VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/10/18
BACK AGAIN
It has been 8 weeks since my fall and it is time that I stop doing nothing and get back to being out and about again.
My problem now is how to express my appreciation for all that has been done for me. I have so many Angels to thank that it seems impossible. The many phone calls, dozens of cards, drivers who took me to appointments, the man who turned the hubs on my truck wheels so I could drive in 4-wheel, and the attendant at the gas station who filled my empty tank.
The first 2 ½ weeks were the most difficult. My arm was in a sling, I could not do any normal daily things. Once the sling came off, life seemed much easier, although I still could not use my left hand and arm.
As I begin this View my arm is doing well and I am off like a herd of turtles.
There are so many stories to tell you that this may drag into spring. I will go back as far as I can remember. As you know I can only write about what I experience and it is usually after the fact. Here goes!
WHO DONE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN?
Who replaced the pumpkin in the hollow tree across the street from my apartment with a Santa? I noticed just the other day that Santa had been replaced with a Snowman. I would really like to know who this clever person is and I am willing to give a reward for any information about the person who “who done it?”
If that person does not want to be known, I “pinkie finger” promise that I will not tell. I wish that I had thought of the prank because there are so many more possibilities. Whoever you are…thank you for cheering up the holidays
MY CHRISTMAS STORY
First of all I have to tell you that my favorite Christmas song is “Mary’s Boy Chile.” I have the music and have given copies to at least six musicians but have never heard any of them play and sing it for me.
Trust me when I say that I do all my shopping locally. I have not driven to Great Falls for 3 ½ years. However, I needed some warm pants to match the 4 pair that I already have so I was driven to Walmart.
I found an African American woman to help me and she was very knowledgeable about the stock in her department. When she was measuring me, she began to hum and then sing softly. I asked her if she sang in a choir and she said “No.” I said that she should because she had a beautiful voice. Then I asked her if she know “Mary’s Boy Chile.” She sang the whole song to me. It did more for my Christmas spirit than any Hallmark Christmas movies. As I walked away she was still singing.
When I returned several weeks later (to return the pants) I could not find her. One of my friends, Suzie, said that she must have been an Angel. That is the way I will always remember her as my Christmas Angel.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
I was very disappointed in the attendance for the Christmas Concert at the Elementary School on Sunday afternoon after the Chouteau County Country Christmas.
I know how much work goes into putting on that Concert especially when one group opted out and a replacement had to be found.
The attendance in 2016 was approximately 250 people and even that does not fill the auditorium that accommodates 400.
There were about half of that figure at the 2017 concert. I know that everyone is busy with work and projects BUT…the work is always there. The concert is only once a year.
I have no patience with those kinds of excuses especially when I know how much work goes into it. The only excuse I can accept is illness, a terrible cold or the flu as legitimate excuses. I also realize that many Fort Benton residents go south for the winter…(lucky people.)
Are you not interested in the Arts? The appropriations for the Arts, Museums, and Libraries are being cut every year. I would not like to see all of those go by the wayside because of lack of funds. Only you can change that by supporting the above and contacting your representatives and senators. Make a difference.
CCPA
While on the subject, on January 7th, Chouteau County Performing Arts will present Jenn Bostic, out of Nashville who is a Country and Christian singer. Let’s hope that it warms up a bit.
VFW BINGO
The games, sponsored by the VFW, begin at the Club House on Monday the 22nd. The game on the 8th was cancelled because of a previous commitment. It will be great to see old friends again.
THE HOLIDAYS
I did not have a chance to wish you all a Merry Christmas and so I hope that it was all wonderful for all of you.
I don’t think it is too late for Happy New Year and I know that most of you just stayed at home to celebrate. In fact…most told me they did not even watch the ball go down.
Have a wonderful New Year and be careful so that you do not fall.
GOD BLESS AMERICQA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMT’S.
