Literacy luncheon unveils mobile library
Although the former first lady and honorary chair was unable to attend the Ladies of Literacy Guild of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s inaugural “Power of Literacy” luncheon (try saying that three times fast), there was still plenty of star power packed into the River Oaks Country Club.
A bookshelf stocked with children’s titles and florals welcomed the 400- plus guests, including Joanne King Herring, Kelli Cohen Fein, Diane Englet, Chree Boystun, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Donna Vallone, Christine Falgout, Jo Lynn Falgout, Alicia Maguire Smith, Scott McClelland and Jim Postl.
“Nothing makes me happier than going upstairs and hearing my older son reading to my younger son — without being asked,” opened KRPC-2 anchor and emcee Rachel McNeill. In his remarks, Neil Bush thanked Alice Mosing, the luncheon committee chair, and Dr. Julie Baker Finck, who spearheaded the Houston’s Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action Outline. “These tables sold like hotcakes,” he said.
“One year ago, 97 women agreed to serve on Ladies for Literacy,” guild president Betty
Hrncir said. Their project, the mobile Curiosity Cruiser, a library on wheels, will hit the streets of low-income neighborhoods next summer. Dr. Patricia Kuhl, keynote presenter and “Brain Science and Early Learning: It’s All About Timing!” author, spoke about the importance of using language as a tool during the first years of childhood to build success in school and life. “Behold the power of women gathered together and harnessing their energy,” Kuhl said. “The first time I heard the phrase ‘learning to read, reading to learn’ was when Mrs. Barbara
Bush was first lady.” Mosing reminded patrons that though the Love Advertising-designed, John Poindexterbuilt Curiosity Cruiser is sponsored by Phillips 66, proceeds from the luncheon will help customize its interior and exterior. amber.elliott@chron.com twitter.com/AmberJElliott