Back To School

“You’re here to do a job. You’re not here to get your groove on,” is what one teacher told the new freshman class at CMR high school today. Well, I don’t think that I’d go that far; the students are there to learn, sure, but I wouldn’t quite call it a “job.” That teacher’s remark conjures up images of Uncle Buck railing at the crusty old principal who sports a very conspicuous mole:

I don’t think I want to know a six-year-old who isn’t a dreamer, or a sillyheart. And I sure don’t want to know one who takes their student career seriously. I don’t have a college degree. I don’t even have a job. But I know a good kid when I see one. Because they’re ALL good kids, until dried-out, brain-dead skags like you drag them down and convince them they’re no good. You so much as scowl at my niece, or any other kid in this school, and I hear about it, and I’m coming looking for you! Take this quarter, go downtown, and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face! Good day to you, madam.

Sure, 9th grade is lot more serious than 1st grade, but the kids still gotta have fun. So come on, teacher - cut ‘em a little slack!

August 30, 2006 | Filed Under education | 1 Comment

Road Closure

News flash: River Road will be closed between 25th Street and 38th Street today, tomorrow, and Wednesday. Looks like the bumpy railroad-track crossing is finally going to be fixed - hooray!

August 28, 2006 | Filed Under around town | 1 Comment

Chief Schaub

Very sad news: Chief Master Sergeant Bill Schaub, the superintendent of the 341st Medical Group at Malmstrom Air Force Base, passed away on Thursday night. Chief was a friend of mine, and a mentor, and it hurts like hell. He loved Great Falls - the people, the outdoors, the community. He was stationed here before, in the early 90s, and actually worked up in Conrad when the Air Force maintained a small medical station there. I’m sure that he touched many people outside of the base, with his endless community service, love of trapping, and enjoyment of everything around him. He was respected and loved by the entire Medical Group family - always ready with a great story, a caring word, sage advice, and always in good cheer. The one theme that echoed throughout the clinic today was that no one ever saw him angry or raise his voice - never. He was a truly special man, and will be missed greatly. I’ve never lost someone this close to me, so I don’t know what to do - so I did the only thing that I know how to do, which is create a website for Chief Schaub where his family and friends can leave thoughts and share their memories.

August 25, 2006 | Filed Under military, people | 1 Comment

Apartment?

Received an e-mail from one of the YES! folks, who said…
“We have a potential new member moving up from Texas. She was lookig for an apt, preferably close to downtown. Does anyone know of anything clean and safe??”

August 24, 2006 | Filed Under people | 3 Comments

Classified Ads

Another entry on the Classified Ads - it’s a house! Over 1400 sq ft, 3-bedroom, available September 20th. Also posted recently: help wanted - “…looking for an experienced clerical, administrative person to answer the phones, do filing, and run errands. Potential for growth for the right person. $8.00+ DOE.” Take a look, and if you have something that you want to sell (or buy), go ahead and post something - it’s free!

August 22, 2006 | Filed Under business | 3 Comments

Fare Thee Well

One of the first places that I visited when I arrived in Great Falls four years ago was the Sinclair station on Fox Farm Road, which also contained the Country Club Express coffee bar (and Foxy’s casino). I was struck by how friendly the folks were that worked there, and that friendliness hasn’t changed since. So it was a bit sad to read that Jeff & Tonya, the owners, are getting out of the business and leasing the operation to Cenex Kum & Go (worst. name. EVER.). Even the cute green dinosaur outside is gone, donated to the local children’s museum. Thanks, Jeff and Tonya, for creating such a friendly place…and I hope that the new team keeps that tradition alive.

August 20, 2006 | Filed Under business | 1 Comment

Do It In The Road

It’s always good to see folks using novel ways to raise money…but every year when the local firefighters stand in the middle of the road at the intersection of 10th Avenue South and 9th Street, it just amazes me that this sort of activity is legal. Isn’t there a safer way for them to collect money…?

August 19, 2006 | Filed Under around town | 2 Comments

Chirp

Whenever I’m at the intersection of 10th Avenue South and 23rd Street (where the Albertson’s/Target center is), I always notice the “chirp, chirp” sound being emitted from the signposts. Haven’t heard it anywhere else in town. Do you know why this chirping happens only at this intersection?

August 17, 2006 | Filed Under around town | 4 Comments

Rio Ranch Grill

I had the pleasure on Monday morning of eating breakfast at one of the newest restaurants in Great Falls: the Rio Ranch Grill. It’s located on Central Avenue, just across from the statue of Charlie Russell at 3rd Street, occupying the space formerly known as Portofino’s restaurant. My first impression, when I walked in, was WOW! If any of you remember The Lost Woodsman restaurant and enjoyed the very cool wood tables, chairs, and decor, you’ll probably like the decor and atmosphere in Rio Rancho. The breakfast menu was pretty large, and I opted for some basics: french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage. The verdict: delicious! I checked out the dinner menu, too, and can’t wait to go back. I think that this would be a great place for our next together.

August 17, 2006 | Filed Under restaurants | 12 Comments