View From The Bridge 5/8/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
5/8/19

MAY MOON
This is the FULL FLOWER MOON. In most areas there are abundant everywhere during this time. Other names are the Full Corn Planting Moon or the Full Milk Moon.

The full moon this moon is Saturday the 18th. Enjoy!

OUT AND ABOUT
Dear Readers, I am almost back to normal. I feel as though I can type today but only time will tell how much. I was out and about this week and it was so good to get outside with all the fresh air.

MID-WIFE PROGRAM
Tuesday evening, son Randy took me to the Ag Center for the program about the mid-wife Mary Kassmeier. Who knew about her and her most interesting life? Many of her descendants were in attendance and there was a grand reunion amongst the families of today.

The biggest attraction was the scrape book that Mary put together. She did not accept any money for her services and asked only for a picture of the baby.

Randy had known ahead of time that his dad, Wally Morger, had his picture in the book.  He was born in 1923 and was in the hospital at the same time with Lorene Stranahan and Kenny Morrow. Randy also found a picture of Wally’s first cousin Ernie Good. Ernie was about 3 years old and he was holding a basketball. He turned out to be one of the best basketball players in Fort Benton sports history. This is a personal story of our family and those other close friends. The attendance was very crowded and many learned much about their genealogy.

Because many of the baby pictures were unidentified, Women’s Reproductive History Alliance would like to hear from you if you had grandparents or great grandparents born from 1915 through the 1920’s.

For more on this story read Connlee Gray’s article in last week’s River Press. If you need to get in touch with Professor Jennifer Hill go to her website to see if you can identify any baby pictures and add stories. If you do not do the computer thing, then contact Ken Robison at the Museums Library and Archives located in the Montana Agricultural Center on Tuesdays.

I really enjoyed this program and all the historic information it brought to light. These wonderful women not only delivered the babies but they stayed around the family for several weeks doing “the woman thing” like caring for the baby and other children, cooking cleaning, laundry and in general everything that needed to be done. God bless these women because I never could have done what they did. 

M.R.M.C.
In this day and age I would like to commend the Army of Nurses and everyone who works at the hospital. In my one day stay there, I received the best of care from these devoted women who knew exactly what they were doing. I met many women I had never met before and many I had not seen for a long time. I did see one man, Stan, who came to check on me. Otherwise, it was all women and I consider them the Mary Kassmeier’s of today. God bless them too.

FUNNY QUESTION
I had an appointment to get what is called a perm or permanent. All you ladies know what that is. The question is, if it is a permanent, why doesn’t it last longer?

So I ask you to rename this procedure. I will have a prize for the best name. I know that many of you have very clever minds and will come up with great suggestions. Call me. I expect that my phone will be ringing constantly.

SO LONG FOR NOW
I think I have had enough for now. I start P.T. on Tuesday. Things are looking up and it is supposed to be in the 70’s this coming weekend. I can hardly wait.


GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUT TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, 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 5/4/16

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
5/4/16

MAY MOON
Of all the descriptions of moons…May is the shortest.  It is called the Full Flower Moon obviously because in all areas flowers are abundant everywhere. May Day is the 1st day of the month and many celebrate by making up May Day baskets or giving friends a flower of some sort. The beautiful day last Sunday also made it the greatest day of the year so far.

May Moon is also called the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Full Milk Moon.  We can understand Full Corn Planting Moon but there was no description of Full Milk Moon. (I cannot figure that one out.  Perhaps it is the color.)

The full moon this month is on Saturday the 21st.

POTLUCK AND CAMPFIRE
I am wondering how long it has been since I sat around a campfire. It has been a long while. We all have an opportunity to do just that plus a potluck supper. The Chouteau County Cancer Support Group has invited us to the Fort Benton Canoe Launch Campground on Friday the 13th at 5:30 pm.

I am willing to bet that 75% of the residents of Fort Benton have never been to the Campground. It is the ultimate in an outdoor site. Whenever I have visitors, I always take them for a tour of the campground. I hope that you take advantage of this invitation by the Support Group because they are anxious to show their appreciation for the community support.

The Fort Benton Cancer Support Group helps anyone that has been touched by cancer. The best part is that you know where your money goes. There are no administrative costs and all donations go directly to cancer patients.

Has your family been affected by cancer and have you contacted the Support Group? Our family has been touched 5 times by cancer and we would not have made it without the support of the Fort Benton Cancer Support Group. Bless you Support Group and let them see a crowded campground on the 13th.

