The World’s First Curiosity Cruiser Hits the Streets of Houston

What: The Ladies for Literacy Guild of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation second annual “Power of Literacy” luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

PC Moment: The guild unveiled the Curiosity Cruiser, a 30-foot, custom-built library on wheels that will be donated to the Harris County Public Library. (Anyone remember the treasured bookmobiles of the ’50s?) The cruiser will provide children with access to free books and the chance to participate in reading clubs and literacy-rich learning activities.

The one-of-a-kind mobile library was unveiled by guild president Betty Hrncir. After lunch, the ladies and gents went outside to inspect the new service vehicle and have photos taken with reading mascots Owlbotron and Northtale.

Ginger Blanton chaired the luncheon which featured three additional women speaking on behalf of literacy programs — Susan Baker, Hrncir and Maria Bush, who co-chairs the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation with her husband Neil Bush. Also on the program was Catherine Tamis-LeMonda, professor of applied psychology at New York University. She spoke on her research into the impact of interaction between parents and their children and how those relationships can affect literacy development and future academic success.

The luncheon honored the Lester & Sue Smith Foundation as the 2017 Literacy Champions and acknowledged Phillips 66 for serving as title sponsor for the second year. Keeping the luncheon moving at a reasonable pace was emcee Rachel McNeill, KPRC Channel 2 news anchor. Applause, applause for the effort that raised more than $350,000 for the foundation’s literacy programs.

Page Turners: Barbara Bush, Sue and Lester Smith, Julie Baker Finck, Donatella Benckenstein, Dorothy Ables, Paige Fertitta, Leslie Blanton, Terri Havens, Amy Pierce, Mehrnaz Gil, Elizabeth Wareing, Laurel D’Antoni, Alice Burguieres, Jeri Shapiro, Polly Bowden, Deborah Cannon, Stephanie Harcrow and Limor Smith.