View From The Bridge 2/26/20

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
2/26/20

SPRING
By the time you read there will only be a few days left in February. Then spring will be upon upon us and I for one am ready to welcome it to Montana. Will it be an early spring or will winter hang on with its snow and zero weather? I am happy for those of you who are lucky enough to ski or have snow mobiles. But for those of us who cannot get out it has been a difficult season. So enough about the weather. I know that I promised I would not write about again and did not keep my promise. We just have to accept what comes along.

Montana and Fort Benton have actually been very fortunate. Watching the weather reports on the East Coast makes me shiver. I have friends and relatives back east and they tell me it has not been as bad as the predictions. So be it! There isn’t anything we can do about it. Here is the same “ol, same ‘ol, so enjoy every minute of every day.

CONGRATULATIONS
How fortunate we are to have in our community a teacher like Renee McDonald. I have a small acquaintance with Renee but just to be with her for a few minutes is enough to give you energy and enthusiasm to get things done. She is what I call a “bubble” full of whatever it takes to get the project finished. She is ready to burst with the energy I talked about.

I never had the patience to consider being a teacher and I envy them. I have two (2) teachers in my family and had six (6) in my extended family. Some are retired now but they all love or loved their jobs. I am always thrilled to talk to anyone who loves their job. There are all too many who do not. So sad! Life is too short.

BINGO 
Just a reminder that there are only two Bingo games put on by the VFW left to participate in this season. They are March 3rd and the 30th. Usually the second game is played on the 2nd Monday of the month but some think ahead person realized it is the night of the Final Four. So, if the Bingo night was held on the 17th which one would you choose? I am not telling which one I would choose as it perhaps creates problems with some individuals that I am related to.

THE CHAMPIONS
Watching the Girls and Boys 18 and 0 Basketball teams play was a thrill of a lifetime. The whole town is so upbeat and it’s no wonder, our teams are #1 in Districts. The games, the scores, and the individual plays are in every conversation wherever you go. It is the most exciting happening in 70 years of basketball.

As I write this View, it is Monday and I do not think that Wednesday can get here fast enough. The schedules are already posted and we are ready to go. Even Mother Nature is giving us some delightful weather to travel to Great Falls. So, make an effort to be there for a fun time no matter what the results. Remember Girls and Boys that we love you.

LIONS NEWS
At the Lions Club meeting last week, the discussion was about our next project. It is the Easter Egg Hunt. Here is the reminder for you Readers to join the Lions to stuff the Easter eggs with candy. It is a lot of work and to lighten the load we are asking you to come to the First Security Bank on Thursday March the 19th at 1:30 p.m. When you all show up, it will only take a short while to get it done. Many hands make little work.

So mark it on your calendar and join the Lions and Lionesses for a fun time stuffing eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt in Fort Benton.

CELEBRATIONS

• Wednesday the 26th is Tell a Fairy Tale Day.
• Thursday the 27th is Chili Day.
• Friday the 28th is Tooth Fairy Day.
• Saturday the 29th is Rare Disease Day. I do not like that idea to celebrate this so I am making it Propose to your Loved One Day Are you listening Gentlemen or are you Ladies bold enough to do it?
• Sunday March 1st has 4 interesting celebrations. They are Fisher Medal Day, Horse Protection Day, Minnesota Day, and last but not least Peanut Butter Lover’s Day.  Peanut Butter has quite a history so look it up. Enjoy!
• March 2nd is Banana Cream Pie Day and for the kiddos it is Dr. Seuss Day. Have your little ones tell the teacher about that day and gain some brownie points.
• Tuesday the 3rd is I Want You To Be Happy Day. Do your good deed for the day and make someone happy.

BE EXTRA KIND TODAY. DO AN EXTRA KIND DEED TODAY.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFIERS, FIREMENT AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.

View From The Bridge 5/2/18

View From The Bridge
By Muncie Morger
5/2/2018

SPRING
Last week Mother Nature gave us a beautiful spring week. I go-go-ed around town without a jacket or a sweater. It was glorious! I like spring best because it’s not too cold and it’s not too warm. Enjoy! Son Randy took me for a ride on Saturday on a road on the west side of the airport to listen to the symphony of the meadowlarks. Many people have told me they have seen robins and meadowlarks, but no one had a specific date.

PINOCHLE PARTY
On the second Monday of May (May 14) is the pinochle party at the Sunrise Bluffs at 1 p.m. There will be many prizes and refreshments. Put it on your calendar.

WHO DUNNIT?
I discovered over the weekend that the other rabbit and his big carrot were gone. I was hoping that something about spring would be in the hollow tree. I talked to a man who said he knew who it was, but was afraid to disclose it. He actually said he did not know her name, but knew her by her face. So, it goes on and on.

Another job that needs to be done is there are large chunks of bark near the tree. Perhaps you will get there and clean that up before I do.
Perhaps a nice plant or a bunch of violets could also appear. I won’t see you there because you come in the dark of night.

SENIORS APPRECIATION
I hope that you got your RSVP in. Please note the bus will pick you up at the Bluffs at 12:30 and will pick up at the Golden Age Senior Center at 12:45. You will be returned after the program is over.
It’s worth going to this program just for the entertainment by the elementary school kids. See you there!

PIATIGORSKY
The day after next week’s River Press comes out will be the Piatigorsky Foundation event at the Grand Union at 4:30 in the afternoon. I know that I will see all of you classical buffs there. I hope that there is a good turnout for this open to the public, free concert.

