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Wonderings

A publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU

"Thank you for sharing your personal story along with your knowledge.

Beautiful job of intertwining the two.”

-Participant, Buffalo Restoration: Healing for the Future

We Are So Lucky!


There may be a few hardy four-leafed clovers buried under the melting snow banks, but that is not what we're referring to. Living in the Gallatin Valley provides countless opportunities for exploration and learning. We feel incredibly lucky that each of you chose to spend your time with OLLI MSU, making connections, learning about interesting topics and connecting to this place we are lucky to call home.


As luck would have it, we're fortunate to have a growing number of engaged OLLI MSU members (830 and counting!) and dedicated member volunteers who help assemble over 100 popular presenters and programs for our member participants. If you have enjoyed your OLLI member programs, let us know in a program evaluation or email. If you have thoughts or resources on future OLLI programs, please share your program suggestions, and we will connect you with a program committee to discuss your ideas further.


Feeling lucky? Register and join us for the March 17 Speaker Series presentation on Historic Butte, one of the "most Irish" cities in America, and put your name in the hat to win a day pass to ski or snowshoe at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center at the base of the breathtaking Bridger Mountain Range. Another gorgeous place we are lucky to have at our doorstep!



In Gratitude,

OLLI at MSU Staff

Friday Forum: What's Happening in the 69th Montana Legislature?


The OLLI at MSU March Friday Forum will feature a virtual presentation on Montana's citizen legislature. The presentation will offer an overview of its structure and processes and updates on high-profile bills currently under consideration, providing valuable context on key legislative decisions. Attendees will gain insight into the Montana Legislature and learn how to engage in the policymaking process through public comment, testimony at committee hearings, and other forms of participation.


Featured speaker JP Pomnichowski brings extensive experience in Montana state government. She has served two terms as a state senator, three terms in the Montana House of Representatives, and as Senate minority whip. Pomnichowski will share her firsthand knowledge of legislative operations and discuss significant issues shaping the current session.


This Friday Forum meets on March 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. online via Zoom. Click or tap here for more information or to register directly through Zoom.

 

Participants must register by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions on how to join the Friday Forum. Registration is required to receive the Zoom information.

 

Friday Forum features presentations and community discussions on local and regional timely topics the second Friday of each month from September through May. OLLI at MSU Friday Forum is free and open to the public.

 

Click or tap here for past Friday Forum recordings on the OLLI at MSU Recordings page.

NEW Community Events

In collaboration with Belgrade Community Library, in their new location!


Preventing Chronic Health Conditions Through Activity-Friendly Community Design with Jennifer MacFarlane. Thursday, April 17, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. As Gallatin County grows, thoughtful planning can help residents stay healthy. Jennifer MacFarlane, a research associate at Montana State University’s Western Transportation Institute, will discuss how walkable neighborhoods, biking infrastructure, and access to healthy food impact public health. She’ll share local health data, prevention efforts, and strategies for building a transportation system that supports well-being.


Autonomous Vehicles: A Technology Driven Industry with Logan Perrault. Thursday, May 1, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Engineers have pursued autonomous vehicles for nearly a century. Recent advances in machine learning and robotics have made them a reality. This talk explores the evolution of self-driving technology, from early experiments to today’s operational services. We'll break down how these systems work, the levels of autonomy, and the industry’s key players—automakers, regulators, and the public. We’ll also discuss the social and economic impacts, including safety, congestion, and the environment.


Land Snorkeling for Wildflowers … and More with Whitney Tilt. Thursday, May 15, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Land snorkeling is taking the time to savor aspects of nature as we wander through nature with no intention of hiking to a destination. The Gallatin Valley and its surroundings are a land accented by wildflowers-from diminutive orchids to plants that flower once every 60 years.


Arrive at each presentation early for refreshments at 5:30 p.m.


These collaborative community events are presented by OLLI at MSU and the Belgrade Community Library, with sponsorship by the Belgrade Community Library Foundation. They are free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.


Please note that the Belgrade Community Library NEW LOCATION: 205 E Main Street, adjacent to Lewis & Clark Park.

March Programs Coming Soon!


Speaker Series: Historic Butte: Montana's Mining City with Derek Strahn. Monday, March 17, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Face-to-face at the Museum of the Rockies.


Course: Montana Government and Montana's Citizen Legislature with JP Pomnichowski. Wednesdays, March 19 - April 23, 10:00 - noon. Face-to-face at Hope Lutheran Church.


Speaker Series: Montana PBS: Its History and Future with Aaron Pruitt. Monday, March 24, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Face-to-face at the Museum of the Rockies.


