View From The Bridge 6/21/17

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
6/21/17

SUMMER TIME
The day of the year I always feel sad is Wednesday the 21st when the days start getting shorter. It will be an hour approximately each month to lose light. I do not have to remind you but just thought I would share my thoughts about it. I love these long evenings watching the birds visiting the “Red Dot Dinner bird feeder” hanging in front of the living room window. I’ll enjoy the next couple of months when the days remain longer and then adjust for fall and winter. Hang in there with me.

AMERICAN FLAG
Folks, I know that I have been nagging about hanging an American Flag on your front porch. I am going to tell you a story that I saw on the world news a week ago Friday. It was the Steve Hartman show “On the Road” what plays every Friday at the end of the program.

Two years ago 11 year old Preston Sharp who lives in Redding, CA visited his grandfather’s grave. He came home to tell his mother that there was not an American Flag on grandfather’s grave.

His mother was of the mind “Well, do something about it.” Preston went to work doing odd jobs to raise money to buy a flag. As the story went on, he bought flags for all the Veterans graves in that cemetery. He then did another cemetery, another cemetery and then another. As of today, Preston has put 23,000 flags on Veterans graves.)

So here I am in Fort Benton, MT asking that every home fly an American Flag. That is one flag for you to honor our United States of America and those who have died for our freedom. Is that too much to ask? Please do it because you love your country and want to show respect for the flag. Flags are reasonably priced at Lehman’s True Value and if you are not able to put it up I can arrange that for you. No excuses, no “I don’t have time, or “I’m just too busy,” or “I do not want to hear that.” There is too much at stake especially at this stage of our lives. I’ll ride around town again on the 4th of July and I am hopeful to see at least 300 homes with Flags flying. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making an effort.

A NEW MARINE
Another reason I am high and mighty about the American Flag is because last Friday my grandson, Joshua who is 19 years old, became a Marine at Parris Island, South Carolina. I was not able to attend but that did not make me less proud. (I have been to a ceremony like this before and every American should witness one.) Joshua and 499 other young men volunteered to join the service of our country. They are putting up their lives for our freedom. They are our protectors and loved ones. Think of them when you put your flag out every day.

My dear husband, Wally gone over 3 years now, has 4 grandsons, my step grandsons, still in the Army. I am so proud of them and all the Servicemen and women. For those of you in Chouteau County who have your husbands, sons, or grandsons, in the service, I thank you and them every day. I tried to find their addresses at one time but they are not given out any longer. (Years ago I used to write to them.) I can understand why and want them to know that they are remembered every day.

SUMMER CELEBRATION
It is here at last so enjoy every minute of it. Pick up a schedule and keep busy all three days going from one place to another. The weather looks fine without rain but perhaps high temperatures. Remember your sun screen and drink lots of water.

OLD BUILDINGS
Fort Benton has been fortunate that enterprising persons have purchased old buildings and homes to restore them. The Grand Union, the State Bank Building, the Culberson House, the McGraw Building, the Tire Store remodeled into the Ambulance Barn, and the Old Fire House to mention a few. Businesses being purchased are the River Market, the Lumber Yard, the L & R Meats building, and the Bowling Alley.  

There are old homes for sale and some being remodeled like one of the T.C. Power houses on 17th St. (open house this weekend,) Jim Cummings house, and the Muesel home. These are great improvements for our city and it is so interesting to watch the progress. I am so grateful that some persons want to invest in Fort Benton.

I have lost a great many friends who had to move for one reason or another but have found new friends who have such great stories to share. It opens up a whole new world that I no longer can explore.

BOOK SALE
One of my favorite events of Summer Celebration is the Book Sale at the Chouteau County Free Library starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday. What a bargain! A bog of books for $1.00 is awesome and is a fund raiser for Friends of the Library. (They meet once a month during the season and I have been fortunate to get the chosen book of the month from the Talking Books Library in Helena.)

A few years ago I met a couple from Canada and enjoyed their story. About 7 years ago they happened to come to Fort Benton during Summer Celebration. They found the Library and the Book Sale and said it was the best sale they had ever found. They travel over 500 miles each year just to enjoy the book sale. They are the first in line waiting for the library to open its doors. I have spoken with them the last couple of years and look forward to seeing them again. See all of you there.

WWI MEMORIAL
On July 4th there will be a dedication of the old WWI Memorial at the Veterans Park at 10:00 a.m. The Memorial has been repaired and I am hopeful that there are more attendees then there were on Memorial Day.

I am sure the low attendance was because of the repair of the Old Bridge. Next year we will be on track. However, the WWI Memorial will only be this year so mark your calendars. The ceremony will only last a short time and it will be a good way to start the 4th of July holiday.

