday evening and I can still see out the computer room window and I can see quite clearly as it isn’t completely dark.
How about that full moon? The problem with it lighting up the south side of the house windows is that it comes around too late or I should say early in the morning. That is how it works at this time of year. I’ll check it out next month and decide if I should just stay up all night to see the moon.
FRONT STREET
Do you have a difficult time backing out of a parking spot on Front St.? I dread it myself. Do you think that the speed limit should be lowered, say from 20 M.P.H. to 15 M.P.H.? If you are going 20 M.P.H. it is almost impossible to stop and let someone back out. (Think about it and please let me know what you what your opinion is. We would have be on the agenda list and attend a council meeting to make that happen.) Do you stop when you see brake lights go on and let them back out? (It is the courteous thing to do but is not a law.)
A few years ago a friend of mine was backing out from in front of Lehman’s True Value. A vehicle turned into the parking spot next to her from the opposite side of the street. She backed into him and as a result she had to pay for the repair of her vehicle. Why you ask when it wasn’t her fault and the reason was there were no double yellow lines on Front St? The insurance company can check that on their computers. She went to Council and it happened. Unfortunately very often, I see drivers still driving across the double yellow lines to park in front of the businesses. Please pass that on if you see it happen. I do that but it makes me just as uncomfortable as it did years ago to tell people, “I mind if you smoke.”
What brought this parking situation up again is that another friend of mine recently had backed out and was waiting for the vehicle on her left about three spaces ahead of her to back out. A big truck on her right began backing out hit her car. He was ticketed and said it was his fault because he could not see her in his side or rear view mirrors.
DO YOU LOVE TO READ?
Our Chouteau County Library has scheduled another “Bag of Books” for $1.00. Over the years, we had, for a few dollars, accumulated hundreds of books. Honestly, I always seem to find another book by a favorite author, books on Montana, history books, and those you just cannot live without. Have I read them all? No, but I will when I retire. Actually, I have been getting books on tape and now digital tapes from the Talking Book library for 35 years. Why do I buy more books? It is because they are like a security blanket, all warm and comforting. Just to know that I may find another collectable book makes me keep buying. Actually, the books have taken over the house and I really do not have another space to put one more book but I will see you there on St. Patrick’s Day the 17th.
PIE DAY
You do not have the weather for an excuse any longer. It is going to be warmer all week long so remember 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Come join the social group that gathers once a month for delicious homemade pie and a cup of coffee. (I am sure it can be arranged for a cup of tea if you prefer.)
STRING MUSICIAN WORKSHOP & C.C.P.A.
On Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Elementary School auditorium will be a String Workshop. All of you who own stringed instruments…come on down. I had such a great time at the Song Writing Workshop a month or so ago that I know you will have a great time.
I own three stringed instruments, a dulcimer, an antique mandolin, and Garth Brook’s guitar, but do not know how to play any of them. I still want to attend the workshop because we had a workshop similar quite a few years back and it was a blast. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon either participating or just listening to those that know what they are all about.
This program is in conjunction with the Chouteau County Performing Arts program the next evening with Two Bit Franks. Besides, I want to know where their name came from. (Is it like, “25 cents for a hot dog?) If you like Bluegrass, I’ll see you there. I love it because it reminds me of what we used to call “back in the dark ages,” hillbilly music. I loved it then and it should bring back a lot of memories.
Just a reminder it will be Monday the 16th at the Elementary School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
MONTANA
This week will be the last of the “50 Things You Didn’t Know About Montana” that found me on the computer. I do remember some of them but I wonder how accurate they are. If you see me around town, let me know if you enjoyed them.
47. The population of Petroleum County, Montana is 494 people despite being larger than the state of Rhode Island.
48. Before being named the Montana Territory, Congress considered naming the state “Shoshone” in honor of the Indians who lived here and “Jefferson” in honor of the former President who commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
49. For 100 years no one knew the name of the person who sculpted the bronze
of the woman who sits atop the Montana‘s Capitol dome or where it came from. (It would have been interesting for the author to let us know. Now I have to search the internet to find out.)
50. Roy, Montana (population 108) owes its name to a spelling mistake. When Walter H. Peck established a post office on his ranch in 1892, he requested the name Ray in honor of a relative. However, someone in Washington, D.C. misread the application and returned it with the name Roy instead.
The end.
