View From The Bridge 12/11/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
12/11/19

HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT AND BINGO
Both of these events were scheduled for the 16th of December at the same time 7:00 p.m. Many people were urging that the Fort Benton High School Concert be well attended since the fall concert was not.

At the Bingo game on Monday the 2nd of December, raised hands showed that most of the players were going to attend the High School Concert. As a result, the Bingo game was CANCELLED for the 16th. To show our new music teacher/band leader that we appreciate the hard work that he and the students in the band put in, lets fill the auditorium to capacity. Let us hope that the weather cooperates and will not keep music lovers from attending as it did with the last 2 CCPA presentations. Please make an effort to be there.

CHOUTEAU COUNTY COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
From all reports, the Chouteau County Country Christmas was a resounding success. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and that means a lot in our part of the country.

I attended Bridgeport Station to enjoy Tonya’s Taco Soup. I look forward to that every year. I also listened to the Barbershop Quartet from Havre who have favored us with great Christmas songs for about three or four years now. We welcome them back.

They said that they had added a couple of songs to their presentation and one was “I wish you a Merry Christmas”, and they sang it in Spanish. The other was from sheet music I gave them last year of my favorite Christmas song that is “Mary’s Boy Chile”. (Yes, Chile is spelled correctly.) It was a wonderful surprise and made my day.

I am sure that you found some wonderful Christmas gifts. My daughter, Jennifer, found a great blanket to buy with fish on it for her hubby who recently had surgery.  He is an avid fisherman. My other Marine Corp Detachment friend, Sue, found a huge Christmas pillow. They were both so thrilled.

Afterward we headed for Front Street. It was like my Hallmark movies with the sidewalks full of shoppers walking the length of the street. Each of the open houses had treats and they were welcome for dessert after lunch.

I truly love Chouteau County Country Christmas because of our small rural community. I would like to thank all of you readers who said hello to me and told me that you read the View. I’ll pass that on to my editor, Bethany, and perhaps she will let me keep writing another year or so.

FORT BENTON ROCKS
A note to Judy. I do not have your phone number so I can call you and this is an easy way to get in touch with you. I have not been able to do what you asked me in your letter because of the weather. My street is not paved and is now a sea of mud. With snow starting in September, it was impossible with travel with my Go-Go.

So please send me your phone number and we can chat about it. Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas and I wish I had a rock to send you.

CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT
 I know I never get tired of music and at this time of the year Christmas music. The annual Christmas Concert will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the Fort Benton Elementary. Wylie Gustafson, a Cowboy singer, will entertain us with both Christmas songs and also old Cowboy classics.

The Christmas Concert used to be the next day after Bridgeport but somewhere along the line it was changed. I am so happy about that because tomorrow, Sunday the 8th, it is supposed to snow. That always puts a crimp on attendance at any kind of events planned. We will meet there.

SHONKIN
The annual Shonkin Potluck will take place on Sunday the 15th. The Shonkin residents are great people about getting together for events at their Community Hall.

The women in Shonkin have only to supply veggies, salads, and desserts. The men of the community are cooking the turkeys. Wow! Sounds like heaven to me. I was never a farm wife. I never had to cook huge dinners for hu-mong-ous families or harvest crews. Those women who have done that or still do it are ANGELS in my mind.

So, everyone in the Shonkin area enjoy your annual Potluck celebration and thank you for letting us know and that we are invited.

TAKE A CHRISTMAS PHOTO
Fort Benton gained a great new couple a year ago. They purchased the Zanto house and this past summer Christy’s parents, Judy and Dennis, moved here from Wisconsin.

Christy and Ed like to decorate and they have exciting displays for the holidays. This season they did a wooden cutout holes for faces of Christmas children. You are invited to stop by and take pictures of your Kiddos. Many families have already done that. You are welcome at any time, day or night. Let them see you there!

 Another interesting item about this family is that Ed just joined the Guard. If you see him, please tell him how proud we all are of his service. He truly loves his United States of America.

ROBINS
While at Bridgeport, on Saturday, I got a report that a robin was seen the past week. I think we went through this last year too, that there are some robins that stay around all year.

Would you please let me know if any of you see robins? My number is in the book. 

I love those birds. I was concerned that every other bird feeder was providing seed and peanuts for Blue Jays. I was given a log of peanuts and put a dozen or so every day with the feed. I was so surprised when being brought home the other day that my driver saw Blue Jays at the Red Dot Diner feeder. Hurray! Welcome to breakfast.

BE KIND!
I saw on the news a Secret Santa who gave away $100.00 bills. He said that it was a deed of kindness. It made him and would make you feel so good to be kind.

