Events

TURF UNIVERSITY
sponsored by 2M Company, Inc.
MARCH 19, 20, 21 2008
FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT, MT
2 full days of technical training for the landscape irrigation and grounds maintenance professional. 
TURF UNIVERSITY FLYER
TURF UNIVERSITY AGENDA
TURF UNIVERSITY REGISTRATION PACKET

2007 RENDEZVOUS
MISSOULA, MONTANA

OPENING REMARKS BY MISSOULA MAYOR, JOHN ENGEN:

The following remarks have been reviewed by the City of Missoula ’s Human Resources Department and the City Attorneys Office. Some of the content has been changed to better reflect regulatory and legal constraints:  

Good morning, gender neutral gathering of landscape architecture professionals. (Please note that the term “good” in “good morning” is not intended to imply that morning is necessarily better than any part of the day.) It is my pleasure (in a completely non-sexual sense of the word) to welcome you (as I would any visitors to our city without regard to race, gender, religious preference or national origin) to Missoula . I’m proud to serve as mayor (an elected official with executive and fiduciary responsibilities to the citizenry) of my hometown (which in no way makes me superior, nor does it qualify me for special rights or privileges) and thank you for selecting (through a lengthy, documented and fair process) our city for your meeting.

 I’d like to draw your attention (in an open, collaborative and non-demanding way) to some of Missoula ’s attractions. (Please note that there are many fine attractions in the city and these are only a few and only representative of one opinion and are in no way intended to suggest that alternative attractions are without merit.) As you may have noticed, I have a slight weight problem (this revelation is voluntary and in no way violates personal privacy regulations), in no small part because of the many great spots to eat and drink in our fair city. (Which is not to suggest that I don’t take personal responsibility for my health and well-being, nor do I blame any of these establishments for my condition.) I’d encourage you to enjoy Missoula ’s epicurean hospitality. (With moderation. And the beverages you are about to enjoy may be hot. Or cold.)

 A couple of blocks west (these directions are for general guidance only and should not be taken literally), you’ll find Missoula ’s hand-carved carousel packed with colorful wooden ponies. (Which is not to suggest that wooden ponies are better or worse than plastic or real ponies.) And while these ponies seem to wince when I saddle up, I suspect they’d be happy to give you a ride. (This self-effacing joke indicates low self-esteem and may indicate a clear need for an intervention by the wellness team.)

Finally, our trail system provides great access to our parks, conservation lands and the beautiful Clark Fork River (which was named for an early explorer who may or may not have been lost when he wandered through the valley). Here, you may take in views of our mountains (though OSHA regulations suggest that you not exceed a 20-degree spinal ratio when sightseeing), the river and our big sky. (Though size does not determine the quality of the sky or its relative effectiveness.)

 Again, gender neutral gathering of landscape architecture professionals, welcome to Missoula . And just between you and me, I hope you have a damn nice time here.

2007 Rendezvous Pictures (Click on thumbnails to see larger photos.)