by Tania Ortega-Cowan
On April 4, Literacy Services of Indian River County presents its annual “Love of Literacy” luncheon at the Vero Beach Country Club from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., featuring author Cynthia Bardes. ‘Pansy in Paris: A Mystery at the Museum’ is Cynthia’s second children’s book inspired by her own beloved dog Pansy.
“My niche is mystery picture books for children ages 4-8,” Cynthia explains. Her first children’s book was ‘Pansy at the Palace: A Beverly Hills Mystery,’ which had Pansy tracking down a jewel thief. “I just started my third with Pansy in Venice solving a mystery of a missing parrot during Carnival.”
Event chair is Evelyn Wilde Mayerson, well known locally for her ‘The Wilde Side’ articles in Vero Beach Magazine. She recently joined the Board of Literacy Services and jumped right into chairing this event.
“I was impressed by its mission of extending literacy to all adults in Indian River County who can’t read,” said Evelyn. “Being an author and educator, this really speaks to my mind.”
Also serving on the committee is Fran Mellett. “I am new to the organization,” she explains. “Evelyn and Cynthia are my neighbors at Windsor, and when I heard these two were involved with the luncheon, I thought, ‘Well, I can help.’ I have been selling tickets and assisting them. It has been fun and I hope we raise lots of money, because I know Literacy Services of Indian River County will do very good things with it!”
Sponsors for the Love of Literacy luncheon are George E. Warren Corp., Fidelity Investments, Syde Hurdus Foundation, Herbert Fitz Gibbon, II, Barbara Hackett, Baerbel O’Haire & Joseph Fessler of the O’Haire Fessler Group and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Literacy Services of Indian River County, Inc.was formed in 1971 to improve the literacy skills of residents in the county, is a United Way agency partner, and receives no government funding. Volunteer tutors provide free, confidential and one-to-one tutoring.
Tickets to “Love of Literacy” are $50 per person and are available by calling (772) 778-2223. Additional details are also available by visiting www.literacyservicesirc.org.