Wear red on Fridays! That is not difficult to do at Christmas time.

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

View From The Bridge 11/20/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
BY Muncie
11/20/19

HELLO WHO #1
I am now calling you “Who #1” because in the last few weeks I have a “Who #2,” and a “Who #3”. By contact this past week I found “Who #3”. She wanted me to pass on to you, Who #1, that she is not trying to interfere with your dedicated decorating. She just thought that because she has so many decorations, she could add a little to the hollow tree.

On my way to downtown on Friday morning I could see that all the Halloween decorations were gone. When I returned an hour later the fall decorations were back. Now I am confused. Did “Who #1”, or “Who #2”, or “Who No. 3”, redecorate the tree? I am really confused at this point but it doesn’t really matter?

I had wanted to write that if “Who #1” does not decorate for Thanksgiving this week, then I will be sure she no longer wants to volunteer. I truly hope that I have not lost you. I’ll be watching the hollow tree with great interest. Please respond somehow.

MT SPORTS REPORT
To both the football and volleyball teams I would like to say how proud the whole town is of your accomplishments. You provided Fort Benton with the most excitement about sports, than it seems, for a long time. We love you for all of your efforts, the time you spent practicing, and just in general for all you do.

I knew a week ago that it would be a tough game in Fairview. With three starters injured the week before, our chances were limited. Three players out of 8 unable to play is a great obstacle to overcome.

I was not able to listen to the game because I did not have the proper radio coverage. However, I quickly learned what was happening because of friends who have smart phones or could listen to the game.

Regardless of the outcome, I want to say again how proud we all are of the teams and we love you no matter what.

BINGO
If you have been looking forward to Turkey Bingo it is a happening on SATURDAY the 23rd at the Club House at 7:00 p.m.  This has always been a very well attended event so get there early. Have dinner and then enjoy an evening of Bingo.

The next regular Bingo night will be December 2nd. The last game of this year will be 12/16/19. The next schedules will be in 2020 on January 5th and 20th. It will be here in a blink of an eye.

SO VERY DARK
I am being cheered up by friends as the days continue to grow longer. That is my “Happy Day.” I long for those late warm evenings when I can take a walk along the Missouri. I love seeing the ducks and geese building their nests along the river bank and then the ducklings practicing their swimming. I love it when everything turns green and leaves appear on the trees.

I’ve saved all of those memories for this time of year. Actually, there is so much going on that I hardly have time to think about winter. They are listed below so put them on your calendar and see you there.

CHOUTEAU COUNTY COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
I know that the schedule was worked on two weekends ago. Pick up a flyer at most of the businesses. All takes place on Friday 12/6/19, Saturday 12/7/19, and Sunday 12/8/19. Pass this news along to your family, friends and neighbors.

BRIDGEPORT STATION
ON Saturday December 7th, the Bridgeport Station event will be at the Agricultural Center in Fort Benton. You can do all of your Christmas shopping there and whatever you give as gifts will be treasured forever. The reason for that statement is because I have found over the years that crafted gifts are such a treasure.

Even though I’ve moved to a smaller space, I have kept my Bridgeport treasures. I know the hours that go into those hand-made gifts. You can add to your collections or start one for your children, and grandchildren.

I always think of Leone Cloepfil and her hand painted ornaments. I have the whole collection plus some extras of the old house and she did a covered bridge for me.

I miss you Leone, not only for your beautiful work but seeing your smiling face at Bridgeport.

SHONKIN
Their rep. called me about their plans for the CCCC. It will be on Saturday the 7th at the Community Hall. There will be many vendors and huckleberry breakfast rolls (yummy). There will be a children’s space to buy gifts for a $1.00 or less.

The biggest attraction will be the sleigh ride, (weather permitting,) at the Lacey Creek Farm. They have 4 of the most beautiful Clydesdale horses and a sleigh ride is truly a Christmas tradition. If there is no snow, it will be a wagon ride instead of a sleigh.) You can find directions to the farm at the Community Hall.

COMMUNITY BUS
Did you read the article in the River Press about the Community Bus making a run to Great Falls every week until Christmas? I checked with Kellie) and she verified that they would try to schedule that. However, there will be no trip to Great Falls on Tuesday November the 26th and December the 3rd. Please call Kellie to reserve a seat on the bus.

And remember…the drivers are all volunteers. Could you give up a Tuesday twice a month to drive the bus? Or…could you give up a Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to drive around town? Even when I could drive, I could never have contributed what those volunteers are doing.

Thank you, Vicky, Jeff, and Nancy, for your kindness. You always do a good deed every day that you drive.

CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
The next Chouteau County Performing Arts performance will be the Christmas Concert. It is December the 15th. It will feature Wylie Gustafson. NOTE…It will be at 3:00 p.m. on that Sunday afternoon 

Wylie is a well-known western singer around Montana. He will be singing Christmas songs and some of his own most popular Wild West songs.

SCHOOL CONCERT INFO
 The Fort Benton High School Band and Choir will perform a Christmas Concert on December the 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary School. Please put this date on your calendar and sticky notes all over the house to remind you to attend.

The Fall Concert lacked an audience. The readers of the River Press were made aware of this from a letter to the editor.

Yes, we should be ashamed of ourselves. These young people work so hard and we need to let them know that we appreciate their efforts.

So, on Monday December 16th, I would like that auditorium to be packed with parents, grandparents, students, teachers, friends, neighbors, and tax payers. What a wonderful way to wish the community a Merry Christmas. It would take the place of many days of doing a good deed.

I did not attend the Fall Concert. I no longer drive and it would be too dark to GoGo to the school. However, I will get to the Christmas Concert if I have to crawl on my hands and knees. (Now that may be difficult because I cannot kneel down.)  I do know that after my friends read this View, I will be offered a ride. Thank whoever for being my friend. See you there!

MOST IMPORTANT…BE KIND, DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY, AND GET LOTS OF REST SO YOU WON’T BE CRABBY.

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

View From The Bridge 11/2/16

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
11/2/16

NOVEMBER
Can you believe it is already November? Are you ready for Turkey month? I’m ready for Turkey Bingo at the VFW Club House. As I said last year, the only ones that aren’t happy are the turkeys. Poor things must be overjoyed with all the food they are getting to fatten them up and then guess what? In the old days, the ax awaited and that is the end of the line.

The November moon has several names. The Full Beaver Moon is named because it is time to set beaver traps before the freeze. The furs are needed for warm clothing for winter.

It is also time for the beaver to prepare for winter. The name is the Frosty Moon and that needs no explanation.

The full moon will be on Monday November 14th. Be on the watch for those beaver. Let me know if you live along a creek if you see one.

In my opinion Thanksgiving is more of a family day than Christmas. All you have to deal with is dinner and football. At least that is the way it used to be. If I remember correctly, there are football games on Christmas Day in the present time frame. If I were president I would ban football on that day. I know that last sentence will get me in hot water again. Sorry, but that is just my opinion. If you disagree write a letter to the editor and tell me why you enjoy it.

What I do love about Thanksgiving is the parade. What fun! I love the floats and especially the bands. I love it when they show the faces of the youngster sitting along the way with their wide eyes and laughter. It isn’t that far off so look forward to some happy times.

CCPA
Last week’s performance of the Beverly Belles was the most nostalgic ever. I and many others I spoke with said that they remembered and mouthed the words. It is funny after so many years to remember. The attendance was one of the best at 250 people.

The Beverly Belles were advertised to sound like the Andrew Sisters and not to act like them. They surely did a splendid job of it. They were so delighted with Fort Benton having come from California. It must be a real culture shock for those CA visitors who had never lived in a small town.

I visited CA once and drove those 6 and 8 lane highways on both sides and found nothing that would ever make me want to live there. Life here in Fort Benton has gained a little speed since I moved here. Residents seemed more laid back then. Today it seems as though some people are rushing around and never take time to smell the roses. Perhaps it is because I am retired and whatever I cannot get completed today, there will be time tomorrow.

The best part of the show was when they did the Armed Forces routine and had the Veterans stand? God bless America and our Veterans.

MISSOULA THEATRE
What 5 days practice can accomplish. I want K through 8th grade to know how wonderful you were. I especially want to comment on the penguins. You were adorable, all 15 of you. This does not take away from any of the rest of you. I think it was the cute costumes that the penguins wore. They looked like penguins.

We have to wait a year now to see what fairy tale the Missoula Children’s Theatre are going to do next. I have a great suggestion if anyone would care to know about it.

SHONKIN
The lasagna dinner was everything I remembered from last year. I enjoyed visiting with friends, some I haven’t seen for a year and others I see often but am not able to talk with one on one.

I love their Community House with the wood burning stove. You can smell it in the air when you get close to the building.

I won a gift certificate for wearing a Halloween outfit. I did not wear my Dracula costume even though I found his teeth this year. I wore my orange t-shirt with my Halloween vest and a witch’s hat and that was considered a prize winner. I would like to say what an inspiration you Shonkin women are for the work you put into that evening.

