For oldtime locals the name Jim Lehrer brings back thoughts of the early ’70s, when he headed up KERA’s “Newsroom” surrounded by the likes of Billy Porterfield, A.C. Greene, Lee Cullum, John Anders, John Merwin, Jim Atkinson and Bob Ray Sanders. Airing weekday evenings, it was a different type of news program. Instead of a couple of anchors reading prepared scripts, it was more of a discussion-in-the-round of the day’s activities and issues.
After a couple of years, Jim headed up north to Washington D.C., where he eventually joined “Robert MacNeil for PBS’s ‘The MacNeil/Lehrer Report,’ which later evolved into ‘The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.'”
But over the years Jim never lost touch with his Dallas connections, which included his early reporting days for The Dallas Morning News and The Dallas Times Herald.
That’s why the VNA’s Leaders And Legends Luncheon will be like a homecoming of sorts with Jim chatting on stage with former Dallas Morning News editorial page editor Rena Pederson on Thursday, April 14, at the Hilton Anatole.
According to VNA President/CEO Katherine Krause, “We’re very proud to welcome Mr. Lehrer back to Dallas for this event. His illustrious career began in Dallas newsrooms, and he is a former member of the VNA Board of Directors, making him a perfect speaker for the Legends & Leaders Luncheon.”
Chairing the event will be Lynn and John Sears, Jacky and Bob Spears and Paula and Charles Wills with Claire Dewar serving as honorary chair.
Proceeds from the annual luncheon will provide funding for the VNA Hospice Care and Meals on Wheels programs. Ticket and sponsorship information is available here.