Showing posts with label VFW bingo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VFW bingo. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
View From The Bridge 10/18/17
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
BY Muncie
10/18/17
BENTON BOOKIES
A new group has formed in the last few months and we are a Book Club. At our 10-11-17 meeting we named our group. We meet at the Chouteau County Free Library at 12:00 noon on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
We would love you to join us for an enjoyable time choosing a book, reading it, and discussing it. We now have 10 to 12 members and would enjoy having more. They say the more the merrier and the more opinions about the book. It is amazing to me how different the members view the stories.
Much of our discussion today was about people who do not read as they did years ago. It must be the advent of TV and computers that supply you with knowledge we never dreamed of. In my day all we had was the radio and libraries. I know that I mentioned this before but my library was quiet. No one spoke out loud but in whispers. There were no people running in and out to use computers. It was where I went often for peace and quiet. We did not even have a telephone until I was in high school. This was not because they were not available but because we could not afford it. I purchased my first TV about 1955 and there was really not a show to watch but wrestling and goofy programs. It is truly unbelievable for me to comprehend how far the world has advanced to today. I must admit I actually liked the old way better but that is my opinion. I would like to hear yours.
We would like to have more men’s participation. At present we have only one male who attends regularly. We did have one new member this moth and she was more than welcome.
The leader of our Benton Bookies will have the chosen book (most likely by the time you read this,) and if you would like to join us you can call Rita Braun at 622-3323 to let her know that you will be picking up a book at the Library.
Our next meeting will be the second Wednesday of November the 8th. See you there.
ART FEST
Sunday the 29th will be a busy day. Something new will take place at the Ag Center. A Fall Art Fest will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Put the date on your calendar and come on over to enjoy some fine Art.
Then at about 6:30 p.m. make your way to Shonkin for their Lasagna Dinner Fund Raiser. I have attended this event for many years and it is a fun time. There is a silent auction and the live auction is a hoot. One of the female members is the auctioneer and it is a barrel of laughs.
To make it more interesting, wear a Halloween costume. We do not get to do that very often as seniors. JUST DO IT. See you there.
VFW BINGO
Next Monday the 23rd at 7:00 p.m. will be the start of the VFW's Bingo games. See you there.
PLAN AHEAD
If you missed Susanna’s Philippine Dinners at the Farmer’s Market, put this date on your calendar, November 5th from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. It will be held at the Catholic Church and the donation is $10.00 per person or $25.00 per family. I’ll remind you again next week.
OTHER EVENTS
I am not aware of any. How I wish that the different organizations, Churches, schools, and organizations would call me about their activities.
OOPS AGAIN
I received a phone call last week to tell me that I had made an error in reporting that Blue Cross Blue Shield had cancelled our insurance. I read my View over again and what I said was that SOME OF US WERE CANCELLED. My BCBS Advantage program was cancelled and those of us who have this insurance will know in the next few weeks how we will be covered if at all. I also had a sentence that said “I had my Medicare insurance cancelled for the same reason,” and that reason being we are a rural community. It should have said my auto insurance.
So let me begin again. This will be the 3rd time many of us have been cancelled. I cannot remember the name of the first supplement we had and the second was New West and when they cancelled us BCBS offered us the Advantage program.
The point I am trying to make here is to attend the agents programs that are being held in the next few years around town. It is important that you take an interest in what is going on. I spoke to several people who do not know what kind of health insurance they have. SO JUST DO IT and get out and about to learn what is going on.
OOPS No. 2
One other OOPS was that the Boat Race was in 1937 instead of 1936. The quote was “There hasn’t been this much excitement in Fort Benton since the Boat Race of 1936.” (The excitement was the Rectory Trail two weeks ago.)
I have had perhaps a dozen OOPS in the 18 years I have been writing. I did receive 1 criticism from a man who said that the View from the Bridge was too long. Sometimes I feel that way too when I am trying to think of things to write about.
My excuses are that I have a very old computer with the Vista program. It is no longer in existence and nothing can be done to update. The second excuse is reading all the e-mails and mail that I receive. It takes a long time to sort out the junk mail because a great deal of my e-mail goes to junk mail. If there is one word that does not comply with Microsoft it is then sent to junk mail. What else can go wrong to annoy me?
