Montana Library Network Virtual Programming Series
The goals of this series are to provide:
- High-quality and interesting topics and information to Montanans
- Opportunities for public libraries to become familiar with publicizing and participating in virtual program offerings for their communities
- Opportunities for Montanans to connect with others around the state on topics of interest
We encourage public libraries to publicize the events in this series.
Planning for the 2024/2025 season has begun
August 2023 - May 2024 Schedule
Miss a Program?
Neil was born and raised in the Missoula area. Even as a youth, rocks held a fascination for him. He collected many (though not valuable) specimens. When he married his wife, she too was a rock lover. They started their pursuit together searching for sapphires at the Chaussee Sapphire mine and came away with many wonderful stones.
He was employed at paper mills for 40 years and 7 years at The University of Montana. During this time his love of rocks never wavered. He has been involved with Hunter Safety Education, Fishing Education and Bow Hunting Education for 35 years.
Neil purchased a 24 inch rock saw and the passion for rocks increased. Now he could get those larger rocks and cut them open to discover the mysteries held within. One saw led to another and now he is the proud owner of 4 larger rock saws. Several tons of rock and many other pieces of equipment.
They are both members of the Hellgate Mineral Society in Missoula. Neil is the current President and also the Show Chair for the March Hellgate Rock, Mineral, and Gem Show. They participate in educating other club members at the monthly club pop-up clinics, where members can learn to use rock saws, slant lap and 6-wheel polishing machines.
Late summer through early fall you can find them adventuring out searching for new treasures. They rockhound Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to date.
The Montana Constitution is unique in that it requires the citizens of the state be given the opportunity to vote on the option to study their form and structure of local government once every ten years. This process is known as the Montana Local Government Voter Review and the seventh review cycle will be held 2024-2026. If you are wondering “What is this and how will it impact me?” this webinar is for you! Learn more about the Montana Local Government Voter Review purpose, process, scope, and next steps during this virtual presentation.
View Recording
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Ashley Kent joined the Local Government Center (LGC) in July 2014 and now serves as the LGC Associate Director. She oversees the certified education programs the LGC offers for local government officials, provides governance and leadership workshops across the state, and is working to create additional education resources in response to needs expressed by local government officials throughout Montana.
Ashley earned her bachelor's degree in Business Management from Montana State University in 2012 and her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Montana in 2017. Prior to the Local Government Center, Ashley worked in other departments at MSU including Human Resources and Institutional Equity. She also served as the System Manager of Governance for a non-profit healthcare organization.
Archive
2022/2023 Season
Foraging for wild mushrooms has become a popular activity in Montana and across the country. The idea of free food from forests and meadows is appealing, but a wrong choice for the frying pan can be potentially deadly. There are dangerous mushrooms out there--and also lots of delicious ones! This presentation covers how to get started collecting wild mushrooms, including how to find them, how to pick them, and how to identify them. Choice Montana edibles such as King Boletes, chanterelles, morels, hawk wings, lion’s mane, oysters, and more, are shown in full color and their edible properties described. The general rules for eating wild mushrooms are also important to know. Lastly, a few of the toxic species to be avoided, especially those that have caused poisonings in Montana, will be discussed. Further resources for wild mushroom hunting in Montana are provided. Learn about the diversity of mushrooms in our state and how they promote ecosystem health!
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https://chrislatray.substack.com
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Mark Gibbons is the author of nine books and two chapbooks of poetry, most recently In the Weeds and mostly cloudy. He’s edited two poetry collections for Drumlummon Institute and is the current editor of the Montana Poets Series for FootHills Publishing. For four decades, Gibbons has taught poetry to a variety of citizens in Montana from one-room schools to colleges to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. He lives in Missoula with his wife and continues to teach with the Missoula Writing Collaborative.
No recording available