Pella community members are invited to read “The Sacred Acre,” discuss the story together and hear guest speaker Aaron Thomas — all part of a community reading experience sponsored by Central College and the Pella Wellness Consortium.
“The Sacred Acre,” by Mark Tabb, tells the story of highly successful Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach Ed Thomas, who helped his community rebuild after its 2008 tornado — then was murdered by a former player. Copies of the book are available at the Central College Spirit Shoppe, The Sanctuary and Gifts on Jefferson (Pella Regional Health Center).
Kristi Leonard, assistant dean of students, said the book is perfect for community discussion because it fosters thought around wellness, community, character and faith. “It’s not just another football book,” says Leonard. “It has a strong and inspirational message about our priorities in life and about community.”
Anyone is welcome to join one of the following community book discussions:
Noon Sept. 25 – Central College Geisler Library
7 p.m. Sept. 26 – Pella Public Library
7 p.m. Sept. 27 – Central College Geisler Library
Noon Sept. 28 – Pella Public Library
For the final event, Ed’s son Aaron Thomas, will speak at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 in Central’s H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. Aaron will also be available afterward for questions and book signings.
The Pella Wellness Consortium was founded last fall and includes community wellness leaders from Central College, Pella Corporation, Pella Regional Health Center, Precision Pulley & Idler and Vermeer Corporation. The group collaborates to implement strategies for the health and well-being of each person in the Pella community. The consortium recently received a Marion County Foundation Grant, which helps support this event series.