BUSY THURSDAY
Longhorn Day, the Senior Luncheon and the TC Dance recital are all on this day. Check the River Press Community Calendar for times.

MAY MOON
The full moon was on Sunday the 29th, but was not visible because of overcast skies. May’s full moon will also be on the 29th.

The May moon is called the Flower Moon. In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN/WOMEN AND EMTs. PLEASE PROTECT OUR SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM HARM.

View From The Bridge

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Muncie Morger
4/25/2018

SPRING
You know that it is spring when The Freeze is open. I have not been able to reach Laurie but heard on the grapevine that you can look forward to it happening the first weekend in May. It  is the meeting place of Fort Benton. It is so summer-like when the umbrellas are open and the tables are filled with people cooling off or having lunch. It doesn’t hurt to stop by for an ice cream cone.

Over last weekend I rode my GoGo down the Levee Walking Trail and met many visitors. I also saw two young women with looked like what were double strollers on a walk. I talked to several visitors who chose that beautiful Sunday to spend with their families in historic places. They had just been up to Havre as a destination place that included Fort Benton.

Another Spring-like happening was a crowded playground. I tooted the horn and waved and my wave was returned. It was again another family outing. I love the slide best of all and when I used to take my grandson, Grayson, to the park it was not unusual to see me sliding down.

Last but not least were the happy gardeners that were busy cleaning up the Community Garden. They were having a difficult time because the wind was blowing the leaves as fast as they were trying to rake them up. I really enjoyed the garden last year and look forward to see if different kinds of veggies are planted. Go gardeners.

MYSTERY HOLLOW TREE
To the mystery hollow tree decorator I have a message. My Peter Rabbit is going into retirement this coming weekend and spring will be featured. Are you ready for that or will you do as you did for Valentine’s and St. Patty’s day? I am ready and the mystery goes on. I still think that it is a Community Garden person. Remember that I am offering a reward if anyone admits to or knows any information.

COMMUNITY  CONVERSATION
On Wednesday May 2nd from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. there will be a community conversation program. It will be about the Upper Missouri River Heritage Area. If you want to put in your two cents worth, please be there to share  your opinion. It will be similar to a Town Hall Meeting. It would be impressive if there was a huge crowd at this event. So come on down to the Ag Museum to enjoy refreshments at 5:30 p.m. and the start of the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

MEMORIAL DAY
It will be here before you know it and I am going to nag the community again about putting up an American Flag. It is a sign of love of country and is so important at this time to let every one know how Americans feel about their heritage and their country.

I could not fly my flag several times in the last few months because of the wind. It came in and out of the apartment because you do not have to fly the flag in inclement weather. I leave my porch light on all the time so I do not forget to turn it on in the evening. It lights up the porch very well and it makes me proud to see it waving in soft breezes.

So get on down to the hardware store and get yourself a flag. If some of the women cannot put the bracket up, just let me know and I will arrange to it taken care of, and your flag will be up and flying quickly. My flag is a constant reminder of all of those who have died to defend our country. The least we can do is to put up a flag.

WINDOWS 10
We are not getting along very well on this second try to do the View. We are both stubborn and want to do it our way. Of course guess who is the winner. It isn’t me! Therefore there have been many phone calls for help. Thanks to Connie, Sharalee, and Bethany, who are being very patient with me in learning this blanket, blank, computer who will not give in. I may beat it into oblivion by next week.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUT TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, AND EMT’S. GOD BLESS OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR COUNTRY FROM VIOLENCE.

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/14/18

SPRING
Spring is on the way. By the time you read this weeks edition, spring will only be a few days away. The weather is already looking up, the Missouri is clear of ice, and people have been spotting robins.

Next Tuesday, the 20th, will be the welcomed arrival of one of the most looked forward to seasons. In about a month from that day, the trees will be budding out and the grass will be a lovely green.

So get out and enjoy the wonderful gift that Mother Nature will be giving us. I am so cheered up that I am ready to walk along the levee trail singing. It would not be a pretty sight so I hope none of you see me. I am not flipping out but just released from the cabin fever I have had for months now. Enjoy every minute of every day and pass along those smiles to every one you meet.

Can you tell that I am quite happy? It is 6:15 on Sunday evening and it is still light out. The sun has not yet set and I am enjoying gazing out my living room window to see the beautiful sparkling diamonds on the snow. It will soon be just another memory and topic of conversations well into spring and summer.

On Saturday when I drove on Main St., I saw several people digging the snow to search for the drains. The melting snow has made huge puddles of water that has nowhere to go. The street I live on is not paved and has not melted as quickly as those that are paved. I am wondering where the water will go. I just have to wait and see. Well, enough about the weather.

SENIOR CITIZENS
There will be a Tuesday night dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday the 20th. At the Golden Age Center. Get signed up today by calling 622-3601. The last two months the dinner was cancelled and you do not have to guess as to why? It will be good to see old friends again and share winter experiences. I wish that you would share some of those stories with me. I only had one, and that was the one whole week I did not leave the apartment and entertained the worse cabin fever ever.

I know two friends who live out of town and they were held hostage by the storms for two whole weeks. Actually, we should not be complaining. Those poor folks in the eastern side of the country have lost electricity for days at a time. That means no heat, no way to cook unless they had a grill, and no way to purchase food. The grocery stores emptied out very quickly and the frozen food was the first to go.