Course: Pre-recorded Going Local: Bozeman's History From Frontier Times To Present with Derek Strahn. Recordings will become available in your OLLI at MSU account weekly after March 27. You will receive an email with access instructions when the recordings are available to view.


Osher Online Course: Women: The Forgotten "Men" in History with Diana Carlin. Mondays, March 31 May 5, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Online via Zoom.


Member volunteer highlight:

Lori Rosolowsky


Lori Rosolowsky is a Bozeman, Montana-based pianist, singer-songwriter, educator, performer, producer, and founder/owner of a performing arts management and consulting firm in Bozeman, MT.


Lori double majored in science and music at Oberlin College (B.A.). She earned a Ph.D. at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She returned to music after a career in environmental science.


Lori chairs the Preludes & Performances Committee at OLLI MSU, coordinating events designed to increase audience engagement of arts offerings in Montana. These have included concerts, theatre productions and more.


As a collaborative pianist, Lori has accompanied students who have won multiple university, state and regional competitions. She will accompany Cellist Ross Moriarty for his senior recital, playing Bach's Cello Suites and Sergei Rachmaninov's Cello Sonata, Op. 19, a fiendishly difficult and glorious work for both piano and cello.


Listen to Lori and cellist Ross Moriarty in action this coming Monday, March 10, for “Rach ‘n’ Bach.” The recital is from 7:30-8:30 pm at the Reynolds Recital Hall at MSU. All are welcome, and admission is free.

Wintery-Spring Season Reads


OLLI at MSU offers three member exclusive book discussion groups. We are sharing the below titles to allow you time to enjoy a good cozy read and join in the discussions! You may join any of the groups below for one, a few, or all of the sessions. OLLI membership and registration is required to participate in the book discussion groups.

OLLI Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group

The City that Ate Itself: Butte, Montana and Its Expanding Berkeley Pit

Brian Leech

March 17,

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

OLLI Mystery Book Discussion Group

Who Killed King Tut? Using Modern Forensics to Solve a 3,300-Year-Old Mystery

Michael King and Gregory Cooper with Don DeNevi

April 1,

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Online via Zoom

OLLI at MSU Book Discussion Group

James: A Novel

Percival Everett

March 10,

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Face-to-face

Hope Lutheran Church

Campus Corner

Below are a few upcoming events offered on the Montana State University Bozeman campus that may interest our OLLI at MSU members. Click or tap titles and locations for more information. These events are not sponsored or produced by OLLI at MSU.


If It Feels Wrong, It Is Wrong: Local Help for Abuse, Assault and Manipulation in Relationships Thursday, March 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Bozeman Public Library In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), join Academic Technology and Outreach for a series of presentations by community organizations about locally available support and resources for abuse, assault and manipulation in relationships. These presentations are free and open to the public; no advance registration is required. All presentations will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Bozeman Public Library. At the March 13 presentation, learn more about Haven, a fixture of the local community for 40 years, and its mission to provide safe, effective support for those dealing with domestic violence, sex trafficking and stalking. This presentation will detail the support line, emergency shelter, counseling services and legal advocacy that Haven provides for Gallatin County, and discuss the meaning of consent.


Virtual Fossil Friday Friday, March 14, 9:00-9:30 a.m. Online via Zoom. Join Museum of the Rockies Outreach Program Manager Ashley Hall to explore the evolutionary history of fascinating fossil specimens. Meet paleontologists from around the globe and discover how fossils reveal the story of life on Earth. Bring your curiosity and questions! Free and open to the public.


Unseen Yellowstone: Microbial Discoveries and Biotech Applications Wednesday, March 26, noon - 1:00 p.m. Byker Auditorium, Chemistry & Biochemistry Building or online via Webex. The Institute on Ecosystems presents Brent Peyton for their Rough Cut Seminar Series. Dr. Peyton is a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the director of the Thermal Biology Institute at Montana State University. This event is free and open to the public.

Would You Like More OLLI?


Follow the OLLI at MSU Facebook page for program updates and reminders, news, and technology tips. The best time to follow is now.

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We hope you enjoy the selection of items we have chosen for this edition. Everything in this email will be archived on the Newsletter Archive page of our website.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach. OLLI at MSU provides intellectually stimulating and enjoyable programs that foster lifelong learning and community engagement for individuals 50 and greater. There are no tests, no grades and no papers. OLLI at MSU offers opportunities for the pure joy of learning. Become a member, make a contribution and support OLLI MSU's lifelong learning programs, consider teaching for OLLI at MSU. Contact the OLLI office by phone at 406-994-6646.