NOTE: I did some research on #49 and it is included below. I was thrilled with the story and it was much like our Culbertson House story that was all about the granddaughter.
SENIOR MOMENT
Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
I saw quite a bit of red last Friday as we are shedding those winter coats and jackets.
#49 in the Montana section was about the bronze woman on the Capitol Dome. I commented that it would have been nice if they had told us where it came from and who the woman was after 100 years.
I decided to call the Governor's office and they referred me to the Gift Shop because the last Christmas ornament was of the woman and the dome. The attendant that answered the phone said that there was a booklet that came with the ornament, he would scan it, and e-mail it to me.
When I got the scan it was so small I could not read it. I then called the Historical Society and the young woman said that she would go down stairs and check with the gift shop. She got the booklet and actually typed it in larger print for me. Thanks to the Historical Society and if you have never visited in Helena...make it a priority.
What you will read below is the story and it is a fascinating one. Enjoy!
For more than a century, a graceful figure has perched atop the Montana State Capitol's grand, copper-clad dome and has been prominent on the city's skyline. Her true identity, however, was an unsolved mystery for more than a century. The seventeen-foot statue, holding a torch in one hand and a shield in the other, arrived at Helena's Northern Pacific Railroad depot one day in 1897. No one knew who commissioned her, what artist created her, or from where she came.
The copper-clad statue arrived just after the scandalous disbanding of the first capitol commission. In 1895, the group charged with contracting for the construction of the State Capitol planned to inflate prices and embezzle funds. Summoned to appear before a grand jury, the state architect committed suicide and others burned all records, destroying any evidence of criminal action and, incidentally, all information about the custom-sculpted statue. Although no one could trace her origin, the statue served the next commission well, and she took her place atop the capitol dome in 1901. She was always known as "Lady Liberty."
In 2006, Alice Nagle of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, contacted the Montana Historical Society inquiring about her grandfather's statue. She wondered if it still graced the capitol’s dome. Her parents had passed away and in going through a trunk in their attic, she discovered a photograph of the work in progress, solving the mystery of Lady Liberty. Her grandfather, Edward J. Van Landeghem, was a talented Belgian artist who trained at the Academy of Fine Arts School in Brussels. He created the statue in his Philadelphia studio and considered her one of his best sculptures. He named her "Montana." So after more than a century of relative anonymity, her origins surfaced and she can be called by her rightful name.
[Written by Ellen Baumler]
By Muncie
3/11/15
DAY LIGHT
Did you remember to change your clocks? I remembered but I went to bed at the same time I always do after I changed the clocks and lost an hour of sleep. Oh well, it didn’t outweigh that it is now 7:45 p.m. Sunday evening and I can still see out the computer room window and I can see quite clearly as it isn’t completely dark.
How about that full moon? The problem with it lighting up the south side of the house windows is that it comes around too late or I should say early in the morning. That is how it works at this time of year. I’ll check it out next month and decide if I should just stay up all night to see the moon.
FRONT STREET
Do you have a difficult time backing out of a parking spot on Front St.? I dread it myself. Do you think that the speed limit should be lowered, say from 20 M.P.H. to 15 M.P.H.? If you are going 20 M.P.H. it is almost impossible to stop and let someone back out. (Think about it and please let me know what you what your opinion is. We would have be on the agenda list and attend a council meeting to make that happen.) Do you stop when you see brake lights go on and let them back out? (It is the courteous thing to do but is not a law.)
A few years ago a friend of mine was backing out from in front of Lehman’s True Value. A vehicle turned into the parking spot next to her from the opposite side of the street. She backed into him and as a result she had to pay for the repair of her vehicle. Why you ask when it wasn’t her fault and the reason was there were no double yellow lines on Front St? The insurance company can check that on their computers. She went to Council and it happened. Unfortunately very often, I see drivers still driving across the double yellow lines to park in front of the businesses. Please pass that on if you see it happen. I do that but it makes me just as uncomfortable as it did years ago to tell people, “I mind if you smoke.”
What brought this parking situation up again is that another friend of mine recently had backed out and was waiting for the vehicle on her left about three spaces ahead of her to back out. A big truck on her right began backing out hit her car. He was ticketed and said it was his fault because he could not see her in his side or rear view mirrors.
DO YOU LOVE TO READ?
