First Book’s Lynda Lancaster was a guest on the television program Education News Parents Can Use. You can view the video online.

On June 19th First Book was invited to participate in the US Department of Education’s monthly TV show Education News Parents Can Use. The theme of this program was “Summer Programs: Keeping Students Reading and Learning.” It was interesting to be behind the scenes and learn how programs are developed for TV viewing. I also have a new respect for makeup artists. Jackie, the makeup artist for the show, told me she has applied makeup for President Bush, Hillary Clinton, and many other notables. I wonder if “W” and I use the same tone powder.

I was fortunate to have my posse with me — Beth, Octavia, Heather Johnson, and my husband Jeff. The “stars” were treated to dinner and briefed about expectations for the show. (I don’t know why anyone in her right mind would stuff herself with food and then step in front of a camera — I did.)

Doris McMillon, of ABC News fame was the moderator and a joy to talk with. She and Beth spent time after the show sharing stories about their Michigan roots.

The amount of work that goes into the filming of a one hour program is enormous. We were fortunate to have the opportunity for a “behind the scenes” look at the process.

We watched a previously taped piece by Ray Simon, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Education and they also showed our Book Relief video as a piece of the Summer Reading Initiative that First Book is doing with the Department of Education.

Other guests on the program included:
• Ron Fairchild, Exec. Dir., Center for Summer Learning, Johns Hopkins University,
• Anne Byrne, Executive Director, Summer Scholars Program, Denver, CO
• Kevin Brezler, Executive Director, Summerbridge Pititsburgh, PA
• Monica Logan, Director of Youth Programs, Superkids Camp, Baltimore, MD
• Carter Savage, Vice President, Youth Development Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Atlanta, GA
• Mary Cameron, Youth Service Coordinator, State Library of IA and President, Collaborative Summer Library Program,

Of course, during breaks we talked about connecting with each of these programs to get them books for their children.

Next stop — Oprah!