Three Cups of Tea

Mountain-climbing adventurer/author/school builder/humanitarian Greg Mortenson recently visited Chico to discuss his work in fostering world peace. (Click here for a clip of Greg chatting with reporters during his visit.) His fascinating book, Three Cups of Tea, chronicles the path that lead him from his failed attempt to summit K2 in 1993 to building over 73 schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. After reading his book in my book club, we had one of the best discussions in our 10-year history, supplemented by photos one of our members had taken over 20 years ago when she traveled in that region. (His book was also chosen as the "book in common" in both Chico and Sacramento.) The kids at Rose Scott Learning Community (for ADHD and austistic kids) are busy collecting coins for Pennies for Peace, one of the fundraising projects started by Greg. (Click here for the official web site to see how you or your group can participate.) Just goes to show you that one person really CAN make a difference!

New School Offers Hope

This evening I attended a fundraising dinner for the newly-opened Rose Scott K-12 Learning Community, a school for students with ADHD and autism. Founder and Director/Lead Teacher Cindy Carlson was on hand to talk about the school and the role it plays in helping children who don't "fit the mold." According to their brochure, the school emphasizes the arts, music (which the kids LOVE), science, social studies, math, language, physical exercise, peace studies, compassionate communication, service learning, sustainability and preparedness for life success. Sounds like a curriculum to which ALL of our schools should aspire! I truly admire Cindy and her staff of volunteers for dedicating themselves to offering hope to children (and their parents) who may find the "regular" classroom setting a frustrating, esteem-sapping place.

Note: the school could use help in a number of areas--funds, supplies and volunteer hours (just two per week). They are currently looking for a drum set for their music room. Please contact Cindy at 354-3101 or rosescott4adhd@gmail.com if you can help. Thanks!