View From The Bridge 7/4/18

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
7/4/18

JULY MOON
How quickly these months are rolling around. The Full Buck Moon is usually the month when the antlers of the buck deer push out of foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also called the Full Thunder Moon for the reason that thunder storms are most frequent during this month. Another name is the Full Hay Moon. (I really enjoy the different names of each month and the significance of them. These names are hundreds of years old mostly named by the Native Americans.

4TH OF JULY
This is my favorite holiday. I love what it stands for. I love the flags waving almost everywhere. I love fireworks. It just seems like a most happy birthday party.  I will count my blessings the whole day. I could have been born in another country that was not the home of the brave and the free. I feel I can say what I feel, especially at my age,) and not be concerned about it. Yes, God bless America.

TRIATHLON
On Saturday, July 7th there will be another exciting event. The Missouri River Breaks will sponsor the event which starts and ends in Fort Benton. It begins at 8:00 a.m. The starting point in Fort Benton is a canoe/kayak 20mile race, then on to a 3.4 run, and a grand finish in Fort Benton with a 20mile bicycle ride. I do not know where the beginning and finish lines are. There is a map on the poster, but I cannot make out the beginning and end with my eyesight. Check it out for yourself.

At 2:00 p.m. there will be outdoor games and the pool will be open. I do not know details on the games but I think that they are for the kiddos. It should be a fun day for them.

At 5:00 p.m. on Front Street there will be a FREE CONCERT called Boats, Brews, and Blues. In my opinion this event is going to attract a crowd so get there early and stay late. Let us have the good weather hold as it did for Summer Celebration

JUNIOR EXPLORERS   
Every Tuesday and Thursday at the Chouteau County Library & the BLM Interpretive Center there will be a Junior Explorers Series.

Please check the River Press for the time and place. It is different every week.

This sounds like another great program to keep kiddos occupied this summer. I wish I was a kid again when I hear about programs like these. (I wonder if I could sneak in?)

VIRGELLE
For those of you readers who are antique buffs Virgelle will hold an outdoor flea market. The date is Sunday July 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you have never been to Virgelle you will find a very charming area that you will return to many times with visitors. It is worth the trip and take a ride across the Missouri if the ferry is running.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
Wear red on Fridays such as a Support Our Troops t-shirt. Again I would like to see those red shirts with the logo “Support out Troops” on it.

Several years ago over 350 of those shirts were sold. Where could all those shirts have disappeared? Please check your closets and let next Friday be a red shirt Support Our Troops day and every Friday. Let it continue through the summer while we are wearing short sleeved shirts.

If you did not get a shirt or it is too small or too large, check out the Sadie’s Resale Chop for one.

FREE GOLF LESSONS
Lessons begin on July 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th for different age groups. Check River Press for times.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM
I really enjoy the Summer Reading program seeing the Kiddos on the lawn of the Library / How I wish we would have had those kinds of programs when I was a kid. I spent a lot of time in the library but it was not outdoors. It was on a main street with nothing but cement in front.

Our Chouteau County Free Library is one of the reasons I love Fort Benton. Because I have poor vision I no longer read. I belong to Talking Books but note that the Library has hundreds of books on tape.

Take advantage of that Folks and listen to great books on vacations or times when you spent long hours driving. May I suggest books about Montana. They are a wealth of information.

INVITATION
Come to the Sunrise Bluffs for Sunday dinner. Since the Senior Center does not serve Saturday or Sunday dinners any longer, the Bluffs would be an alternative for a pleasant Sunday afternoon.

Dinner is served at 1:00 p.m. and it is necessary to make a reservation. Call Karla at 622-5443 during the week.

It is a great social afternoon to meet more of your Fort Benton neighbors. There may be old friends who have moved to the Bluffs and they would like to visit with you. (We are actually at the other end of town and it would be a little further a drive. I am accused of moving out in the country when I moved to the Sunset apartments.)

Hope to see you next Sunday.

CONSTRUCTION
I was able to track down some information about the construction on Front Street on the north end of town. Perhaps you did not even know that Front Street jags over a half block after it dead ends into the Sunrise Bluffs. It is s government mandate that sewers be brought up to code. Most rural areas are old and falling apart as most senior citizens are.

I do not know where the construction company began but they worked between 23rd and 22nd for several weeks. They have now moved on to the area between 22nd and 21st.

So where do you go now since your destination is the pump house across from the Old Fort Benton Fort?

The only way to go is diagonally across the Old Fort Park to Front Street. The bad news is that it will be confusion for a while but the good news is that Front Street between the Sunrise Bluffs and the swimming pool will come out of it a well, no bumps, potholes, road traveled. That stretch of road is not well defined between gravel parking area and the road. I am looking forward to the improvement although I no longer drive.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFIS, FIREMEN/WOMEN AND EMT’s.

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
7/4/12

STEAMBOAT MAGGIE
Several weeks ago, Maggie showed up at the Joel Overholser Research Center.  The Center’s fame is beginning to be spread far and wide although we have found that most of the people in Chouteau County do not know of its existence.

