View From The Bridge 9/25/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
9/25/19

GOODBYE SUMMER
By the time you read this it will be fall. The days are getting shorter, the nights are cooler, the trees are beginning to turn colors and some leaves are falling. In general we know that it is no longer summer.

It is time to wear heavier jackets, coats, possibly gloves and scarfs. However, I refuse to get my boots out of storage. I do not even want to think about that.

I have been told that the Almanac says if we thought last winter was bad, it is going to be even worse this coming season. Woe is me! There will be weeks at a time when I am confined to the apartment. Cabin fever will be at a high point.

I think all of my family and friends know that I celebrate the day in December when the days began to get longer. I am unhappiest in June when the days began getting shorter. (You can’t please everyone all the time.) Oh well, that’s what makes the world go round.

KEEP BUSY
Through this time of season change there is much going on to keep you busy and amused. We have Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to celebrate. It is only 3 months left to do your Christmas shopping.

There is also Chouteau County Performing Arts almost every month. Be sure to get your seasons tickets and do not miss the first show on October 8th. It is a tribute to Abba from the 60’s and 70’s. Even today’s kids will enjoy songs like Dancing Queen and Honey, Honey. See you there.

In addition, the annual Chouteau County Country Christmas event is being planned so save some shopping until you see what they have to offer. I love those homemade items and they make such wonderful gifts. I am really looking forward to this event. See you here, there and everywhere!

C.I.A. AND BAKER HOUSE
Have you seen the new roof on the Baker House? The tin roof is shiny and bright and will keep the leaks at bay inside the house. (More on this next week.)

I attended the C.I.A. (Community Improvement Association) meeting last week. It was the meeting when all applicants for the Lippard-Clawiter grants were being discussed. The applicants come to the meeting to request their grants. They relate what they need funds for, how much they need, how much they have ever been awarded before, and what they did with the money.

The results of the L & C grants will be listed in the River Press in a few months. Read it carefully because many of the requests involve every town in Chouteau County.

All the volunteer hours and hard work are little known to the residents of the county. Without these volunteers there never would be any improvements ever started or finished.

The C.I.A. has been in existence for many years. They are non-profit and most of the time are never acknowledged or thanked for their work. C.I.A. is a community organization and your support is what keeps them existing. Be supportive and pat them on the back for what they do.

HELLO “WHO”
I have been waiting, since I took down the red, white, and blue decorations from the Hollow Tree, for you to decorate for Halloween and the Fall season.

In the meanwhile, another “Who” (that I know,) has put up some decorations. (It was not me.) I hope this does not discourage you from adding your wonderful touches.

Please try to get it done by the end of the month or the beginning of October. The tree told me the other day that it is lonely and would really like to get dressier. (This is a true story as I do not lie. I learned early in life that you always get caught when you do not tell the truth.) However, that is too long a story to tell here since I have a story about the Hollow Tree to tell.

HOLLOW TREE STORY
I was told this story from a reliable contact who lived at the corner of 21st and Franklin over 50 years ago. The tree was then alive and did already have a small hole in it. It was thought that owls made a home in it.

As the years went by the Hollow Tree grew very old and began to show its age and the hole became larger and larger. The rest of the story comes from Judy and Herb Hazen who lived in the apartment I am now in, across the street from the Tree. There was a severe rain storm one summer and the tree came crashing down all the way across 21st St. to take out a tree and bushes in front of the apartment.

That was about 10 years ago and soon there will be nothing left. If anyone out there has more to add to this story, please call me.

I love that old tree and I really enjoy seeing it decorated. End of story.

FRIDAY THE 27th
There will be a presentation on Medicare at the Sunrise Bluffs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by Jill from Humana. This is a great opportunity to get all your questions answered.

CINNAMON ROLLS 
Friday the 27th is also Cinnamon Roll Day at the Senior Center. Lunch is always breakfast that day with two kinds of eggs, bacon, sausage, has browns, toast, and of course cinnamon rolls.

So, come on down and have lunch with family and friends. I heard from a little bird that there were many Meals on Wheels delivered last month. Frankly, I do not know how the above meal would taste warmed over but do know for sure that it is very difficult for many to get a ride downtown. Forgive me if I said something I shouldn’t have.

VISITORS CENTER THANK YOU
Last week the Chamber of Commerce had a very welcome get-together at the Center. The weather was as kind as Montana can give us and we all sat on the beautiful deck in back of the Center. We were served a very tasteful and filling food and dessert. It was a social hour and most of the volunteers showed up.

I was not able to volunteer for the first time in 20 years but was invited anyway. I enjoyed seeing people whose names were all I saw for many years because of the different schedules.

