First Community Spelling Bee a Buzzing Success

Bee Chair Polly Wood presents trophy to Fount of All Knowledge teammates (L-R) Jason Gersh, Christopher Whitney and Marie Tavianini.

The scholarly Fount of All Knowledge (F.O.A.K.) buzzed past the competition to win the first Community Spelling Bee, a fundraiser for the Free Library of New Hope & Solebury. The word that gave the team the honor was “shivaree," which is defined as "a noisy mock serenade to a newly married couple.” It was the third word in the final round after "quisling" and "kohlrabi."

Great Sunshine Beeuddah, comprised of Zach Walman, Tyler Drosdeck and Dave Rivas, earned kudos for raising the most sponsor money, with F.O.A.K. receiving a honorable mention for the most individual sponsor donations. The Honee Beez, comprised of Amishi Castelli, Alison Dudick and Christine McLaughlin, won Best Team Costume with their clever and crowd-pleasing beekeeper garb.

Michaela Murphy of the Bucks County Playhouse entertained as emcee, while New Hope Mayor Larry Keller, former library board president Jacqui Griffith and Bucks County Herald publisher Bridget Wingert served as judges. Library director Connie Hillman was the enunciator. The Board of Trustees of The Free Library of New Hope & Solebury thanks the teams, sponsors, raffle and bake sale donors, volunteers and audience for making the first Bee a buzz-worthy night out!