Activities and Events
On-going
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
April 2009
All events are free and open to the public!
Book in Common Goes Global!
This year's Book in Common, Three Cups of Tea, deals with important global issues - war, peace, education in developing countries, the role of the US in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the roots of terrorist violence.
The book has been adopted as a Book in Common not only by CSU, Chico and the Associated Students, but also by Butte College, The City of Chico, Enloe Medical Center, Butte County Library, the Chico Unified School District, the Chico Enterprise Record, Lyon's Books, Barnes and Noble, and many others
Our goal is to foster a greater sense of community here in Chico through a common reading and focused discussion of the Book in Common, and in the case of Three Cups of Tea specifically, to enhance our understanding of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Islamic world generally. To this end, all of the partners listed above have developed programming, events, and speakers to encourage people to red the book and discuss the ideas.
We also hope to use the Book in Common to support Mortenson's mission. Greg Mortenson will be visiting Chico on April 21, 2009. Wouldn't it be great to present Mr. Mortenson with a big check that would allow him and his foundation, the Central Asia Institute, to build one more school for the Children in this region, one that is of such importance to our country and to world peace?
When Mortenson heard about our efforts, and that our schools in Chico did not have the funds to buy the book for students, he sent 200 copies of the book!
For more information on the community read of Three Cups of Tea, please check out the calendar of events below.
Other important Web sites are found on our links page. You will be able to see how each of the partners is working to connect the community through Three Cups of Tea.
On-going Events
Artifacts from Pakistan (exhibit)
Where: CSU, Chico, Meriam Library
A presentation of artifacts from Pakistan will be displayed in the Meriam Library exhibit cases September through October, including shawls and caps, small crafts, jewelry, and photographs illustrating the people, culture, and country.
September 2008
Book in Common Kick Off (event)
When: Thursday, September 18, 6:30 PM
Where: Chico City Plaza
The Downtown Chico Business Association and the City of Chico kick off the Community Book in Common, Three Cups of Tea. Mayor Andy Holcombe presents a proclamation at Chico’s City Plaza, and local actors and students will do readings from the book.
Charlie Wilson’s War (film)
When: Monday, September 22, 7:00 PM
Where: CSU, Chico, Performing Arts Center 144
The Associated Students at CSU, Chico, presents Charlie Wilson’s War, the 2007 film based on the Texas congressman’s covert dealings in Afghanistan where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have had far-reaching impact on domestic and world politics. Charlie Wilson’s War is directed by Mike Nichols, starring Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, and Julia Roberts.
Book in Common Reading Group (meeting)
When: Tuesday, September 23, 4:30 PM
- 5:30 PM
Where: CSU, Chico Bell Memorial Union, Common Grounds
Please join us for the formation of campus & community reading groups focused on this year’s Book in Common, Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea.
This gathering is designed to bring together students, staff, faculty and interested community members for mixed reading groups that will meet twice in the fall (in October and in November) at times and places that work for the group members. We are asking that groups meet one more time, in the spring, just before or just after Greg Mortenson’s campus visit. Reading group members are eligible to win tickets for Mortenson’s talk on April 21 in Laxson Hall (this event is already completely booked). For more information, direct questions to Thia Wolf at 898-6579 or e-mail her at cwolf@csuchico.edu.
Pakistan – Land of the Pure (lecture)
When: Tuesday, September 23, 5:00 PM
Where: CSU, Chico Holt Hall, Room 170
CSU, Chico International Forum presents professor Mahan Mirza, Religious Studies, who will speak about his native country in his lecture, "Pakistan - Land of the Pure."
Karakoram Stories (slide show)
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2:00 PM
Where: Butte College main campus, Center for Excellence, Library, Room 210
Butte College presents Bill Travers, a local mountaineer and Karakoram trek leader who will share stories and slides of this area that is the centerpiece of Three Cups of Tea.
October 2008
The Gangster’s Search for Meaning: A Multicultural Interpretation (panel discussion)
When: Wednesday, October 1, 7:30 PM
Where: CSU, Chico, Performing Arts Center 134
Tom Imhoff, director of the CSU, Chico Peace Institute, presents "The Gangster’s Search for Meaning: A Multicultural Interpretation." Panel members include Jesse Dizard, anthropology, Michael Coyle, political science, and William Stewart, emeritus professor, political science, who will address the attraction of gang membership in the U.S. and foreign countries. They will explore the dynamics that draw young people to violence, whether domestic gangs or religious fundamentalist movements like the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A Trek to K2 Base Camp in Pakistan
When: Sunday, October 5, 4 - 5 p.m.