Our Chouteau County Library has scheduled another “Bag of Books” for $1.00. Over the years, we had, for a few dollars, accumulated hundreds of books. Honestly, I always seem to find another book by a favorite author, books on Montana, history books, and those you just cannot live without. Have I read them all? No, but I will when I retire. Actually, I have been getting books on tape and now digital tapes from the Talking Book library for 35 years. Why do I buy more books? It is because they are like a security blanket, all warm and comforting. Just to know that I may find another collectable book makes me keep buying. Actually, the books have taken over the house and I really do not have another space to put one more book but I will see you there on St. Patrick’s Day the 17th.
PIE DAY
You do not have the weather for an excuse any longer. It is going to be warmer all week long so remember 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Come join the social group that gathers once a month for delicious homemade pie and a cup of coffee. (I am sure it can be arranged for a cup of tea if you prefer.)
STRING MUSICIAN WORKSHOP & C.C.P.A.
On Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Elementary School auditorium will be a String Workshop. All of you who own stringed instruments…come on down. I had such a great time at the Song Writing Workshop a month or so ago that I know you will have a great time.
I own three stringed instruments, a dulcimer, an antique mandolin, and Garth Brook’s guitar, but do not know how to play any of them. I still want to attend the workshop because we had a workshop similar quite a few years back and it was a blast. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon either participating or just listening to those that know what they are all about.
This program is in conjunction with the Chouteau County Performing Arts program the next evening with Two Bit Franks. Besides, I want to know where their name came from. (Is it like, “25 cents for a hot dog?) If you like Bluegrass, I’ll see you there. I love it because it reminds me of what we used to call “back in the dark ages,” hillbilly music. I loved it then and it should bring back a lot of memories.
Just a reminder it will be Monday the 16th at the Elementary School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
MONTANA
This week will be the last of the “50 Things You Didn’t Know About Montana” that found me on the computer. I do remember some of them but I wonder how accurate they are. If you see me around town, let me know if you enjoyed them.
47. The population of Petroleum County, Montana is 494 people despite being larger than the state of Rhode Island.
48. Before being named the Montana Territory, Congress considered naming the state “Shoshone” in honor of the Indians who lived here and “Jefferson” in honor of the former President who commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
49. For 100 years no one knew the name of the person who sculpted the bronze
of the woman who sits atop the Montana‘s Capitol dome or where it came from. (It would have been interesting for the author to let us know. Now I have to search the internet to find out.)
50. Roy, Montana (population 108) owes its name to a spelling mistake. When Walter H. Peck established a post office on his ranch in 1892, he requested the name Ray in honor of a relative. However, someone in Washington, D.C. misread the application and returned it with the name Roy instead.
The end.
NOTE: I did some research on #49 and it is included below. I was thrilled with the story and it was much like our Culbertson House story that was all about the granddaughter.
SENIOR MOMENT
Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
I saw quite a bit of red last Friday as we are shedding those winter coats and jackets.
#49 in the Montana section was about the bronze woman on the Capitol Dome. I commented that it would have been nice if they had told us where it came from and who the woman was after 100 years.
I decided to call the Governor's office and they referred me to the Gift Shop because the last Christmas ornament was of the woman and the dome. The attendant that answered the phone said that there was a booklet that came with the ornament, he would scan it, and e-mail it to me.
When I got the scan it was so small I could not read it. I then called the Historical Society and the young woman said that she would go down stairs and check with the gift shop. She got the booklet and actually typed it in larger print for me. Thanks to the Historical Society and if you have never visited in Helena...make it a priority.
What you will read below is the story and it is a fascinating one. Enjoy!
For more than a century, a graceful figure has perched atop the Montana State Capitol's grand, copper-clad dome and has been prominent on the city's skyline. Her true identity, however, was an unsolved mystery for more than a century. The seventeen-foot statue, holding a torch in one hand and a shield in the other, arrived at Helena's Northern Pacific Railroad depot one day in 1897. No one knew who commissioned her, what artist created her, or from where she came.
The copper-clad statue arrived just after the scandalous disbanding of the first capitol commission. In 1895, the group charged with contracting for the construction of the State Capitol planned to inflate prices and embezzle funds. Summoned to appear before a grand jury, the state architect committed suicide and others burned all records, destroying any evidence of criminal action and, incidentally, all information about the custom-sculpted statue. Although no one could trace her origin, the statue served the next commission well, and she took her place atop the capitol dome in 1901. She was always known as "Lady Liberty."
