View From The Bridge 5-2-12

“VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE”
By Muncie
5/2/12

 BLUE HERONS
“And the rest of the story is.”  Yes, there is more to the story that I learned a week ago.  I went to a birthday party in Loma and found myself in the company of Jim Wood.  Jim has lived in the Loma area for 73 years.  He told me a fascinating story of the Blue Herons.  For all of those years there was one Blue Heron with a nest along the Marias.  They named him “Slew-foot.”  A Heron was there year after year and it was not until four years ago that there were eight nests on the west side of the Marias River.  The following year Bill Cornell counted 16 nests on the east side of the river on the Lower Marias River Road.  This year there are 23 nests.

Jim said that he has never seen a baby or young bird.   I checked the Inter-Net and found a site that was like u-tube.  It showed two Herons building a nest and had a musical background.  The next one was a single Heron turning the eggs in the nest and the third an eagle stealing eggs from a nest.

I received several phone calls from people that had made the trip to Loma to see the nesting places.  We also made a trip back today (Sunday) with six friends who had never seen anything like it before.  Try to make it an adventure trip to Loma before the birds leave.  I will try to find some site on the inter-net that tells me where they go or perhaps one of you readers will find it before I do.  Let me know if you find a site.

I saw Tim (editor of the River Press,) over the weekend.  I told him that I had gotten many compliments about the great photo of the Herons that was placed above the View.  I’ll take the credit although my pictures were too far away and only Tim could get a photo that good.  Thanks Tim.

1940 CENSUS
For my Sweetheart Wally’s birthday, son Randy presented him with a copy of the 1940 census.  This particular census has been kept from the public for 72 years.  It was a privacy issue, as those questioned were required to answer personal questions about how they were doing after the Depression of 1929.

If your family lived in Fort Benton in 1940, your name is on this document.  Information about the number of people, about how many there were in the family, what their occupation was, where they lived, and how much money they made has now been made public.  The man that made the most money in town was the superintendent of schools and that sum was $3,000.00 a year.

If you do not have a computer to check on your family, contact us and you can see the printed out copy.  It is a most interesting document to research.  Wally was 16 years old at the time and knew most everyone in town.    Remember that if you do not know where you came from, you cannot not know where you are going.

AROUND TOWN

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
The last meeting of the season will be held on Wednesday, May 9th at the Upper Missouri Interpretive Center.  Remember this is a change of location and I am reminding you this week because you will not have your River Press until the late afternoon of the 9th.  A salad and dessert luncheon is planned.  Connie Jacobs will be our speaker.  As Cindy always says, “Be a friend and bring a friend.”  We have had a very interesting season with many guest authors and books we read that opened our eyes to the world around us.  You do not need a reservation and a first time visitor is welcomed.  Come and see what we are all about.

BACKROADS OF MT
We received our copy of the Montana PBS directory this past week.  On page three is a picture of Wayne Hampton working on his next project that is another harp.  The description of the segment reads, “We will meet a man in Fort Benton whose skill in crafting musical instruments is only surpassed by his generous spirit.”  That sentence is the perfect description of Wayne.  His segment of the Backroads will be aired on WEDNESDAY the 23rd of MAY at 7:00 p.m.  This is a change from the usual Saturday presentation of Backroads.  I will remind you the next several weeks, however in the meantime put the date on your calendar or better yet, a note on your TV.

HIGHWOOD JAZZ BAND
On Friday May 11th at 8:00 p.m., the Highwood Jazz Band will perform in the lobby of the Grand Union Hotel.  This performance is a FUND RAISER for the Jazz Band.  They are raising money to go to the National Jazz Festival in Seattle, WA in 2013.  This will be a very entertaining evening for those who are jazz lovers.  The group is a very impressive jazz band that has made appearances all over the area.  Be sure to be supportive of their efforts so they can make it to Seattle with funds to spare.

SERVICE PHOTOS
Last week I wrote about an anonymous thank you to our Veterans.  No one has claimed writing it and so I am having it printed because it is such an inspiring tribute.