Where: Ayres Hall Room 106
Bill Travers, a trek leader for four years in Pakistan and other areas around the Karakoram mountain, leads us on a tour of this famous Himalayan climb. Free Admission
Teen Reading Week
When: Sunday, October 12 – Saturday, October 18
This is Teen Reading Week, a national week to support reading in the community. Make a difference in the lives of your favorite teens: give them the gift of Three Cups of Tea and have a conversation about Greg Mortenson’s quest and the impact one person can have on so many lives.
Three Cups of Tea (panel discussion)
When: Thursday, October 16, 1:30 PM
Where: Butte College main campus, Center for Excellence, Library, Room 210
Butte College presents a panel discussion on Three Cups of Tea. Faculty from several disciplines will share their insights about the book.
Restorative Justice: A New Paradigm for Social Transformation (lecture)
When: Monday, October 20, 7:30 PM
Where: CSU, Chico, Performing Arts Center 134
The CSU, Chico Peace Institute presents "Restorative Justice: A New Paradigm for Social Transformation," featuring Azim Khamisa, an African born immigrant who migrated to the U.S. after being targeted by the late dictator Idi Amin. After building a new life, he experienced many losses, including the tragic murder of his son by a 14-year-old gang member. Khamisa explores the many possible responses to violent and costly anti-social behavior. He suggests that responding to violence with understanding and nonviolence leads to social transformation. This theme of restorative justice echoes the experiences of Greg Mortenson.
Charlie Wilson’s War (film)
When: Thursday, October 23, 12:30 PM
Where: Butte County Library in Paradise
The library, presents Charlie Wilson’s War, the 2007 film based on the Texas congressman’s covert dealings in Afghanistan where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have had far-reaching impact on domestic and world politics. Charlie Wilson’s War is directed by Mike Nichols, starring Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, and Julia Roberts. Butte County Library in Paradise at 5922 Clark Road.
Charlie Wilson’s War (film)
When: Saturday, October 25, 2:00 PM
Where: Oroville Branch Library
Oroville Branch Library, presents Charlie Wilson’s War, the 2007 film based on the Texas congressman’s covert dealings in Afghanistan where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have had far-reaching impact on domestic and world politics. Charlie Wilson’s War is directed by Mike Nichols, starring Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, and Julia Roberts. Oroville Branch Library, 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville. Free popcorn.
Anthropologists at War: Human Terrain Systems and the War in Afghanistan (lecture)
When: Thursday, October 30, 4:00 PM
Where: CSU, Chico, Ayers Hall 120
The Anthropology Forum at CSU, Chico will host Jesse Dizard, Anthropology, who will present "Anthropologists at War: Human Terrain Systems and the War in Afghanistan."
November 2008
The Current State of Education in Pakistan: Between Literacy, Security, and Human Rights
When: Wednesday, November 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: CSU, Chico, PAC 134
CSU, Chico's CAPE program presents Amjad Nooran, director of The Citizen Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity organization in the Bay Area that supports education for underprivileged children in neglected communities in Pakistan. The talk is free and open.
The Kite Runner (film)
When: Thursday, November 13 , 7 p.m.
Where: Butte Co. Library, Chico branch, 1108 Sherman Ave.
The 2007 film The Kite Runner, directed by Marc Forster and based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, tells the story of two childhood friends and what follows in their adult lives. The film’s depiction of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban is all too real and horrifying and will leave an indelible impression.
Reel Bad Arabs (film)
When: Wednesday, November 19, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Butte College main campus, Center for Excellence, Library, Room 210
The Thinking Theater Film Series at Butte College presents Reel Bad Arabs, a groundbreaking documentary that shows how Hollywood vilifies Arabs, from the earliest days of silent films to the present. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.
Osama (film)
When: Saturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Oroville Branch Library
Osama, the first Afghan film to be made since the end of the Taliban regime, is directed by Siddiq Barmak who delivers the emotional story of a 12-year-old Afghan girl and her mother. They lose their jobs when the Taliban closes the hospital where they work, and with father and brother dead, there is no one left to support the family. Without being able to leave the house, the mother is left with nowhere to turn. To protect the two of them she disguises her daughter as a boy called Osama. The girl embarks on a terrifying and confusing journey as she tries to keep the Taliban from finding out her true identity. Oroville Branch Library, 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville. Free popcorn.
December 2008
Charlie Wilson's War (film)
When: Thursday, December 11, 7 p.m.
Where: Butte Co. Library, Chico branch, 1108 Sherman Ave.
Charlie Wilson’s War is a 2007 film based on the Texas congressman’s covert dealings in Afghanistan where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have had far-reaching impact on domestic and world politics. Charlie Wilson’s War is directed by Mike Nichols, starring Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, and Julia Roberts.
