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Kathy Kinney hosts reading event

Actress, UWSP alumni to be at middle school

Mrs. P, the alter ego of actress Kathy Kinney, will be one of several authors featured at a free reading event in New London June 26. Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

An event to promote literacy will feature a Stevens Point-born actress and several authors on Tuesday, June 26, at New London Middle School, 1000 W. Washington St.

Kathy Kinney, who played Mimi on the sitcom “The Drew Carey Show” in the 1990s, will appear as her alter ego, Mrs. P, and read classic stories.

“Mrs. P’s Novel Idea” takes place from 1:30-4 p.m. and is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The event is free and open to all ages interested in literacy.

“Reading is the secret key to unlocking a life of happiness and adventure,” Kinney said. “Let’s not keep it a secret any longer.”

Her character, Mrs. P, likes to read, write, travel, run, jump, play, lie in the grass while looking at the clouds, swim, sing, knit, yodel, collect rocks and warble like a bird.

Kinney, who graduated from UW-Stevens Point, will be joined by other alumni and authors:

• Lisa Greyhill is the author of “Miss Adventures.” Co-founder of the Adventure Travelers Society, she has visited more than 50 countries, climbed mountains, dangled her feet over bubbling magma, raced horses on the Mongolian steppes, jumped out of planes, skied off cliffs and swum with pink dolphins.

• Scott Langteau, originally from Seymour, produced the “Medal of Honor” and “Call of Duty” game franchises. He wrote two award-winning children’s books, “Sofa Boy” and “The Question,” and has another coming out in fall, titled “Bullied.”

• Elizabeth Caulfield Felt teaches English composition and children’s literature at UW-Stevens Point. She authored “The Stolen Goldin Violin” and “Syncopation: A Memoir of Adele Hugo” as well as blogs about reading and writing at www.elizabethcaulfieldfelt.com.

Every child who attends the June 26 event will receive a free book while supplies last.

UW-Stevens Point alumni will collect new and gently used books to benefit the School District of New London and the New London Public Library as part of this event.

Advance book donations may be made at the following New London locations:

• New London Public Library, 406 S. Pearl St.

• New London Area Chamber of Commerce, 420 N. Shawano St.

• Festival Foods, 308 N. Shawano St.

• Piggly Wiggly, 1919 N. Shawano St.

Gently used books may also be sent to: UWSP Alumni Association, 2100 Main St., Suite 134, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

Books must be received by Wednesday, June 20.

The event is organized by Lori Dehlinger Van Alstine of New London, who volunteers as a reading tutor at Lincoln Elementary School, her hometown grade school.

“This event brings things full circle for me,” she said. “Working with my alma mater UW-Stevens Point to bring alumni authors together with students for storytelling and a book drive is a great opportunity to give back.”

Event sponsors include Worzalla Publishing, Cornerstone Press Inc. and Free Spirit Publishing.

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