VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
8/29/18
SUMMER
Where did summer go? We only have a few days left in August before we welcome September. Fall has taken over with the cool evenings and hopefully the 90 and 100 degree days are gone. There are trees in the Old Fort Park are turning yellow or have already done so.
I had “cabin fever” when I could not leave the apartment for two weeks because it was too hot. My air conditioning felt so good after years of being without it.
This brings on thoughts of “what kind of winter are we going to have” Does anyone want to predict. I would just like to say that I hope it is not a repeat of last winter. You all agree I am sure.
GOLDEN AGE SENIOR CENTER
Hurray! Tuesday night dinners will return on the third Tuesday the 18th of September. There is a limit of 48 seats and you must call in for a reservation at 622-3601. If you frequent the Center you can sign up at the desk.
There will be an increase in the cost of the dinner this coming season. It will be a $7.00 charge. (You could not get a dinner like Betty’s talents as a cook anywhere in the world for that price.) Pass along to your family and friends about this pleasant evening at the Center. It is a wonderful time to have a get-together that has been put off during the hot summer days and nights. I would like to see all 48 seats being occupied. See you there.
ARTISTS ON THE LEVEE
Last Thursday the Levee was pleasantly occupied with fourteen artists. The group chose Fort Benton because of its beautiful scenery (and we certainly do have it.) It was a special time and many enjoyed strolling along the Walking Trail to view and chat. On Friday they headed to Virgelle to spend the day. There was a reception and silent auction at the Grand Union on Saturday evening. Champagne and finger food was served and guests could view and bid on the paintings. A good time was had by all and we look forward to their return next year.
I bid on a painting that meant a lot to me, as an early Christmas present to myself. It was a picture of the Old Fire House, with some of the rip-rap showing on the Levee, and the Missouri River. Those three things hold a special place in my heart and memory. The artist was a woman from Red Lodge and she invited me to visit her there. I am sure this will turn out to be a small world story.
VISITOR INFO CENTER
With the Labor Day holiday comes the closing of the Visitor Information Center. The Museums will be open until the last Sunday in September, so you still have time to take visitors and family to see the best Museums in Montana. Take my word for it. Just one of those buildings would be worth a trip to Fort Benton. My favorite is the Scriver bronzes in the Art Gallery in Old Fort Benton. If you love history you will be over whelmed at what you learn.
RATTLER REPORT
Checking with the Police department I found that it was a very light year for rattlers. Only three reports were made. Two were found on the Levee and one was in a family yard. No one was bitten. Perhaps it was too hot for the snakes too. They should be returning to their dens soon but still be on the lookout. Please, if you see any snake at all call 911 and do not attempt to do anything yourself. It would not be fun to be treated for a snake bite.
Oh, by the way, since one was found in a back yard, would parents please check your yards before you send Kiddos out to play.
This goes for those of you who walk. Don’t day dream along the Levee Walking Trail. Pay attention to your surroundings. It is too easy to get enthralled by the beauty of the Missouri, the Bluffs, and the other beauties of Fort Benton and miss seeing those crawly creatures.
BINGO FANS
On October 1st Bingo games will begin at the Club House hosted by the VFW. The days have been changed back to the original 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.
Another good piece of news is that the Billings VFW is no longer going to sponsor Bingo and have given all of their equipment to Fort Benton. For people with impaired vision, like me, there will be larger print cards available. Those of you who stayed away because they could not read their cards, now is your chance to do a big comeback. Put these dates on your calendar and see you there.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
A View From The Bridge 8/30/17
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
8/30/17
SUMMER
Did your summer go too quickly as mine? Was it too hot for you? Are you looking forward to fall? I get the same answer from everyone I talk to. “Yes, yes, and yes!”
Looking around I see the Kiddos back in school and the pool closed. These are sure answers to why the summer passed so quickly. The days go by and there is nothing we can do but enjoy…not or cold.
We in Fort Benton have a lot to look forward to; Farmers Market, Labor Day, Bingo, Chouteau County Performing Arts, Halloween, Country Christmas, to mention a few. In your families there will be birthday and anniversary celebrations. Make each and every one count.