CCPA
By the time you get the River Press the Wednesday evening performance will be over. Scheduling is difficult for the CCPA board. I have watched them put the program together and it is mind boggling. They try to work with other cities and towns to get acts, for instance, from California to perform in 5 or 6 places within a short period of time to save money on the performers airplane flights.

The CCPA board does a tremendous job and you can show your support by buying your seasons tickets and attending the shows.

FUNNY QUOTES
“Always remember that you are absolutely unique…just like everybody else.”  By Margaret Med.

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

View From The Bridge 10/26/16

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
10/26/16

CONCERT
A week ago Tuesday evening I attended the Fort Benton High School Concert at the Elementary School.  Those youngsters are so talented and since the band is an elective, the whole scene is one of love of music. I think I heard that there were 27 members in the band.

I hope that music is a great part of your life. It is the most relaxing kind of entertainment for the mind and soul.

The newly formed Choir performed first. If I heard right, there were four (4) freshmen girls and one (1) senior girl. There were also two (2) young men. They did a terrific job and they have only had a few weeks practice.

I had a most enjoyable evening and the parents of the music students were enough to fill quite a few seats.  My appreciation goes to Eric Lenington for his patience and being so cool.

FOOTBALL
A huge touchdown thank you to Coach Skip Ross for writing about the games in detail. As I have said before, I am not very knowledgeable about football and it helps so much to read his descriptions. Russ Axtman does a great job too in his announcing at the games and between the two of them I get a good drift on what was going on. Of course, I have “Mr. Football Statistics sitting beside me and that is a little bit of help too.

In spite of this year’s record your fans “Are all behind you now, and we will profit by your creed.” As you know that are a few lines from the school song. So, GO LONGHORNS!

CHILDRENS’ THEATRE
Who ever said they have nothing to do in Fort Benton? Just check out the schedule in the River Press if you have some time with nothing to do. There is always something going on and this coming Saturday evening will be another of those times. The Missoula Children’s Theatre will present Aladdin. Have you see some of the commercials on TV? The background settings and the costumes are phenomenal. I can hardly wait to get over to the Fort Benton Elementary School to watch this free performance. Oh yes, it is free to the public. So, see you there.

SHONKIN
There will be food, silent auction, live auction, and everything else that goes on for fund raisers. Come on over and not only have a good time but help support Shonkin town with their work on the Community House. See you there too.

FUND RAISER
A young girl from Fairfield was killed in an automobile accident because she did not have her seat belt on. According to her family on the local news, she always wore her seat belt and they do not know why she did not just that once.

This young girl’s name was Lauren Goldhahn and she is the granddaughter of Diane Goldhahn and the grandniece of Mary Zanto both of Fort Benton.

There is to be a fund raiser on Sunday November 20, 2016 at Fairfield Public School. It is always that one time that a seatbelt isn’t worn that an accident occurs.

There will be lunch from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The silent auction will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the live auction will take place at 4:00 p.m.

If you have donations for the silent or live auction please contact Diane Goldhahn at 622-3273 or Mary Zanto at 622-3730. Whatever items you may have will go for a very good cause.

I have heard of several cases of elderly people who have First Alert systems and the one time they forget to put it on is the time that they fall. It is Murphy’s Law and there is always a first time for everything.

NEXT EDITION
I may not be with you next week. I am going to have some work done on my computer along with installing a new printer and getting it all relocated. Please be patient with me and wish me luck in organizing my time and their time. I not only have to contend with five (5) or six (6) other people’s time but the weather is involved. Also I do not want work to be done if it is raining. Fort Benton’s weather forecast is only for five (5) days. When I checked yesterday the 22nd it said it would rain on Wednesday and partly cloudy on Thursday. That is as far as it went. Today the Fort Benton forecast says no rain on Wednesday. I am a little irritated with Mother Nature right now. I wish she would make up her mind so I could make some plans. I know, I know!  You are going to tell me that is Montana weather.  Stick around for five (5) minutes and it will change. Actually, I wouldn’t have it any other way and I wouldn’t want to be in any other place.

If you have heard rumors, please know that I am not leaving Fort Benton. Younger people can move away and adjust. My last adjustment was 23 years ago when I moved to Montana. I do not even think about doing that again at this time in my life. I have often thought about going to college and that really is a possibility on the internet. I do have to fall in love with my computer first because as of now we do not like each other. Windows 10 scares me even more from what I have heard about it. I wonder just how many windows there are going to be. I will just have to wait and see.

FUNNY QUOTES
“Children are smarter than all of us. I don’t know a single one who has a job or children.” by Bill Hicks

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, THOSE WHO PROTET US and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.