“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
6-5-13

GREAT NEWS FOR RECYCLING
Beginning this evening, Wednesday the 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Recycling Program will move its location from the Fair Grounds to the Dedman Foundation.  It will be much more convenient location wise and time wise.  It is after dinnertime and before bedtime.  Our No. 1 Recyclist, Shannon Walden, will be there every Wednesday evening. (She not only recycles but she cycles all over town.  (Wave to her the next time you see her riding her cycle out and about.)  In addition to collection recyclable bundled newspapers, office papers, shredded paper, magazines, phone books, and cardboard (broken down,) will be plastic and metal cans.  (Please wash your metal cans, remove the label, take both ends off if possible, and flatten.  It does not take long before it becomes a habit.)

I have not been able to attend the Recycle meetings lately:  however, I know how difficult the journey has been for the committee.  They have worked hard, endless hours, diligently, and devoted to a cause.  When you take advantage of the every Wednesday evening schedule, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

GOLDEN AGE NEWS
Last week I talked about “Meals on Wheels.”  I hoped that information was helpful to the many readers of the River Press.  I received the June Newsletter from the Golden Age Center and am passing on some of the changes in their schedule.  There will be NO TUESDAY ONCE-A-MONTH EVENING MEAL during the summer months.  The Board Members thanked Betty Daniels for the wonderful gourmet meals she provided.  Those Tuesday evening dinners were a great social evening to meet new and old friends.  We wonder where they come up with the fun intellectual games that we play.  For my part, I am not smarter than a 5th grader.  The next evening dinner will be September 17th. 

Also, THERE WILL BE NO PIE DAY during the summer months for obvious reasons.  The pie you buy at the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of Fort Benton Pie Auction will have to last you all summer.  As wonderful summer is, we look forward to evening meals and pie day again in the fall.

VISITORS & INFO CENTER
As of last Tuesday, when I did my shift at the Center, there were only half of the volunteer times filled on the calendar for the month of June.  Come on Folks!  You are needed.  We cannot keep unlocking and locking the door because there are shifts in-between shifts that are filled and not filled.  I know that you are all have busy lives but think over what you do for your community.  Do you do any volunteer time at all?  The commercials on TV about volunteering are reminders of how you could be helping and how rewarding it is.  

NEW ENTERPRENUER
The Artlight Gallery opened last Saturday in what I call, “The Mini Mall,” in the room where the Wake Cup Coffee Shoppe was previously located.  It is in the lower room.  Kathleen Ryan from Geraldine, (a Montana born and raised,) is a sand stonecutter.  You ask, “What is a stone cutter.”  You will have to see for yourself by visiting with Kathleen.  It was a fascinating visit for me as I am a “Rock Hound.”  I love rocks of all kinds but my very favorite is jasper.  We have two rock tumblers and that is easy compared to what Kathleen does.  She creates, each sandstone has a meaning, and each has a story.
I especially liked a piece called “Watchmen.”  Kathleen created it for a nephew who was in Afghanistan.  The scriptures refer many times to Night Watches and Watchmen.  Historically someone has always “stood watch” and would warn people of impending danger.  Each “Watchmen” piece has one, two, or three stones at the top that represents someone watching over us.  I have to have one after hearing that story.

WHERE OH WHERE HAS MY LITTLE DOG GONE
A conversation between a Fort Benton resident and me, was about how she had to call the police because of two dogs running loose.  It seems to be the time again to remind residents about their dogs roaming the neighborhood.  It your dog is picked up by the police and taken to the Dedman, you will have to pay a fine.  I realize that there are times that your dog works its way out of confinement: However, as soon as it is missing…scout around to find it.  There are people and children who are afraid of dogs.  Consider them when your dog is missing.

While I am on the subject of dogs, I was also asked to remind dog owners to please clean up after your dog.  There are doggie mitts all along the Levee Walking Trail put there for your convenience. 
We parked along the Trail last week to enjoy some ice cream and watch the river.  A car parked about a half block ahead of us, a woman let her dog out to do its business.  It was not a case of using a doggie mitt and if it had been, I would have stopped her to tell her about the mitts.  It must be difficult to have to get into your vehicle with your dog, drive to the Levee for a potty break, and then return home.  How many times a day would you have to do that? 

I am not trying to give dog owners lessons on how to take care of your dog.  I am only repeating what I heard at the Sunrise Bluffs a few months ago from a man sent by the Humanities program.  He said that he walks his dog two hours a day.  He also gives his dog real bones from a butcher shop to clew on.  His dog is never sick, never has bad breath, and never has good teeth.  Remember, I am only repeating what I heard.  My question is, “Who has two hours a day to walk their dog?”

PBS MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
What a classic program was presented on Sunday evening before Memorial Day.  It told the story of two brothers and what happened to them in Afghanistan and after their return home.  We have thousands of young men and women who are keeping us safe.  Those of us, who have experienced war first hand, understand the sacrifice our service members and women are putting forth.  The least you can do is to WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS to show that you support them.  You sleep in a warm bed at night.  You eat good warm food.  You live your everyday lives with weapons firing all around you.  Do you think about those who are serving every day? They are our protectors.  The best you can do is “WEAR RED ON FRIDAY” so the world will know that you care and support them.

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

View From The Bridge 7/27/2011

”VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
7/27/11

AGAIN AND AGAIN
By the time, you read this there will be only three or four days left in July. The summer is flying by and harvests are a month behind. If you like it hot, you have gotten your wish. If you do not like it hot, you have to tolerate without too much complaint. After all, we all did want the warm weather after that ungracious winter and spring. Just about the time we thaw out, it will be cold again, so enjoy.