OTHER GOINGS ON
The Visitors Information Center is having a meeting on Friday the 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the Center. In case you are new in town, the Visitors Center is located on Front St. in the Old Fire House next to the Fort Benton Old Walking Bridge.

Even if you think that you can only be a substitute, come to the meeting. See old friends and make new ones. Everyone’s opinions are welcomed. We need 7 more volunteers to make 2 hour shifts. Surely out of 112 waking hours a week, you could spare 2 hours at the Center?

The Visitors Center is my favorite place. I like to compare it to a trip to anywhere in the world. Visitors came in with their stories from all over the United States, Canada, and many foreign countries. I especially enjoy those who were married on the Fort Benton Old Walking Bridge and return for their anniversaries. I love those who return for their class reunions not only at Summer Celebration but at any time during the season. I really love those family reunions when grandparents and parents bring their families to see where they grew up. It makes me feel very safe and secure.

Hope to see you there.

PATRIOTISM
Patriotism isn’t dead. Reading about the VFW contest for art work and about the winners was heart-warming. I am so proud of Marissa, Emma, and Ryan. What a great opportunity for young people to show they care.

I would like to see the entries, when the contest is over, displayed somewhere. Please VFW, keep us posted.

MEMORIAL DAY
That very precious holiday is soon upon us. Perhaps the winners of the above contest plus all those who entered would promote putting a flag on your porch.  Perhaps we could make some sort of a contest about it? I have some ideas so if you are interested please call me at 622-3217.

SINATRA & STREISAND
Last Wednesday evening at the Fort Benton Elementary School, the Chouteau County Performing Arts brought Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand to visit our town. They also sang for us and brought back countless memories.

The show began with a slide presentation of facts about Frank and Barbra, their birthdates, birthplaces, and other interesting facts about their lives. (I am sure that Tim the Editor will fill in all the blanks.)

I want to get to my side of the story. Both Barbra and Frank came into the audience to shake hands with the folks in attendance. I am sitting in my usual seat which is the second row from the front on the left hand side. Randy is sitting directly across the aisle. Frank shakes hands with Randy and then continues up the row. Suddenly he is standing in front of me with his hand out. I shake his hand and say thank you.  Frank says on the mike, “Well it looks as though I have a date for tonight.”

After each performance the artists are in the lobby to converse with the audience. I spoke to Barbra first and asked her how she could belt out those songs for about the hour and a half that she performed. She just said that she had done it for so long she just does it and does not think about it.

Then I got my turn with Frank. I said, “Well, here is your date.” He laughed and said, “I’ll meet you outside.” Then I told him about my experience in high school.  I had a group of 7 girls that I hung out with. We played cards at each other’s homes once a month, ate lunch together, went to football games, and were great friends.  (I am still in touch with 4 of them. The others have gone away.)

We were those screaming “bobby socks-ers” when Frank first came on the scene.  Well, he was appearing in Detroit and 7 of my friends decided to SKIP school to see him. I was too scared to do that daring adventure. They were expelled from school for a week. They decided to make protest signs and picketed in front of the school. I became the liaison between the principal and my friends. I ran between the office and the sidewalk with messages. The story got into the local newspaper.  It was really quite an interesting happening.

Frank thought that this was a very funny story and he put his arms around me and kissed me on the cheek. Now…how lucky am I? Garth Brooks gives me his guitar, I get half of my face and my Fort Benton Charm Trail necklace in the New York Times, a small drum from the Drum Brothers during their stay with me for Consortium, and now I get kissed by Frank Sinatra. I know for sure that you male readers will probably skip right over this story but how about you females? Do you women who remember the hay-day of Frank, feel envious? How lucky can I get? Gosh, I have such fun in Fort Benton and whatever it is cheers up my days.

OBSERVATIONS
Our body gives enough heat in 30 minutes to boil 1.5 litters of water.

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

View From The Bridge 4/29/15

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
4/29/15

RIVER TRIP MAY 5th
A meeting was held this morning Monday April 27th for the Visitor Information Center Volunteers were invited to travel the Missouri River by a jet boat to the White Cliffs. Since the volunteers talk about, answer questions about, and encourages visitors to see the White Cliffs; most of them have never had the opportunity.

