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Sarasota News Leader January 17, 2014 Page 34 with Midland, TX, friends, whom he invited to black-and-white checked blouse. When I saw the White House. the former First Lady was similarly attired, I was sure I had committed a serious faux pas He seems to be more of a humanitarian and wanted to melt into the floor. But Barbara than he previous indicated. He cited as an Bush, in a cheery voice, immediately said, accomplishment of his presidency persuad"Oh, look at us. We're dressed alike!" She may ing Congress to spend millions of dollars to be feisty, but to me she is a most gracious, combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa and utiimmediately likeable lady. lizing religious groups to deliver that aid to those who needed it. He indicated those who When a former president visits, enhanced receive much have the responsibility to give security measures are expected, and patrons generously, and I believe he viewed his years had been advised to arrive early on Tuesday. in elective office, including being governor of There was a line at the entrance, but it moved Texas, as service to the people of this country. quickly through the airport-type screening — "baggage" check and metal detector, withBush did note that the presidency confers a out the necessity to remove shoes. Sarasota certain isolation on its occupant. His comCounty Sheriff's Office vehicles and personments portrayed a private personality that nel were visible. As promised, the doors to differs from the persona that attended his the Van Wezel closed promptly at 10:15 a.m. presidential years. after which no one was admitted into the My overall impression is that George W. Bush's auditorium. comfort zone is found on a ranch in Texas. As always, Town Hall patrons were treated During the question-and-answer session, to an animated short created by a Ringling Bush was asked about his parents, former College student. The program noted the espePresident George and Barbara Bush. He said cially entertaining film titled Dead to Rights the 41st president is in good spirits, although was created by Mark Neil, a computer animaunable to walk, which is difficult for a lifelong tion major in the class of 2013. It would be athlete to accept. He described his mother, wonderful if the college presented a collecnow home from the hospital after a bout with tion of the work of these talented students for the public's enjoyment. flu, as "feisty." This writer had the extreme privilege and pleasure of meeting the elder Bushes in the mid-1990s when I was invited to a reception they hosted in Philadelphia at a charity where I was then serving as secretary of the board of directors. Trust me when I tell you I do not travel in such lofty political circles. So naturally I agonized for weeks about what to wear, finally settling on a plain black skirt and Morgan Davidson, '14, an illustration major, presented a portrait of George W. Bush to the former president. It perfectly captured his Texas roots. She said she chose that pose from several photographs because it featured a genuine smile. She also commented that she cleaned him up a little and gave him better clothes than the mud-splattered dirty garments he was wearing in the photo. %