HAVRE MUSEUMS
On Sunday afternoon, I attended the yearly meeting of the Friends of the Clack Museum annual celebration in our sister city of Havre. They had a dinner at the Duck Inn and both of my Morger boys, Randy and Brian, were quest speakers. It was all about Shep and as always I learned something new. Randy gave his Shep talk and Brian brought along all his Shep pictures.
Would you believe here were 60 people in attendance and that fact held us in awe. Randy and Brian met many new people there. A lovely young woman came up to me after the program and said she was Kathy Buckingham’s sister. I could have guessed that as she looks just like Kathy.
It was a joy to see how the Havre people support their Museum.
The museum project also includes the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump. John and Anna Brumley were honored for the dedication of 23 years at the Jump. They retired after their passion showed a profit. They will be sorely missed as they are or already have moved to Utah.
Fort Benton’s Visitor Information Center Volunteer’s field trip last year was to visit the Buffalo Jump, the Under Ground Businesses, and the Old Post Office that is now converted into a home. John and Anna were there as our guides.
One of the first things I was taken to see when I moved to Fort Benton was the Buffalo Jump. The work on improvements in 23 years was remarkable. John and Anna were two people who “JUST DID IT.” I wish that I had known them. I know that I would have gained inspiration from them. Another old saying is, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” Happiness is living your dream.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUT TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, and OUR TMT’S.
BY Muncie
10/18/17
BENTON BOOKIES
A new group has formed in the last few months and we are a Book Club. At our 10-11-17 meeting we named our group. We meet at the Chouteau County Free Library at 12:00 noon on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
We would love you to join us for an enjoyable time choosing a book, reading it, and discussing it. We now have 10 to 12 members and would enjoy having more. They say the more the merrier and the more opinions about the book. It is amazing to me how different the members view the stories.
Much of our discussion today was about people who do not read as they did years ago. It must be the advent of TV and computers that supply you with knowledge we never dreamed of. In my day all we had was the radio and libraries. I know that I mentioned this before but my library was quiet. No one spoke out loud but in whispers. There were no people running in and out to use computers. It was where I went often for peace and quiet. We did not even have a telephone until I was in high school. This was not because they were not available but because we could not afford it. I purchased my first TV about 1955 and there was really not a show to watch but wrestling and goofy programs. It is truly unbelievable for me to comprehend how far the world has advanced to today. I must admit I actually liked the old way better but that is my opinion. I would like to hear yours.
We would like to have more men’s participation. At present we have only one male who attends regularly. We did have one new member this moth and she was more than welcome.
The leader of our Benton Bookies will have the chosen book (most likely by the time you read this,) and if you would like to join us you can call Rita Braun at 622-3323 to let her know that you will be picking up a book at the Library.
Our next meeting will be the second Wednesday of November the 8th. See you there.
ART FEST
Sunday the 29th will be a busy day. Something new will take place at the Ag Center. A Fall Art Fest will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Put the date on your calendar and come on over to enjoy some fine Art.
Then at about 6:30 p.m. make your way to Shonkin for their Lasagna Dinner Fund Raiser. I have attended this event for many years and it is a fun time. There is a silent auction and the live auction is a hoot. One of the female members is the auctioneer and it is a barrel of laughs.
To make it more interesting, wear a Halloween costume. We do not get to do that very often as seniors. JUST DO IT. See you there.
VFW BINGO
Next Monday the 23rd at 7:00 p.m. will be the start of the VFW's Bingo games. See you there.
PLAN AHEAD
If you missed Susanna’s Philippine Dinners at the Farmer’s Market, put this date on your calendar, November 5th from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. It will be held at the Catholic Church and the donation is $10.00 per person or $25.00 per family. I’ll remind you again next week.
