We have a new writing project neighbor in Eastern Montana. I
had the privilege of accompanying Rachel Bear of the National Writing Project on a visit to the proposed Elk
River Writing Project Site in Billings, Montana September 30-October 1st. We arrived on a beautiful day—the
leaves were changing color in the valley of the Yellowstone River, and the sun
shown on the beautiful rimrock along the edge of the canyon. First, we met in
the English department of Montana State University in Billings. University Director, Tami Haaland, a
poet, met us on campus and brought us to the top floor of the building, where
we met with faculty members, the press, teachers from the local schools, and
Reno Charette, the American Indian Outreach Director. Rachel gave an overview
of the National Writing Project, and I contributed my perspective as Director
of the Red River Valley Writing Project.