I would just like to see happy and content people with smiling faces. There are so many of you with the most wonderful talents. Put them to work for your community and remember I love you no matter what.
LABOR DAY
What does it mean? I only knew that back in Michigan there was a huge parade in the morning and picnics everywhere in the afternoon. So, as I am curious I checked the internet and found the following…Labor Day, the first Monday of September, is the creation of the labor Movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American worker.
It constitutes a national yearly tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and the well-being of our country. The first state to pass legislation was Oregon and that began a series of states to do the same. Finally on June 28th of 1894 Congress passed legislation making it a national holiday. (So while you are enjoying your picnic or other kind of celebration that day, remember how it started, what it means, and give thanks for what we have in our country.)
RESTORING
I am really thrilled with the restoring of the old buildings in town. My gratitude goes out to those brave, hard- working individuals who are so willing to save our heritage.
I watch HGTV (Home and Garden TV) often and it is amazing to watch restorers tear a building apart and put it back together again.
I would mention names but I am afraid that I would miss someone. I can count at least 8 and that does not include homes that have been remodeled.
Volunteering at the Visitors Center, I have talked to families that have come to Fort Benton to look for a home. They drive up and down the streets checking out the condition of upkeep. It means a lot when you are investing in purchasing a home.
Our town was called charming recently by an author. It is that and let’s keep it that way with a little work on lawns and landscapes.
FISHERMEN AND WOMEN
I made a phone call to Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in Helena this morning. I wanted to know how many men and women purchased fishing licenses. I was given the figures for 2016 and was amazed. An awesome figure for women was 71,559 and 181,654 men paid for licenses. That is a whopping 253.213 that equates to a quarter of the state’s population. (These figures do not include out of state numbers.)
My next question would be, “How many fish were caught?” I do not think there is an answer to that question but it would be interesting to know.
I also wonder, per capita, how Montana relates to other states. I think I have had enough researching for today. Happy fishing to all and to all happy eating.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, EMT’s AND FIRE FIGHTERS. (I am giving up on suggesting that you wear red on Fridays, put a green bulb in your porch light, and fly the American Flag. It doesn’t seem to be making any influence, as a committee sold approximately 350 Support Our Troops shirts and I rarely see one being worn on Fridays. What happened to all of them? I can understand that it would be too much of an effort to put a green bulb in your porch light. However, I cannot understand why you would not fly an American Flag especially after what happened a few weeks ago. I won’t mention those three items again. I promise
By Muncie
8/30/17
SUMMER
Did your summer go too quickly as mine? Was it too hot for you? Are you looking forward to fall? I get the same answer from everyone I talk to. “Yes, yes, and yes!”
Looking around I see the Kiddos back in school and the pool closed. These are sure answers to why the summer passed so quickly. The days go by and there is nothing we can do but enjoy…not or cold.
We in Fort Benton have a lot to look forward to; Farmers Market, Labor Day, Bingo, Chouteau County Performing Arts, Halloween, Country Christmas, to mention a few. In your families there will be birthday and anniversary celebrations. Make each and every one count.
I would just like to see happy and content people with smiling faces. There are so many of you with the most wonderful talents. Put them to work for your community and remember I love you no matter what.
LABOR DAY
What does it mean? I only knew that back in Michigan there was a huge parade in the morning and picnics everywhere in the afternoon. So, as I am curious I checked the internet and found the following…Labor Day, the first Monday of September, is the creation of the labor Movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American worker.
It constitutes a national yearly tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and the well-being of our country. The first state to pass legislation was Oregon and that began a series of states to do the same. Finally on June 28th of 1894 Congress passed legislation making it a national holiday. (So while you are enjoying your picnic or other kind of celebration that day, remember how it started, what it means, and give thanks for what we have in our country.)
RESTORING
I am really thrilled with the restoring of the old buildings in town. My gratitude goes out to those brave, hard- working individuals who are so willing to save our heritage.
