View From The Bridge 7/24/13

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
7/24/13

JUST A REMINDER
If I am annoying you with my reminders, please let me know.  I suppose they are mostly for me because I have become so absent-minded lately.  Join the Club as they say.

A reminder for Thursday, August 1st at Historic Old Fort Benton is a presentation by Peter & Molly Wilson.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and enjoy a variety of music.  They are professionals in a true sense of the word.

ANOTHER REMINDER
That same evening on the Levee between the Grand Union and the Old Fire House, will be the regularly scheduled Farmers Market.  The ‘BIG NEWS, is there will be FLATHEAD BING CHERRIES for sale.  Please call Chandee @ 788-7246 or Connie @ 750-2918 to order.  It is not necessary to pre-order but it would be helpful.  If you forget, there will be cherries available.

LIONS YARD SALE
Fort Benton came through again with donations to the Lions Yard Sale.  I was able to preview on Friday evening, (I have friends in low places,) and I could not believe my eyes.  I have never seen so much “stuff.”  There were thousands of items from small to large.
The Lions are extremely grateful as they will be able to carry on the great work that they do.  Well Lions, we are grateful that you are here to do that great work.   

HAIL STORM
Our truck is covered in our driveway with a tree.  I could not see any dents on it, but because the car was in the open, it had small dents on the hood and roof.  I called the insurance company on Tuesday the 16th and they said that it might be two weeks before the adjuster came to Fort Benton because of the volume of vehicle damage.  The following day, I began removing everything from the car because I had an appointment for detailing on Thursday the 18th.  When I got into the front seat to empty the glove compartment, I saw that the windshield had a crack in it as large as a basketball.  I could not see it from the outside because I had a tissue box on the dashboard.  I reported that damage immediately.

The adjuster called the next day from Lewistown, made it to Fort Benton in a couple of hours, and filled out a claim report. 

What I am trying to get across here, by telling you all of this, is that I am so grateful that Darrell’s Body Shop is able to take care of all the local business.  What a convenience for those of us in Fort Benton who need the service.

I feel a lot of empathy for those of you that were hit hard.  Hopefully everything works out for the good and if you have some interesting stories about the storm, such as the one about the Wright family, please let me know.

BACK TO THE 4th
Since I moved to Fort Benton, I had hoped that we could have the old fashioned 4th as was had in the old days.  I would have liked a huge BBQ, a Kiddies’ Parade, music by the City Bank in the gazebo in Old Fort Park, and an old fashioned baseball game.  Big Sandy, Geraldine, Highwood, Loma, and Fort Benton would compete against each other.  There would be a traveling trophy that would be displayed in prominent places about town.  We would have volunteers act as cheerleaders.  There would be soda, (or pop if you were raised to call it that,) popcorn, and cotton candy available at the game.

Then the finale would be a huge fireworks show to celebrate our country’s birthday.  None of this is possible of course, because of Summer Celebration and I would not want to give that celebration up.  I was just bringing up memories of the good old days told to me by the Old Timers in Fort Benton.

However; part of my hope came true this past 4th.  Five young men in our community put on a fireworks show that was spectacular the evening of the 4th.  They were the Scott Boys, David, Jeff, and Kyle, Joey Diekhans, and Ryan Klimas.  There were many times when I thought that it was the finale but no, it would begin all over again.

It was a wonderful event and there were many who enjoyed the show.  I did want to write about this Happy Birthday America story before too much time went by.

VISITORS INFO CENTER
There are still volunteers needed at the Information Center.  Please spare a couple of hours a week to fill in the blanks.  You are needed.  I just returned home after being out and about to do research for the View.  I stopped by the Info Center to find the flags out, the door locked, and a note on the door.  The note said, “Sorry, closed until 3:00 p.m. because of lack of volunteers.”  What do you suppose that says to a visitor?  Please check your daily activities to see if there are two hours you could spare at the Center.  It is very enjoyable to greet visitors.  If you are not busy, you can read, balance your checkbook, or just watch the Missouri flow on.  There is a “Volunteers Handbook,” and that affords good reading.  There are only about six more weeks until the Center closes.  Give it a try.