Have you noticed that Fort Benton has not lost electricity in a long time? That new power station must be doing its job. Thank you to whoever is responsible. I just dreaded resetting all my clocks every time that happened.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR HEART
On March 20th, there will be a program on “You’re Heart” at the Chouteau County public library. You Senior Citizens can go from the Golden Age Senior Center dinner to the library to learn from this very important program about your heart and how it functions.
It is especially import for women because most often they do not know that they are experiencing a heart attack. Symptoms are different then men’s in most cases. Make an effort to be there to learn. It may save your life.

DANCE AT THE BLUFFS
About once a year, a band from Great Falls entertains at the Sunrise Bluffs. They usually come in March, but because of the uncertainty of the weather, they have set their schedule for April. I will let you know as soon as I hear when that will be.

I am mentioning it now to encourage everyone who loves old time music to plan on being at the Bluffs. There is also dancing but you do not have to dance. Just come and enjoy the music.

It is a labor of love for these people to entertain almost every Sunday at Senior Centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and churches. Another of my dreams is to have the dining room at the Bluffs filled with people dancing, singing along, and just enjoying the music. I would like them to know that Fort Benton appreciates their efforts by making an effort to be there.

BASKETBALL
I did not think that there was life after basketball but find that my schedule is filling up quickly. There are many events to look forward to.  Next month is Pub Night for the CCPA, Loma Days on the 7th of April (thank you Pat for that information,), a final Bingo game at the VFW for the season, and multiple meetings and events.  There is always something going on in Fort Benton. Our snowbirds will be returning to enjoy spring in Montana and a get-a-way from the heat in the south. I would like to hear from them. I have to live world travel through their adventures and I enjoy that. (Thank you to Kelly in AZ for remembering that March is a difficult month for me.)

LENTEN LUNCHEONS
Easter approaches so quickly and it will be here after 3 more Lenten Luncheons. Before you read this, there will have been a luncheon at the Community Bible Church. The next two weeks the participants will travel to Geraldine to share the soup and bread lunch. I am so envious of those wonderful women who make such a variety of soup receipts.

More than anything, I enjoy the company of these devoted souls who are the kindest people I know. Fort Benton is blessed to have them.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S. PLEASE PROTECT THE CHILDREN ALL OVER THE WORLD. GIVE COURAGE TO THOSE WHO ARE TROUBLED AND ADDICTED IN ANY WAY. HELP PEOPLE TO REALIZE HOW PRECIOUS LIFE IS AND “THOU SHALT NOT KILL.”

View From The Bridge 4/13/16

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/13/16

SPRING
You know that it is SPRING when the Freeze opens for the season. On Sunday the 3rd I drove by and saw the Freeze was in business. I love to see a business “we couldn’t live without,” with the OPEN sign on.

The lilacs are budded out and you can see green everywhere. It is time to cut the lawn, turn the sprinklers on, and start thinking about a garden. I miss having a garden the last few years but I do enjoy Connie’s tomato plant in her front yard. I sit on her front steps and eat at least a dozen cherry tomatoes. Yummy!

While we are enjoyed this beautiful weather, back East there are blizzards, loss of electricity, and icy driving conditions. Do not ever under estimate Mother Nature as she is full of surprises.

PIE DAY
There was a good crowd for Pie Day. My Rhubarb Pie Angel came through again with one of her delicious Rhubarb pies. There was 1 piece left when I was leaving and I am now so sorry that I didn’t take it home.

It was reported that rhubarb is now growing in gardens and there is only one more Pie Day in May until next September. I wonder what kind of a bribe one would use to have someone bake rhubarb pies in the hot summer days. Actually, I would not ask anyone to do that. It is hot enough without using ones oven at 400 degrees.  Besides I do not need a whole pie to myself. One piece once a month will do me.

LIBRARY WEEK
By the time the River Press reaches you, Library week will be half over. It was advertised last week with a schedule and I hope you took advantage of it. I vote that the Library is the most important building in Fort Benton. It provides the best learning tools.

If you have not been to the Library yet this week, there will be a Tea on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be entertainment with our local Lucky Valentines on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. See you there.

ANGELS
I know that there are Angels among us. I added two more to my list this past week.

I am able to ask for help in this column and I did that several weeks ago by asking for help on a new project. I needed a carpenter to measure the walls at the Sunrise Bluffs for the Veterans picture shelves. I also asked for the help of four or five men to build the shelves and attach them to the walls. These shelves would organize the photos by straightening them and putting them in order. Karla, manager of the Bluffs, and I received many complaints about the photos being crooked and families unable to find their loved one.

I got no response in two weeks and I was going to give up the project. Then along came my Carpenter Angel on Front Street and volunteered to do the whole project.  We will make a trip to the Bluffs this week to measure how much material we will need. Hopefully it will be completed by Memorial Day when we celebrate remembering our Veterans with a wreath thrown in the Missouri off the Old Fort Benton Bridge. We then proceed to the Riverside Cemetery for the ceremony at the Veterans gravesides.

The VFW is working to get the Flagpole in place according to their report in the River Press. It should all come together as planned. See you there.

THRIFT SHOP ANGEL
I also acquired a Thrift Shop Angel. I have been asking friends if any of them had some old white sheets. I need them for the Toothbrush Rugs that I make. I have many colored sheets but white is the runner part of the rug.

I visited the Thrift Shop on Thursday and checked for white sheets. Vi said to come back on Saturday and she thought she had some somewhere. When I went back on Saturday she had a box full of 8 white sheets. Those ought to keep me busy for at least 100 rugs and out of trouble.

I also have a Snow Angel who cleans my snow and a Computer Angel who knows everything you need to know about a computer. Also remember my Pie Angel. Do you have Angels in your life?

