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Bee at Shake, Rattle and Read

Kay Vasilakis

Glenwood Springs’ longest-running and eagerly anticipated adult spelling bee returns for a 13th year. This year’s theme, “Shake, Rattle and Read,” recalls the best of ’50s American pop culture. Organizers invites you to take a stroll down memory lane and remember those great times and tunes of the 1950s.Three-person spelling teams are encouraged to register by Feb. 17, as seating is limited.Sponsors, silent auction donations, and volunteers are also needed. So don’t be cruel, call Literacy Outreach Director Martha Fredendall today at 945-5282.Spellebration is the major fundraising event benefiting Literacy Outreach and CMC’s Learning Labs. Literacy Outreach is the only organization in Garfield County providing individualized literacy instruction that works in conjunction with CMC’s Developmental Education program.Event organizers welcome spectators, family and friends to cheer on the participants and share in the fun.To date, this year’s sponsors include Alpine Bank, HP Geotech, Hotel Colorado, Post Independent, Wells Fargo, Copy Copy, KTMS, and Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast.This type of event is done around the country, but Spellebration upped the ante and created new twists along the way, i.e. buying your way to the top, costumes, themes and word passes.Several people do the nitty-gritty organizing, including Jim Hawkins, Sharill Hawkins, Sharon Andersen, Alex de la Garza, Carol Opeka, Julie Yost, Pauline Trujillo, Diane Deford, Connie Lewis, Debbi Cerri, Ginny Schroeder, and Mary Harutun. About 40 other volunteers help with set-up, clean-up and the actual running of the event. Most of these volunteers help year after year. Spellebration organizers love these volunteers and could not do it without each and every one of them.Last year, 28 teams participated. Because of space limitations, there is a maximum of 30 teams. The first team out receives a prize, and the top three teams receive plaques honoring their achievements. Prizes are also awarded for the Alpine Bank Best Costume Contest and for the most money earned. The last two years, Dave Schroeder, of New Castle, and his team have taken first place. Last year’s theme was “Sowing the Seed of Literacy,” and Dave’s team name was Return of the Veg-I. Dave came dressed as Darth Tater and his teammates were Princess Lima and Leek Skywalker.Kay Vasilakis’ “New Castle News” runs every other Wednesday. For news tips and inspirations, contact her at 945-8515, ext. 513, or e-mail kvasilakis@postindependent.com.


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