Every volunteer there talked about how much they loved the Center because of the Visitors who came in from all over the United States, Canada, and the world. We heard many great stories, and a good time was had by all. Thank you, Chamber of Commerce and especially Stacey who does a tremendous job of coordinating.

LIONS CLUB
Look for the View next week when I will give a report on the Lions Club. At our meeting last week, we were asked what we did with the donations we collected. I do not have enough space left this week so be sure to tune in next week.

SO LONG, SKIP
I and everyone else in the City of Fort Benton will miss you Skip. You are an Icon because you were here, there, and everywhere around town. The years that you gave our City were often not recognized because they were behind the scenes. Much of it was unnoticed. We hope that you enjoy your retirement fishing and playing golf, although talking with you I sense that it will be awhile.

Don’t be a stranger and Happy Retirement.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
I saw on a TV newscast this past week to Love Thy Neighbor. Go knock on their door to say hello or if you have never met them say hello. Give it a try and let me know what happens.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS (WEAR RED ON FRIDAY FOR THAT REASON,) POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.

View From The Bridge 9/11/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
9/11/19

LIONS CLUB YARD SALE
Come on down to the Chouteau County Fair Grounds next Saturday, the 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for biggest, best-est yard sale in the area. It is held every other year so there has been a great accumulation of goodies waiting to be taken to a loving home.

It looks as though the weather will be holding at “nice” so you can shop in comfort inside the building.

The Lions Club does so much good in the community thanks to the generosity of all of you. Our heartfelt thanks go out to you. Come on down to the sale so we can thank you one on one. See you there.

FORT BENTON ROCKS
On Friday the 20th, Backroads of Montana will be filming in Fort Benton. Do you remember a few years ago when they did the “Wayne Hampton” story?

Backroads is returning to do the Fort Benton Rocks story. The Crew plans on being here on Friday and Saturday. Of course, I know that you will give them a Fort Benton welcome.

What I know at this time is that they will be at the Chouteau County   Library where there was a class for painting rocks. They will also be covering Front St. and other places where rocks were hidden. I just hope for good weather for a successful shot. (I think that is what they call it.)

There is on the internet a site called Montana Rocks. There are several other towns that are painting and hiding rocks. The purpose is to spread “KINDNESS”. It must be spreading all over the United States.

The program came to Fort Benton trough Tracy Larson and her 5-year-old Olivia. (I call her Princess Olivia.)

They were alerted to the program from the state of Virginia where they came from 7 years ago. What a bonus for us.

I’ll keep you informed as soon as I can but in the meanwhile the excitement grows.

HELLO “WHO”
For those of you who are new in town, there is a Hallow Tree across the street from me next to the Community Garden on 22nd St. A year ago in October there appeared a pumpkin in the tree, in November a snow man, and in December a Santa. I cannot recall what happened in January but in February for Valentine’s Day there was nothing and so I took up job of decorating. I also decorated for St. Patrick’s Day. For the Easter holiday the tree was decorated but no one would admit to doing it. I began to call this person “Who” like in who done it. To this day I still do not know who “WHO” is. End of story.

As of today, the Hollow Tree is looking very sad after I removed the red, white, and blue decorations. They have adorned the tree since Memorial Day. They remained for the 4th of July and Labor Day but now it is time for fall decorations.

Will you be around soon “Who” in the dark of night to decorate the tree? You have always done such a wonderful job and you must be a very great decorator. I will be looking forward to waking in the morning to see the tree in all its fall glory. Please do not disappoint me and everyone else who will enjoy seeing it decorated. GO WHOEVER YOU ARE!

If any of your readers have a clue, would you please let me know? I am actually willing to offer a reward. Thank you very much.

STUNG AGAIN       
I was stung by a bee again while on my walk last week. I was in the vicinity near the swimming pool on the walking trail. Ouch! I saw it fly away and I think it was a bee. I tried every remedy I had in my medicine cabinet but nothing worked.

After a couple of days, I got a suggestion from a dear one of the family that she got from her neighbor. It was to use the disinfectant that is all over town to use on your hands to kill germs. It works. (Just thought I would pass it on in case the bees have found someone else to pick on or rather sting on.)
And, where were you Joann Streit when I needed you? Of course, it is a good distance from where you live to come spray the whole Walking Trail. I forgive you but next time I walk you will have to follow me and or stay in front of me. What do you think of that plan? I know! Just forget the whole thing.

If you remember I was stung 3 times while collecting parking tickets at the Chouteau County Fair last year. This year at Fair time, the Lions Club bought me a clip-on repellant for my safety. Also, Randy had the pipe removed that the wasps had their next in. The third caring person was Joann Streit who sprayed the area around the Front St. entrance to the Fair grounds. I am repeating this in case you missed the story a few weeks ago. Thanks again to all.

