Focusing on making a difference in the global
community
Three
cups of tea : one man's mission to promote peace--one school
at a time
by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
About this book: Anyone
who despairs of the individual's power to change lives has to
read the story of Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber and nurse
who, following a failed 1993 climb of Pakistan's treacherous
K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished
mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over
the next decade he built fifty-five schools - especially for
girls - that offer a balanced education in one of the most
isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles
Mortenson's quest, which has brought him into conflict with
both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three
Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the
humanitarian spirit.
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Events
February 2 through March 9
Pennies for Peace
Colorful collection containers at the library and
throughout the community offer everyone an opportunity to support
Greg Mortenson's mission to build schools, especially girls'
schools, in remote Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Monday, Feb. 4 at 7 pm
Dr. Jerene Mortenson
Dr. Jerene Mortenson, Greg's mother and former
Westside principal, talks about her son's life-changing
mission. Dr. Mortenson served as principal of Westside
Elementary in the 1990s when the students collected those 62,340
pennies that helped build that first school. She will be speaking
about her son's work in Pakistan.
Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2 pm
Ezekiel Village In Haiti
Curt Larson, a member of a local ecumenical group
building houses and a school in Haiti, talks about the ongoing
project.
Sunday, February 17 at 2pm
Helping Children In China
Dr. Tim and Jane Steinmetz provide care for orphans
in China and teach medical skills to orphanage staff.
Monday, February 18 at 7 pm
Book Discussion
Leader: Amy Glaser
Get in on some great conversation! Discussion Groups
will be held at the library. No preparation required.
Wednesday, February 20 at 7 pm
Film: The Mis-education of Pakistan
This hard-hitting documentary short takes an
unflinching look at the Central Asian nation's woeful public
education system, where substandard facilities and vast economic
inequalities have resulted in socially crippling illiteracy rates.
Thursday, February 28 at 7pm
Better Vision In Mexico
Dr. Bob and Mary Conroy Johnson will talk about their
ongoing work to provide eyeglasses to the poor in Mexico. Sponsored
by the Lions Club, they travel there several times a year bringing
glasses from Wisconsin.
Sunday, March 2 at 2 pm
Book Discussion
Leaders: Nancy Miller and Katie Chaffee
Get in on some great conversation! Discussion Groups
will be held at the library. No preparation required.
Saturday, March 8 at 10:30am - 12 pm
Children The World Over
UW-River Falls Falcon Fellows offer school-age
children a chance to be involved in learning about children from
different cultures around the world.
Sunday, March 9 at 2 pm
Lending a Hand: Local Aid Programs
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration and
opportunity as representatives of several local organizations
introduce to you their programs and offer a chance to get involved
and make a difference on a local level.
What is River Falls Reads?
This project is modeled on one created by a librarian
in Seattle, Washington. The idea is to create connections among a
diverse population by providing a common thread through reading.
Join in and enjoy!
Want to read the book?
Copies
of the book are available from the library or through the MORE
catalog. Two book discussions will be held during the program.
See dates inside. If your book group would like to use the book at
your next meeting, ask for a list of discussion questions.
Want to learn more?
There are bibliographies
and websites available on this region and
on humanitarian work in other areas of the world.
Want to do something?
The population of River Falls is nearing 14,000. This
doesn't include those living in the adjacent townships. Greg
Mortenson built that first school for $12,000. If everyone in River
Falls gave $1, we could help build a school. Look for Pennies for
Peace jars at the library and other local merchants
Special Thanks to:
- River Falls Library Foundation
- Amy Lloyd & the UW-RF Falcon Fellows
- River Falls Journal
- Michel Tigan (Big Brothers, Big Sisters)
- Jim Dieck (Feed My Starving Children)
- Janna Carl (Food Pantry)
- Rev. Chris Myers (Tuesday Banquet)
- Ed Paulson (Salvation Army)
Sponsored by:
- River Falls Public Library
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