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
What a fun time last Sunday morning when the Signal Point Golf Club invited all of you to come up to a Pancake Breakfast. It was delicious with juice, coffee, pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and scrambled eggs. It was all you wanted to eat and I did seconds on the pancakes. I haven’t had a pancake for 2 or 3 years.

It seemed as though the wind was blowing a tad bit more up on top but it was still pleasant. It is a beautiful sight to see the green grass and the view of Fort Benton town from that vantage point. Many people ask me why I do not play golf. I don’t know the answer. As much as I love the outdoors and walking, it just never happened. I’ll blame my friends. They never invited me.

FERTILZER FOUNDATION
After leaving the Golf Course, we took a ride by the railroad track to see the construction going on with the Fertilizer Plant. There was a picture in the River Press on March 16th but like most things to see it live gives you a whole new perspective. There is much more work that has been done in the month since that photo was taken. You cannot really see it from the road and all of a sudden…there it is.  It is down in a kind of valley and it reminded me of a lost city rediscovered.   It is huge.

There were many large trucks and building material in the area. What a sight it is.  It will be employing new families perhaps with children for our schools. The employees will need homes to rent or buy. It is like a whole new world. The young people of Fort Benton have much to look forward to. History is being made every day here in our town. Get involved and add to this history.

PIATIGORSKY
It was a perfect Sunday morning after having that delicious pancake breakfast at the Signal Point Golf Club. The afternoon was scheduled for the piano performance at the Grand Union Hotel by Richard Dowling. This is an annual event of classical music. This performance was more than that. I learned classical music history. Richard had many stories to tell about Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and other classical pianist. The frosting on the cake was the Scott Joplin’s Rag Time career.

I decided that I like Rachmaninoff more than Beethoven. In Beethoven’s favor, I do like some of his compositions.  I have on my cell phone ring tone his Pathetique. I used to have the sheet music but could not find it today to remind me what concerto it came from.

It was a perfect afternoon listening to beautiful music and looking out the windows at the cottonwood trees and the Missouri River. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”  (That is a quote from last week’s River Press by Jerry Brooke.)
I spoke with Richard for a few seconds and asked him if he could tell me something for the View that no one else knew. He came up with his K-1 title with the airlines.  He flies 100,000 miles or more a year. (What a high that is!)

CCPA
There will be only one more performance this season on Wednesday, April 27th when Streisand and Sinatra will be here in Fort Benton. You will not want to miss this one as I know from experience it will be very enjoyable. I saw this show in Helena about 5 years ago. Please plan to attend to fill the Elementary School auditorium. See you there.

OBSERVATIONS
Laziness and inactivity kills just as many people as smoking.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and THOSE WHO PROTECT US DAILY.

View From The Bridge 3/12/14

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3/12/14

BRIGHT NEW LIGHT
Have you noticed, in the evening, that there this is a light on the American Flag at the United States Post Office in Fort Benton?  I specify Fort Benton because I am told it is so bright it can be seen at the Geraldine Post Office.  (Just kidding!)

I had received several phone calls about the light on the Post Office building not being enough to light up the flag sufficiently.  Previous Post Masters would take the flag down late afternoon at 4:30 p.m.  You knew then that you could not mail a letter outside and you could still do so by going inside before 5:00 p.m.  Flag code etiquette says that there must be a light directly on the flag and it must also be able to go up and down in case of the necessity of it being at half mast.

The process has been a while happening.  The Post Office is not as quick with those kinds of projects as they are with delivering our mail.  (Ronda and Susan…I hope you8 can take a bit of joshing.  You are actually the best and know all of us.  If you have noticed lately they just put yellow slips in your mail box if you have a package.  It used to be that they put the box number on it.  That is how well they know every one of us and our box numbers.  I think that is quite an accomplishment.)

For the six years that I helped Wally with his Rural Mail Box delivery, I knew about 30 mail patrons and their box numbers.  I retained those for about five years after we retired and now they are gone forever.  I cannot imagine having to remember the hundreds of boxes that Rhonda and Susan have to remember.  Be sure to thank them when you collect your mail next time.

SPRING
Just a week away.  I will not dwell on it but I cannot help but say these temperatures sure look good to me.

ROBINS
In previous years I received reports of the first robins sighted in the area.  Not so any longer.  Robins have stayed around the whole winter this past season.  I would like to hear though, if any more sightings have been observed.  If you could get a photo of one, it would be even better.  Send it to the River Press.  Their e-mail is listed in the paper.

ST. PATTY’S DAY
I have always been envious of St. Patrick’s Day and the way that the Irish and their descendants celebrate.  The nationality that I come from has no such thing.

I will drag out of the Holiday closet, all the green things that I have accumulated over the years.  I’ll be all decked out next Monday with no place to go actually.  I can always jig around the kitchen as some excitement.

Whatever you do or whoever you are, enjoy the day and make it memorable.

C.C.P.A.
On Tuesday, the 18th, another performance is coming up.  Randy Morger announced at the last performance that in five weeks there would be another Performing Arts.  What happened to the last four weeks?  I guess time flies when you are having fun.

The Trio Voronezh will put on a very interesting show.  It is very interesting kind of music and get yourself and family to the Elementary school to see for yourselves.  See you there.

PIE DAY
Not your usual Fort Benton Senior Citizens Golden Age Pie Day.  It is National Pie Day because it is 314.  (Same old joke every year.)

THOSE I ADMIRE
The Volunteer Organization that I admire most is the EMT’s.  What a wonderful, dedicated, caring group of people.

