View From The Bridge 8/31/2011

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
8/31/11

“SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS”
The next line of that song is, “Good old-fashioned rule days.” The days, weeks, and months are flying by so quickly that I did not realize that school was starting last Wednesday. I live near the Fort Benton Elementary School. I love waking up in the morning and hearing the youngsters on the playground. I missed it during the summer. Occasionally there would be some youngsters on the playground but they certainly did not make any noise. Welcome back students.

I visited the Elementary School this morning (Monday,) and was introduced to the new principal, Jory Thompson. He came to Fort Benton with his wife Marie on August 11th from Kalispell. They purchased a home and so they are here to stay with a daughter in MT Tech and two children in the Elementary School.

He explained the bus situation and now I have the picture clearly. The busses unload and load the same as they always did on Franklin St. It is the parents who pick-up who park and wait on 14th St. It was a problem to have both the busses and the parents parked on Franklin. The youngsters to be picked up can now walk through the playground to reach their parents. There is no longer the danger of them trying to get across the street to their parents vehicles. That was a very good move to ensure safety. Mr. Thompson said that it is working very well.

VARSITY FOOTBALL, JV FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, TENNIS
So at last, we have reached the time to ask and answer, “Are you ready for some football.” I am ready for the Longhorns and on Friday, September 2nd I am sure the Varsity Team will be ready for Chinook. See you there. GO LONGHORNS. P.S. You cannot get a better hamburger anywhere.

Middle School Boys Football will be played on September 2nd. The Middle School Girls Volleyball, the High School Volleyball, and the Middle School Tennis have already started. Large schedules at available at the First Security Bank to keep on your frig. Support your school athletics with your attendance. The players are encouraged by those in the stands. It builds community spirit for those kids who do their best.

BBQ BRISKET CONTEST
I owe an apology to “Ragin’ Cajun” of Great Falls and Andrea Rutledge of Big Sandy for putting Charlie Good in first place in last weeks “View.” I was going to check with those in the know, but as always, I was in a hurry to get my article in by required time.

At the contest, by the time the judges made their decisions, there was quite a crowd gathered. It was difficult to hear and I was involved with conversations on sides, front, and back of me. I was not paying complete attention and all I remember is Charlie’s name being called.

What I am wondering is that no one called me on my error. You would be helping me a great deal, if you would correct me. I often am not completely correct and admit to it.

So now, congratulations to “Ragin” Cajun” (whoever you are,) for first place and Andrea for second place. I hope that you had as great a time as we did at the contest. All the folks around me are looking forward to next year. There will be a next year. GO CHOUTEAU COUNTY FAIR.

SADIE’S FORT BENTON RESALE STORE
I stopped in the shop to visit with Vi Cameron, the new energetic entrepreneur of the Thrift Store. She had decided to call the store after her mother, Sadie. It is a very memorable sentiment.

Vi is still sorting, arranging, and rearranging. She told me a humorous story about going through the inventory and finding items that she thinks will never sell. The day I visited, she sold a “Cement Brick Maker” to a woman buyer. I wonder if the woman will ever use it or like myself, think I am going to use it.

Vi has a beautiful size 8 wedding dress that she had dry cleaned and it is ready for the ceremony. Get to Sadie’s quickly before it is gone.

Drop in and visit Vi and give her support. I found several treasures there and one was a birthday present. The recipient said that it was the best present he had ever received. I do not want to mention names so if you want to know, “the rest of the story,” ask me the next time you see me.

THROUGH THE YEARS
In case you have not been in touch with this series, I am passing on generations at a glance that was introduced to a well-attended Travel Montana class presented in Fort Benton last spring.

We have learned that there are four generations, their descriptions, quick stats, and general characteristics. In this issue, we will go to the workplace. The Traditionalists are loyal to their employers and expect loyalty in return. They have effective and warm interpersonal skills. Their work ethic equals timeliness, putting in the hours working hard. They accept “command and control” management style as norm.