In 2006, Alice Nagle of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, contacted the Montana Historical Society inquiring about her grandfather's statue. She wondered if it still graced the capitol’s dome. Her parents had passed away and in going through a trunk in their attic, she discovered a photograph of the work in progress, solving the mystery of Lady Liberty. Her grandfather, Edward J. Van Landeghem, was a talented Belgian artist who trained at the Academy of Fine Arts School in Brussels. He created the statue in his Philadelphia studio and considered her one of his best sculptures. He named her "Montana." So after more than a century of relative anonymity, her origins surfaced and she can be called by her rightful name.
[Written by Ellen Baumler]
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
VIEW from the BRIDGE
by Muncie
3/4/15
WE LOVE YOU
This message is for the students in the Chouteau County Schools that are involved in any kind of activities. I want you to know that the community appreciates and love all of your efforts. I do not mention enough about them but believe me; you are always in conversations around town. We are proud and you bring pride to your community by making the efforts in every sport, speech and drama, Band, 4H, honor rolls and help with community projects.
I will not mention specific groups because I am afraid that I will miss someone. You all know who you are. We love you and want you to know that we are aware of your impact on our community. We know about those of you who went to district, divisional, and state competitions. To the parents, brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers and even great grandparents, our appreciation for your efforts to get them going to where they have to go, is also appreciated. I think about you when I read the results of all of the activities and how proud you must be. I am proud to say I live in Fort Benton and your reputation makes that possible.
WHO KNEW?
I attended a Public Health Assessment meeting a week ago Tuesday at the Missouri River Medical Center. The attendees were mostly from the Health Department, E.M.T’s, Hospital Staff, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Principle of the Elementary.
The meeting consisted of reviewing % figures of the Health Fairs and other medical coverage. A nurse from the Big Sandy Hospital was included in the discussions via a TV screen. At one point she was discussing the Senior Citizens activities. She said that they walked in the gym of the school.
Since I had Scott and Rory sitting close by, I asked if I could walk in the gym. If you remember I walked the halls of the high school last summer for several months when the temp was in the 90’s.
They assured me that the schools have always been open for walking and that several people are there daily. The Elementary School is open at 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. The High Schools hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The High School’s hours fit into my schedule like a glove at 4:00 p.m. I began walking on Wednesday and thus far have not seen any other walkers. I am sharing with you and hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity. There were some students in the gym practicing basketball and the Clean-Up crew is busy with their tidying job. Otherwise, I had to whole place to myself.
I enjoy walking as a routine exercise especially along our fantastic Levee Trail. This past year, with the snow and ice beginning in November, blocked my efforts to walk. It was so great to begin walking last week and I hope to see more of you there. I listen to my Talking Books and it is a special time for me as it is the only time I can listen.
So who knew about this and wasn’t I the lucky one to find out by attending that meeting. See you there.
MARCH MOON
The Full Worm Moon is upon us. It is named as such because as the temperature thaws, the worms began their work and that brings on the robins. (Please let me know when you see your first robin.)
This moon has more names than any other. The full Crow Moon name comes from the cawing of crows to signal the end of winter. The Full Crust Moon gets its title from the snow crusting during the day and freezing at nigh. The Full Sap Moon indicates it is time to tap the Maple trees. The last listed name is the Lenten Moon that is the last full moon of winter.
You can check the internet for the Almanac to read more about the moons. Also note that the full moon is next Thursday the 5th of this month.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
It has rolled around again to that time and next Saturday night you can adjust your clocks so you will not be late for Church on Sunday.
It is such a chore for me because there are clocks, (and sometimes two,) in every room of this house in addition to my watch and the clock in the truck. I have several that are too large and heavy for me to lift off the wall that I just leave the same year round. It took a while to get used to that but it was a good solution. It is also a good time to change batteries if the clocks are not plug-in. Perhaps it is better to let the batteries live their lives out. I write the date nowadays just to research how long they last.
SENIOR MOMENT
The biggest lie I tell myself is “I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it.”
MONTANA
Of the “50 Things You Didn’t Know About Montana” book, I am on No. 43 to 46 and next week I will copy the last four. This information has gone one for about 20 weeks. Where does the time go?