I watch HGTV (Home and Garden TV) often and it is amazing to watch restorers tear a building apart and put it back together again.
I would mention names but I am afraid that I would miss someone. I can count at least 8 and that does not include homes that have been remodeled.
Volunteering at the Visitors Center, I have talked to families that have come to Fort Benton to look for a home. They drive up and down the streets checking out the condition of upkeep. It means a lot when you are investing in purchasing a home.
Our town was called charming recently by an author. It is that and let’s keep it that way with a little work on lawns and landscapes.
FISHERMEN AND WOMEN
I made a phone call to Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in Helena this morning. I wanted to know how many men and women purchased fishing licenses. I was given the figures for 2016 and was amazed. An awesome figure for women was 71,559 and 181,654 men paid for licenses. That is a whopping 253.213 that equates to a quarter of the state’s population. (These figures do not include out of state numbers.)
My next question would be, “How many fish were caught?” I do not think there is an answer to that question but it would be interesting to know.
I also wonder, per capita, how Montana relates to other states. I think I have had enough researching for today. Happy fishing to all and to all happy eating.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, EMT’s AND FIRE FIGHTERS. (I am giving up on suggesting that you wear red on Fridays, put a green bulb in your porch light, and fly the American Flag. It doesn’t seem to be making any influence, as a committee sold approximately 350 Support Our Troops shirts and I rarely see one being worn on Fridays. What happened to all of them? I can understand that it would be too much of an effort to put a green bulb in your porch light. However, I cannot understand why you would not fly an American Flag especially after what happened a few weeks ago. I won’t mention those three items again. I promise
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
View From The Bridge 6/22/16
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
6/22/16
HISTORIAN’S DREAM
This past weekend I was able to attend the Mullen Road Conference in Helena. It was an Historian’s dream and since I know that most of you who live in Fort Benton are here because of history, I will report on the Conference.
It began on Friday afternoon at the Montana Historical Museum. We visited the Chinese display at 1:00 and learned so many interesting facts about the Chinese in early Montana. This display will continue through next week.
At 3:00 we viewed the Charlie Russell display and saw the early beginnings of Russell’s career. We were made aware of the details of many of his works. We were up close and personal with many of his famous paintings. Much of the background of each of the paintings was news to me. It was a very informative afternoon.
My son, Randy, and I then proceeded to the home of Greg and Grayson Bonilla where we were housed for the weekend. The Bonilla’s lived here in Fort Benton until Grayson was about 7 years old and in the 2nd grade. His friends and their families often ask me about him.
He will be 15 in November and will be entering high school. (What scares me is the fact that he will be learning driver’s training? I know that many of you know the feeling. I’m just kidding you 15 year olds. Although my real feelings are that no one under the age of 18 years should be allowed to learn to drive and no one over 80. Of course that was before I turned 80. Wow! Am I in hot water now?)
Back to the Mullen Conference. That Friday evening we attended a reception at the Historical Museum and were able to greet old friends and the new ones we met last year when the Conference was held in Fort Benton.
We were up and back at the Great Northern Hotel by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday with registration. There were lectures on subjects such as Priest Pass Road, Old French Woman’s Road, Stopping along the Mullen Road, the Historic Sieben Ranch, the Santa Fe Trail, the Erie Canal, Mullen and Hayden on the Missouri in 1853, the Impact of the Mullen Road on Montana’s Early Transportation Network, Women’s Issues on Frontier Trails, Marking Lt. Mullen’s Highway Signs, and that was the end of the business portion of Saturday.
That evening at the Great Northern we had dinner and preview of Sunday’s field trip.
After another good night’s sleep, we stepped onto one of three buses to begin our field trip at 9:00 a.m. I am not aware of how many people attended the Conference but I do know that there were 110 people on the Field Trip. It was a picture perfect day with the temp about 70 to 75 degrees and a cloudless blue sky.
We were given a bag lunch and there was a good supply of water. We were on School Buses and they were very comfortable.
