Inspired by the Jules Verne novel of adventure and discovery, we invite you to an entertaining, enlightening, and free event at your local Library branch.
Saturday, October 14 from 10 am to 1 pm
Matthews Library
Featuring author Marty Ohlhaut with Grace Ly
“Tent for Seven: A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West”
11:15 am
Marty Ohlhaut in collaboration with his daughter Grace Ly shares the story of an ill-fated vacation he and his family took thirty years ago in the Canadian Rockies. Through candor and wit reminiscent of Bill Bryson, Tent for Seven captures both the grandeur and the dangers of the wilderness as Marty learned just how much his wife and children meant to him—and how fragile life could be.
Featuring storyteller Elisha “Mother” Minter
Traditional African Storytelling and Drumming
10:15 am
Grab a free Library “passport” and register it for Lowe’s and other gift card drawings, enjoy a fun scavenger hunt created by Library staff, purchase a custom screenprinted tote or tee from Empire Printiong, and experience the new Main Library with an exclusive virtual reality tour — PLUS meet Library CEO Marcellus Turner a.k.a. MT!
STAY TUNED for news on other fun activities!
This event is generously sponsored by Lowe’s
…and be entered to win a Lowe’s gift card! Winners are announced during the event.
TENT FOR SEVEN:
A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West
Marty Ohlhaut loved the great outdoors, and he loved his family. Long hours at work had kept him away from both, so he was excited about taking off with his wife and five children for the Canadian Rockies. Now that his kids were getting older, he knew this might be their last camping trip together, and he wanted it to be extra memorable.
But as soon as they arrived, everything started going wrong. From overcrowded campgrounds and contaminated water to close encounters with red ants and bears, they experienced one problem after another. Then when tragedy struck, Marty suddenly had to face the possible loss of a loved one. With the help of mysterious strangers in one of the world’s most beautiful, vast locations, he fought to keep his family alive and his sanity intact.
Thirty years later, he shares the story of that ill-fated vacation in collaboration with his daughter Grace Ly. Through candor and wit reminiscent of Bill Bryson, Tent for Seven captures both the grandeur and the dangers of the wilderness as Marty learned just how much his wife and children meant to him—and how fragile life could be.
About the Authors
Marty Ohlhaut
Marty Ohlhaut worked for thirty-two years as a risk management partner with IBM and then spent the next twelve years teaching strategic execution courses around the world. He has traveled to forty-four countries as well as all fifty states, making him an encyclopedia of amazing stories and anecdotes. His many adventures include criss-crossing Asia, touring capital cities throughout Central and South America, roaming across sixteen European countries, and living on a boat in Alaska’s inside passage, fishing for weeks at a time. Marty and his wife, Joeline, have been married for over forty years and have five grown children and two grandchildren. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, they now live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Grace Ly
Grace Ly (Marty’s daughter) worked for the American Red Cross and was stationed on military bases around the world. While living abroad in South Korea, Iraq and Germany, she traveled the world extensively, visiting more than thirty countries. She returned to the States and accepted an appointment at the White House to promote and foster a culture of service and volunteerism. She continued her own service to her country as an undercover officer for the Central Intelligence Agency. Returning to her passion, she rolled back her cover and became a feature story writer in the Office of Public Affairs at the CIA. Grace has written numerous articles and feature stories for the US military, the American Red Cross, the White House, and the CIA. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her British husband, young son, and Friesian horse.