Our call a couple of weeks ago had them waken from a sound sleep at 5:00 a.m. to get out in the cold from a warm bed to tend to our needs.  No amount of thanks could ever be enough.  How much can you thank someone who perhaps saves your life, calms your fears, and knows what to do at the right time.  They are the very special people in this world who know what it is to help someone in need.

Remember them every day with your kindest thoughts and best wishes that someone does something wonderful for them.    Bless all the EMT’s and keep safe for all of us.

RAFFLE TICKETS
I reported last week that the prizes for the Billy Swensgard Memorial were displayed in the Benton Pharmacy window.  They are being moved to the Pioneer Lodge windows this week.  In this beautiful weather, take a walk and see what your
purchased raffle ticket might win for you.

We appreciate your co-operation Susan.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDDAYS.

RED T-SHIRTS
‘Support Our Troops,” red t-shirts will arrive in town late Wednesday.  If you really want one quickly, call Diane Jones or me.  Our phones numbers were in last week’s River Press.  They will be available at the Loma Flea Market.

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3/20/13

SPRING
We used to say when we were kids, “Spring has sprung. The grass is riz.  I wonder where the birdies is.”  I do not know where that came from.  I looked it up in my “Other Curious Sayings” book thinking there might be something there to explain the saying  There was not a reference.  In the meanwhile, welcome to Spring and I have many birdies in my yard. We wait for the stats how what kind of winter Montana endured.  The weatherman had predicted 4” of snow for today.  NOT YET!  As I look out my kitchen window, I do see sunshine, blue sky, and white clouds in the southeast sky however there are very dark clouds in the northeast.  The sun keeps going in and out.  I would like to second-guess those weather predictors, say they are wrong, and just wait to see if that snow is actually coming.

Another sign of spring is my order of daffodils was delivered to my door this morning.  By this evening, the buds will begin to open and by tomorrow morning, they will be in full bloom.  They are so beautiful and one cannot gaze at them without thinking about spring and new beginnings.  (I just checked, it is 3:00 pm and they are already starting to open up.  It was 3 hours ago when they were delivered.  Love those daffodils.) 
  
CHAMBER DINNER
The Chamber Dinner last Thursday was all about awarding plaques for three categories of service to the community.  Betty Cook was the citizen who had promoted Fort Benton by her work at the Ag Museum, the Village, inventorying for years at the Ag, and as a guide at both Museums and the Fort.  She recently retired because of health reasons.

A second plaque was awarded to the Chouteau County Cancer Support Group for their work in the community.  If your family has been invaded by cancer, then you know what I am talking about.  The Cancer Group is right there with material and financial support.  Just the support of this group, who has all experienced cancer survivor volunteers, would be enough to support a family through the process of finding that you/one of your family has cancer.  In a few moments, your whole life takes a complete turn around.  Go Chouteau County Cancer Support Group and God bless you.

The third award for business of the year went to The River Press.  It is well- deserved although; I know I am biased and slanted in that direction.  Our local newspaper informs us so well about the local news and happenings.  It covers old history and the new.  It is great reading and if you read every article, you are well informed.  Go River Press.
  
The program also was about the Recycling Program.  Karen, Shannon, and Elinor gave power point presentations that concern the whys and wherefores of the pilot program.  Even though I am on the committee, I learned things I have not heard before.  (Please spread the word as well as cooperating with this program.)

RECYCLING
Last Saturday, the Committee reported that 19 people came to the Fairgrounds with their recyclables.  There was a great deal of cardboard and I will let you know next week the weight. They will not have a report of how much was collected until they make their trips to Pacific.

Last week I told you that Sandra Boggs had contacted me about the electrical appliance recycling again this year.  The Recycle Committee had planned to work with that program on Cleanup Day in April.  However, the man who works that program was already booked up for the last week in April.  They are trying to work out a solution for the first weekend of May.  If you were planning on that program, as I am, do not be discouraged.  They will be in Fort Benton but we are not sure as to when that will be.

“WHAT LOVES MEANS”
17.     “I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.”  Lauren – age 4 (from Muncie…”wait until they are teen-agers.  Lauren won’t think it is so great then.”)
18.     “When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.  (What an image from Karen – age 7.)

GOD BLESS AMERICA and OUR TROOPS.

View From The Bridge 5/11/2011

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
5/11/11

2011 GRADUATION
Another year has rolled around and the Class of 2011 will be on its way to making this world a better place to live in. Most of this years graduating class were babies when I moved to Fort Benton. Now you are adults and ready to take on the task of deciding what you want to do with your lives. There are so many choices and opportunities that it boggles my mind. I congratulate each of you and my best wishes for your continued success. Always remember where you came from and be proud. No matter where you finally settle, Fort Benton will always be home.

SPRING HERE?
What a strange day we had on Saturday the 7th. Overcast, sunshine, blue sky, white puffy clouds, loud claps of thunder, rain, sunshine, and 70 degrees. The lilacs are finally budded out; the grass is green, and ready to be cut.

SOCIAL CALENDAR
A big celebration is coming up at the Benton Pharmacy on Friday, May 13th Chris Halko’s annual “Jimmy Buffett” party will be an all day affair from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Put on your best Hawaiian dress or shirt and come on over for refreshments and on the menu with be a Hawaiian fruit tray, nachos, and mocktails. There will also be Hawaiian music by Jimmy Buffett, of course.

In fact, you are not limited to one visit. Come by two or three times to see which of your friends will be there celebrating. It is a fun time so take a break in your busy workday to enjoy life.