JULY 3RD
On the evening of July 3rd there is a program on PBS TV from Washington, D.C. It features the United States Army Band, popular entertainers singing patriotic songs and stories about Veterans. It is 1 ½ hrs. Long and is repeating immediately after the 1st program. Don’t miss it. It is inspiring. (It will make you so happy to have your flag hanging.)

FLAG ETIQUETTE
There are some rules and regulations about your hanging of the flag. The directions will be inside the package if you purchase a new one. If it is an older flag some of the rules are to take the flag down in inclement weather and if strong winds are blowing. I’ll be reading my instructions over again because I learn something new every day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, THOSE WHO PROTECT US, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
(Especially today our citizens need all the support we can get and give.  (“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”)

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/25/17

C.C.P.A.
Nest Monday evening there will be a Chouteau County Performing Arts program.  I think I have written enough about it and if you are in doubt check your River Press. It is going to be a special one if you enjoy Nat King Cole songs. I will see you there.

C.C.P.A. BOARD
They will spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the yearly Consortium in Great Falls. The public is invited on Saturday to spend the day at the Civic Center. There will be show casing all day with musical artists and other acts that would like to come to your town to perform. There are many programs that are equal to Broadway shows.

I know several people from Fort Benton who attend these showcase performances in Great Falls. Jot the dates in your calendar. Don’t miss it.

PAIN IN THE NECK
I have had a pain in my neck this past week and I heard on the grapevine that there is a virus going around town. I do not know if this is true because I do not know of any way to check it out.

However, I have just discovered why I have it again tonight. I had gotten rid of it after suffering excruciating pain for several days. (Just kidding folks, I exaggerate a lot.)

It is this computer that hates me. I have an armoire to keep my computer housed.  There is no room to stretch my legs because there is a board across the bottom. I have to bend forward to read my work and immediately my neck knew it. I’ll have to keep this short and sweet which may please some and not please my family or friends. That is my joke of the week.

A NEW FRIEND
The last two Sundays I went to the Sunrise Bluffs for dinner. I was seated with a lovely lady whose name is Elizabeth Friesz. She told me the most wonderful stories. The first week she talked about how she rode her horse 5 miles to a one room schoolhouse and 5 miles back home. I could have listened to her historic recollections all day.

The second week she talked about the garden that her folks raised that was 1 acre in size. (That is a whole lot of garden to weed and maintain.) It was filled with vegetables that were canned for winter. What was left over was open to friends and neighbors to completely deplete

Her parents also canned beef, pork, and fish. There was a lot of canning going on.

Elizabeth had all this windfall food during the depression. I was a city girl and had none of those advantages. We received food from the government that consisted of flour, cheese, oranges, and I really do not remember if there was any kind of meat.

I have always envied farm kids. They always seemed so healthy, strong, and very well able to take care of themselves.

If any readers want to tell me their stories of the “good old days” please get my attention somehow.

A MONTH SINCE CHRISTMAS
Does that seem possible to you? There are only two more months until spring.  About everyone I talk with says they are sick of cold and snow already. I agree. We have had enough and unfortunately there is nothing we can do about it.

Actually, let us be grateful that we have not had the weather that some states have had. Some of them have never had snow before and are not prepared for the cleanup.

I think that you are tired of hearing my views on the weather and so from now on I am not going to say a word about it.

BASKETBALL
Finally made it to our first game of the season last Friday and both the boys and girls winning was such a bonus. I don’t know who that 8th grader was who scored with five (5) 3 pointers. It was very exciting. I am so proud of our teams and all the other sports.  Even though I do not write about them often, it isn’t that I do not read everything about their accomplishments every week in the River Press. Just keep on doing your best and know that we are all behind you now and we will always profit by your creed. (Does anyone remember what the creed is? We went through this one year a long while ago about what is our creed. I would have to do a lot of research to remember so if any of you know please let me know.)

SPEECH AND DRAMA
I was able to attend the Speech and Drama program at the Elementary school last Tuesday evening. There are only 6 participants. I would like to see more in this wonderful program because of what it can do for you in your future.

I know that you do not realize that someday you will be called upon to give a speech. Speech and Drama gives you the tools to do that without hesitation and you would do a tremendous job of it.

I never had the opportunity to take a speech class. I have tried for years to stop saying “yeah” and saying “yes.” I also want to cut out “so” and “ah”.

At one time when I moved to Montana I entered a displaced homemakers class in Great Falls. The class was for job placement. A video was taken of me applying for a job. I said “ah” a hundred times. What a good speech class would have done for me then.