OTHER EVENTS
I am not aware of any. How I wish that the different organizations, Churches, schools, and organizations would call me about their activities.
OOPS AGAIN
I received a phone call last week to tell me that I had made an error in reporting that Blue Cross Blue Shield had cancelled our insurance. I read my View over again and what I said was that SOME OF US WERE CANCELLED. My BCBS Advantage program was cancelled and those of us who have this insurance will know in the next few weeks how we will be covered if at all. I also had a sentence that said “I had my Medicare insurance cancelled for the same reason,” and that reason being we are a rural community. It should have said my auto insurance.
So let me begin again. This will be the 3rd time many of us have been cancelled. I cannot remember the name of the first supplement we had and the second was New West and when they cancelled us BCBS offered us the Advantage program.
The point I am trying to make here is to attend the agents programs that are being held in the next few years around town. It is important that you take an interest in what is going on. I spoke to several people who do not know what kind of health insurance they have. SO JUST DO IT and get out and about to learn what is going on.
OOPS No. 2
One other OOPS was that the Boat Race was in 1937 instead of 1936. The quote was “There hasn’t been this much excitement in Fort Benton since the Boat Race of 1936.” (The excitement was the Rectory Trail two weeks ago.)
I have had perhaps a dozen OOPS in the 18 years I have been writing. I did receive 1 criticism from a man who said that the View from the Bridge was too long. Sometimes I feel that way too when I am trying to think of things to write about.
My excuses are that I have a very old computer with the Vista program. It is no longer in existence and nothing can be done to update. The second excuse is reading all the e-mails and mail that I receive. It takes a long time to sort out the junk mail because a great deal of my e-mail goes to junk mail. If there is one word that does not comply with Microsoft it is then sent to junk mail. What else can go wrong to annoy me?
HAVRE MUSEUMS
On Sunday afternoon, I attended the yearly meeting of the Friends of the Clack Museum annual celebration in our sister city of Havre. They had a dinner at the Duck Inn and both of my Morger boys, Randy and Brian, were quest speakers. It was all about Shep and as always I learned something new. Randy gave his Shep talk and Brian brought along all his Shep pictures.
Would you believe here were 60 people in attendance and that fact held us in awe. Randy and Brian met many new people there. A lovely young woman came up to me after the program and said she was Kathy Buckingham’s sister. I could have guessed that as she looks just like Kathy.
It was a joy to see how the Havre people support their Museum.
The museum project also includes the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump. John and Anna Brumley were honored for the dedication of 23 years at the Jump. They retired after their passion showed a profit. They will be sorely missed as they are or already have moved to Utah.
Fort Benton’s Visitor Information Center Volunteer’s field trip last year was to visit the Buffalo Jump, the Under Ground Businesses, and the Old Post Office that is now converted into a home. John and Anna were there as our guides.
One of the first things I was taken to see when I moved to Fort Benton was the Buffalo Jump. The work on improvements in 23 years was remarkable. John and Anna were two people who “JUST DID IT.” I wish that I had known them. I know that I would have gained inspiration from them. Another old saying is, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” Happiness is living your dream.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUT TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, and OUR TMT’S.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
View From The Bridge 9/27/17
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
9/27/17
HUGE YARD SALE
Rise up early on this coming Saturday morning to get to the Lions “Biggest Yard Sale" of the year. If you are a seasoned “Yard Sale’err” you know that the early bird gets the worm. You will find the Lions waiting to greet you at 9:30 a.m. at the Commercial building (inside) at the Chouteau County Fair Grounds. They will be there until 5:30 p.m.
The Lions have been working toward this sale for several months and there are many great treasurers awaiting the right buyer. These sales are such fun when family/ friends are looking at the same interesting items. How far does friendship go when that treasure is spotted? I say, “Hold your ground and no matter what, always remain friends.” You could also split the cost and then each keeps it for a month at a time. That may work or it may not. Whatever! Have a great time.
The really important thing is to support the Lions Club because all of their funds go to the good of the community. See you there.