If Chris is not too busy, perhaps he will tell you about his family’s experience in Hawaii when the tsunami hit the islands on March 10th. It actually did little damage other than swamping the beaches. It was Rainie’s reaction to the evacuation that is the interesting part of the story. Perhaps Rainie herself will be there to tell you about it. She is such a little “pill.” (You readers do get the significance of that, don’t you? If not...the answer will be at the bottom of the column.)

If you, your organization, or your business, has an event coming up and you have an ad in the River Press, I can also tell about it in the “View.” Be sure to call me about two weeks before the event so that it is in the River Press the week before the event. (Besides, I like to know about everything before it takes place. (If you believe that, I will sell you The Old Bridge.)

PATRIOTISM
With Memorial Day at the end of the month, now begins a time of red, white, and blue. I mean the time for our patriotism to show its colors. If you have a flag, it is time to display it. The weather has been too cold, snowy, and rainy to hang the flags out these past few months.

If you do not yet have a flag, it would be very patriotic to purchase one. We have to show the world (especially in light of what just took place with Bin Laden,) our support of the United States by flying our flag. We have to put up a strong front as some nations disagree with our policies. I do not like to discuss politics because I am not knowledgeable enough to make comments. All I feel is that we have to stick together like family. We can disagree and argue amongst ourselves but put up a good front like the Kennedy’s. One for all and all for one. We would never want to live anywhere else in the world.

It would not hurt our image to be known as “The Flag City,” in Montana. It would be something Fort Benton could be very proud of. Think about it and see what you can do about purchasing a flag.

Not far behind would be Summer Celebration, the 4th of July, the Chouteau County Fair, and ending the summer with Labor Day. Those are all reasons to fly the flag. Those are all red, white, and blue days.

DOGGIE MITTS
This is the comment asked of me the most. They ask that I tell people who walk their dogs on the Levee Trail to use the doggie mitts. Do not be afraid to say to someone, whose dog has just done what he has to do, “Did you forget something? The doggie mitts are on that telephone pole.”

I am told that it is a real problem these days and far exceeds the geese mess on the Levee Trail because there is something that can be done about it Can someone tell me why pet owners cannot potty train their dogs? (That comment is supposed to be my sense of humor.) It has become a serious problem so do your part to have dog owners become responsible for their pets.

So please clean up after your pet and give me a break about having to mention this at all. I have had a dozen people just this past week complain to me about this problem.

SO LONG FOR NOW
I hope that all of you “Mothers,” had a wonderful day on last Sunday. Did you know that there are more phone calls made that day than any other holiday of the year?

Pictures are still coming in slowly but surely of the Service Men and Women. My very much missed right hand gal, Betty is back from Portland and now we can go full speed ahead with typing up the bios. That will be time consuming as we have nearly 200 pictures. Only about one quarter of those have complete bios and we have to locate many of them to complete the project.

If you sent a picture without a bio, please try to get it to me by e-mail or letter. My e-mail is muncie1929@itstriangle.com and my phone is 622-3217 after 2:00 p.m. I would really appreciate it.

If we cannot find a phone number for a picture, I am going to list the names here in this column. If you know about someone or recognize a name that is not able to get the bio to me, please contact. We hope that it is possible to get these pictures hung by Summer Celebration.

For those who have recently moved to town and are not aware of who Chris, Terri and Rainie are…here is the answer. Chris owns the Benton Pharmacy, is married to Terri, and Rainie is their 6 yr. old daughter. Chris is a Pharmacist, he fills prescriptions and dispenses pills. Therefore, Rainie is a “little pill.” When you pick up your prescriptions you will see a framed picture of Rainie, (changed with the seasons and holidays,) and it says…”This pill is mine.” Hope you enjoy this explanation as much as I did writing it.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND GOD BLESS YOU.

View From The Bridge 4/13/11

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
4/13/11

MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Awesome as usual. A packed house enjoyed a great performance of Treasure Island the Missoula way. How they can put on a performance like that in one week is beyond my comprehension? Jim Caron (storywriter, and music/lyrics,) Michael McGill (music/lyrics,) and Margie Schuler must have the patience of Angels. The song, Service with a Smile, is still running round my mind.

If you saved your program or remember whom the sponsors were, be sure to thank them personally. Let them know how much you appreciate their support. We look forward to two years from now when the theatre will return.

GOVERNOR CONFERENCE
“Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place---its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and well-being of its residents.”

As I told you last week, Jonathon Tourtello from the National Geographic who visited Fort Benton just before the Conference said that Fort Benton has been doing Geotourism before the word was invented. We that live here, are employed here, and volunteer here have always known that, not as Geotourism, but because volunteers have carried on with all of the above descriptions.

That is the reason Tourtello was so impressed by the Ag Museum, The Village, and The Old Fort. The attendees at the Conference were very proud about the way we were referred to in his talk and the rest of us can be proud too. We have something very special in each of the descriptions. The environment would be the levee and the river. The culture would be the tours at the Ag, the Old Fort, and the B.L.M. Visitors Center. The aesthetics are the beauty of the town that includes the monuments, the Old Levee Walking Trail, and general appearance of the buildings. The heritage is the history of Fort Benton, and the generations of families. Finally, with the well-being of our residents, we have it all. We are the first best place and we have to get into the market place.

I contacted those that attended the Conference to ask what they learned.

DeDe Axtman was impressed as to the quality of the conference that she thought was the best she had ever attended. It has been four years since her last attendance. Tourtello was impressive because he not only gave pros about Fort Benton but he also gave cons. One of those cons that stood out was the signage around town for not only directions, locations, but also storefronts.