This trip will be on Tuesday the 5th of May. Those who signed up will be at the Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center at 9:00 a.m. They will then be driven to Coal Banks where they will board the boat for a ride down stream to the Cliffs.

BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH AND DRINK.  WATER WILL BE PROVIDED.

As of today, there were 9 people signed up and there is 1 opening. If you would like to sign up please call in Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 622-4000. You will be put on a waiting list and confirmation for those signed up, will be May 4th. You may be called that afternoon if there is a cancellation. You may be able to go on this trip in 2 years as the Missouri River Breaks Center will again do a trip for Visitor Information Center Volunteers. Last year the trip was offered to the River and Plains and will be again next year.

VISITORS INFO CENTER
There will be more information in the View next week about the opening of the Visitors Information Center with opening day and hours. There will also be information about the opening of the Ag Center Museum, the Upper Missouri Museum, and the Old Fort Benton.  Another added attraction is “The Mullen Road Conference.” What an exciting month our town has to look forward to.

PIATIGORSKY - MAY3rd 
This presentation of classical music will be presented at the Grand Union Hotel on Sunday, May 3rd at 4:00 p.m. This program is free to the public.

The weather is supposed to be in the high 70”s.  If you are within walking distance, it would be a pleasant walk along the Levee Walking Trail to the Grand Union. It would end a beautiful weekend. See you there.

APPRECIATION
The annual Appreciation Luncheon/Dinner was the most fun ever. I have always enjoyed the food, being waited on, served by the 6th Graders, and the decorations. Most of all I looked forward to the entertainment. Last Thursday not only met my expectations but far exceeded them.

The program listed it as a “Hoe Down,” and that it was. K thru 4th grade began with Old Joe Clark. (How could they memorize all those words?) K then sang “Red River Valley,” and I am sure that everyone there sang along. The 1st Graders then flapped their wings to “Turkey in the Straw.” The 2nd Grade did a terrific rendition of “My Home is Montana,” followed by the 3rd Grade being on “Rocky Top.”

Then the auditorium got Hoe Down when the 4th Graders danced to the Virginia reel. (For years I have tried to get a Square Dance Fundraiser started. It never took off but I know from overheard conversations that most all in attendance would participate in that dancing program. Once a month would be wonderful. I am not a dancer but if someone is calling out instructions…why not? If there any organization that would be willing to get it started?)

The finale was the icing on the cake. Principal Jory announced that the Kiddos would go into the audience and find a parent or grandparent. The “Tennessee Waltz” began filling the air and there were dancing couples all over the gym. It was a most heartwarming and memorable time. That dance will remain as one of the memories that will be hashed over and over for many years to come.

I know that I speak for all of the Senior Citizens that we appreciate and look forward to that day every year. We love each and every one of you.

“50 THINGS ABOUT MT”
I wrote two or three interesting things that you (nor I) knew about Montana each week for many weeks. I received a note from Bonnie Anderson who left Fort Benton to move to Helena. She wanted me to know that the 50th thing was her great grandfather who was Walther H. Peck.

I went to my files and found #50 and it read like this…“Roy, Montana (pop. 108) owes its name to a typing mistake. When Walter H. Peck established a post office on his ranch in 1892, he requested that the name be Ray in honor of a friend. However, someone in Washington, D.C. misread the name and returned it with the name Roy.”

I appreciate that you read the View, Bonnie, and that interesting tid-bit of a story. I would like to know more about your great grandfather.

MAY MOON
It is obvious why the May Moon is called the Flower Moon. Its’ other names are the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon. Look forward to the May Full Moon on next Monday, the 4th.

SENIOR CENTER
I believe that everyone in town knows Idella Singer. Her late husband used to be in the River Guide business.  The first bench was placed on the Levee by the Lewis and Clark Bronze Memorial Statue by his family in memory of him.

I have known Idella for a long while and in the last few years we became more acquainted because of the Billy Swensgard Memorial project. Billy was Idella’s grandson and a very important part of the memorial service/program we held last Veteran’s Day.

Now to get to the story of Idella and me. She told me several weeks ago that two people had called her Muncie. A third person was added to the list last week. A woman sitting next to me at the Tuesday night monthly dinner said that she saw Idella walking on her street and thought it was me. Folks, I know that our hair is about the same color, we both wear glasses, so how can you confuse us when she is so much prettier than I am?

SENIOR MOMENT
The kid’s text me “plz” which is shorter than please.  I text back “no” which is shorter than “yes.”

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