January 2009
For adults: Sugar and Spice Tea Party
When: January 22, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Butte County Library, Oroville Branch, 1820 Mitchell Ave.
Come enjoy traditional Pakistani sweet tea and bread and hear the cultural history of the drink.
Children of Heaven (film)
When: Thursday, January 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Butte Co. Library, Chico branch, 1108 Sherman Ave.
Children of Heaven is a film about modern-day Iran. Eight-year-old Ali and his younger sister, Zahra, are accustomed to shouldering much responsibility. When Ali loses Zahra's only—and recently mended—pair of shoes, the siblings are too scared to tell their father about the loss and can't afford to buy another pair. When the shoes are finally found on another girl, who probably needs them just as much, it's up to the boy to find a way to get his sister a new pair of shoes.
Children of Heaven (film)
When: Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Oroville Branch Library
The Butte County Library presents Children of Heaven, a film about modern-day Iran. Eight-year-old Ali and his younger sister, Zahra, are accustomed to shouldering much responsibility. When Ali loses Zahra's only—and recently mended—pair of shoes, the siblings are too scared to tell their father about the loss and can't afford to buy another pair. When the shoes are finally found on another girl, who probably needs them just as much, it's up to the boy to find a way to get his sister a new pair of shoes. Oroville Branch Library, 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville. Free popcorn.
Osama (film)
When: Thursday, January 29, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Butte County Library in Paradise, 5922 Clark Road
Osama, the first Afghan film to be made since the end of the Taliban regime, is directed by Siddiq Barmak who delivers the emotional story of a 12-year-old Afghan girl and her mother. They lose their jobs when the Taliban closes the hospital where they work, and with father and brother dead, there is no one left to support the family. Without being able to leave the house, the mother is left with nowhere to turn. To protect the two of them she disguises her daughter as a boy called Osama. The girl embarks on a terrifying and confusing journey as she tries to keep the Taliban from finding out her true identity. Butte County Library in Paradise, 5922 Clark Road.
February 2009
Children of Heaven (film)
When: Saturday, February 7, 2:00 PM
Where: Durham Branch Library
The Butte County Library presents Children of Heaven, a film about modern-day Iran. Eight-year-old Ali and his younger sister, Zahra, are accustomed to shouldering much responsibility. When Ali loses Zahra's only—and recently mended—pair of shoes, the siblings are too scared to tell their father about the loss and can't afford to buy another pair. When the shoes are finally found on another girl, who probably needs them just as much, it's up to the boy to find a way to get his sister a new pair of shoes. Durham Branch Library, 2545 Durham/Dayton Highway.
Folktales from around the world for children
When: February 26, 3:30 p.m -4:30 p.m.
Where: Butte County Library, Oroville Branch, 1820 Mitchell Ave.
Come listen to a variety of traditional folktales from Central Asia.
The Kite Runner (film)
When: Saturday, February 28, 2:00 PM
Where: Oroville Branch Library
The 2007 film The Kite Runner, directed by Marc Forster and based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, tells the story of two childhood friends and what follows in their adult lives. The film’s depiction of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban is all too real and horrifying and will leave an indelible impression. Oroville Branch Library, 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville. Free popcorn.
March 2009
The Kite Runner (film)
When: Saturday, March 7, 2:00 PM
Where: Durham Branch Library
The 2007 film The Kite Runner, directed by Marc Forster and based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, tells the story of two childhood friends and what follows in their adult lives. The film’s depiction of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban is all too real and horrifying and will leave an indelible impression. Durham Branch Library, 2545 Durham/Dayton Highway.
The Kite Runner (film)
When: Thursday, March 26, 12:30 PM
Where: Butte County Library in Paradise
The 2007 film The Kite Runner, directed by Marc Forster and based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, tells the story of two childhood friends and what follows in their adult lives. The film’s depiction of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban is all too real and horrifying and will leave an indelible impression. Butte County Library in Paradise at 5922 Clark Road.
Kite Making
When: March 26, 3:30 p.m -5 p.m.
Where: Butte County Library, Oroville Branch, 1820 Mitchell Ave.
This is a family activity to follow the Pakistani tradition of making brightly colored kites.
April 2009
Three Cups of Tea Book Discussion
When: April 16, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Butte County Library, Oroville Branch, 1820 Mitchell Ave.
Three Cups of Tea Author, Greg Mortenson (lecture)
When: Tuesday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: CSU, Chico, Laxson Auditorium
Hodgkins Peace Lecturer and Book in Common author Greg Mortenson will tell about his adventures in developing schools throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan, one of the most historically and culturally pivotal areas in the world today. This free event is "sold out" as all the tickets have been distributed.