Connie Jenkins said a workshop speaker said to ask visitors what Fort Benton’s attributes were. Let the visitor talk and listen to what they have to say. The volunteers at the Visitor’s Information Center, the attendants at the Agricultural Museum, the Museum of the Upper Missouri, and the B.L.M. Interpretive Center would be the persons who could implement that suggestion.

Another very important asset to our area that is undersold is The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument that includes the Wild and Scenic River. We have to sell the idea of trips down the Missouri to the White Cliffs.

Kernan Myers attended the Conference for the first time. She works for the Grand Union Hotel and was pleased that Jonathon Tourtello showed a picture of the hotel in his slide presentation. She also spoke with State Representatives about the Bed Tax. She enjoyed meeting the other men and women from Fort Benton who attended the Conference.

She has only lived in Fort Benton for six months. She and her husband (Chef at the Grand Union,) came from Washington D.C. I asked how she adjusted from big city to small town and she said it is great. Hubby is a hunter/fisherman and they love the outdoors. They wanted a quieter life and found it here. I say “Welcome” to the Myers. If they moved six months ago, they will really enjoy Fort Benton’s spring and summer. Frankly, so will all of us.

Randy Morger reported “Very worthwhile. I networked with industry leaders from the state, the United States, and Canada who speak very highly of our town. I came away more optimistic than ever about Fort Benton’s allure as a destination for discriminating travelers who value authenticity and western small-town charm.”

Sharalee Smith talked about Sustainable Tourism and Fort Benton fitting the description very well. Jonathon Tourtello also referred to, it, about our town. Sustainable Tourism is a little more complex than Geotourism. It is synergistic, it involves the community, it informs both visitors and hosts, and it benefits residents economically.

(Muncie’s comments…I could go into detail about each of those items but this column would take two pages. You get the general idea, and the point is that Fort Benton is doing a great job. One problem is that we are the best-kept secret in Montana. However, I believe that continued and necessary interest in tourism will bring rewards to the community.

There was a day many years ago that everyone coming west, knew Fort Benton. One would leave St. Louis and sail the Missouri to Fort Benton. All freight and cargo came to Fort Benton and then to its final destination. Everyone knew Fort Benton. Today everyone should know Fort Benton because it is where it all began.)

Ron Young said the audience was told that tourism was expected to be good for the next few years. Travelers to find where others have traveled are using social Media, such as Face Book and Twitter. They have been very satisfied with what they found. Ron also was also pleased to find that the Old Forts Trail was on the list of the Top 10 Scenic Drives list. Over all it was a great conference.

I again, called the attendees late this Sunday evening. I could not reach Ruth Carlstrom. I will report her reactions next week.

SOCIAL CALENDAR
Two weeks from today is Easter Sunday. We wish you a happy family day.

Pie Day is Friday (the 15th,) and we would like to see you there.

Next Sunday, the 17th,) will be a farewell get-together for the Todd’s from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Mark it on your calendar.

The next Chouteau County Performing Arts program is Wednesday the 27th and promises to be another great show. Have you used your “Buddy Pass” yet? Your seasons ticket entitles you to, once, bring a friend to one of the performances. This is your last chance for this season. We are looking forward to next season already.

Remember to call me at 899-1380 (after 9:00 p.m.,) if you have any item for the social calendar.

SPRING (At last, maybe?)
Yesterday Saturday, and today were so beautiful. In fact, yesterday we discovered that our lilacs had buds on them. The apricot tree is a maybe. There are new growths of branches that are red color and they have very tiny buds on them. There are not many but they are there.

I walked the Levee Walking Trail yesterday and today. One did not actually need a jacket. I met five people walking and it was late in the afternoon. I will try to get out earlier from now on and there should be more people on the Trail. I really love and enjoy the Levee Walking Trail. I remember when there was just a path from The Old Bridge to the Lewis and Clark Memorial Statue. It was about one foot wide and muddy when it rained. I cannot remember when the first part of the Trail was finished or when the additional lengths were completed. I will check with City Hall tomorrow.

A request that was brought to my attention was to please tidy up after your pets on the Levee Walking Trail. I will check tomorrow to be sure, there is a good supply of Mutt Mitts.

SO LONG FOR NOW
Two days after you receive the River Press, the month will be half-gone. Unbelievable. Where does the time go? “Funny How Time Slips Away” is a favorite song of ours and it is so true. So enjoy every minute of every day. It is too precious to waste.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OF OUR TROOPS

April 19, 2009

"VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE”
by Muncie Morger

WOW! Wonders of Wonders. The “View from the Bridge” is going on the Fort Benton website starting this week. On with the story…it all came about because of the Governor’s Conference held a few weeks ago. Fort Benton’s own Connie Jenkins (Summer Celebration Chairperson and President of the Fort Benton Woman’s Club,) Randy Morger (who moved back to Fort Benton two years ago and is lovin’ it,) and Sharalee Smith (the behind the scenes volunteer and producer of the website,) attended the conference.
They met Arnie Fishbaugh (formerly of Fort Benton) who is the Executive Director of the Montana Arts Council. Arnie has great ties with Fort Benton and she and Randy were co-speakers at their graduation from Fort Benton High School in 1970.

They were discussing ways and means of spreading “The Joys of Fort Benton” to our friends and neighbors who have had to leave our beautiful town and the Visitors who check the website. Arnie came up with the idea of putting the “View” on the website as it could be expanded to cover more “hometown news” and happenings around town When the news was passed on to me it made me a very uptight person. Writing the column has become a tad more difficult since I do not spend as much time at the Visitor’s Center as I used to. This will give me an opportunity to ask of you…the readers…to call in your happenings such as family reunions, graduating class reunions before and after, events that are happening around town, and any other items you would like to see in print.