The Baby Boomers are driven; work comes first. They are loyal to the function or profession. Their work ethic equals working long hours, hard, and being seen doing it. They believe in champion and evaluate others on their work ethic. Believing in teamwork is important and they are good at building relationships.

The X Generation put personal life first and rejects the super-motivated Boomer work ethic while being independent. Their work ethic equals getting the job done quickly. They value talent, ability over longevity, and working within their own definition of “team.” They look to invest loyalty in a person NOT a company. They rebel against micro managing and seek loose supervision by objectives.

The Millennials look for meaningful and fun work. They are loyal to people they work and play with and communication is direct and instant. They are multi-taskers and technology is a natural part of daily living. They want to learn and grow but want rewards NOW. (I have also heard them called the NOW generation.) However, they need more hand holding.

Next week will end “Through the Years” with To Communicate and Engage. (Do you find that lack of communication is a huge problem these days?) Perhaps there is an answer in next week’s column.

A SURPRISE PHONE CALL
I received a phone call this week from Kelly who lives in Great Falls and is a subscriber to The River Press. Our story is a long one as to how we met; however, I will tell you that it was through the Great Falls International Airport. Kelly was on Gate duty when I called for information about a plane schedule. It was late in the evening and all the airlines had closed down. The operator connected me with the Gate and Kelly was very helpful in checking to see if the vehicle of my friend was still in the parking lot. She went the extra mile to help me.

I have no recollection of taking a box of candy to her but after 18 years, she called to say thank you. She had thought about a note for a long time, however, it is funny how time slips away. She reads the “View” every week and decided at last to give me a jingle. It was a real surprise, Kelly made my day, and most importantly the fact that she subscribes to The River Press. I know that she will be surprised to see her name in print and I wanted to tell her that one person can make a difference.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
It is remarkable how many people I have talked to lately who are having problems remembering names and just about everything else. It does not matter whether they are young, middle aged, or seniors. You can remember people you hardly know and cannot remember your best friend’s name.

Randy and I have been in the process for years of writing a book titled, “What We Would Do as Co-Presidents.” Our first rule would be “Everyone must wear a nametag.” Would you uphold that brilliant piece of legislation?

SO LONG FOR NOW
Its chokecherry time and a great time of year to make a trip to the mountains. Be careful what roads you travel because there isn’t much cell service. You can find helpful neighbors but they are few and far between. If you have any adventures that are worth telling…let me know. Good stories are always worth listening to or writing about.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.

View From The Bridge 9/23/09

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
by Muncie Morger
9/23/09

WINNERS AGAIN
The Lady Longhorns did it again. They won their games against Highwood. How great it was…especially for the Homecoming game. Fort Benton is so proud of you and this may be the magic year for your team. It is all in that teamwork that you have exhibited and “Go Lady Longhorns.” We also enjoyed your cheering at the football game. We are sure that did a lot toward pepping up Longhorns on the field and actually, everyone in the stands too.

The Longhorns certainly have been giving the fans a lot to cheer about. I was asked, on my way to the stands Friday night, what I thought about the outcome of the game. My answer was “No doubt about it. We are going to win.” I never dreamed however that it would be big-time. Thanks Horns for an exciting evening.

ARTIST IN TOWN
Had the privilege of meeting Howard Terpning a week ago who is the best living painter of Plains Indians. I received a phone call from Mary Zanto telling me that Mr. Terpning was at the Grand Union Hotel. I phoned immediately, left a message, and when he called the next morning, we arranged to meet a.s.a.p. He was on his way out of town with his wife, Marlies, and his agent for thirty-five years, Stewart Johnson, and his wife.

Howard and Marlies live in Tucson, AZ, and they had never been to Fort Benton before. His interest in this area was the Old Fort and he was disappointed because it has not been completed. He was also interested in researching the Nez Perce Native Americans since he is a painter of the Nez Perce and all Plains Indians.

He was an illustrator for twenty-five years for motion pictures, magazines, and newspaper editorials. He began painting in 1974 and has painted over five hundred and fifty (550) paintings of all tribes of Native Americans. He has traveled all over the United States and Europe including Russia.

