‘Exploring the Arts’ & public info sessions at Library
Bozeman Public Library offers more than just a vast selection of books, periodicals, and movies to its many pass-holders — it also hosts a number of fun and engaging events open to the public. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Gallatin Valley Friends of Cuba will present a free, public presentation to discuss their recent travels on Thursday, February 15th from 7–9pm in the Large Community Room. This illustrated presentation and exchange will feature updates to U.S. travel, impacts of changing U.S. policy, music from the International Jazz Festival, pink flamingos and more!
The travelers ventured to Cuba on a Montana citizen diplomacy delegation, exploring and meeting with a variety of Cuban people about how their country continues to advance in health, education, women’s human rights, music, arts and community development, agriculture and eco-tourism in four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel participants included MSU faculty Lauren Gette-King and Jan Strout as well as Native American studies graduate student Avery Old Coyote, plus community members Jorge Vasquez and Tomas Waldorf.
Following February 16th, administrators from Gallatin College Montana State University will present a Friday Forum, “Addressing Workforce Needs in our Community and Southwest Montana,” beginning at noon. The forum is hosted by MSU Wonderlust and will be held at the Bozeman Public Library.
Since 2008, enrollment at Gallatin College MSU has more than doubled, and program offerings have increased nearly four-fold, according to Bob Hietala, dean of the college. Hietala and Stephanie Gray, director of the college’s workforce programs, will present an overview of Gallatin College, including its history, mission, programs and students. They will also talk about their efforts to assess the increasing workforce needs of the local economy as well as how the college is working to address those needs.
Hietala has served as Gallatin College MSU’s dean since 2008. He has more than 30 years of experience working with for-profit, nonprofit and public sector programs. He has lived in Bozeman since 2000.
Gray has worked with Gallatin College MSU for five years. She has lived and worked in Bozeman since 1995.
The forum is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch. For more information on MSU Wonderlust, visit http://montanawonderlust.org.
An info session regarding Montessori Education Through the Developmental Years is set for Tuesday, February 27th at 6:30pm. This gathering is designed to help parents in their decision-making process by informing them about the Montessori philosophy, method and the benefits for their child at different stages of development.
What is Montessori education? What can Montessori education do for my child? How does it differ from other types of educational experiences? In relation to preschool through the elementary school years, these are some of the questions that will be addressed. The presentation will include a panel of experienced Montessori educators followed by a Q&A with teachers and parents whose children are currently enrolled in a Montessori program: early childhood (including Kindergarten), lower elementary or upper elementary.
Closing out the month on Wednesday, February 28th, Rocky Mountain Development Council (RMDC) will present free presentation “Welcome to Medicare” beginning at noon. Are you approaching Medicare age? Need help navigating the Medicare maze? People new to Medicare are invited to attend this session to learn about Medicare basics. As trained Medicare counselors, RMDC staff can help you make wise, informed decisions about your Medicare coverage without the pressure of for-profit advertising. This presentation is open to the public.
Free Tax Assistance returns to the Library during tax season, with services offered by appointment on Tuesdays from 10am–6pm through April 17th.
Certified volunteers will be available to assist low or moderate income taxpayers complete basic tax returns for federal and state taxes. These trained volunteers can help with earned income credit, child tax credit, education credits, and homeowner/renter credit. All ages are welcome for tax assistance!
Appointments are required and can be made by calling (406) 586-6641. This service is sponsored by AARP Tax Aid.
Yoga for All abilities continues through the winter months. This weekly event is held every Tuesday from 11–11:45am and 12–12:45pm in the Large Community Room. The classes are taught by certified yoga instructors Karen Averitt and Jen Brick, in the morning and afternoon, respectively. The morning class tends to have more kids following Books & Babies, but all are welcome to either class. Open to all ages and abilities, instructors focus on the basics of yoga, breathing, and mind/body connections. Please bring your own mat and any props you choose to use, including blocks or straps.
The Bozeman Public Library is located at 626 E Main St. For more information about these and other events, please visit www.bozemanlibrary.org. •
