BUCKLAND — Once the election is behind us, the community can rally for another cause: Spelling.
The 11th annual Mary Lyon Foundation Community Spelling Bee takes place Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Mohawk Trail Regional School auditorium. And the spell-binding question is: Will the “Spelling Beans” from Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters rack up a third consecutive championship win?
In each of the past years, teams of costumed high school students and adults have grappled with words like “crepuscular” (twilight behavior) and “furfuraceous” (covered with scaly particles). Many in the audience bring their own pencils and notebooks, playing along.
This year, 30 local teams will be vying for the Grand Championship title — or at least, best costume.
There is free admission and free refreshments — yet this is one of Mary Lyon Foundation’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Beyond the entry fees of vying spelling teams, there are raffles and a silent auction for spelling bee goers. Offerings include a Zoar Outdoor zipline package, ski passes from Berkshire East; a Precision Driving School gift certificate, a family skiing, snowshoe and lunch package at Stump Sprouts, art work, and gift certificates from massage therapist, restaurants, gift shops and hair salons.
Adam Hinds, who is running for state Sen. Benjamin Downing’s seat, will be among the spelling bee judges this year. Others — well known in West County — include: Shelburne Selectman Joseph Judd, glass artist Josh Simpson, Charlemont Selectman Beth Bandy, Greenfield Savings Bank’s Karen Fairbrother, Senior Center Director Cathy Buntin. Art Schwenger of Heath will be spellmaster while Jill Connolly of Shelburne Falls is master of ceremony.
The spelling bee is one of the biggest educational fundraisers in the West County region; it raises at least $7,000 each year. This fall, the Mary Lyon Association awarded about $8,000 to staff in all West County schools for educational projects.
Mary Lyon executive co-directors Sue Samioriski and Sheila Damkoehler say they are thrilled with the level of support for this event from businesses, individuals, seniors, students, community and civic groups and from public and private schools.