I hardy know where to begin to describe the wonders of the field trip. Shortly after leaving Helena traveling west we were on the Muller Road. Much of the road at this point is along the border line of the Sieben Ranch and at the west end we saw three old barns that once was a dairy farm. (No one seemed to know how old they were.)
There were times that we exited the Mullen Road because, for instance, the original road was washed out by a flash flood and it was then built up higher. Whatever the case, it was a wondrous ride for scenery.
At one point we were on the top of a mountain and could view the whole valley below. It was a long way down and I could often see the road below. I think everyone was relieved when we reached the bottom.
The Railroad often ran alongside the Mullen Trail. We saw 3 trains during our ride. We crossed the tracks many times as well as the Continental Divide. At each twist and turn was another picture perfect scene. We passed by several areas where there had been towns but no longer existed. One of those was Austin, MT.
My notes are difficult to read because I was trying to write on the moving bus. In one of the no-longer towns there was an old school house that was still in fair condition.
A lunch stop was made at Silver City. It was most likely the biggest excitement that the Bar and Casino had in a long time. It was a rest stop and our lunch stop. Everyone was hungry and happy with their choice of sandwich. It was our longest stop.
I believe it was at that point that we entered the Sieben Ranch property. Somewhere along this route we were also on the Stage Coach Road from Fort Benton to Helena.
Our final destination was at the Log House at the Sieben Ranch built by Malcolm Clarke, (no relation to the Clark in Lewis and Clark,) where he lived with his two Native American wives and children. He was murdered there and we saw where he was buried. There are no gravestones to mark these historical figures.
The Sieben Ranch is located north of Helena and you can see buildings from I-15. We exited the Ranch and returned to Helena via I-15. It was a very exhilarating day and we still had the drive back to Fort Benton ahead of us.
I do not believe that I expressed the beauty of what I am calling, “My Mullen Road Expedition” enough. It was awesome and breath-taking. Last year the Road Trip was something most have seen from Fort Benton to Great Falls to Fort Shaw. (Actually, the Mullen Road did not go through Great Falls but we picked up other Field Trip people there.) From that point on, it was awesome on the way to St. Peter’s Mission. (I would not want to have a flat tire or run out of gas in that desolate country.) Plans are now being made to have next year’s Conference in Deer Lodge. It will be another experience in learning about Montana’s history.
FATHER’S DAY
I forgot to say Happy Bather’s Day to all of my “father readers.” The days are flying by all too quickly and I still have to train myself to look at my calendar every day.
SUMMER
I also didn’t note that Monday the 20th was the first day of summer. I was unhappy on Tuesday because the days will start getting shorter. (My joke of the day.)
SUMMER CELEBRATION
Tidy up for company. We expect about 5,000 to 7,000 Visitors in town to enjoy the 40th Anniversary Summer Celebration. I think that is very exciting. How old were you and where were you 40 years ago? Reflect on the changes in your life in those 40 years. It is kind of scary, isn’t it?
Be sure to buy raffle tickets to support the organizations that help put on this popular yearly event. Keep a schedule in your purse or pocket and cover as many events that you can. There is a lot of work behind all of them so please show your support. I’ll see you there.
DUCK RACE
I hope to get through to the 4-H Group that sells tickets for the Duck Race. I have spoken to many people who had the same experience. I bought a ticket the first year of the race and have never seen anyone selling since.
Make your selves known. Walk around town and at the Old Fort Park with perhaps a DUCK strapped to your head. I think that you could sell a lot more tickets and I would very much like to buy a chance. Also let us know when the Race will be and when.
That was a fun event to watch. Hope to see you there.
OBSERVATIONS
“Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and ALL THOSE WHO HELP AND PROTECT US
By Muncie
6/22/16
HISTORIAN’S DREAM
This past weekend I was able to attend the Mullen Road Conference in Helena. It was an Historian’s dream and since I know that most of you who live in Fort Benton are here because of history, I will report on the Conference.
It began on Friday afternoon at the Montana Historical Museum. We visited the Chinese display at 1:00 and learned so many interesting facts about the Chinese in early Montana. This display will continue through next week.
