Archive by category "Announcements"

2020 Reeder’s Alley Block Party Cancelled: A Letter to the Community

To announce that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s fundraiser block party due to the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19. While we wish it weren’t the case, we believe it’s the right thing to do, all things considered. Additionally, we hope that this decision allows event sponsors to redirect their contributions to organizations offering direct services for our community members most in need and health care providers on the front lines.

Once the parameters of our current health crisis situation become more clear, our goal (if possible) is to host a smaller-scale event later this year in Reeder’s Alley honoring each and every one of you and the sacrifices that you are making to try and keep our city running and people safe, near and far. Stay tuned for more information about this and please save the date for the 2021 Reeder’s Alley Block Party on Saturday, June 12th 2021.

‘What Say You?” — Philosophical Musings with Dr. Barry Ferst (An Internet Dialogue)

“What Say You?” is a fun and casual internet-based philosophy in the community activity inspired by our belief that physical distancing need not equate to social distancing. Each week philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst will share some of his philosophical musings on our Merlin Facebook page and invite readers to comment and discuss. Think SNL’s “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy”….only with somewhat more gravity (maybe).

Young Philosophers Take On COVID-19 in the Twilight Zone

In the past several weeks, COVID-19 has taken our communities by storm, forcing the closure of schools, businesses, restaurants, libraries, transport, and more. In other words….a real time, real world Twilight Zone. In response to this, our young philosophers have opted to take on COVID-19 in a manner that would make Rod Serling proud. Their adaptability, creativity, and resilience is inspiring!

Spotlight on Helena: Field Education & Research

Field education and research is an important part of public philosophy. Helena and its residents are a huge source of inspiration for us. We learn and grow from you. We also get to share how amazing you are with people outside of Helena! As part of our commitment to living the philosophical life and enriching and fine-tuning our craft, we regularly participate in several conferences and workshops throughout the year. This is also where we get to brag about you, Helena! Check out some highlights from 2019…and things on the radar for 2020!

Valley Bank Selects Merlin as an Awardee for its Christmas Giving Program

Thank you so much, Valley Bank, for your generous contribution to our organization. What a wonderful holiday surprise!! Your contribution will help to support our philosophy in the community activities for youth, including our “Big Ideas by Little Philosophers” program, our student fellowships, and our youth philosophy walks.

Merlin Community Scholar Fellow Makes 4 Montana Papers with His Article on Elk Shoulder Seasons

Congratulations to 2019 Merlin Community Scholar Fellow, Thomas Baumeister, for making the paper once again with his research and writing on the practical and moral challenges associated with elk shoulder seasons. His article was picked up by four papers across Montana: Helena Independent Record, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the Missoulian, and Butte Standard.

NEW 2020 Corporate Sponsorship Program

We were so inspired by the response to the soft-launch of our Corporate Sponsorship program in 2019 that we’re expanding our program in 2020. Our Corporate Sponsorships come with several benefits and help to support our philosophy in the community programs for youth, adults, and everyone in-between. Learn more about becoming a Merlin Corporate Sponsor in 2020!

New Program Starting November 2019: Merlin Philosophy Read-In Group

We are excited to announce the launch of a new program starting this November. At the request of several community members who expressed an interest in deep-diving into some philosophical texts together, we came up with the Merlin Philosophy Read-In Group – a bi-monthly gathering that does exactly this! Learn more about this FREE program, how the gatherings are structured, and what we’ll be exploring each month!