So you students who are in that program keep up the good work. Someday you will be so grateful that you took it.

AMERICAN FLAGS
I have a friend who has an American Flag but has no way of installing the holder.  Is there a member of the military, the VFW, or the American Legion who can do that for her? Just call me at 622-3217 and volunteer.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, THOSE WHO PROTECT US and WEAR RED on FRIDAYS.

A View From The Bridge 1/21/15

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/21/15

ALZHEIMER’S
On Thursday the 22nd from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Fort Benton Elementary Auditorium, there will be a program put on by the Fort Benton Robotics Team for a special student presentation. The entire community should be interested in the group efforts to gain input from Alzheimer’s families.

Yes, I know that it is cold outside, there is ice everywhere, and you do not like to go out at night. Arrangements have been made to have three (3) parking spaces not occupied on the street in front of the auditorium doors. (These are not parking spots; they are only for exiting your vehicle.) There will be ESCORTS there from 6:00 p.m. until everyone is inside. They will help you out of your vehicles and into the building. Hopefully the driver is able to handle the parking elsewhere.  

These students need the support of the community and so might you someday. You never know what is around the corner on Health Avenue for you and your family. These youngsters are in a state-wide competition for the “FIRST Lego” in Bozeman on January 31st. They are 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who have brainstormed for ideas for their research. Go Robotics Team!

IMPACT
This is just a reminder that this coming weekend, Friday the 23rd, Saturday the 24th, and Sunday the 25th, is Impact weekend in Great Falls. Plan on Saturday for a music lover’s day of showcases. Unless it snows again between now and Saturday, Highway 87 is clear and dry. The streets in Great Falls were quite icy (like Fort Benton’s,) when I was at the Civic Center last Friday night. Sidewalks around the Civic Center were very clear and dry and it was a bit touchy getting to those sidewalks. Letting someone off in front of the Civic Center is a good idea and parking is adequate. See you there.

OH DEAR, the DEER
Last week I asked for deer stories and this week I could fill a book. One story came from friends, (I forgot to ask if I could use their names,) and the following is their story.

Husband heard a noise in the front of the house, a sort of loud banging. He went to the window and saw a deer trying to reach a Christmas wreath that was hanging on the house.  The difference between this week’s wreath story and last week’s on Randy’s porch is this week’s wreath was the real thing. The wreath hanging above Randy’s door was artificial.  Poor deer…couldn’t tell the difference.

I took my trash out to the alley garbage container and the alley is covered with deer droppings. I also talked with someone in the know and was told that the deer were doing a lot of damage. If you have other stories about damage, other than flower and veggie gardens, I would like to hear about it. The deer and elk are coming down from the mountains because the snow is so heavy at the higher elevations that they cannot find food to eat. I was told that elk will not dig for food. What chance do they have?

Before the last harvest, there was a story about a deer chasing a boy, (it was my grandson,) and a story about a deer knocking a boy over on his bicycle. That is the kind of happening I would like to know about.

NATIONAL HERITAGE
There will be an area meeting in Great Falls on January 30th and 31st dealing with Great Falls initiative to a National Heritage area that would include Fort Benton and other historic locations in Central Montana.

There was good coverage of this project in the Great Falls Tribune a week or so ago.  It is a big deal Folks and to obtain a National Heritage Designation from the National Park Service is not an overnight accomplishment. It will take a lot of work and effort. Montana is the only state that does not have a National Heritage Designation. That is difficult for me to believe when Montana has an enormous Heritage area and it’s about time.

There will be a reception on Fridays evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a confab on Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you plan to attend these meetings, you must register by January 26th at 455-8414. For more information please contact the Historic Preservation Officer Ellen Sievert at 761-6955.

If you love history, the area history, and Montana history, this is what you would want to get involved in. “If you do not know what happened here, you will not know what is going to happen.”  (That is a Muncie quote.”)

MONTANA
Last week’s, from the book, “50 Things You Didn’t Know About Montana,” were awesome.  It is getting nearer to the bottom of the list and I, for one, will miss reading them.

30. During a smallpox epidemic in the early 1880’s, two Crow Indian boys rode a white horse over a cliff to sacrifice their lives to save their tribe from the disease.  The exact location is believed to be alongside the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.

3l. According to the folklore of the Crow Nation, the Little People of the Pryor Mountains were dwarfs so violent they could tear the heart out of an enemy’s horse.

32. Montana was the first state to elect a woman to Congress in 1916.  (GO Jeanette!)

AMERICAN FLAG
If you want to know about the American Flag, obtaining a new flag, about the Color Guard, or anything else Red, White, and Blue, contact the American Legion or the V.F.W.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Chad Roudebush for his promotion. Years ago, (I cannot remember when,) I put a poster about him in the window of the T.C. Powerhouse.  An American Flag hung in the middle window and several other Servicemen and women’s posters were also placed in the windows. Does anyone remember that?