ADOPT-a-PLOT
Here again, we need volunteers to adopt a plot along the Walking Levee Trail.  It is looking much neglected in some spots.  Actually, with the rain that poured on us, then the hot weather, those were very good excuses for not wanting to get outside to do “dirt work.”  Yes, it would mean getting your hands and even your clothes dirty, but it would be so satisfying.  Most of us older folks cannot bend over and kneeling down means not being able to get up again.  It is not easy to accept the fact that you cannot do things like you used to. 

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

View From The Bridge 7/17/13

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
7/17/13

LIONS SALE
Remember to take yourself and your friends to the Fair Grounds on Saturday morning.  A gigantic yard sale will start at 9:00 a.m., (check ad for exact time.)  They have been preparing for several weeks and it should be a “yard sale heaven.”  Give the Lions some help with all their projects.

FOUR SHILLINGS SHORT
Mother Nature treated us kindly last Saturday evening as we sat in The Old Fort Benton yard.  Folks brought chairs and many sat on the lawn.  There was much camaraderie before the performance, at a break time, and afterward the performance.  Everything you ever wanted to know about foreign country instruments and music was fulfilled.  What a music lesson it was.  I have been to all of the Four Shillings performances here in Fort Benton, I learn something new each time, and actually every day.

We learned about the Four Shillings future plans and those included returning to Fort Benton in August of 2014.  Theirs is such an expanded world travel and it makes one wonder what we are missing outside of our little valley next to the Mighty Missouri.  Actually, I do not feel like I am missing anything.  I had enough of big city living many years ago.  How about you?

COMING UP SOON
On Thursday August 1st, there will be the Farmer’s Market on the Levee from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  You will then proceed to the Old Fort Benton yard to enjoy Mollly and Peter from Highwood.  We have first class entertainment in this couple.   Molly and Peter are a treasure that Highwood keeps from Fort Benton.  Really Highwood, we do not blame you, as long as they visit Fort Benton often.  See you there. 

The following week on Thursday, August 8th, at Old Fort Park, you can enjoy the Farmer’s Market, a Taste of Chouteau County, and “Shakespeare in the Park” will present “Henry VIII.”    The Taste of Chouteau County will satisfy your appetites, while the play will be filling your minds.  What more can you ask?  Mark your calendars now so you do not miss this event.

HAIL STORM
Several old-timers have told me that they have never seen a hail storm such as we had a week ago Monday.  I did not think quickly enough to go outside and pick hailstones up.  However, my neighbor, Linda, did and her visiting nephew retrieved them from her freezer to show me the size.  They were truly as large as golf balls.  I had, never in my lifetime, seen hail that large.  As they hit our air conditioner, it sounded like gun shots.  Our air conditioner is in a window that protrudes out a good distance.  We immediately worried about the wheat crops and secondly about our garden.  Fortunately, we only had several plant leaves with holes in them.  It did however; knock most of the apricots off our trees.  Do not let this information get to Gladys Peres, as she was so excited to think that we might have a crop of apricots this year.

BOY & GIRL SCOUTS
The Scout Troops do not toot their own horns.  They keep their philanthropy work under cover.  As far as their physical labor, I remembered that they did a terrific job on cleaning up the Fort Benton entrance sign area.  They also have always done a great job on the Shep Statue courtyard.  We appreciate you young boys who may someday be the leaders of our country.

As for the Girl Scouts, they are very much a part of the Highway Cleanup program.  It is so well organized that it doesn’t take much time anymore.  However, it is just the idea of cleaning up someone else’s garbage that makes me thankful they want to do that.  By the way, we love your cookies.  When do you have time to bake those hundreds, perhaps thousands, boxes of cookies?  (Just joking.)  Oh, you young girls may also be the leaders of our country someday.  

