For the first time ever, librarians in Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Spring Green, Barneveld, Blanchardville, Hollandale and Cobb have selected a book to be the Uplands Area All-Community Read. Greg Mortenson’s newest book book Stones into Schools has been selected not only because it comes in adult, young adult and early reader editions but because the book will help build bridges within our own communities and with communities half way around the world. (Mortenson’s first book was Three Cups of Tea) This exciting, intergenerational year-long project is sponsored by the Dodgeville Library, Grassroots, the Dodgeville Kiwanis Club and Folklore Village. The project is funded by the Wisconsin Humanities Council.
The Center for South Asia is coordinating a film and lecture series in Iowa County:
January 2 — An Introduction to Afghanistan
Dodgeville Public Library – 6-8 pm
Afghanistan is in the news everyday here in the United States; however, it has been approached by the media with selected angels. In his presentation, Rehman Khan will provide first-hand information on the country and give a general overview of its geography and topography, government structure, population, languages, religion, economy, health, education system and festivals and holidays. The session will be followed by Q&A.
January 16 — US-Afghan Relationship
Stonefiled Apartments, 407 E Madison, Dodgeville – 2-4 pm
The historical accounts reveal that the first American visited Afghanistan in the early 1800s; however, the history of formal US – Afghan diplomatic relations is not very long. Historians argue that the United States had been ‘ignorant’ about Afghanistan being one of the most pivotal states in the non-Arab Muslim world, serving as the crossroads of South, Central, and Southwest Asia. However, following the escalating political and strategic interests of the USSR, the United States moved to the South Asian region, particularly Afghan, after the WW-II during the cold war era. Nonetheless, the Americans were still not very clear to prioritize their focus of cooperation and interests until the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Rehman Khan will highlight the US-Afghan relationships with historical perspective leading to the present day strategic partnership between the two countries – United States and Afghanistan; and their overall impact in the South Asia region.
January 28 — Friday Nite at the Movies: The Kite Runner
The Mineral Point Opera House, Mineral Point – 7 pm
February 13 — Afghan Women – Facts and Myths
Stonefiled Apartments, 407 E Madison, Dodgeville – 2-4 pm
Ever since the Taliban regime and subsequent US attack on Afghanistan, the media brought Afghan women in the limelight. She has been depicted sick, oppressed an individual with no human rights. Throughout the twentieth century, the faces of Afghan woman have drifted in and out of Afghan politics and power. Her present position in modern Afghanistan is highly contested in varied discourses. What are facts and what are the myths? Are the true needs of Afghan women properly addressed through the modern western development strategies? And, how an Afghan woman can be helped within her context? These are few of the questions which Dr. Aaliya BiBi is going to address; also, she endeavors to find their answers in light of her ten years of working experience with Afghan women in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
February 25 — Friday Nite at the Movies: Afghan Star
The Mineral Point Opera House, Mineral Point – 7 pm
March 13 – The Afghan Nowrūz Festival
Stonefiled Apartments, 407 E Madison, Dodgeville – 2-4 pm
Nowrūz (“New Day”, originally “New Light”) is the traditional celebration of the ancient Iranian New Year. Nowruz is also widely referred to as the Persian New Year. Nowruz is celebrated and observed by Iranian peoples and the related cultural continent and has spread in many other parts of the world, including parts of Central ans South Asia, including Afghanistan. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Persian or Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. Aaliya will share the history and tradition of the festival, the presentation will include a practical presentation of music and cooking.
OTHER EVENTS – 2011
Many FREE events, all open to the public, are planned for Stones into Schools, Three Cups of Tea or Listen to the Wind readers – from informal discussions at coffee shops, book stores and libraries to forums, films and cultural exchanges. Join the Big Read! And come to the April 10 Culminating Event!
HOLLANDALE – Thurs., Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at Hollandale Library, 200 5th Ave.
DODGEVILLE – Sat., Jan. 8, 10 a.m.