FALL
On the first day of fall last week, there were children in the playground. Today again there were children
Here. I wonder if they were the same Kiddos. Whatever, they seemed to be having a grand time.
I always think of the General Federation of Woman’s Club of Fort Benton that was responsible for sponsoring that playground. While at the Visitors Information Center, I talked to families passing by Fort Benton. They would stop by just to let their children play at the playground. Do you remember playing at a playground? It is a treasured memory.
Another happening was that so many of the trees have turned completely yellow or had yellow in them.
It is getting dark by 7:00 p.m. and is completely dark by 7:30 p.m. That is the part that I do not like. I know that it is going to be earlier until in December it will be dark by 4:30 p.m. and actually that is about 3 months away. Since time flies when you are having fun, that should be here in no time.
Another fact is that the “Snow Birds” are beginning to leave town. I have had the opportunity to be a Snow Bird but never took advantage of that. I came from a state that had 4 seasons and it is true that I love the 4 seasons in Montana. I think it would be boring to live where it was warm all the time but that is just me. Besides, there are always events going on like football, basketball, all other sports, and Chouteau County Performing Arts to keep me here.
I know that you readers here in town and in Montana know all of the above info. I mention it for the River Press readers out of state who like to read about news at home. Hello to all of you and come to visit soon.
VFW BINGO
The schedule for Bingo to begin at the Club House will be Monday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Only the Turkey Bingo will be on a different day and that will be on Friday, November 17th.
If you would like to mark your calendars the games will always on the 1sst and 3rd Monday of the month with the exception of Turkey Bingo. Here are the dates starting will October 23rd, November 13th and 27th with Turkey Bingo on Friday the 17th, December 11th only, January 8th and 22nd, February 12th and 36th, March 12th and 26th, and the last game of the season on April 9th.
All devoted Bingo players will be happy to get back into the routine during the cold and dark evenings of winter. If you are not an addicted player or have never played, come and join us for a jovial evening with family and friends. See you there.
POLITICAL MESSAGE
Just as I urged you to fly an American Flag, support our Veterans by wearing red on Fridays, and other things that show your love of your country, I am now asking you to use your right to speak your opinion. I urge you to call your senators and representatives often to let them know how you feel about issues.
I have never studied politics and only know what I read and observe. I like to hear the “other side of the story.” The only way that I know of to have my voice heard is to call those who have the power to make changes.
When an issue comes up that you and I know nothing about, is the time to call and find out what is going on. I do not particularly like to discuss issues on the phone but it is the only way. Town Hall meetings no longer seem to be happening nor do voters want anyone else know which party they belong to. That has split many a family and friends.
All of the above is not what I am trying to get across here. My point is to let those in the know, know how you what your opinions are. Thank you for your efforts. JUST DO IT!
VISITOR INFO CENTER
This coming Friday is the field trip for the volunteers. We are off at 8:00 a.m. to the Ulm Buffalo Jump and Interpretive Center. The day is planned for us and from what I see on the weather reports it is going to be a great day.
The last time I went to Ulm was 1993 and I know that it has changed quite a bit. I’ll let you know next week how it went.
I should also have some info on how many visitors Info Center had as compared with the Museum’s and the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center. Those figures always have interested me as to if tourism is up or down this year.
I am going to do some research to find how many years the Information Center has been in existence. It has to be nearing the 20th anniversary. I began writing the View from the Bridge in 1999 and that is 18 years ago. I cannot, however, remember where the Center was located at the time. I’ll let you know that fact also next week if you are interested.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, and EMT’s.
By Muncie
9/27/17
HUGE YARD SALE
Rise up early on this coming Saturday morning to get to the Lions “Biggest Yard Sale" of the year. If you are a seasoned “Yard Sale’err” you know that the early bird gets the worm. You will find the Lions waiting to greet you at 9:30 a.m. at the Commercial building (inside) at the Chouteau County Fair Grounds. They will be there until 5:30 p.m.