SAVE THE COTTONWOODS
In last weeks River Press, the City Council meeting report from Councilman Don Hazen was of extreme interest.  Don reported about the three tree limbs that had broken from cottonwood trees near
the Grand Union, in Fort Park, and on Main Street in front of Valerie Morger and Mark Pyrec’s house.  He did not know about the fallen limb on the Levee Trail across from the Price Rite grocery store as yet.  That is the same tree that nearly hit me many years ago. 

Don set into motion an appointment for an arborist to check the cottonwood trees.  The arborist was here last week Tuesday and his report was to be reported on at the City Council meeting this Monday evening.  I attended the City Council meeting and unfortunately Councilman Hazen could not attend.  I was asked to return to the meeting in two weeks and therefore I cannot give you a report.  I will keep checking on whatever may be going on with the trees.   

STORIES
A while back an author named Susanna was a guest at the Friends of the Library meeting.  (Friends, do you remember her?)  The book that she was writing was about Fort Benton and the Missouri River.  It was a romantic novel and I have been in touch with Susanna ever since as to the progress of the book.

On Friday, the first day of Summer Celebration, I received a phone call in the early afternoon.  A man said, “Muncie, you do not know me, I am Susanna’s husband.  She is not with me but she wanted me to meet you and say hello.”  He came over with a teen aged niece and a nephew who was as I remember, 11 years old.  We also had another friend visiting at the time.

The way our living is arranged put the six of us in these positions.  Wally was sitting in his TV chair and Susanna’s husband sat in my TV rocker across from Wally.  They were engaged in conversation.  The niece and nephew sat across from me on the sofa and the other friend sat on the loveseat.  She and I were talking and the kiddos just sat quietly listening.  Finally, I said to Nathan, “Would you like to see our arrowhead collection?”  Much to my surprise when he looked at it, he began to tell me all about them.  He knew names, dates when they were made, and the Native Americans who made them.  I will look forward to his next visit to Fort Benton.

I just had installed a new old computer.  I cannot contact Susanna because I have lost half of my e-mail addresses.  I hope you read this Susanna because I know you will contact me.  I feel badly because I cannot remember her husband’s name or that of the niece.  There was just too much going on that weekend.  Does that sound like a legitimate excuse?

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
I heard a news report this past week that said the war in Afghanistan is beginning to be the forgotten war.  We cannot let that happen folks.  Think about what you can do.

View From The Bridge 7/20/2011

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
by Muncie
7/20/11

HAIL, HAIL, GO AWAY
Where were you when the hailstorm hit on last Saturday evening? I would hope that you were at home, however I know several people who were driving their vehicles. Do you remember how you will always remember where you were for instance when President Kennedy was shot, Martin Luther was shot, and the 7/11 attack? I think that is the same with storms. You always remember the violent ones and especially the flooding ones.

The 10:00 Channel 3 weather report showed a picture of Fort Benton’s hail on the street. We did not catch the name of the woman who sent the picture to the station. Please identify yourself if you read this issue of the View. We would like to know the person who was so quick, not the trigger but, on the snap of a camera.

Do any of you readers have good “Hail” stories? Please share with me. All I remember is the first year I was here, in 1993; we stood on our front porch and watched a hailstorm just like last Saturday. I had never seen one up close and personal as that one.

PLANTER PROJECT
After writing about the planter project last week it was a great disappointment to find that it will have to be postponed until October. After consulting with Hank Armstrong, our guide to the Square Butte Quarry, he said after making a trip to the Quarry, that the weeds had grown so high it would be impossible to see the granite rocks. Another deterrent would be those snakes with the rattles on their tails. Do not like those rattlers, love those bull snakes although it sometimes takes time to figure out which is which. Actually, I am not in the mood at this time for any kind of snake. Why don’t they sleep all day and slither around during the night when no one is walking in their territory?

DOWNTOWN
The first Farmer’s Market of the season began last Thursday with just a few vendors but that will change in the coming weeks. These events need support from the community so make a trip to the Levee on Thursdays. There is always something for everyone and what a pleasant time to meet and visit with your friends and neighbors. Sit awhile with a glass of cool lemonade and enjoy your surroundings. Just think about how many people would like to sit beside the Missouri River in the oldest city in Montana.

Last Saturday was an interesting day downtown. I first visited the Peddlers Fair on the Levee and picked up a couple of treasures that I couldn’t live without.

I stopped in the Visitors Information Center to check out the Shep Brick record sheets and visit with Jessie. She had been entertaining a couple for 45 minutes and they acted as if they were going to stay all day.

The next stop was the County Shoppe’s Open House. There were enough snacks to count for a good lunch and the cool drinks were just the thing for that very hot day. It is a very attractive store and many art treasures to satisfy everyone’s taste.

The Co-Op had picked up another artist, and even though I did not check it out, I think that means the Shoppe will be open 4 days a week instead of 3 days. You will feel very comfortable shopping there. The Shoppe is attractively decorated and I am envious of the talented artist’s work. I’ll steal this line from my husband, Wally, when asked if his artist son, Brian, got his talent from him…”I have trouble drawing a breath.”

DOWN WITH THE OLD AND UP WITH THE NEW?
Everyone is asking me what is going to take the place of the old building, behind the Laundromat, that is now being demolished. It is probably because I live across the street but I have to confess that I did not even know what was happening. The “destruction crew” has been so quite. It was not until last Thursday that I went into my yard, looked across the street to see through the windows that the back wall was gone.

I called Trampus, who owns the building, for an answer and spoke with his wife, Staci. Now there are no definite plans. I will let you know as soon as I know anything at all.

A NEW CAR WASH
It is not going to happen. Trampus also owns the present car wash and last year he hired a professional man to do feasibility study. The man went to all the towns and cities in the area and came up with this result. Every family in every town and city would have to wash their vehicle/vehicles at least once a week to make it worthwhile to bring in an automatic car wash. I promised Trampus that I would wash my vehicles once a week during the summer but it did not cut any ice.

I love a clean car/truck especially if I am going somewhere; however, I am getting too old to handle that chore. I remember as a teenager washing my dad’s ’39 Ford that was the vehicle in which I learned to drive. I used the garden hose, a sponge and wiped it dry with an old towel. We did not have car washes back in the “Good Old Days.”

SHEP MEMORIAL BRICKS
Did you know that there is a list of the sponsor, the print on the brick, and the location at the Visitor’s Information Center? If you are interested in purchasing a brick (for $100.00), there are forms on the back of the Shep brochure. They are available at the Visitors Center.

The most recent bricks that were placed are: 1. Don and Betty Hardy for their dog, ”Good Dog – Hardy.” 2. Mike Krall purchased three bricks that read “Austin, Maud Lynch,” “Koot Mike Glenda,” and “Margaret Lynch.” 5. The Volunteers at the Visitor’s Information Center purchased a memorial brick for Ruth Carlstrom’s Mother, “Edna Nutter.” 6. Wally and Muncie Morger purchased for their daughter Wallis’ family dog, “Scout Loved Birds.” 7. Mark Syverson purchased for “Poko Two-Dot.”

This is an on-going program that began 15 or 16 years ago. Gail Stensland was a staunch organizer and for years took care of placing the bricks. Gail has retired and Diane and Steve Vielleux have taken over. Diane and Pam Schoonover keep me informed about the orders and when the bricks are placed. The last I remember there were still about 400 bricks to be sold. If course I cannot remember when that was. Join the crowd.

AROUND TOWN
Everything seems quiet after Summer Celebration and the 4th of July. Grass still needs cutting and weeds pulled, (mine are out of control.) I have a “Weeder Wanted” sign in my front yard but so far, no one has applied for the position. It’s o.k. though because in a few months they will all be expired. I had the weeds sprayed but I know for sure that they did not pay the least bit of attention. I think they thought it was fertilizer.

Other than that, we are enjoying the summer finally. Come by in the evening and enjoy a glass of iced tea in our gazebo. It is so very pleasant and we would love to visit with you. (By evening I mean after Jeopardy is over from Monday through Friday, Lawrence Welk is over on Saturday, and 60 Minutes is over on Sunday.) We are on that kind of schedule being old-timers.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.