Audra Morger Bonilla and I finally had to remove the posters because of the moisture on the windows warping the posters. I believe it was when a very young Chad went into the service. I removed the photos and information and took them to the Joel Overholser Research Center for filing.

Thank you, Lt. Colonel Chad Roudebush, for your service and protecting our country. We need all the protection we can get especially now with what is going on in the world.

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

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
3/19/14

BENTON PHARMACY
I seem to spend a lot of time lately at the Benton Pharmacy.  Chris and I spend time discussing the affairs of the world and our solutions. Several months ago he revealed that the gift side of the store was to be renovated.  The plans were just in the beginning stages and Chris said that he would let me know when they would begin.  It seems that Chris followed a saying that I have hanging in my computer armoire. “Speak Less of Your Plans.  You Will Get More of Them Done.”  Right on.

Last week, while drug store shopping, Chris said that they were about to begin.  In fact, I saw several areas that were already beginning to be cleared of products and goods.  Although change is not something I will ever get used to, I will tough out the drug store changes.  Actually, I am looking forward because change is so interesting.

So we look forward to a grand opening of the left side of the store as you enter.  When I find out the finish date, I will let you know.

SPRING FIX-UP AND CLEAN-UP
With the advent of spring, Easter approaching, and the warmer weather, do you feel the ambition of starting projects that you have put off all winter?    Since Fort Benton was voted one of the prettiest cities in the Nation, we have to live up to that title.

The City of Fort Benton will be having spring clean-up days soon.  Go through your homes, garages, sheds, barns and other buildings you may have on your property and get rid of anything that you have not used for a year.  If you can recycle it, please do.  Let Fort Benton be not only the prettiest city but the tidiest and cleanest.  Appearance is everything.

AMERICAN FLAG
When the Lewis and Clark Bi-Continual was in progress, I suggested that every household in Fort Benton buy and fly an American Flag. That idea did not fly very well with about 10 new flags flying.

I would like to suggest again that you purchase a flag and have it flying by Memorial Day.  It not only shows your love of country but support of our troops.  If you do this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I wore my “Support the Troops,” new t-shirt last Friday and no-one seemed to notice.  Have you purchased yours yet?  You can ask at the Club House for information as to how to purchase one...  Please do.

GOOD AGENCY
Their new building is going up right behind my house across the alley. It is a beautiful structure and a great addition across the street from the Court House.  New buildings and renovations are so productive for our community.  It is the best way to attract new families to Fort Benton.  Good luck to all those who engage in beautifying the town.

PIE DAY
Yes, it’s Friday at 2:00 p.m.  Remember, if you want a pie to take home, you can call a week or so ahead and order whatever you want. Last month only one pie was ordered and it was a special apple pie. So come on over on Friday and help support the Golden Age Senior Center.

Another reminder about the Center.  Their “Meals on Wheels” is a wonderful servicer to the community.  They have dedicated, faithful volunteers who will deliver the meals right to your door.  They will even come in and put it in the fridge if you re napping or out of the house.  This is done at lunch time although the meals are like dinners.  They are reasonable priced and so convenient.  Betty and Merlinda are great “Chefs,”

These meals are served 6 days a week at 12:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 1:00 p.m.  If you are not feeling well, have surgery, or just do not feel like cooking, the Meals on Wheels are your answer.  You can purchase a ticket and they will keep track of what you use.  You will get a menu and pick and choose which meals that you want.  Make it easy on yourself and let those who are able do the work.

AMERICAN LEGION
Last week I attended the American  Legion meeting for the purpose of having the flag that was sent to Wally from Afghanistan folded in a triangle.  As so many of the organizations in Fort Benton, they are diligent and hard workers.  We appreciate that you are here in our fair city.

CAT TRAPS
I did not receive one (1) phone call about anyone finding  one of the seven (7) traps that are missing.  Come on folks, they have to be out there somewhere.  Please check again.

When I did have a trap, I was called by the Dedman to return it.  A farmer wanted the traps to trap the cats around the farm.  He wanted them spade and neutered.  I called the Dedman about a year later and the traps had not been returned.  Someone on a farm has the two traps.  I ask again to please check to see if you just forgot about them.

TRIVIA
I think that you will all know the answer to the geography question but perhaps you will not know by how much.  Q.  With its headwaters in Montana, what is the nation’s longest river?

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


A.  The Missouri, which is 2,450 miles long, 200 miles longer than the Mississippi.