THE CIRCLE
The area at that location looks dismal these days. The Freeze is closed and the pine trees in the circle have been cut down. It was been expected for a long time because the trees were dead. I know that they will be replaced but it will be a long while before they are of any size. In the meanwhile, try to remember how beautiful they were. Be grateful that they didn’t fall of their own accord and injure someone.

I love trees so much and losing those pines was like losing a friend.

BE KIND.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, FOREST FIRE FIGHTSTERS, AND EMT’S.

View from The Bridge 3/27/19

View FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/27/19

ROBINS GALORE
Judy from Loma called a few weeks ago to report she had spotted robins in her yard. From the reports I received this past week it must have taken the robins some time to get to Fort Benton. Toots Hayden told me last Thursday that she had two robins in her yard. Saturday, Gladys Perez called to report that her son saw at least a dozen robins, at the same time, in her yard. They must have come in on a tour because they did not stay long.

No matter what the sightings or the conditions the robins are here to stay for the spring and summer. I am thrilled about that.

HELLO WHO
How did you get through the piles of snow around the hollow tree to decorate for St. Patty’s day? I actually did not see it until last week when I was able to get out and about on my GoGo for the first time.

Now I have to discuss Easter with you. As you must know, it is time to decorate for that holiday. I have the rabbit and large metal carrot that you did not pick up last year, in my garage. I will gladly put them in the tree if you would pick up your green shamrocks.

Now everyone is asking if you were the one who put the flower on the levee? I heard conversation at the Senior Center that it must have been Nancy Lachepelle? I asked Nancy and she said that the flower is crocheted and she does not crochet. So now the question is it the same WHO, who does the hollow tree decorations or is it a new WHO?

O.K. so what else do we have to pass the time? I know that you will never tell but that is great. I would not if I were you. Too many people would then ask your advice for decorating. I just want to thank you for what you are doing to keep us guessing as to WHO you are?

SPECIAL ATTENTION
Jill Zeren from Humana Insurance will be in Fort Benton next Friday the 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Golden Age Senior Center. (Several of her trips to Fort Benton from Great Falls were cancelled because of the weather.) She will be answering all the questions you have to ask about your insurance coverage.

The COMMUNITY BUS will be making an extra trip that day to pick up those people who need a ride to the Senior Center. If you call Nancy at 868-6210, she will pick up at your home.

REMINDERS

CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
A week from next Monday, the 8th of April, will be the next to the last Chouteau County Performing Arts program. Please do not miss this show featuring the O Sole Trio. They were a huge success at the Consortium that was held in Fort Benton in January of 2018. Everyone who attended that event asked that the Trio came back to Fort Benton. The two Guys and a Gal are from New York City and their performance is outstanding.

Please remember my dream to fill the auditorium at the Elementary School with 400 people. (I know that the weather had much to do with the attendance at the last couple of C.C.P.A. shows but 130 people just does not do it.)

It may be raining but I promise that the snow will be gone. (I am really going out on a limb with this one.) So, see you there. Bring your friends and neighbors. They will love you for it.

LOMA FLEA MARKET
Just a reminder that Loma Flea Market will be on Saturday April the 6th starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.

Can you Old Timers believe that this is the 48th anniversary of this event? I would love to hear from anyone who went to that first Flea Market and what was it called then? I am in the phone book. This is my 25th year of attending. I look forward to it every year. See you there!

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING THAW
I was able to get out and about this past week. The Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce had their annual meeting called Spring Thaw last Saturday night.

Five different eating establishments furnished the buffet tables. The choices were all so delicious. I cannot name them for you because there were too many that I cannot remember. I do remember chicken kabobs, meatballs, pasties, and cheesecake for dessert. I am sorry for those who furnished us with food whose names I cannot come up with.

There was a live and silent auction with fantastic items that were donated. There was a band called Exit 53 who had couples dancing and singing along. (I was never able to find out why the name Exit 53? Where is Exit 53? I will check into that.)

It was a fun evening and got me out of the apartment on a day in March I have sad memories of. I loved the name of your event. It was certainly a Spring Thaw.

SPRING ART FEST
I was able to get out and about again on Sunday. The Spring Art Fest was held at the Ag Center. It was very exciting to watch local artists start their particular art work and have it finished in an hour or so. Then the pieces were auctioned off and there was so much fun to watch.

Most of the artists are involved in the Prairie Rose store. I enjoyed the way the auctioneer told stories about when the autist began painting and how they developed in the art world.

It was noted that the crowd was larger than last year. The word is getting around and that is the best way to get more of an audience.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, AND EMT’S.