THE COUNTY SHOPPE
Just caught the 5:30 newscast on Friday evening and saw Wanda Diekhans, one of the coop founders, being interviewed. There were several good shots of a variety of artist’s work shown. That ought to bring a few art lovers to visit Fort Benton. Let’s keep wishing all of the artists good luck with their endeavor. It was a great deal of work to set up and decorate. Actually, word of mouth is the best advertisement. I have always said that appearance is everything and The County Shoppe is on top of it.

A NEW ENTREPRENEUR
The Thrift Shop business is being taken over by Vivian Cameron on August 1st. She plans being open Thursday, August the 4th. The regular business hours will be on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vi will have an Open House as soon as she gets settled.

This business needed a woman’s touch and appearance is everything. She will be adding a “Kiddies Corner,” where children can amuse themselves with books and small games while their parents look around. She plans on a “Brides Aisle,” small furniture, and household items.

Fort Benton needs this type of business and let us support her efforts. Nice clean clothing in good condition and actually every item that is clean and in good condition is welcome.

SOCIAL EVENTS

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
The month of August is going to be an exciting time around town. Shakespeare in the Park (The Merchant of Venice,) will again be presented in Old Fort Park in conjunction with Taste of Chouteau County on Thursday, August 11th.

Last Saturday on PBS program, Backroads of Montana accompanied the Shakespeare in the Parks troupe to Birney, MT. Birney is the smallest community to host the tour and according to the narration, everyone participates. The troupe’s sponsors (I cannot remember their names) have been doing it for over thirty years. Each year as different actors/actresses show up, they become family. They are housed, fed, and made to feel at home. Their hostess was even making last minute phone calls to be sure that every person in town showed up at the performance.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The Golden Age Senior Center is having an Ice Cream Social on Wednesday the 10th of August from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Listen up folks. This is homemade ice cream and it is awesome. Put the date on your calendar and do not miss this once a year event. Invite everyone you know.

CHOUTEAU COUNTY FAIR
The following week will be the Chouteau County Fair. High spots for me are the Pig Wrestling, The Ringling Five, and the Demolition Derby. However, there is so much more for everyone including the kiddos. Spread the word amongst your family and friends and let us do everything we can to keep this 99-year-old tradition going. Next year will be the 100th anniversary and we cannot let it go away.

The Fair actually begins on Wednesday the 17th of August with the Ringling Five sponsored by the 4-H Clubs. If you have never heard the Ringling Five, you have a real treat in store. They have performed in Fort Benton several times before and you will thoroughly enjoy every minute of their show.

Thursday will introduce a new event and that is a “Bar-B-Q Showdown,” sponsored by The Grocery Store in Big Sandy. I expect that this event will show off all the cooking expertise of our male population. I have often heard some bragging about what experts they are with a steak. This is their chance to see what they can do with a brisket. For details on how to get in on the action, see last weeks River Press.

Of course, the big one for the parents and grandparents is the Pig Wrestling on Friday evening. Let us really support this event this year as last year was a total loss in revenue for the Fair. I cannot imagine that there is anyone that does not know what happened last year. The whole affair was even on the national news. Go pig wrestlers.

The “Play with Gravity” duo sounds exciting but will find me sitting on pins and needles. I will check it out though and just cover my eyes if I cannot stand to watch.

Saturday night will feature a Rodeo and Sunday will end the Fair with the Demolition Derby.

Oh, I forgot to mention the best part of the Fair and that is FAIR FOOD. Everyone I know feels the same about eating food (and lots of it,) that we do not normally eat during the rest of the year. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner for five whole days and again ladies, you do not have to cook for those five days. What fun especially not having to do dishes. There is such a variety of food that you do not have to eat the same thing twice. Go for it…it is only once a year. See you there.

FREEDOM WALK PLEDGES
The American Legion Post 26 of Fort Benton and the Post 102 of Geraldine are holding the Walk on Sunday the 11th of September. It will be the 10th anniversary of 9-11. A Bar-B-Q will honor those who died but area active duty and retired veterans and their families.

Preparations are now being planned and your donations will be most welcome. The Legion has an article in this copy of the River Press for further details.

The Legion will also be working with me to encourage residents to purchase and fly an American Flag on their homes. Ten years ago this would not have been a difficult task and we encourage you to show your patriotism especially at this time of year.

SMALL WORLD STORY
The Visitors Information Center Coordinator, Ruth Carlstrom, passed on this small world story to me this past week.

A visitor from North Carolina came in to the Center who was interested in the Shep story. When she returned home from her trip, she called the Center and Ruth happened to answer the phone. She related the following story to Ruth.

The following Sunday after the woman returned home, the minister at her church told the story of the Faithful Dog in his sermon. He was commenting on the faithfulness of the animal and comparing it to faithfulness that his congregation should strive for in their lives.

The woman went to the minister’s office after the service and told him that the dog’s name was Shep. He asked how she knew that and she told him that she had just returned from the site of Shep’s burial place, the Shep monument, and the brick courtyard.

Her phone call to Ruth was a request for more Shep brochures, Shep booklets, and Shep charms. Now, I would like to know how the minister in North Carolina heard about Shep. It’s a small, small world.

SO LONG FOR NOW
Have a great week and look forward to upcoming events. Drive carefully and think about what you are going to do before you do it. Don’t even think about school starting again. Don’t get too much sun, relax, and enjoy every minute of every day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS