Jane Weber has been a dedicated volunteer and leader in Great Falls for over thirty years, significantly impacting the community’s history and quality of life. Appointed in the early 1990s as the liaison between the Lewis and Clark Forest Service and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Fund, she played a crucial role in establishing a world-class interpretive facility dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jane devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to this project, leading it to completion, with the center officially opening on May 3, 1998. After its inauguration, she served as the center’s first director, where she developed interactive programs and secured funding, inspiring both staff and volunteers until her retirement in 2010.
Following her retirement, Jane continued her community service as a Cascade County Commissioner, working diligently to enhance the quality of life for local residents. Her achievements include overseeing the replacement of the County Courthouse roof, addressing environmental hazards in the old jail, and establishing a Superfund site in Black Eagle to mitigate the toxic impacts of a hundred years of mining. She also served as chair of the Big Sky Country National Heritage Area Committee, which promotes the preservation of Central Montana’s historical narratives. Under her leadership, the Montana History Conference was brought to Great Falls in September 2024, attracting over 300 attendees.
Jane’s remarkable contributions to the community have earned her a nomination for the 2024 Paris Gibson Award, which recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted Great Falls through volunteerism and selfless actions. Patricia Kercher, the nominator, stated, “Jane Weber has recognized the city’s potential and has spent many years making good on its unfolding possibilities. Her work and dedication make her most worthy of receiving the Paris Gibson Award in 2024.”
To be eligible for the award, nominees must meet several criteria, including being a current resident of Great Falls, having made a significant impact on the city, providing leadership through volunteerism, and performing selfless actions for the betterment of the community. The award includes a $500 check provided by Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz of Steel Etc., which may be given to a local charity of the winner’s choice, a tree donated by Steve Tilleraas of Tilleraas Landscape Nursery, which will be planted in their honor, a granite marker donated by Montana Granite, a plaque donated by Greg and Leanne Hall, a dinner for two at P. Gibson’s, donated by P. Gibson’s Sports Grill, and a ride in a 1918 Model T Ford at the Fourth of July Parade provided by Kurt Baltrusch of the Skunk Wagon Club.
Former winners include:
Doug Wicks, 2010
Norma Ashby, 2011
Greg Hall, 2012
Ian and Nancy Davidson, 2013
Gene Thayer, 2014
Bill and Joan-Nell Macfadden, 2015
Arlyne Reichert, 2016
Sheila Rice, 2017
Brad Talcott and Linda Caricaburu, 2018
Chuck and Gerry Jennings, 2019
Judy Ericksen, 2020
David and Tanya Cameron, 2021
Bud Nicholls, 2022
Kathy Van Tighem, 2023
Harold Spilde, 2024.
The formal announcement of Jane as the 2025 Paris Gibson Award recipient will take place at the first concert of the Great Falls Municipal Band season on June 25th at the Gibson Bandshell, showcasing the community’s appreciation for her many years of dedicated service. Megan Sanford, chair of the Paris Gibson Celebration Committee, will make the announcement. The concert is free and open to the public.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