I directed him and his party to the B.L.M. Visitors Center to see Chief Joseph’s surrender rifle. He said there is another place that is claiming that they have Chief Joseph’s rifle. I checked with my source, Bob Doerk, and found that Chief Joseph had many rifles but the one in the B.L.B. Visitors Center is documented as the surrender rifle.

The painting of Howard’s that hangs next to the surrender rifle is “Chief Joseph’s Ride to Surrender.” Check it out the next time you visit the B.L.M. Center. If you have not been there yet, make it a priority this week although the B.L.M. Center is open during the winter months by appointment. Call them for their hours.

OLD FORT TOUR
You only have a few days left before the Museums close and the Old Fort Tours will be over for this year. It is so interesting historically what has been done to those buildings as far as displays. It is everything you would want to know about the Fort’s early days and more.

Did you ever see the huge log within a frame in front of the Fort? Did you wonder what it is? It took very knowledgeable, skilled men to build and operate a buffalo hide press machine. They pressed the hides into small packages for shipping. Amazing! Did you ever wonder why the Blockhouse is still standing and is the oldest building in Montana? Did you ever wonder why there was a certain door that Native Americans used at the Fort? Did you ever wonder where the trade beads came from? Did you ever want to see some of the items that were found during the archeological digs a few years ago?

Enough “did you ever” and if you have ever wondered, make your way over to the Fort at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. this week and check it out. It will be a real treat.

HERITAGE DAY
On Thursday of this week, your schoolchildren will be coming home with stories about the Fort and other related subjects. Adults are welcome to be at the Fort to share with your children what activities take place that day. The 4th, 5th, and 6th graders will have the morning session and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders will be there in the afternoon. Make an effort to be there.

FARMERS MARKET
This Thursday will not be the last Farmers Market of the season depending on the weather. We certainly have enjoyed many treats since the market began. There have been two great months and really does not seem long enough.

This event does bring back a related story and I know that some if you will remember. Mickey Allen, (who is now 105 years old,) used to have the best corn we have ever eaten. His house was on Franklin Street and he had an extra lot next door on which he raised his garden. We would pester him each summer to find out when his corn would be ready. Sure wish we could have a few cobs of his right now. We cannot understand why he does not have a garden just because he lives at the Bluffs. He sure can dance the night away so what is so different from raising corn in a garden. (Just joshing you, Mickey.)

CHIP SEALING
Front Street and Main Street look very good after the chip-sealing process. It was finished so quickly that it was not an inconvenience at all. When Skip came to my door with a handout reminder about the dates and times, I told him that I would have lemonade, iced tea and lemon bars for the guys on Friday when they did Main Street. I baked on Thursday and when I was ready to move around about 9:00 a.m. on Friday, they were finished by our house and out of sight. Well, I thought that after my 11:30 appointment I would chase them down. On my way to the appointment, they were at 21st Street but when I was finished about a half an hour later, they were gone. They were nowhere to be found and I had to eat all those lemon bars by myself.

HEALTH FAIR
Remember Wednesday the 23rd, Thursday the 24th, and Friday the 25th is the Chouteau County Health Fair and Blood Chemistry Screens. They are being held at the Fort Benton Elementary School from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. There is a charge for these tests but it is less expensive having them done during the Health Fair. You have to fast for at least 12 hours prior to the blood drawing except for water with your prescribed medications. Your results will be due on October 15th at the Ag Center from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Take advantage of this time saving opportunity.

SO LONG FOR NOW
By the time you read this article, it will be fall. It began at 3:18 p.m. on Tuesday and speculation runs high as to what will the weather be like this winter. It looks as though we have having summer weather this week but the cool temperature and rain on Sunday were mighty welcome. No matter what, we will just have to hang in there and takes what comes along. That is what we love about Montana.

View From The Bridge 9/16/09

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”

by Muncie Morger

9/16/09

FLAG ETIQUETTE

Proper flag etiquette…PLEASE HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE UNTIL THE FLAG HAS LEFT THE FIELD.

