The Wonder Series
In the spirit of learning, PSFA is teaming up with Little Star Montessori to provide you with four inspiring events led by local community experts. Learn about astronomy, mountaineering, photography and Methow farming by signing up for these virtual events below. For sure, you can expect an interactive experience with community discussions and personal conversations with these inspiring thought leaders.

January 13, 2021 7-8PM | Bruce Balick: UW Professor Emeritus | From Here to Eternity

The post-COVID years of 2021-2 will surely be memorable for a cornucopia of profoundly exciting celestial wonderments.  Two new giant telescopes, the James Webb Telescope—to be launched a million miles beyond on the far side of the Moon—and the Vera Rubin Observatory—right here on Earth—will peer well beyond the outer visible domain of the Hubble Space Telescope.  We will explore how these new tools will start to reveal our own cosmic infancy, including the formation of the very first stars. Get ready to learn what we expect to find.
(Left) The James Webb Space Telescope- launching October 2021
(Right) Abell 2218 Galaxy Cluster- Gravity Bending Space creates the lens effect seen here. We are looking at galaxies from when the Universe was still adolescent. The James Webb Telescope will allow us to peer even deeper into the past.

January 27, 2021 7-8pm | Melissa Arnot: 1st Woman to Climb Everest Without Supplemental Oxygen

Melissa Arnot Reid is a professional athlete and mountain guide who has spent most of her adult life climbing the great mountains of the world while sharing that experience with others. In 2012 she founded a non-profit, The Juniper Fund, that provides financial support, business grants and vocational training for families of Nepali workers who are killed while working in the mountains. This work has deepened her relationships in the local communities and allowed her to share the Himalayas with her young daughter in a unique and meaningful way. Join her for stories about these wild places, what they teach us about ourselves, and how we can pay those lessons forward.
melissaarnot.com

Feb 10, 2021 7-8pm | Ryan Bell: How I dropped a $3000 camera into the bottom of Ross Lake

Join National Geographic Photographer Ryan Bell to learn that canoes tip and cameras sink. In his words: To be honest, it’s surprising I’ve gone fifteen years as a photographer before learning such wisdom. But as a National Geographic Explorer, I know that coddled cameras rarely take great pictures. Join me on a photographic journey around the world as I drop cameras from atop horses, fumble them on the cusp of sky crane, and even have archaeologists bury one in dirt (inside a plastic bag) – all in pursuit of an amazing shot. I’ll also let you in on my gutsiest photographic exploit yet – handing cameras to my daughters, ages 4 and 7, so they can document their world.
ryantbell.com

Feb 24, 2021 7-8pm | Casey Smith: Methow Sheep Farmer and Regenerative Ag expert

You've seen all his sheep on Highway 20 just west of Winthrop, now get a chance to talk to the Methow's resident regenerative agriculture expert. Casey will be talking about his family history of farming and ranching and how he was drawn to farming. He will also be talking about what regenerative agriculture is and how we can utilize regenerative practices to grow healthy food on our farms. 
bcslivestock.com