Kids Only Book Club (ages 10 to 12) will read Three Cups of Tea at Dodgeville Library.
SPRING GREEN – Thurs., Jan. 20, 7 p.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at Spring Green Library.
DODGEVILLE – Fri., Jan. 21, 2 p.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at Dodgeville Library, led by Edgewater College professor Vince Kavaloski.
BARNEVELD – Weds., Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 30, 10:30 a.m.
Story Time at Barneveld Library. Kids will read Listen to the Wind and do related crafts.
COBB – Tues., Feb. 1, 7 p.m.
Cobb Library Book Club will discuss Stones into Schools, Cobb Library, 109 Mifflin.
MINERAL POINT – Sat., Feb. 12, 10 a.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at Set in Stone bookstore, corner of Commerce and High Streets in Mineral Point
MINERAL POINT – Wed., Feb. 23, 12:15 p.m.
Listen to the Wind and Three Cups of Tea Discussion at Hodan Center, 941 W. Fountain.
BLANCHARDVILLE – Feb. or March, date to be announced.
Stones into Schools Discussion, Blanchardville Library
MINERAL POINT and DODGEVILLE – Sun., Feb. 27 9:00 a.m. (Mineral Point Congregational UCC) and 10:30 a.m. (Plymouth Congregational UCC in Dodgeville)
Hidayeth Ansari of the Islamic Center of Madison and Rev. Todd Smith will share the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. Ansari will also join the adult ed discussion from noon to 1 p.m. at Plymouth UCC (Dodgeville).
BLANCHARDVILLE – Feb. or March, date to be announced.
Family Story Hour featuring young adult and children’s versions of books.
ARENA – Tues., March 1, 6:30 p.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at Herb, Spices and More, 7352 Hwy. 14 in Arena.
BARNEVELD – date to be announced
Over 55 Group will discuss the book in February.
MINERAL POINT – Sun., March 6, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Children’s Event at Shake Rag Alley. A reading of Listen to the Wind and Afghan-inspired arts and craft projects.
MINERAL POINT – Wed., March 9, 12:15 p.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at Hodan Center, 941 W. Fountain.
DODGEVILLE – Mon., March 14, 3 p.m.
Stones into Schools Discussion at the Cook’s Room, 102 N. Iowa. Enjoy a cup of coffee – and good conversation!
MINERAL POINT – Tues., March 22, 7 p.m.
Mineral Point Book Club will discuss Stones into Schools, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 409 High St.
SPRING GREEN – Thurs., March 24, 7 p.m.
Discussion of Stones into Schools, 43/90 North Earth Bookstore (across the street from General Store), 128 South Albany Sun., April 10, 2 to 5 p.m.
THE UPLANDS STONES INTO SCHOOLS COMMUNITY READ CULMINATING EVENT
at Folklore Village. People of all ages are invited to this wonderful “Community Conversation and Cultural Celebration” at Folklore Village, 3210 County B (east of Dodgeville, off of Hwy. 151)
For additional events check out grassrootswi.org or dodgevillelibrary.com.
Students are reading the books at Pecatonica Middle School (January); Dodgeville High School (January) and Iowa-Grant Elementary and Middle Schools (February). Teachers can check with their local libraries for a class room packet. Purchase the books locally in Spring Green at 43/90 North Earth Bookstore (across the street from General Store), in Mineral Point at Set in Stone Bookstore (corner of Commerce and High), in Dodgeville at Hometown Pharmacy, 206 N Iowa Street. Or you can borrow the books from libraries in Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Barneveld, Blanchardville, Cobb, Hollandale and Spring Green.
This project is co-sponsored by the Dodgeville Library, Dodgeville Kiwanis, Folklore Village and Grassroots Citizens of Wisconsin and is funded in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Humanities Council supports and creates programs that use history, culture and discussion to strengthen community life for everyone in Wisconsin. Any views, findings, conclusions or recom men dations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.