Maggie is completing a book on “Steamboats on the Missouri,” of which she was only supposed to edit.  Her friend, Jim Pyle, had done a great deal of research and writing, but passed away in 2006.  She decided that she would complete the book and came to the “First Best Place,” on the Missouri to do more research.

I was called to get right over to the Center to chat with Maggie.  I asked if she had arrived on the airlines but she said that she had driven from St. Joseph, Missouri.  I was amazed and said, “You drove by yourself?”  I drove across the country from the Detroit area to California, to New Mexico and back home in seven (7) weeks in 1985. However, that was twenty-seven (27) years ago.  Maggie is younger than I am but still.  She replied that she had driven a truck for 30 years and the drive from St. Joseph was just a short haul.

She was delightful to chat with as the conversation evolved into a broad view of why she is finishing the book and her research.  She would like to have stayed longer but because of Summer Celebration, there was no place for her to stay.  As it turned out, she actually had to leave on Thursday morning quickly because her new baby grandson was to be operated on for an obstruction.  She got back to Missouri in two days and then other 100 or so miles to where the baby was.  (Just a note…the little one is doing fine and recuperating.)

Maggie wants to return to Fort Benton as she wrote me on a recent e-mail, she only touched the tip of the information that the Research Center has.  Maggie also has a period costume, (perhaps some of you saw her walking around the Old Fort area,) and she portrays a captain’s wife.  It was the only woman that Maggie could find research on in the early days of steam boating.

If you history buffs would like to know about Maggie and her upcoming book, you can learn more on her web site.  It is www.moriversteamboats.com  Come back soon Maggie and we will arrange for you to do a “Steamboat Captain’s Wife,” story.  After all, what better place.

RED ON FRIDAY
Sometime in the last few weeks, I acquired a photocopy of a notice that was to be spread by word of mouth, press, TV, and every way possible.  The message is, “On Fridays and every Friday until our troops come home, wear RED.”  Let our troops know that the once “silent” majority is on their side more than ever.  The first thing a soldier says when asked, “What can we do to make things better for you?”  They would answer that they need your support and your prayers.  Get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something RED every Friday.

Would the person or persons who gave me the flyer, please identify themselves?  This reminds me to ask if you have been to the Sunrise Bluffs yet to see the Memory Wall.  However, seeing the Wall should not be the only reason that you remember the Veterans…they should be on your mind all the time.

It also brings to mind that I have not heard from any families who have sons or daughters in the Service.  I believe that all readers would be interested to know who they are and where they are
RIVER PRESS

It was such fun to read the River Press last week.  The photos were great, the stories (especially about the cleanup,) were very informative, and the stats on the contests were so interesting.

I know several people who read the Press on-line and said that it was a little like being here.  They would love to be in Fort Benton for Summer Celebration.

WEATHER
I have not talked much about the weather but I have to say that it was a great relief when the wind stopped blowing after five (5) days of it.  My real problem with it was that I had picked up all the small sticks and twigs around the yard in preparation for Summer Celebration and lo and behold, there are twice as many now.  I know they call the wind “Mariah,” however, I think it should be changed to “Marauder.” “Mariah” is too gentle a word for what it really was.  What do you think?

4TH OF JULY
Here is a wish for a happy 4th of July.  If you are at a parade and the flag goes by, put your hand over your heard and thank God, you are living in the United States of America.  Sing out the National Anthem if it is played.  I know that I am a fanatic about it but I am tired of professional athletes who do not put their hand on their heart, chew gum/tobacco, spit on the ground, and act like it is no big deal to honor the flag.  They make big bucks in our country and the least they could do was return a little respect.  I am not picking on professional athletes in particular because I see it everywhere.  Watch the upcoming Olympics and see how many of them put their hands on their hearts.

Well, I said my piece and I would close off with one last piece of advice.  Teach your children to honor the flag and teach them the words to the National Anthem by example.  I am sure that Kiddos do not know the words so how can they sing.  It should be a requirement in kindergarten and then they could teach their parents.  It is always great to let them sing louder than you do.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
7/7/10

RECYCLING
By the time you read this, a meeting with the Commissioners will have taken place on Tuesday, the 6th. I will report next week the results of the meeting and where the Committee goes from there. What is known at this time is that there are grants that are available for recycling. A particular building is being checked out and it would be the ideal place for recycling.

There was a small item in the U.S.A. Weekend magazine that comes with the Sunday newspaper about “Reduce your wrapping trash.” It said that almost 75% of an average household’s garbage is packaging. In a book titled “A Slice of Organic Life,” by Sheherazade Goldsmith, tells us how to scale back: Choose products with minimum packaging or recyclable packaging, buy fruits and vegetables loose, buy in bulk, skip the prepackaged “snack” foods, and pack your own lunchbox portions.

I would like to add to those instructions by asking when storing leftover foods use washable containers instead of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or waxed paper. Do wrap your sandwiches, cookies, and snacks in waxed paper instead of sandwich plastic bags. Do buy some sort of water containers to carry your water and discontinue buying and using plastic bottles. Every little bit helps. Help a lot this week.

ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSES
The response to the request about knowing where the schoolhouses are located, and attendance at those schools, was very exciting. I had ten phone calls on my answering machine by Friday evening. I have a list of sixteen schools, many students, and several teachers to give the Charlotte Caldwell when she arrives in Fort Benton tomorrow night (7-5-10.)