At 3:00 we viewed the Charlie Russell display and saw the early beginnings of Russell’s career. We were made aware of the details of many of his works. We were up close and personal with many of his famous paintings. Much of the background of each of the paintings was news to me. It was a very informative afternoon.
My son, Randy, and I then proceeded to the home of Greg and Grayson Bonilla where we were housed for the weekend. The Bonilla’s lived here in Fort Benton until Grayson was about 7 years old and in the 2nd grade. His friends and their families often ask me about him.
He will be 15 in November and will be entering high school. (What scares me is the fact that he will be learning driver’s training? I know that many of you know the feeling. I’m just kidding you 15 year olds. Although my real feelings are that no one under the age of 18 years should be allowed to learn to drive and no one over 80. Of course that was before I turned 80. Wow! Am I in hot water now?)
Back to the Mullen Conference. That Friday evening we attended a reception at the Historical Museum and were able to greet old friends and the new ones we met last year when the Conference was held in Fort Benton.
We were up and back at the Great Northern Hotel by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday with registration. There were lectures on subjects such as Priest Pass Road, Old French Woman’s Road, Stopping along the Mullen Road, the Historic Sieben Ranch, the Santa Fe Trail, the Erie Canal, Mullen and Hayden on the Missouri in 1853, the Impact of the Mullen Road on Montana’s Early Transportation Network, Women’s Issues on Frontier Trails, Marking Lt. Mullen’s Highway Signs, and that was the end of the business portion of Saturday.
That evening at the Great Northern we had dinner and preview of Sunday’s field trip.
After another good night’s sleep, we stepped onto one of three buses to begin our field trip at 9:00 a.m. I am not aware of how many people attended the Conference but I do know that there were 110 people on the Field Trip. It was a picture perfect day with the temp about 70 to 75 degrees and a cloudless blue sky.
We were given a bag lunch and there was a good supply of water. We were on School Buses and they were very comfortable.
I hardy know where to begin to describe the wonders of the field trip. Shortly after leaving Helena traveling west we were on the Muller Road. Much of the road at this point is along the border line of the Sieben Ranch and at the west end we saw three old barns that once was a dairy farm. (No one seemed to know how old they were.)
There were times that we exited the Mullen Road because, for instance, the original road was washed out by a flash flood and it was then built up higher. Whatever the case, it was a wondrous ride for scenery.
At one point we were on the top of a mountain and could view the whole valley below. It was a long way down and I could often see the road below. I think everyone was relieved when we reached the bottom.
The Railroad often ran alongside the Mullen Trail. We saw 3 trains during our ride. We crossed the tracks many times as well as the Continental Divide. At each twist and turn was another picture perfect scene. We passed by several areas where there had been towns but no longer existed. One of those was Austin, MT.
My notes are difficult to read because I was trying to write on the moving bus. In one of the no-longer towns there was an old school house that was still in fair condition.
A lunch stop was made at Silver City. It was most likely the biggest excitement that the Bar and Casino had in a long time. It was a rest stop and our lunch stop. Everyone was hungry and happy with their choice of sandwich. It was our longest stop.
I believe it was at that point that we entered the Sieben Ranch property. Somewhere along this route we were also on the Stage Coach Road from Fort Benton to Helena.
Our final destination was at the Log House at the Sieben Ranch built by Malcolm Clarke, (no relation to the Clark in Lewis and Clark,) where he lived with his two Native American wives and children. He was murdered there and we saw where he was buried. There are no gravestones to mark these historical figures.
The Sieben Ranch is located north of Helena and you can see buildings from I-15. We exited the Ranch and returned to Helena via I-15. It was a very exhilarating day and we still had the drive back to Fort Benton ahead of us.