“I would like to say thank you to all who raised crops and food, and who worked in the factories supplying materials for the fronts.  Thank you to those who worked in hospitals, because there is no end to the work that had to be done to win World War II.  It could not have been done without you and those of you who worked in these areas are veterans too.  To Old Glory/our Flag, the National Anthem, (face your flag, hand over heart,) the Liberty Bell, Taps, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Army Air Corps, and Nurses, we give thanks.”  Anonymous

The program is moving along with the bios being typed as we speak.  If there is anyone reading this column that would like to do some typing, it would be much appreciated.  My number is in the phone book and please call after 2:00 p.m.

ETERNAL THREADS
I did make a trip over to the First Christian Church to take in the most beautiful handiwork of the women in the foreign countries I mentioned last week.  I purchased the most beautiful basket made out of banana tree leaves.  It is a flat basket and now I have an authentic place to keep my bananas amongst the leaves.  I also purchased three bracelets made by Philippine orphans who lost their parents in a landslide.  They make the bracelets to earn money for schooling.  Two of the bracelets are for our great-granddaughters because I want them to be reminded of the children who made them and that is why I will wear mine every day too.

If you did not have the opportunity to shop on Sunday, you can still shop on line.  Contact Rita at 622-5119 and she will provide the information.  Shipping is free and there are many more choices.  Your help will help a woman to help herself.

WEATHER
It is defiantly spring and the April showers were welcome.  Our gauge showed 1” on that rainy day last week.  The lilacs burst into bloom overnight and are about a week ahead of other dates of blooming.  The sad part is that they may be gone by Mother’s Day.  The smell in the air however is glorious.  Tulips bloomed in my yard that were planted by a very caring friend.  I do not have a green thumb and I did so enjoy cutting a couple of tulips and putting them into a vase.  The rhubarb went to seed very early, I was told by an expert gardener, as hers did too.  My grandmother had the most beautiful rose garden.  Her whole back yard was all roses.  I however, did not inherit her expertise.  I concentrate on it next year.  So long for now and happy gardening especially with your veggies.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.

View From The Bridge 2/7/12

VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3/7/12

C.C.P.A.
A week from today, on Wednesday March 15th, there will be a Chouteau County Performing Arts program. Phil Fortenberry (who plays the piano,) & Rebecca Spencer (who sings,) will be here to entertain. I am just reminding you to put it on your calendar when you receive this River Press because the following week may be too late. You may not pick up your paper in time for notification. Do you realize that there is just one more C.C.P.A night after this one? Pub night will be exactly a month later on Saturday, April 14th. That will be the end of the season. It is difficult to believe how quickly time is flying by. Make every effort to attend as you are getting Big shows for LITTLE money. See you there.

CHAMBER DINNER
The annual Chamber of Commerce dinner was held at the Grand Union Hotel last Thursday evening. I am sure that Tim will give you a full report about it. I would like to comment on some of the goings on. A favorite part of the event is the awarding of plaques to three people who have benefited the community. Ruth Carlstrom, Coordinator of the Visitors Information Center (just retired after six years,) received hers for her work promoting Fort Benton. Randy Morger received his award for the “Light the Bridge” project. Sheryl Gagnon was awarded the business that promoted Fort Benton. These awards were much deserved by all the recipients. The president of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Webb Brown, was one of the speakers.

I would like to pass on to you readers about 5 a week, some of the 20 Clues to Rural Community Survival.” The first was Evidence of Community Pride, and my opinion is that Fort Benton excels in this category. The evidence is in just looking around at the condition most homes and businesses are in. Appearance is everything. I know that this is way out but if you ever watch Wheel of Fortune, they give away fabulous vacation prizes. They show pictures of the resorts and they are immaculate. Yes, I know what you are thinking that they have plenty of money. You do not need money to be neat and tidy; you just need some hard work.

The second clue is Emphasis on Quality in Business and Community Life.  My opinion again is that the quality of our businesses and community life are top rate. The “Shop Local Program” has shown the quality of merchandise that our businesses provide. Have you ever been surprised at the beautiful gifts or helpful services you have found at Fort Benton businesses?

