What’s the best way to prepare for a countywide corporate spelling bee? Find the best spellers, of course. That’s just what The ARC of Livingston-Wyoming did when they held a series of three Bees to find their “dream team” for Catholic Charities’ Livingston County Corporate Spelling Bee.
The communitywide event will be held Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Wadsworth Auditorium on the SUNY Geneseo Campus.
According to ARC PR specialist Bonnie McGoldrick, “There were a lot of nerves going into this. We had 15 people sign up to try for a spot on the team. A few dropped out as we got closer to our company contests, but they came by to cheer on their co-workers. We even had staff holding up signs of support for their favorites.”
ARC started the search for their spelling superstars in July and held the last contest August 28. A “judge” and a “moderator” presided over all three sessions, and each participant received a dictionary, with the three finalists winning gift cards for their efforts.
How did contestants prepare for the spell-off? One employee read the dictionary everyday — starting from A.
A former legal secretary just called on her past experience typing hundreds of briefs and sailed through her contest. Still, another winning contestant didn’t practice at all. “When it came down to actually holding each mini-Bee, everyone acted so professional,” said McGoldrick. “They really took it seriously. ARC wants to win the big Bee!”
The ARC team will have their hands full with challenges from other super spellers. Terry Muchler and his Dansville Rotarians are polishing their pronunciations to take on Lou Lombardo and the Geneseo Rotary team. The Golden Girls from the Hill: Joan Irwin, Marilyn Dragani and Connie Bartolotti (all retired Mt. Morris teachers) are sharpening their spelling skills to take on a SUNY Geneseo Faculty team recruited by Wes Kennison. And, the law firm of Dawson & Vander Wal will try each other, now that attorney Elizabeth Vander Wal, along with her “Valley Divas,” has challenged dad Dennis Dawson and his “Valley Barristers” to appear before the judges at the Livingston County Corporate Spelling Bee.
Just don’t count out those superstar Genesee Valley Pennysaver proofreaders Audrey Blount, Carole Bennett and Janet Olexy. As GVPS President Steve Harrison put it: “We’re in it to win it!”
Spelling Bee Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Genesee Valley Penny Saver in Avon, Padgett Business Services in Caledonia, Community Bank in Dansville, David Mann Jeweler in Geneseo, Smith Lumber & Hardware in Lakeville and Catholic Charities in Mt Morris. The theme of the event is “Bee” the one to make a difference.
All proceeds will go to addressing issues of poverty in our community by supporting the 10 programs of Catholic Charities of Livingston County. For more information call (585) 658-4466.