LONGHORNS

In my humble opinion, there was no doubt about the outcome of the game with Stanford. Unlike the game with Chinook, which had us in doubt a good part of the way through the game, the Stanford game was a runaway. It was a game of strong defense and offence. What more could we ask for? It was an intense and exciting game and we are sure everyone is looking forward to the next confrontation with anticipation. To add to that excitement, it is Homecoming week so not only will we have the visiting team, Tri City, here but a great many alumni. Let’s put on a good show for them and make it a special weekend with just a lot of good clean fun. Go Horns.

LADY LONGHORNS VOLLEYBALL

SERVING up a story about the Volleyball Team, we have not been to a game yet but every one who has attended said they are a BALL. The NET result of each game was UP IN THE AIR. (Just kidding Lady Longhorns.) The Girls have won every game so far and they are such fun to watch. They are playing together well as a team and were really fired up last Friday and Saturday when both the Varsity and Junior Varsity won. I quote Holly McAllister who said, “There is no star on our teams, they are all stars. Their hard work is coming together and paying off.”Try to catch the games on Thursday and Saturday of this week with Highwood. Check the River Press for the times.

MEMORIAL PLAQUES

The Memorial Plaques have all been attached on the benches and tables with the exception of two benches at the Ag Center. My “Super-Gluers.” Myrna and Denny Allen were caught hard at work attaching the plaques. Those of you who own these benches and tables should check out your plaques.

PIE DAY

Next Friday is Pie Day at the Golden Age Center starting at 10:00 a.m. It is open to the public and the pies are homemade. There always seems to be a good variety so enjoy your favorite and come for a social hour starting at 10:00 a.m. Bring a friend and if you have Homecoming company, bring them along. What a treat if they are from larger cities that do not have the small-town activities If those of you who are regulars each bring a friend, it would double the number of pie eaters. It is a fundraiser for the Senior Center so kindly support them. Another thought would be to buy a whole pie and take it back to your place of employment. Perhaps you are having company for the weekend and it is too hot to bake…or you just do not feel like baking…or you just are too busy preparing for the company. Whatever the reason, get over to the Center next Friday and enjoy.

CATS AND BELLS

Please put bells on your cats. Several people have talked to me about cats in their yards. We all talked about how many birds we used to have in our yards. We filled our bird feeders at least every other day and now the birds do not come to the feeders any longer. They seem to know that it is not safe as the yard has stray cats laying in wait for them. So please, put bells on your cats. I would do it if I could get a hold of your cat but they are so quick to get away. I would love to have my birds back.

THE ERBES’

Joyce and Ray Erbe (former teacher I am sure many of you remember) visited Fort Benton this past weekend and were guests of Kathy and Harry Buckingham. Their daughter, who lives in Missoula, made them grandparents again which precipitated the trip from Denver. A chance meeting at the Expedition on Saturday evening brought us together. It was like old-home week for them and they were in Fort Benton for a few days. They are returning to Missoula for more visiting there and then they will return to Denver. The neat thing about our visit was that Joyce said they still receive the River Press.

SO LONG FOR NOW

Only five days of summer left from the date on the front page of the River Press (the 16th.) We made a trip to Utica on Sunday and saw many trees with yellow leaves. The speculation about what kind of a winter we are going to have is the subject of most conversations lately. If you see me around town, let me know what you think especially the “old-timers” who have known some very harsh winters. We picked up my youngest son, Jerry, his wife Sherry, and grandsons Joshua, Joseph, and Josiah in Havre where they came on the train from the Detroit area at 3:00 p.m. We went to the C.M.R. football game Friday night, Gates of the Mountain on Saturday (met Grayson and Greg Bonilla there,) and to the Hay-Bale Contest on Sunday. Jerry’s comment about Montana was said in five words, “It is a different world.” Our “Big Sky” certainly showed itself off those days with its deep blue and white fluffy clouds. Today (Monday) they walked the Levee and the Boys said their favorite was “Shep.” Jerry said his was the Old Bridge and Sherry’s was everything. I think that was a very good assessment.

God bless America.