Yes, happenings around town usually are printed in the River Press but readers are telling me that sometimes they miss them completely. I missed an event a couple of weeks ago and so I started a new system last week. I have a red marker, my appointment calendar, and the River Press on the table. As I read the paper, I check off each ad and article. I put any events on the calendar immediately. Now the only problem is to look at the calendar every day. Would that be your problem too? It is just a suggestion and I hope it works for you. I have been called the “Town Crier” because I call family and friends to remind them of what is going on.

AROUND TOWN
It has been a long and tedious winter for all of us but it certainly was a busy one. To those of you who do not know our small town…there is always something going on. The C.C.P.A. entertainment was fabulous and gets better each year. If you have not subscribed, please do so next fall. You can attend six terrific shows for the cost of one show in Great Falls. I have mentioned in the View before about the attendance at C.C.P.A. events being uncomfortable because there were perhaps one hundred people in attendance in an auditorium that holds three hundred ninety seven (three seats are broken.) I am glad to report though, that this year’s attendance is up but I would still like to see the auditorium jam-packed. I am sure the Committee would also like to see that happen. The football and basketball (girls and boys) were well attended at home. I do not know how the away games were attended because we were unable to travel to the far distant games. Gas prices were down but night driving is difficult for most of our Seniors Citizens. Tim does a great job on reporting on the other sports but does not get into the attendance figures. I need a report on the attendance of the other sports ( who will volunteer to get that info to me?) Next September will make a real difference in travel time and better attendance. In case you are not acquainted with our sports standing…Fort Benton will be in Class C next season and the games will be played closer to home.

The Grand Union Hotel and the Chouteau County Library also had some terrific programs this winter. Just this past week was Library week and on Monday they had a guest author, Carolyn Garriott, who wrote a children’s book about a cat, “Spitz A Cat with Attitude.” On Tuesday evening, the M.A.P.S. (Montana Association of Paranormal Studies) had a tremendously interesting discussion about their organization and how they go about their scientific work. On Thursday, the Library had their open house and served coffee, tea and cake from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you missed any of these events, you missed a great time. I would like to let you know about these events ahead of time instead of after the fact. Even though the Library had a huge ad in the River Press, it was missed by some people who should have been there.

Associated with the Library is the “Friends of the Library” which meets on the second Wednesday of each month. We read four books during the season in January, February, March, and April. We begin in September with what I call our “Friendship” meeting. We are eager to see our members again and share the good books we have read during the summer. In October and November, we usually try to have an author speaker and decide what books we would like to read. In December is our big Christmas party, which is a potluck and a silent auction White Elephant sale (which is very competitive.) In May we have our luncheon potluck and a guest speaker. At our April meeting we discussed the book “Open Spaces” by Russell Rowland. He was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Billings. He will be our guest speaker and you are invited to attend. If you would like to attend, please give the Library a call at 622-5222 and let Cindy know. If you like to read, you are also invited to join Friends, and it only costs you $5.00 a year. You cannot find a better bargain anywhere. There are about thirty members now but there is always room for more. Be a friend and bring a friend.

Another event in town that I would like to promote is “Pie Day.” “What is that” you ask? The Golden Age Senior Center has coffee and home baked pies every third Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. for $2.50. Where else could you get home baked pies for that price? Trust me when I say they are the greatest pies you will ever taste. (I wish it was every Friday.) It is an important fund raiser for the Center and I would like to see better attendance. If you prefer, you can buy a whole pie or just a piece and take it back to your home or office.

ADOPT-A-PLOT
It is that time of year again but I actually do not even have to mention to Plot owners to work on their plots. They just do it when the weather turns to spring. I do have to ask though, for more volunteers. I have several plots that need to be adopted and have not been for the past two years. When the program first began, the plots were adopted within a few weeks. Some plot owners moved or could no longer commit and the plots were never readopted. Perhaps this year someone out there may find that they could do a plot and I hope that you will give me a call soon. I’m in the book.

CEMENT BENCH AND TABLE PROJECT
I have been working on this project for a couple of weeks but Easter held it up a bit. I have to meet with Skip (perhaps Monday at the Council meeting) and will be ordered about six more benches and two tables. Bench spaces are almost all taken and we really need tables now. I will have to recheck the prices this spring but last year they cost about $525.00. I suggest large families consider this option or two families share the cost of a table. This project is my favorite because of the use that the benches have provided for the strollers and walkers.

CLEAN UP AND SPRUCE UP
Sherry Eddy had a great article in the Geraldine Review last week about a prominent citizen saying that everybody expected Geraldine to be junkie. I liked her thoughts about junkie and that it may reflect an individuals attitude but not the towns. I have had my time with dealing with junkie but I still hold with my attitude that Fort Benton is one of the prettiest towns in Montana and I would like to keep it that way. Our town came in second a few years ago in a contest for the prettiest town. I would say that is still the way I see it in my mind and know that most of our citizens do a bang up job of keeping their homes and surroundings neat and tidy. I know that I am from the “old school” and you can’t teach an old (or young) dog new or old tricks. The whole world would be different if that would happen. So just try to do your best and that is the best you can do.

THE END
God bless America, be kind, don’t blink, do one good deed a day, enjoy every minute of every day, have a wonderful weekend, and smile a lot. Oh, today is the 19th and do you remember that a year ago today is was 19 below zero and everything froze?