Seniors study up for spelling superiority

From Thursday, June 5, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Seniors study up for spelling superiority
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

Ruth Enyart isn’t taking any chances.

After taking second place in last year’s McHenry Township Senior Spelling Bee, she wants to be as prepared as possible for the competition this year.

“I have a coach,” the 75-year-old McHenry resident said. “A lady from my church reads the words and I respond.”

She said she also practices with a word list and by “taking words from the dictionary that look difficult.”

Enyart is one of a handful of local seniors who will participate Wednesday in McHenry Township’s fourth annual Senior Spelling Bee.

The bee, co-sponsored by Senior Services Associates, will start at 10 a.m. at the township recreation center, 3519 N. Richmond Road.

Richmond-area seniors are invited to take part in Richmond Township’s third annual Spelling Bee later this month.

The Richmond Township bee will be June 24 at Nippersink District Library, 5418 Hill Road.

Residents age 50 and older are encouraged to participate in the bees. Gift certificates will be awarded to spellers who place first, second and third.

The first- and second-place spellers in both bees will advance to a regional competition in July, to be hosted by Maine Township in Park Ridge.

“The words are extremely difficult and intimidating,” said Candie Hitchins, activity director at the McHenry Township Senior Center.

She cited “quarantine” as among the easier words a speller might receive, and “odontoloxia” – an irregularity of the teeth – as among the more difficult.

Hitchins encouraged those who don’t want to be spellers to be audience members.

To register for the McHenry bee, call 815-344-3555 by Tuesday. To register for the Richmond bee, call 815-678-0077 by June 23.

If you go

What: McHenry and Richmond township senior spelling bees.

When: 10 a.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. June 24, respectively.

Where: McHenry Township Recreation Center, 3519 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg; Nippersink District Library, 5418 Hill Road, Richmond.

For information or to register: Call 815-344-3555 in McHenry Township; 815-678-0077 in Richmond Township.