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BLUE HILL — Local
merchant and former Peace Corps volunteer Jeff
Kaley will be at the Blue Hill Public Library on
Thursday (tonight), Sept. 2, to share photographs
and memories of his travels to Nepal and other
impoverished Asian countries.
Kaley’s
presentation is scheduled to begin promptly at 7
p.m. and is open to the public.
His relationship
with Asia spans nearly four decades. He first traveled to
Nepal in 1967 as
an agriculturist with the Peace Corps, helping
villagers plant wheat, apple trees and other
crops. He spent four years in Asia and built many
lasting friendships.
“The people are
spectacular. They are big-hearted, generous and
appreciative. They helped me as much as I helped
them and I am devoted to these people,” Kaley
said. “I feel somewhat of a responsibility to tell
their story.”
Kaley tells their
story through photographs and anecdotes recounting
his experiences in Asia. His hope is to raise awareness about the villagers and to generate
donations that will enable them to improve their
lives. “Part of why I do this is to educate people
about what’s going on outside of their world,”
Kaley said.
He returns to Asia each year to continue his humanitarian efforts, including helping
villagers improve their diet, get an education and
develop viable cottage industries. Kaley also
supports the villagers by selling crafts made by
tribal groups and artisans in his Blue Hill shop
and gallery, Asian World Imports.
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