I do not believe that I expressed the beauty of what I am calling, “My Mullen Road Expedition” enough. It was awesome and breath-taking. Last year the Road Trip was something most have seen from Fort Benton to Great Falls to Fort Shaw. (Actually, the Mullen Road did not go through Great Falls but we picked up other Field Trip people there.) From that point on, it was awesome on the way to St. Peter’s Mission. (I would not want to have a flat tire or run out of gas in that desolate country.) Plans are now being made to have next year’s Conference in Deer Lodge. It will be another experience in learning about Montana’s history.
FATHER’S DAY
I forgot to say Happy Bather’s Day to all of my “father readers.” The days are flying by all too quickly and I still have to train myself to look at my calendar every day.
SUMMER
I also didn’t note that Monday the 20th was the first day of summer. I was unhappy on Tuesday because the days will start getting shorter. (My joke of the day.)
SUMMER CELEBRATION
Tidy up for company. We expect about 5,000 to 7,000 Visitors in town to enjoy the 40th Anniversary Summer Celebration. I think that is very exciting. How old were you and where were you 40 years ago? Reflect on the changes in your life in those 40 years. It is kind of scary, isn’t it?
Be sure to buy raffle tickets to support the organizations that help put on this popular yearly event. Keep a schedule in your purse or pocket and cover as many events that you can. There is a lot of work behind all of them so please show your support. I’ll see you there.
DUCK RACE
I hope to get through to the 4-H Group that sells tickets for the Duck Race. I have spoken to many people who had the same experience. I bought a ticket the first year of the race and have never seen anyone selling since.
Make your selves known. Walk around town and at the Old Fort Park with perhaps a DUCK strapped to your head. I think that you could sell a lot more tickets and I would very much like to buy a chance. Also let us know when the Race will be and when.
That was a fun event to watch. Hope to see you there.
OBSERVATIONS
“Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and ALL THOSE WHO HELP AND PROTECT US
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
View From The Bridge 6/21/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
6/21/15
SUMMER CELEBRATION
Enjoy every minute of every day. Join in all the events. Carry your schedule with you. See you there!
SUMMER
Here it is, the first day of summer, Sunday the 21st. What happened to spring? It came and went so quickly. It is just past noon and the temp is 71 degrees according to the weather report on the Fort Benton website. I tried clicking on the 5 facts about the solstice. I do not know who is more stubborn, me or my computer. It would not tell me.
I am really enjoying these long evenings, because it is warmer, and I can walk around my yard. (Be sure to put on bug repellent.) I can eat my meals sitting on the deck. I can do paper work because of the great light.
Welcome summer and slow it down a bit because the next season is fall and it will be September.
JAPANESE VISITOR
A few weeks ago there was a Japanese visitor in Fort Benton on a tour. She arrived on Wednesday evening and I was called on Thursday morning to ask if I could take her on a tour of Fort Benton. I picked her up at the Visitors Center in my 18-year-old Toyota truck. That was out first link.
Her name is Hitomi but I could neither pronounce it nor remember it. I called her Linda and she liked that. We went for breakfast and then I drove her around town. I showed her where the Fort was and she would be touring that on Friday. I drove past the Ag Museum and spotted son Randy’s vehicle in front of the offices. We stopped in and Linda and Randy had a great conversation about Japan. Randy was stationed there for several years and they compared notes on places of interest.
We went into the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center and we watched the movie. I have seen it many times and it was more meaningful because I recently had a jet boat ride to the White Cliffs. We also drove into the camp ground because it is such a beautiful setting. We met some people on the road from Minnesota. They had a huge motor home without an attached vehicle. They said they were going to tour town. I told them about the Levee Walking Trail and they said they were not walking. They were riding their bicycles. What a way to go!
On Friday morning I walked over to the Grand Union for the start of the tour. Randy was the tour guide and we walked from there on the Levee Trail to The Old Fort. From there the next stop was the Museum of the Upper Missouri. The tour proceeded onward to the Ag Museum but I dropped out as I had an appointment.
As far as I could gather, the tour was taken that afternoon to the tour guides ranch east of Geraldine for lunch and again on Saturday for some sort of gathering. Linda returned to Fort Benton very late both evenings. I saw her on Sunday morning to say so long and she said she would return to Fort Benton soon. (All visitors say that.) We are in touch by e-mail.