42. Montana was the first state to adopt a State Library.
43. Montana has more species of mammals (108) than any other U. S. state.
44. Montana was the last state to adopt an age limit for buying cigarettes. (Shame on them.)
45. The first federal census in 1870 showed only 20,595 living in the Montana territory.
(If you would like to have a copy of “The 50 Things,” go to http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm Trust me, it is family friendly and has nothing to do with Strippers.)
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
by Muncie
3/4/15
WE LOVE YOU
This message is for the students in the Chouteau County Schools that are involved in any kind of activities. I want you to know that the community appreciates and love all of your efforts. I do not mention enough about them but believe me; you are always in conversations around town. We are proud and you bring pride to your community by making the efforts in every sport, speech and drama, Band, 4H, honor rolls and help with community projects.
I will not mention specific groups because I am afraid that I will miss someone. You all know who you are. We love you and want you to know that we are aware of your impact on our community. We know about those of you who went to district, divisional, and state competitions. To the parents, brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers and even great grandparents, our appreciation for your efforts to get them going to where they have to go, is also appreciated. I think about you when I read the results of all of the activities and how proud you must be. I am proud to say I live in Fort Benton and your reputation makes that possible.
WHO KNEW?
I attended a Public Health Assessment meeting a week ago Tuesday at the Missouri River Medical Center. The attendees were mostly from the Health Department, E.M.T’s, Hospital Staff, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Principle of the Elementary.
The meeting consisted of reviewing % figures of the Health Fairs and other medical coverage. A nurse from the Big Sandy Hospital was included in the discussions via a TV screen. At one point she was discussing the Senior Citizens activities. She said that they walked in the gym of the school.
Since I had Scott and Rory sitting close by, I asked if I could walk in the gym. If you remember I walked the halls of the high school last summer for several months when the temp was in the 90’s.
They assured me that the schools have always been open for walking and that several people are there daily. The Elementary School is open at 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. The High Schools hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The High School’s hours fit into my schedule like a glove at 4:00 p.m. I began walking on Wednesday and thus far have not seen any other walkers. I am sharing with you and hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity. There were some students in the gym practicing basketball and the Clean-Up crew is busy with their tidying job. Otherwise, I had to whole place to myself.
I enjoy walking as a routine exercise especially along our fantastic Levee Trail. This past year, with the snow and ice beginning in November, blocked my efforts to walk. It was so great to begin walking last week and I hope to see more of you there. I listen to my Talking Books and it is a special time for me as it is the only time I can listen.
So who knew about this and wasn’t I the lucky one to find out by attending that meeting. See you there.
MARCH MOON
The Full Worm Moon is upon us. It is named as such because as the temperature thaws, the worms began their work and that brings on the robins. (Please let me know when you see your first robin.)
This moon has more names than any other. The full Crow Moon name comes from the cawing of crows to signal the end of winter. The Full Crust Moon gets its title from the snow crusting during the day and freezing at nigh. The Full Sap Moon indicates it is time to tap the Maple trees. The last listed name is the Lenten Moon that is the last full moon of winter.
You can check the internet for the Almanac to read more about the moons. Also note that the full moon is next Thursday the 5th of this month.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
It has rolled around again to that time and next Saturday night you can adjust your clocks so you will not be late for Church on Sunday.
It is such a chore for me because there are clocks, (and sometimes two,) in every room of this house in addition to my watch and the clock in the truck. I have several that are too large and heavy for me to lift off the wall that I just leave the same year round. It took a while to get used to that but it was a good solution. It is also a good time to change batteries if the clocks are not plug-in. Perhaps it is better to let the batteries live their lives out. I write the date nowadays just to research how long they last.
SENIOR MOMENT
The biggest lie I tell myself is “I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it.”
MONTANA
Of the “50 Things You Didn’t Know About Montana” book, I am on No. 43 to 46 and next week I will copy the last four. This information has gone one for about 20 weeks. Where does the time go?
42. Montana was the first state to adopt a State Library.
43. Montana has more species of mammals (108) than any other U. S. state.
44. Montana was the last state to adopt an age limit for buying cigarettes. (Shame on them.)
45. The first federal census in 1870 showed only 20,595 living in the Montana territory.
(If you would like to have a copy of “The 50 Things,” go to http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm Trust me, it is family friendly and has nothing to do with Strippers.)
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
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