The Lions have been working toward this sale for several months and there are many great treasurers awaiting the right buyer. These sales are such fun when family/ friends are looking at the same interesting items. How far does friendship go when that treasure is spotted? I say, “Hold your ground and no matter what, always remain friends.” You could also split the cost and then each keeps it for a month at a time. That may work or it may not. Whatever! Have a great time.
The really important thing is to support the Lions Club because all of their funds go to the good of the community. See you there.
FALL
On the first day of fall last week, there were children in the playground. Today again there were children
Here. I wonder if they were the same Kiddos. Whatever, they seemed to be having a grand time.
I always think of the General Federation of Woman’s Club of Fort Benton that was responsible for sponsoring that playground. While at the Visitors Information Center, I talked to families passing by Fort Benton. They would stop by just to let their children play at the playground. Do you remember playing at a playground? It is a treasured memory.
Another happening was that so many of the trees have turned completely yellow or had yellow in them.
It is getting dark by 7:00 p.m. and is completely dark by 7:30 p.m. That is the part that I do not like. I know that it is going to be earlier until in December it will be dark by 4:30 p.m. and actually that is about 3 months away. Since time flies when you are having fun, that should be here in no time.
Another fact is that the “Snow Birds” are beginning to leave town. I have had the opportunity to be a Snow Bird but never took advantage of that. I came from a state that had 4 seasons and it is true that I love the 4 seasons in Montana. I think it would be boring to live where it was warm all the time but that is just me. Besides, there are always events going on like football, basketball, all other sports, and Chouteau County Performing Arts to keep me here.
I know that you readers here in town and in Montana know all of the above info. I mention it for the River Press readers out of state who like to read about news at home. Hello to all of you and come to visit soon.
VFW BINGO
The schedule for Bingo to begin at the Club House will be Monday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Only the Turkey Bingo will be on a different day and that will be on Friday, November 17th.
If you would like to mark your calendars the games will always on the 1sst and 3rd Monday of the month with the exception of Turkey Bingo. Here are the dates starting will October 23rd, November 13th and 27th with Turkey Bingo on Friday the 17th, December 11th only, January 8th and 22nd, February 12th and 36th, March 12th and 26th, and the last game of the season on April 9th.
All devoted Bingo players will be happy to get back into the routine during the cold and dark evenings of winter. If you are not an addicted player or have never played, come and join us for a jovial evening with family and friends. See you there.
POLITICAL MESSAGE
Just as I urged you to fly an American Flag, support our Veterans by wearing red on Fridays, and other things that show your love of your country, I am now asking you to use your right to speak your opinion. I urge you to call your senators and representatives often to let them know how you feel about issues.
I have never studied politics and only know what I read and observe. I like to hear the “other side of the story.” The only way that I know of to have my voice heard is to call those who have the power to make changes.
When an issue comes up that you and I know nothing about, is the time to call and find out what is going on. I do not particularly like to discuss issues on the phone but it is the only way. Town Hall meetings no longer seem to be happening nor do voters want anyone else know which party they belong to. That has split many a family and friends.
All of the above is not what I am trying to get across here. My point is to let those in the know, know how you what your opinions are. Thank you for your efforts. JUST DO IT!
VISITOR INFO CENTER
This coming Friday is the field trip for the volunteers. We are off at 8:00 a.m. to the Ulm Buffalo Jump and Interpretive Center. The day is planned for us and from what I see on the weather reports it is going to be a great day.
The last time I went to Ulm was 1993 and I know that it has changed quite a bit. I’ll let you know next week how it went.
I should also have some info on how many visitors Info Center had as compared with the Museum’s and the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center. Those figures always have interested me as to if tourism is up or down this year.
I am going to do some research to find how many years the Information Center has been in existence. It has to be nearing the 20th anniversary. I began writing the View from the Bridge in 1999 and that is 18 years ago. I cannot, however, remember where the Center was located at the time. I’ll let you know that fact also next week if you are interested.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, and EMT’s.
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