I had been expecting her in another week but she e-mailed that she would be here sooner. I am sure that she will be making many more trips to this area and so if you still want to call about a one-room schoolhouse, do so. Call 622-3217 after 2:00 p.m.

THE 4TH OF JULY
It was all about United States birthday, our Servicemen and Servicewomen, the wars we have fought to keep the peace, and the protection we have come to know and expect. We owe so much to our Armed Forces and it made my heart about to burst when I saw the gathering of Americans at the July 4th Parade in Great Falls. The Parade time was set for 3:00 p.m. instead of the usual 11:00 a.m. because it was Sunday and the organizers respected church hours.

The crowds were in greater numbers this year and when Wally (as one of the Grand Marshals) would say thank you for coming out…they would shout back…thank you for serving. We say thank you to every Serviceman and Servicewoman we see and they so appreciate it. Please be sure to say thank you when you see them. It is just a small kindness but it really means a lot to be appreciated. They are putting up their lives to protect us. Patriotism has fallen away since 9/11. Please bring it back. Sing the National Anthem, fly an American flag outside your home, write to a Serviceperson, send them a package, and most of all, pray for them every day. They deserve it.

THE 2ND OF JULY
I would like to tell you about Donald J. Ruhl, the only Marine to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII from Montana for his unhesitating courage on Iwo Jima. Donald was born in Columbus, Montana in 1923, graduated from Joliet High School in 1942, and was killed on Iwo Jima on January 21st, 1945. He was 21 years old After he was killed, his parents moved to Greybull, WY and when the Marine’s bodies were repatriated from Iwo Jima, he was returned to the then Hillside Cemetery in Greybull.

The rest of the story, that involves Wally and me, began sometime in February. Wally was invited to be the keynote speaker at the dedication of the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Monument and the renaming of the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Cemetery of Greybull, Wyoming on July 2, 2010. Thus began a correspondence with Paul Linse of Greybull who is a retired architect who coordinated the whole dedication process. He was asked to design the monument and you know how that story ended. As usual with volunteers, he took on the whole project and spent countless hours, (and his wife Sheryl,) with not only locating long lost relatives back East but also physically working on stonework around the monument.

I began researching Donald J. Ruhl on the internet and planning our course of action with our son, Randy Morger. He was to be our designated driver for the 368-mile trip. During this planning time, someone said that we should take 6 miles off our course and stop in Joliet, MT were Donald went to Joliet High School. We were to check to see if the original high school still existed.

We left on July 1st at 7:00 a.m. and did indeed stop in Joliet. When we found the school, we met Melvin Stene and found that he was responsible for keeping the Donald J. Ruhl story alive. During our conversation, he told us that Donald’s best friend in high school was still living and when Stanley Arthun was called, he came to the school to talk with us. He told us of a very quiet, serious young man who was a hard working farm hand. Donald wanted Stanley to join the Marines with him but Stanley had to remain on the sheep farm to help his father as his two brothers were in the army. Stanley had not planned on attending the Dedication (he is also 87 years old) but after visiting with us, he decided to be there.

We were then off to Greybull and found that it is a beautiful little town and the surrounding area is much like Fort Benton. Greybull is down in a valley, has about 300 more people, is a tourist town, produces Bentonite, and has very friendly people. Paul meet us at the motel and we immediately went to the Cemetery. The monument is made of black granite and stands facing the town. It is an awesome sight. You can check it out by going to KULR Channel 8 in Billings on the internet. You can pick up the evening news on July 2nd and 3rd. You can read more about Donald J. Ruhl by Google-ing (my own spelling) his name.

The ceremony was about an hour and 15 minutes long but those attending did not want it to end. A wreath was placed on Donald’s grave, a gold star was placed on his mother’s grave, there was a Marine color guard from Billings, Young Marines escorting dignitaries, an uncounted number of flag bearers at attention lining the entrance to the cemetery (they later moved to behind the monument in a semi circle,) and the stands were filled with people. It was a very moving ceremony that made one so proud to be an American and the thought that you wished you had known that young man.

We were invited to the Elks Club for a luncheon afterward and after talking to many new acquaintances (they all said they are coming to Fort Benton to visit us,) we took leave and arrived home at 6:30 p.m. We wish that all of you could have been there but hopefully this story gave you some insight into Donald J. Ruhl.

VOLUNTEERS
Show me a person who may be asked to give more than just dedication and I’ll show you a volunteer.

VETERANS APPRECIATION
It’s coming up quickly. Set aside Saturday afternoon the 17th. Have you offered any help yet or taken anything to the Committee for the silent auction? The most important thing is to get all the Veterans there so we can show them how much we appreciate them. Semper Fi to all the Services.

SO LONG FOR NOW
It’s been a very busy week for everyone and perhaps things will quiet down now. It would be nice to sit outside in the evenings and enjoy our yards. It would be nice to walk along the Missouri or take a ride into the Shonkins. We could do all that if it weren’t for those pesky mosquitoes. Oh well, what else do we have to complain about.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.