The third clue is Willingness to Invest in the Future. I do not have any knowledge of business ventures with investing in future projects. If anyone can fill me in about this, I would appreciate it. Give me a call; catch me on the street, or if you see me in one of our businesses. I would venture to say that it would mean improvements on your building or putting funds into inventory.

Number four is Participatory Approach to Community Decision-Making. Yes, our City Council, our many organizations, and our residents all have the opportunity to have their say in decision-making. You can attend council meetings, organization meetings, and use your telephone to call council members or organizational board members. The River Press covers all new ventures so you are well informed. No excuses there.

Finally, we have number 5 and that is, Cooperative Community Spirit.  No one can deny Fort Benton's community spirit. Just say the word and there will be someone to take up the gauntlet. I would like to list all the accomplishments of all the organizations but it would take up the entire River Press pages. I only see one program and that is that some are doing too little and some are doing too much. If you are not involved with one of the organizations in any capacity, then do so now. Its pay back time for what your community does for you. You will find great satisfaction in doing so. Do not be a complainer but a problem solver. Those who are very active could use a little help. It does not have to be much. An hour or two a week would be sufficient.

I would hope that these comments do not offend but instead fire you up to give back.

DATE   RISE SET
2/22      7:19 5:59
3/1        7:06 6:09
We had another 23 minutes of light last week. For those of you who are “Early Birds,” it must still be dark when you get up. My thing is that it is not dark when I wake and I love it. The sun is out, bright, and shiny this Sunday morning. It surely makes my day. I just want to get outside and survey the grounds not only in my backyard and around town. The ice is disappearing on the banks of the Missouri for those of you out of town. As I have spoken or been in contact with River Press subscribers around the country, it seems that we all have had mild winters. I actually wanted more snow or rain for the farmer’s sake. I wonder if April will bring showers. The “same ole, same ole” is we will just have to wait and see.

SERVICE PHOTOS
I received a very generous donation toward this project this past week. Madeline Ragland's great granddaughter, Kathleen and Darrell Pennington, asked Madeline to give the donation to whomever she decided to give the donation. Madeline gave half of the donation for the Service Photo project and the other half to Karla Ayers for the Sunrise Bluffs. This was a welcomed surprise and will be put to good use to accent the hallways at the Bluffs. A possibility is to buy an American Flag, either a standing upright or a wall flag. We will have to check out our space accommodations. Madeline said that her great, great granddaughters, Madison and Kendall were in on the decision too. To all the Pennington family I sent my sincere appreciation. It was a real surprise and made my day.

SPRING
I know that I am belaboring the subject but I am thrilled to think that it is only two weeks away. The full moon is on Friday the 8th and hopefully we can see it. Overcast clouds have blocked the view during most of the winter months. It is now Sunday evening and what a beautiful day we had today. It made everyone happy at the Senior Center. Mother Nature was good to us but not so to the tornado victims of the other days storms. I have never been in a flood, or an earthquake, an avalanche, but I have been in a tornado. My home was almost completely destroyed in 1976 while I lived in Michigan. It was quite devastating and my heart goes out to those families because it changes your life in a few seconds. What I call “my tornado” lasted for about 10 seconds. When I moved to Montana, my daughter said that I would not have to worry about tornados. However, I remember very clearly going down into the basement with my grandson, Grayson, when there were tornado warnings here in Fort Benton. Thank goodness, nothing materialized.

SO LONG FOR NOW AND GOD BLESS AMERICAN AND OUR TROOPS.

View From The Bridge 2-29-12

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
2/29/12

LEAP YEAR
Much has been said about this day, explaining why there is a Leap Year every four years. All I remember from being a young person, was that was the day that women could ask men to marry them instead of the other way around. I have not heard that story for a long, long time. I will not admit to what I did in my lifetime. All Hallmark movies have the man kneeling down and pulling a ring box out of his pocket. I do not know anyone that has had that scenario happen but it must if Hallmark says so. Congratulations to those who are engaged on February the 29th.