WALKING
I have walked in the High School hallways Monday through Friday all winter and spring. When school was over for the season, I had to change my schedule to hours from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The maintenance crew and the new flooring installers work those hours from Monday through Thursday. I was in the habit of walking at 4:00 p.m. and now I walk at 10:00 a.m.
I had to come up with a plan to walk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ah, the Ag Museum! There are about 400 paid memberships to the Museums and with their card they can access the building without charge. I am taking advantage of that and can walk the hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
I miss my walks on the Levee Walking Trail but it is already too hot for that. Please join me at the Ag Center about 10:00 a.m. Remember…you have to be a member of the Museums to get in free.
MUSEUMS
When the Museums and Old Fort opened last month, I reported that on Friday night it would be free to the public. Not! However, I am not mistaken for this coming Summer Celebration weekend. The Old Fort, the Ag Museum, and the Museum of the Upper Missouri will be open to the public free of charge. Take advantage of this opportunity and see for yourself our wonderful facilities. You will be amazed at what you see and learn.
RATTLESNAKES
There was a small tid-bit in the River Press recently to beware of rattlesnakes. On Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. is my shift at the Visitors Information Center. My friend, Dusty, is there from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. She related that when she went outside to put up the flags, a bull snake slid across the sidewalk from the center where the tree is planted onto the lawn near the Center.
Later that afternoon, a couple from Fort Benton came in to shop for Charm Trail charms. They said that they saw, which I assume is the same bull snake, slithering across Main Street. Neither of them called 911. I know that a bull snake will not bite you, but our Visitors might not know that.
So beware. Take your children to the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center to teach them how to distinguish between a rattler and a bull snake. They have a display. Also, call 911 if you see a snake because they can be relocated if it is a bull snake. There have been rattlesnakes seen on the Walking Trail and on the rip-rap rocks on the Levee between the Grand Union and the Fire House. Caution is advised in all situations.
On Friday I was at the Health Department and a man followed me out the door. He said that he had waited at the Sheriff’s office for an hour and a half because they were involved with getting help for a young boy about 10 miles outside of Big Sandy. He had been bitten by a rattler and could not be reached by ambulance. The helicopter was called to transport him to the hospital.
Another interesting story, the man outside of the Health Department told me, was that a bull snake hangs out near the boat dock. The snake often swims across to the island and then swims back. He said it would not hurt anyone, (except scare them,) but many people would not know that. There will be many visitors in town next weekend up at the park. Watch out for yourselves and them too. Be aware of your surroundings.
FIFTY+ HOME SCHOOLED
My mother taught me about RELIGION. “You better pray that comes out of the carpet.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICES FORCES and WEAR RED ON FRIDAY. (You are excused this coming Friday because you will be wearing your new Summer Celebration shirts.)
By Muncie
6/21/15
SUMMER CELEBRATION
Enjoy every minute of every day. Join in all the events. Carry your schedule with you. See you there!
SUMMER
Here it is, the first day of summer, Sunday the 21st. What happened to spring? It came and went so quickly. It is just past noon and the temp is 71 degrees according to the weather report on the Fort Benton website. I tried clicking on the 5 facts about the solstice. I do not know who is more stubborn, me or my computer. It would not tell me.
I am really enjoying these long evenings, because it is warmer, and I can walk around my yard. (Be sure to put on bug repellent.) I can eat my meals sitting on the deck. I can do paper work because of the great light.
Welcome summer and slow it down a bit because the next season is fall and it will be September.
JAPANESE VISITOR
A few weeks ago there was a Japanese visitor in Fort Benton on a tour. She arrived on Wednesday evening and I was called on Thursday morning to ask if I could take her on a tour of Fort Benton. I picked her up at the Visitors Center in my 18-year-old Toyota truck. That was out first link.
Her name is Hitomi but I could neither pronounce it nor remember it. I called her Linda and she liked that. We went for breakfast and then I drove her around town. I showed her where the Fort was and she would be touring that on Friday. I drove past the Ag Museum and spotted son Randy’s vehicle in front of the offices. We stopped in and Linda and Randy had a great conversation about Japan. Randy was stationed there for several years and they compared notes on places of interest.
We went into the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center and we watched the movie. I have seen it many times and it was more meaningful because I recently had a jet boat ride to the White Cliffs. We also drove into the camp ground because it is such a beautiful setting. We met some people on the road from Minnesota. They had a huge motor home without an attached vehicle. They said they were going to tour town. I told them about the Levee Walking Trail and they said they were not walking. They were riding their bicycles. What a way to go!
On Friday morning I walked over to the Grand Union for the start of the tour. Randy was the tour guide and we walked from there on the Levee Trail to The Old Fort. From there the next stop was the Museum of the Upper Missouri. The tour proceeded onward to the Ag Museum but I dropped out as I had an appointment.
As far as I could gather, the tour was taken that afternoon to the tour guides ranch east of Geraldine for lunch and again on Saturday for some sort of gathering. Linda returned to Fort Benton very late both evenings. I saw her on Sunday morning to say so long and she said she would return to Fort Benton soon. (All visitors say that.) We are in touch by e-mail.
WALKING
I have walked in the High School hallways Monday through Friday all winter and spring. When school was over for the season, I had to change my schedule to hours from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The maintenance crew and the new flooring installers work those hours from Monday through Thursday. I was in the habit of walking at 4:00 p.m. and now I walk at 10:00 a.m.
I had to come up with a plan to walk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ah, the Ag Museum! There are about 400 paid memberships to the Museums and with their card they can access the building without charge. I am taking advantage of that and can walk the hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
I miss my walks on the Levee Walking Trail but it is already too hot for that. Please join me at the Ag Center about 10:00 a.m. Remember…you have to be a member of the Museums to get in free.
MUSEUMS
When the Museums and Old Fort opened last month, I reported that on Friday night it would be free to the public. Not! However, I am not mistaken for this coming Summer Celebration weekend. The Old Fort, the Ag Museum, and the Museum of the Upper Missouri will be open to the public free of charge. Take advantage of this opportunity and see for yourself our wonderful facilities. You will be amazed at what you see and learn.
RATTLESNAKES
There was a small tid-bit in the River Press recently to beware of rattlesnakes. On Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. is my shift at the Visitors Information Center. My friend, Dusty, is there from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. She related that when she went outside to put up the flags, a bull snake slid across the sidewalk from the center where the tree is planted onto the lawn near the Center.
Later that afternoon, a couple from Fort Benton came in to shop for Charm Trail charms. They said that they saw, which I assume is the same bull snake, slithering across Main Street. Neither of them called 911. I know that a bull snake will not bite you, but our Visitors might not know that.
So beware. Take your children to the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center to teach them how to distinguish between a rattler and a bull snake. They have a display. Also, call 911 if you see a snake because they can be relocated if it is a bull snake. There have been rattlesnakes seen on the Walking Trail and on the rip-rap rocks on the Levee between the Grand Union and the Fire House. Caution is advised in all situations.
On Friday I was at the Health Department and a man followed me out the door. He said that he had waited at the Sheriff’s office for an hour and a half because they were involved with getting help for a young boy about 10 miles outside of Big Sandy. He had been bitten by a rattler and could not be reached by ambulance. The helicopter was called to transport him to the hospital.
Another interesting story, the man outside of the Health Department told me, was that a bull snake hangs out near the boat dock. The snake often swims across to the island and then swims back. He said it would not hurt anyone, (except scare them,) but many people would not know that. There will be many visitors in town next weekend up at the park. Watch out for yourselves and them too. Be aware of your surroundings.
FIFTY+ HOME SCHOOLED
My mother taught me about RELIGION. “You better pray that comes out of the carpet.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICES FORCES and WEAR RED ON FRIDAY. (You are excused this coming Friday because you will be wearing your new Summer Celebration shirts.)
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