RISE and SET
Date        Rise Set
2/15/12  7:31 5:48
2/22/12  7:19 5:59

Another 22 minutes of daylight to enjoy. There are approximately 2 hours more of light than there were in December. I can take trash out after supper and it is not dark yet. Even this wave of colder weather cannot spoil my thoughts of spring. As you read the River Press this week, spring will be only three weeks away. Perhaps spring will be as different from spring last year as this past winter was from last year’s winter. We will just have to wait and see. It is a waiting game, no doubt about it.

GENEALOGY
I had a great visit with Judy and Joan at the Latter Day Saints Church last Wednesday evening. They were so very helpful; however, they were not able to find any record of my family. This now becomes a project on the back burner until I finish a few other projects. I would like to hear about any successful stories about your genealogy.

THE LIPPARD AUDITORIUM
If you have a membership in the Agricultural Center (we hope you do,) you receive a River & Plains Chronicles. It is a wealth of information about the Ag Museum, the Village, the Museum of the Upper Missouri, the Schwinden Library, the Joel Overholser Research Center, and the Old Fort. Even though it is winter, the work continues. The latest Winter 2012 edition of the Chronicles is about the Lippard Auditorium starting its 25th year serving Chouteau County.

When the Hornaday Buffalo Gallery was built in 1992, the size of the auditorium was doubled. The size of the kitchen was increased as well. There are now enough tables and chairs to seat 300 people for dinner. The Fort Benton murals painted by Bob Morgan and the Monte Dolack posters were hung. All of these projects were the result of very generous donors. Since that time, the facility has been much used and many functions and meetings could not have been held in Fort Benton had it not been available.

During this past winter, the drug store in the Homestead Village sprung a leak and a new roof and floor were replaced. A map room was constructed to house the collections of maps and charts. The Scriver Bronzes were added to the Hornaday Gallery. A new sound system was added in the Lippard Auditorium. Enormous collections of farm equipment books/papers were donated. The two librarian’s work is constantly ongoing with the new boos and materials. Three new volunteers were very welcomed, as the Research Center gets busier and busier. The cataloging of historic items donated to the Museum is also ongoing.

I have invited you readers many times to come to the Center on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may realize why we want your pictures to scan and your family histories. One of our new volunteers had never visited the Center and said that she never thought there was so much going on. It is always the reaction of people who visit for the first time. It is an exciting place to visit and we enjoy visitors. So come on down and see what is going on right under your noses in the history department of Fort Benton.

I also urge you to visit the Museums and the Old Fort this late spring and summer. If you love history, then Fort Benton is the place to be. Be sure to entertain your visiting family and friends by taking them to the historic places in your town.

SERVICE PHOTOS HUNG
Over 200 photos of service members are hanging at the Sunrise Bluffs. A notebook is nearby for any corrections you might find. To find some of the ranks and the war they served in were difficult to find. The next segment of this project is to type the bios and auto bios. We would like to have them completed by Memorial Day when we are planning a reception. We will keep you posted.

RED HATS
I will try to keep this brief as possible as I said my piece (in length,) last week. I contacted Joan and Phyllis and they received phone calls from four women. Three calls were from women explaining that they were interested, however they had reasons they could not attend at this time. The other call was a non-descript complaint that was not a positive solution. It was decided we would wait until Juanita Dietz returns from the southland to make any decisions. Another meeting could be held to see how many attend and those women should make the decisions. I will keep you posted on that one too.

AROUND TOWN
Not much going on. I think everyone is staying home because of the next few days of cold weather. There are many events coming up in March to make your lives interesting. There is a Chouteau County Performing Arts program on March 14th and a Poker Tournament at the Grand Union on the 23rd. If anyone has Social Events happening, let me know. It does not hurt to have an event featured in several places. I missed the Fort Benton Trailblazers Unite last week even though I looked for it because I had heard about it. It is all about walking routines and I hope you will join us next week Monday at 5:30. It is all about HEALTHY LIVING these days and walking is about as healthy as you can get.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.